ã€ŠMy coldhearted ex demands a remarriageã€‹


 Chapter 1

    ?<strong>Chapter 1:</strong>

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    In the bustling, weathered heart of Orkset, mes erupted violently within an ancient apartment building.

    Propelled by gusts of wind, the fire consumed the structure, sending dense smoke and searing tongues of me into the sky.

    ¡°Saved! They¡¯ve been saved,¡± the words echoed amid the chaos.

    Firefighters emerged from the smoldering inferno, carrying Carrie Campbell to safety at the roadside.

    Her features, usually refined and expressive, were now smeared with soot, her sparkling eyes dimmed to a vacant gaze, hollow and lost.

    As reality seeped back into her consciousness, Carrie felt an overwhelming rush of gratitude, a stark contrast to her usualposure.

    Her voice, hoarse and weak, barely carried a sincere ¡°thank you¡± to her rescuers.

    Shaking, she fumbled for her phone, her fingers trembling as they found the familiar number.

    ¡°Hello, the person you are trying to reach is currently unavable. Please try againter¡­¡±

    The automated message yed after a few rings, leaving a lump in her throat. Frustration and sorrow welled up inside her.

    Bang!

    With a deafening roar, the explosion abruptly silenced the cold, mechanical voice on the line.

    Carrie¡¯s head snapped upwards, shock registering on her face as she witnessed the apartment she had just left erupt into mes.

    Chunks of debris were hurled into the air by the force of the st, scattering across the sky.

    Panic engulfed the crowd as survivors, freshly rescued, screamed in terror.

    They huddled together, seeking sce in each other¡¯s arms, their cries piercing the tumultuous scene.

    In stark contrast, Carriey alone on a stretcher, her istion magnified amidst the chaos.

    ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± Fighting the dread creeping up her spine, Carrie pressed her lips tightly together and dialed her husband¡¯s number again, her resolve unwavering.

    Yet, the call disconnected after a few short rings, leaving her in haunting silence.

    Just then, a Twitter notification flickered on her phone screen.

    The gossip feed was buzzing with thetest news: #LiseNash #MysteriouBoyfriend.

    ording to the tweet, a producer from a well-known variety show had invited the renowned star Lise Nash to dinner, but the evening quickly soured when she declined to participate in a toast.

    This act of defiance had sparked a confrontation, only for it to be interrupted by Lise¡¯s domineering boyfriend.

    He stormed into the private dining room, dismissing the producer with a wave and escorting Lise away.

    The tweet vividly described the scene, painting a picture of a powerful man defending his beloved partner.

    Yet, perhaps due to his prominence, only the back of the man was visible in the apanying photos, preserving his anonymity.

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 Chapter 2

    ?<strong>Chapter 2:</strong>

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    Meanwhile, Lise, wearing an oversized suit jacket, shed a smile, reaching out to sp his hand as they departed together.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes were glued to the screen, her gaze intense and unblinking as she absorbed the image before her.

    There he was¡ªKristopher Norris!

    The suit jacket draped carelessly over Lise was a dead giveaway.

    Every piece of clothing Kristopher owned had been meticulously tailored by a master craftsman abroad, a detail Carrie knew all too well.

    Her grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles nching to a stark white, as if her very soul were being squeezed by an invisible hand, the pain sharp and acid-like in its intensity.

    In her most desperate moment, Kristopher had coldly disconnected their call, choosing instead to be at Lise¡¯s side.

    What was the worth of their two-year marriage?

    The tears Carrie had been holding back now overwhelmed her, streaming down her face.

    Even as she tilted her head back in a futile attempt to stem the flow, the tears continued to fall.

    Lise had always been Kristopher¡¯s first love, a fact whispered and gossiped about among their circles.

    The Norris family had never approved of Lise, viewing her ordinary background as unworthy of their son.

    Forced apart by family pressures, it had been Lise who ended things, but it seemed the past was not easily left behind.

    Kristopher had diligently pursued the leadership of the Norris family, harboring dreams of finally being with Lise.

    Yet, when he achieved his goal, he discovered that Lise had already chosen another.

    In defiance of his family¡¯s expectations¡ªand perhaps out of bitterness¡ªKristopher turned to Carrie, a woman equallycking in wealth or status, to be Mrs. Norris, blocking any further matchmaking attempts by his rtives.

    At that time, Carrie had been under immense pressure from her father, Tristan Campbell, who was pushing her toward a marriage with a yboy, the son of a business associate, to cover her grandmother¡¯s steep medical expenses.

    Both Kristopher and Carrie, driven by their own motives, consented to a marriage of convenience.

    Initially set for just one year, their contractual marriage had extended beyond its term, sustained by a shared understanding between them.

    Over time, Carrie began to believe in the authenticity of their union, never suspecting that it was merely an extension of her own hopes.

    Just moments ago, a fire had nearly imed Carrie¡¯s life.

    In that critical moment, she had reached out to Kristopher, only to be rebuffed twice as he spent his time with Lise.

    This harsh reality shattered Carrie¡¯s illusions, revealing that her perceived transition from pretense to a genuine rtionship was nothing but a facade maintained by her own desires.

    Carrie wasn¡¯t even a temporary substitute in Kristopher¡¯s life but merely a pawn used to spite his family.

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 Chapter 3

    ?<strong>Chapter 3:</strong>

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    After a poignant pause, tears welled up in Carrie¡¯s eyes, unstoppable and full of sorrow.

    It might be time for her to free herself from the shackles of her own hopeful delusions¡ªto stop deceiving herself.

    The overwhelming number of injuries from the fire was staggering, straining the already frantic doctors and nurses as they tried to provide aid.

    Carrie had been merely grazed by a splintered clothes rack, which left a deep, jagged wound on her calf.

    Inparison to the chaos around her, her wounds seemed almost negligible.

    She received basic care¡ªquick cleaning and a swift wrap of bandages¡ªat a local hospital before catching a cab back to her house.

    Bayview Vi, a grand property under Kristopher¡¯s name, was technically their matrimonial residence.

    Living alone had be the norm for Carrie, as Kristopher was hardly ever around.

    She had bid farewell to the housekeeper, realizing that her life could be adequately maintained with just takeout, deliveries, and the asional visit from a part-time cleaner.

    Now, she found herself the sole upant of the sprawling living room, sinking into the sofa as her gaze drifted across the empty space.

    The stark, monochrome decor did nothing to imbue warmth into the atmosphere.

    A chilling realization crept up on her: this vast, elegant space felt more like a colossal tomb, a silent grave for her lost years of youth and a love that had quietly slipped away.

    In this cold, echoing house, would anyone even notice if her breath ceased one day?

    Carrie exhaled a weary sigh, her frame heavy as she leaned against the cold wall for support, struggling up the stairs to her bedroom on the second floor.

    Each step was a battle, sending stabbing pains shooting through her from the surface of her skin down to her aching bones.

    The house, stark and hollow, echoed even the smallest sounds, magnifying her sense of istion.

    It was today, amidst this profound silence, that Carrie truly grasped the all-epassing nature of her loneliness¡ªit was almost tangible, enveloping her.

    The silence around her seemed to press in on her senses with its texture and mournful whispers, tightening around her heart like a vice, producing a dull, relentless ache.

    Upon reaching the sanctuary of her bedroom, she copsed onto the bed, the very embodiment of exhaustion, feeling it both physically and spiritually.

    Just as she surrendered to this weariness, the sharp ring of the phone pierced the silence.

    ¡°You reached out to me earlier. What do you need?¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice cut through the line, cold and distant as ever.

    Carrie was caught off guard by his unexpected call.

    Words failed her as she parted her lips to respond, but before she could collect her thoughts, a soft, feminine voice floated through from the other end.

    ¡°Kristopher, will you join me to¡­¡±

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 Chapter 4

    ?<strong>Chapter 4:</strong>

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    A surge of emotions tightened Carrie¡¯s grip on the phone, her heart thumping louder with each second.

    Overwhelmed and unable to contain her rising panic, she demanded, ¡°Who¡¯s there with you?¡±

    Kristopher gave no answer, merely stating in a t, disinterested voice, ¡°If there¡¯s something you need, let¡¯s catch up when I¡¯m back. I have pressing engagements right now, so I must disconnect.¡±

    He promptly ended the call, cutting off any chance for Carrie to reply.

    As the harsh beep of the disconnected line filled her ears, Carrie¡¯s lips twisted into a rueful grin.

    How utterly foolish she felt! Deep down, she knew his response all too well, yet she had clung to the hope of hearing his voice confirm it.

    With a sense of self-inflicted irony, Carrie activated her tablet and scrolled through the day¡¯s hot topics.

    One headline caught her eye: ¡°A female star shielded from harassment at a dinner by her formidable partner.¡± A wry smile twisted her lips.

    Carrie knew all too well what it was like to face harassment at those kinds of dinners.

    She vividly remembered her first major audition after entering showbiz. Her agent had escorted her to a dinner with the influential director and producer of the drama series Serene Sighs.

    As a novice in the dizzying world of showbiz, Carrie had felt incredibly vulnerable, uncertain of how to navigate the murky waters of such gatherings.

    The producer had eyed her shamelessly, sneering as he asked, ¡°Is this the new talent you¡¯re introducing? She appears presentable, but I¡¯m curious to see how she fares with a drink. Here¡¯s the deal: if you can gulp down this bottle in one go, I¡¯ll secure you an audition for the lead role.¡±

    Carrie was inclined to decline, but under the relentless pressure from her agent, she found herselfpelled to consume the entire bottle.

    As the evening wore on, she was hurriedly taken to the hospital, suffering from a severe stomach ailment.

    Her agent, fretful about the prospect of the role slipping away to another, quickly settled the hospital charges and departed.

    At that time, Carrie found herself isted in a hospital bed for several long days.

    Yet, even before Carrie could be released from the hospital, the media was abuzz with the announcement that Lise had secured the lead role in Serene Sighs.

    Subsequently, her agent rebuked Carrie for herck of ambition,ining, ¡°You are more appealing than Lise, so why can¡¯t you show more drive? She cozied up to Mr. Norris and hardly had to make an effort. She¡¯s surrounded by people eager to cater to her every need. I¡¯ve heard that Mr. Norris personally orchestrated hernding the lead role in this production!¡±

    When the show premiered, Lise was catapulted into stardom, swiftly ascending to the elite echelons of the acting world.

    From that moment forward, Carrie let her acting aspirations wane and chose instead to devote herself entirely to supporting her husband, Kristopher.

    After all, no matter her efforts, she could never get the same career opportunities that Lise seemed to receive effortlessly, aided by Kristopher¡¯s offhand remarks.

    At that time, Carrie had believed she was filling the role meant for Lise as Mrs. Norris, and in doing so, she thought she owed Lise.

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 Chapter 5

    ?<strong>Chapter 5:</strong>

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    By giving up the career opportunities for Lise, Carrie believed they would settle their unspoken debt.

    However, Carrie hadn¡¯t foreseen that Lise would im both the coveted career and Kristopher¡¯s affections.

    As Lise¡¯s professional and love life blossomed, Carrie came to the painful realization that she had been overly consumed with her romantic pursuits at the expense of her career. Now, she found herself bereft of both love and professional fulfillment.

    With tears streaming down her face, Carrie viewed the past two years as tragically misguided.

    Given another opportunity, she resolved that she wouldn¡¯t be so unguarded, letting her heart recklessly fall captive to Kristopher¡¯s charm.

    ¡°Ms. Spencer, the new copyright contract is prepared. Please review it for any discrepancies.¡±

    Her phone buzzed with the alert, snapping Carrie out of her reverie.

    She gazed at the PDF file attached to the message, her mind briefly overwhelmed.

    Under the pseudonym Katrina Spencer, Carrie had once made a name for herself as a budding screenwriter, selling numerous scripts in her early days.

    During her early career as Katrina, Carrie often sold her work for a pittance, driven by her urgent need for immediate cash.

    Over the years, these scripts had transformed into blockbuster films and hit series, catapulting Katrina¡¯s reputation to new heights.

    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn

    By this time, Carrie had married Kristopher and was no longer gued by the financial woes that had once driven her to desperation¡ªher grandmother¡¯s hefty medical bills were a thing of the past.

    With her financial crises resolved, Carrie¡¯s life had pivoted to domestic responsibilities, striving to be an exemry wife to Kristopher.

    Amidst these changes, her pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, gradually receded into the background.

    However, her past as Katrina wasn¡¯t ready to be shelved just yet.

    Recently, an interested buyer hade forward, offering a handsome sum for one of her old scripts.

    Carrie, however, was hesitant to sell.

    She raised several concerns about the contract presented to her, and to her astonishment, the buyer was genuine enough to revise it ordingly.

    Holding the revised contract in her hands, Carrie inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening.

    It seemed she had reached a crucial decision.

    Her fingers danced over her phone¡¯s keyboard with swift precision, typing out a firmmand.

    ¡°Create a divorce agreement following my terms and ensure it reaches Kristopher Norris at the Norris Group.¡±

    Without pausing for a response, she ced her phone aside and limped toward the bathroom, each step echoing a blend of determination and newfound independence.

    Thirty minutes had passed when Carrie finally heaved herself up from the bathtub, her limbs feeling heavy and uncooperative.

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 Chapter 6

    ?<strong>Chapter 6:</strong>

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    As she lifted her gaze, her own image in the mirror stopped her in her tracks¡ªher skin appeared as smooth and wless as fine porcin, glowing with an unblemished radiance.

    Her eyes, deep pools of allure, sparkled with an enchanting, soft warmth, inviting anyone who dared meet her gaze.

    Despite edging into herte twenties at twenty-five, she reveled in the fact that time had yet to leave its marks upon her perfectplexion.

    Surely, a woman with such a visage had no ce for self-pity.

    Absorbed in her contemtion, Carrie carelessly extended her right leg onto the cold floor, forgetting it was the very limb she had injured.

    Wrapped excessively in cling film to shield it from moisture, the tight encasement had stifled her cirction, rendering her leg eerily numb.

    As her foot touched down, it betrayed her, slipping forward unexpectedly.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Carrie gasped, her arms iling in a frantic ballet, searching for a lifeline in the void.

    Just as she teetered on the brink of a painful rendezvous with the floor, the bathroom door burst open.

    Kristopher stood at the entrance, his suit immactely tailored, creating a striking figure.

    As their eyes locked, he paused, visibly taken aback, then quickly closed the distance with brisk strides.

    Carrie¡¯s breath caught as Kristopher swept her up in a graceful bridal style, an unexpected tightness wrapping around her waist.

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    Caught off guard by his sudden appearance, Carrie realized with a jolt that she waspletely bare.

    A flush of embarrassment washed over her as she instinctively clutched her hands over her chest.

    This was their first moment of such intimacy since their wedding, and the difort made her toes curl inward, her skin blushing a delicate shade of pink.

    Kristopher looked down at her with a mischievous grin. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, there¡¯s not much to see,¡± he teased gently.

    Feeling both mortified and slightly irritated, Carrie snapped back, ¡°Oh, Mr. Norris, after all you¡¯ve seen, I suppose nothing can impress you anymore.¡±

    She carried her C-cup curves with understated charm, a touch of sensuality that outshone Lise¡¯s painfully t, almost awkwardly rigid build.

    Yet Carrie knew well that without love, even the most perfect physique paled inparison to the charm of one dearly cherished.

    Nonchntly, Kristopher reached for a bathrobe hanging behind the door and draped it over her.

    His frown deepened at herment. ¡°What are you talking about, Carrie?¡±

    A thought seemed to strike him, and his expression grew even more impatient. ¡°Tell me, did you send those divorce papers in the dead of night just to lure me back here¡ªto catch youpletely bare?¡± His tone was a mix of disbelief and annoyance. ¡°I told you I was swamped with work. Was this dramatic disy really necessary?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s temper red at his usatory tone, reigniting the tension between them.

    He was always so quick to lose patience with her.

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 Chapter 7

    ?<strong>Chapter 7:</strong>

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    She wasn¡¯t the type to throw around words like divorce or breakups lightly.

    In fact, this was the first time she¡¯d ever mentioned divorce in their two-year marriage, yet he seemed indifferent to her turmoil.

    He simply dismissed her concerns as if she were overreacting about trivial matters.

    Despite the throbbing pain in her leg, Carrie mustered her strength and said, ¡°Put me down.¡±

    Kristopher, however, paid no heed, his eyes scanning her leg swathed in bandages.

    His brow furrowed slightly. ¡°What happened to your leg? Is this some borate ploy to lure me back?¡±

    At his words, a bitterugh escaped Carrie.

    It seemed he viewed her as merely seeking attention, and in failing to capture it, she had likely concocted a story to draw him back, allowing her to dramatize her plight in his presence.

    With a nk face, she replied untruthfully, ¡°It¡¯s a beauty treatment that shouldn¡¯t get wet.¡±

    ¡°Why did you suddenly decide to undergo such a treatment?¡± Kristopher inquired, his tone casual as he carried her outside, not pressing the issue further.

    His frame wasrge, and through his thin shirt, she could distinctly feel the warmth of his body and the defined shape of his chest muscles.

    The closeness created an ufortable tension for Carrie, who had resolved to end things once and for all.

    Her voice climbed involuntarily, sharper this time. ¡°Oh, since when have you been concerned with such minor things, Mr. Norris?¡±

    For the first time, Kristopher witnessed her using biting sarcasm; it struck him as peculiarly amusing.

    With a calm demeanor, he responded, ¡°You¡¯re my wife, it¡¯s only natural I¡¯d be concerned about your well-being.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± There was a somber note in Carrie¡¯s voice now. ¡°It seems like you¡¯ve never really regarded me as your wife. I¡¯m scared that if I were to die, you wouldn¡¯t even know until muchter.¡±

    After all, at that very moment, Kristopher had been distracted, lost in moments with his first love, too consumed to lend an ear to her desperate pleas.

    Caught off guard by her usation, Kristopher¡¯s eyes widened with surprise before he let out a disbelieving chuckle. ¡°Carrie, what¡¯s brought on this sudden outburst of anger? Just because I was tied up this afternoon and missed your call? Perhaps I¡¯ve been too indulgent with youtely, and it¡¯s made you a bit too presumptuous?¡±

    Carrie froze, startled.

    Was he using her of being too presumptuous?

    She realized their marriage had always been lopsided.

    In his eyes, she was nothing more than a transactional partner, a woman who had bartered her freedom for financial security.

    Their union was meant to be a mere exchange of conveniences, yet she had, quite foolishly, fallen deeply in love with him.

    In the tricky terrain of romance, the one who fell first invariably found themselves at a distinct disadvantage.

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 Chapter 8

    ?<strong>Chapter 8:</strong>

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    Kristopher¡¯s dismissive reaction left Carrie reeling, her emotions dismissed as trifles, a tight knot of suffocation rising in her chest.

    ¡°I said to put me down this instant!¡± Carrie eximed, jerking her head to the side, her voiceced with a sharp edge of impatience.

    Kristopher remained mute, effortlessly carrying her toward the bed before suddenly releasing his hold.

    Carrie felt a jolt as the support vanished, her heart skipping a beat as she instinctively reached out for him.

    Their bodies collided on the bed, her bathrobe teetering on the brink of decency, threatening to unravel with any minor shift.

    Propped on one elbow, Kristopher gazed down at her, his lips curled into a sly, teasing grin. ¡°You wanted to be let go, didn¡¯t you? So why cling to me now?¡±

    His eyes, deep and sparkling like a midnightke speckled with stars, captivated her.

    In those celestial depths, Carrie caught a glimpse of her own reflection.

    At times like this, she was misled into believing he harbored a deep affection.

    Sadly, his heart was a fortress reserved for Lise, and all Carrie had left were empty fantasies.

    ¡°Boring!¡± she eximed, her voice devoid of any enthusiasm as she attempted to rise, her hand inadvertently brushing against something unexpected.

    The following moment brought a noticeable shift as his arousal pressed against her stomach.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move, or I can¡¯t promise what might happen next,¡± he warned in a deep, gravelly voice.

    With a frown, Carrie internally cursed upon hearing his statement.

    It was an undeniable fact.

    Primal instincts steered the actions of men.

    The absence of affection didn¡¯t quell their basic desires.

    Yet, she dared not agitate Kristopher.

    Angling her face away, her body remained rigid, frozen in ce.

    Carrie, feeling irked, shot back, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say there¡¯s nothing here to see? What¡¯s with the reaction now, Mr. Norris? Are you really that easy to impress?¡±

    No sooner had her words flown than she grasped the potential repercussions of her sharp tongue.

    A wave of regret surged through Carrie, but instead of anger, Kristopher responded with a chuckle.

    ¡°You are my wife, after all. Since that¡¯s something I can¡¯t alter, I might as well embrace it.

    Besides, it¡¯s been years since we became husband and wife¡ªit would be a shame to neglect youpletely.¡±

    Kristopher slipped his hand beneath the folds of her bathrobe, his touch tracing the curve of Carrie¡¯s skin, as smooth and delicate as silk.

    He encircled her slender waist, drawing her closer with a gentle yet firm grip.

    Her face, a captivating canvas of defiance and visible irritation, ignited in him an uncontroble urge to im victory over her resistance.

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 Chapter 9

    ?<strong>Chapter 9:</strong>

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    His breathing grew heavy, yet he remainedposed, slowly removing his tailored suit.

    The fabric of his suit brushed lightly against Carrie¡¯s cheek, releasing a mix of scents: a familiar woody aroma intertwined with an unexpected zesty twist of lemon.

    It was unmistakably Jo Malone¡¯s Blue Agava and Cacao¡ªLise¡¯s signature scent.

    A surge of nausea overwhelmed Carrie at the realization.

    As Kristopher¡¯s eyes, now shaded with a stormy intensity, drew nearer to hers, the proximity conjured unwee visions of him with Lise.

    Her stomach churned violently, and with a sudden movement, she pushed him away, propping herself up with a jolt and a dry retch.

    ¡°Ugh.¡±

    Her stomach had been empty all day, leaving her with nothing to bring up.

    The desire in Kristopher¡¯s gaze flickered out, reced by a cold, detached expression as he withdrew slightly.

    Observing the genuine distress and the reddening of Carrie¡¯s eyes, Kristopher perceived her reaction as outright disgust at their closeness.

    He paused, adjusting his shirt cuffs, his voice cold as he confronted her.

    ¡°Carrie, is this reaction reserved only for me, or is it how you respond to all men?¡±

    The air in the room turned frosty, thick with tension.

    Carrie swallowed the sharp sting in her throat, her eyes widening in shock as she stared up at him.

    Ever since their marriage, she had cut ties with nearly all her male friends, yet here was Kristopher, casually tossing outments sharp enough to cut ss.

    The years of love she had poured into their rtionship now seemed utterly futile.

    Heat crept up her neck, coloring her cheeks a bright scarlet as indignation took hold.

    Without thinking, her hand flew up and delivered a stinging p across Kristopher¡¯s face.

    All her suppressed grievances from the day ignited in that swift motion.

    Her bathrobe, loosened in the heat of the moment, slipped from her shoulders.

    Ignoring the flush of exposure, she quickly gathered the fabric and draped it around herself, her movements swift and firm.

    The impact of her p had left a light, crimson mark on Kristopher¡¯s cheek, marking him with her outrage.

    His eyes, wide with disbelief, met hers. ¡°Carrie, are you out of your mind?¡±

    Out of her mind? Yes, she was clearly insane to ever fall for him in the first ce.

    Carrie fumed silently, her heart pounding in her chest.

    Suddenly, the sharp buzz of the phone on the table cut through the mounting tension, its vibration providing a brief respite from their standoff.

    Kristopher cast a fleeting nce at the message, shut off the phone with a snap, and strode toward the door, his back rigid with tension.

    Her voice, firm and unwavering, chased after him. ¡°We¡¯re getting a divorce! Make sure you sign those papers before you walk out that door!¡±

    Kristopher paused briefly and said sharply, ¡°I have something to do now. When I return, do whatever pleases you.¡± With that, he forcefully shut the door.

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 Chapter 10

    ?<strong>Chapter 10:</strong>

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    Carrie¡¯s eyes followed his unwavering exit, feeling an oppressive weightpressing her chest once again.

    She disregarded the sharp sting in her leg and hobbled determinedly toward her tablet.

    Fingers trembling, she hastily navigated to Lise¡¯s Twitter page.

    Lise had just uploaded a new tweet.

    The photo showed her lying down with a fever patch adhered to her forehead, still enveloped in Kristopher¡¯s familiar jacket.

    The caption read, ¡°Being sick makes me extra clingy. Wishing I had someone here.¡±

    ¡°Stay cozy and take care, everyone!¡± The simultaneous timing of these two events made it almost impossible for Carrie not to suspect that Kristopher had dashed off to tend to Lise.

    Carrie¡¯s instincts loudly proimed that this was no ident; Lise had deliberately sought to tug at Kristopher¡¯s heartstrings.

    It appeared her tactics were effective.

    Not even Carrie¡¯s stark threat of divorce could overshadow Lise¡¯s theatrical disy of vulnerability.

    Seething with fury, Carrie quaked like a leaf swept into a storm.

    She steeled herself against the heartache, forcefully ripping the stic wrap from her aching leg.

    Step into new worlds at g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s?conn

    After her lengthy soak, the bath¡¯s lingering moisture had infiltrated her skin, inming the wound until it became a vivid, angry red and painfully swollen.

    She, too, could be clingy.

    Even in the harshest times back in the county, she had shown vulnerability, breaking down into soft sobs within theforting arms of her grandmother¡ªespecially that one time she got burned by the scalding kettle.

    But such vulnerability had its time and ce, and it wasn¡¯t now.

    The stark reality of Kristopher¡¯s exit forced Carrie to confront her need for self-reliance.

    Biting down hard on her lip, Carrie cleaned the throbbing wound with a practiced hand before securely wrapping it anew.

    She rose with newfound resolve and yanked a ck suitcase from the far end of her expansive walk-in closet¡ªit held all the belongings she¡¯d brought into this house as a hopeful bride.

    She grabbed a fresh set of clothes to slip into and left a bank card neatly on the bedside table.

    She had transferred every penny she¡¯d earned over the past year onto that card, effectively settling her financial entanglements with Kristopher over thest two years and cutting him out of her life for good.

    Dragging the heavy suitcase behind her, she limped painfully out of the opulent vi.

    As she passed through the gate, she wrapped her baseball jacket more tightly around her slight figure, her silhouette hauntingly solitary in the enveloping darkness.

    The night air of early spring was bitingly cold, devoid of any trace of warmth, a chill that seemed almost faintpared to the ice forming in Carrie¡¯s shattered heart.

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 Chapter 11

    ?<strong>Chapter 11:</strong>

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    She had arrived here with nothing but a suitcase and a heart full of dreams, and now she was leaving, her dreams crumbled, utterly alone.

    A bitterugh slipped through her lips.

    If only she hadn¡¯t fallen so hard for him, if only she¡¯d proposed an amicable separation at the end of their agreed year, maybe she wouldn¡¯t be wandering now, a lost soul in the shadow of her former self.

    Lise didn¡¯t have to lift a finger, and Carrie had already fallen, utterly broken and beyond redemption.

    Meanwhile, in the Oasis Club, renowned as the priciest spot in Orkset, the air within the VIP room crackled with excitement.

    Under the spell of bright lights and thumping music, a diverse group of men and women lounged together, basking in the exclusivity of the setting.

    Suddenly, the door burst open, revealing Kristopher in the doorway.

    The karaoke session halted abruptly as the crowd turned to greet him in unison, voices mingling. ¡°Kristopher¡­¡±

    Before they could utter another word, a woman cloaked from head to toe stepped out from behind him.

    Lise, with a fluid motion, removed her mask and slid her arm through Kristopher¡¯s.

    She addressed the room with poised charm. ¡°My assistant took a sudden leave, and I found myself withoutpany. Not keen on spending the evening alone, I invited Kristopher to join me. I trust that¡¯s alright?¡±

    Lise¡¯s beauty was undeniable.

    Her face was a delicateposition of cherry lips and a sculpted nose, framed by eyes that shimmered with a vulnerable allure,manding a protective fervor from those around her¡ªher presence, ethereal.

    In contrast, Carrie¡¯s features were more pronounced, her beauty vivid and striking.

    Lise, byparison, carried a softer, more understated elegance.

    Yet, as it often goes, matters of the heart followed no simple paths.

    While Kristopher and Carrie were married, it was in name only; Kristopher seemed detached and seldom included her in private social events.

    The group didn¡¯t have much of a rtionship with Carrie, leading them to feel no obligation to defend her.

    Upon hearing Lise¡¯sment, a moment of difort rippled through the air.

    Nheless, they quickly recovered, offering a congenial smile as they said, ¡°We¡¯re all friends here; let¡¯s not bother with formalities.¡±

    Lise offered a subtle, knowing smile as she gracefully apanied Kristopher into the bustling room.

    The event that evening had been meticulously nned to express appreciation for Kristopher¡¯s contributions.

    As they stepped into the room, the crowd parted like the sea, making way for them to proceed to the seats of honor.

    The group¡¯s leader handed Kristopher a ss of wine with a flourish, proiming with a broad grin, ¡°We truly owe you a debt of gratitude, Mr. Norris! Your exceptional talents are the talk of the town, and witnessing them firsthand today only confirms it. Without your expertise, securing this contract would have been a fantasy!¡±

    Their gathering marked theunch of a novel shopping tform, one that had been in negotiation with numerous local brands in Orkset.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 12

    ?<strong>Chapter 12:</strong>

    ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

    But the scenario changed dramatically when the tech giant JoyBuy entered the scene, stirring up thepetitivendscape.

    Competing with JoyBuy was akin to the ssic David versus Goliath tale¡ªhopelessly daunting.

    In a surge of desperation, they turned to Kristopher, reaching out through awork of connections for his renowned strategic prowess.

    With his characteristic swiftness, Kristopher hatched an ingenious n and swiftly secured the deal, snatching it from the clutches of JoyBuy right before the business association could ink their agreement¡ªa masterful coup that reverberated sess.

    This remarkable turnaround only intensified the already deep respect everyone held for Kristopher.

    Albin Murray, beaming with pride, couldn¡¯t help but boast, ¡°Ah, just look at the caliber of his friends! They thought they could steal deals right under our noses, obviously underestimating Kristopher¡¯s clout!¡±

    Albin, born into the wealthy Murray family, counted himself among Kristopher¡¯s closest friends.

    He was renowned for his sprawling social web¡ªawork through which the desperate plea for help was channeled to Kristopher.

    Meanwhile, Kristopher himself, the focus of all their discussions, reclined nonchntly on the couch, bathed in the soft glow of the overhead lights.

    He was well-versed in the art of receivingpliments, so his expression remained calm and detached.

    The ambient light sculpted his angr features, casting dramatic shadows that highlighted his high nose bridge and sharply cut jawline, as though he were a living masterpiece.

    His natural grace and detachment eclipsed any terrestrial magnificence.

    Following a sequence of celebratory toasts, when it became apparent that Kristopher merely touched his ss without truly drinking, the rest of thepany toned down their conversation, allowing him a moment of repose with his eyes gently shut.

    Lise, slightly feverish, opted not to indulge in the spirits, choosing instead to sit in serene silence next to Kristopher, her eyes lingering on him with deep, unmistakable adoration.

    Albin, captivated by the seemingly perfect pair, pondered the whims of destiny.

    He discreetly captured their image with his smartphone and nonchntly shared it across his socialworks.

    As the evening progressed and the liquor dwindled, the room¡¯s door swung open once more.

    Kristopher¡¯s personal assistant, Oliver Brooks, made his entrance, acknowledging the gathering with a courteous nod that bordered on respect but avoided groveling, swiftly positioning himself in front of Kristopher.

    Silence hung in the air, yet Lise, unable to contain her curiosity, leaned in and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Oliver, maintaining his focus on Kristopher, chose not to respond directly to her.

    A flush of embarrassment tinted Lise¡¯s cheeks as she turned toward Kristopher, hesitantly inquiring, ¡°Should I leave?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 13

    ?<strong>Chapter 13:</strong>

    ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

    Kristopher adjusted his posture, his voice low and calm as he instructed, ¡°Go ahead, speak.¡±

    A shiver of apprehension coursed through Oliver as he tentatively began, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris has departed from Bayview Vi, and¡­¡±

    Lise hesitated mid-sip, her expression clouded briefly by a ripple of confusion.

    Albin leaned forward, his smile teasing. ¡°You left her all alone at home and went out with Lise, huh? Don¡¯t you think she might feel a bit left out?¡±

    Renowned among their friends as a connoisseur of rtionships, Albin had navigated theplexities of romance with numerous partners, always armed with just the right words to mend fences.

    With a dismissive flick of his hand, he suggested, ¡°A little extra attention never hurts. How about we swing by the mall after this? My family¡¯s shop just received a limited-edition Hermes bag for the spring collection. She¡¯d probably love it.¡±

    Kristopher, unswayed by Albin¡¯s tactics, merely nodded toward Oliver, signaling him to continue. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    Oliver faltered before continuing, ¡°Mrs. Norris left behind a bank card¡ªthe very one you once handed to her.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes dropped to his phone, his long eyshes casting shadows that seemed to cool the air around him.

    He swiftly tapped into the banking app associated with the card and perused the transaction history.

    The screen disyed a series of financial activities.

    Two years ago, there was a withdrawal of two million.

    A yearter, precisely on the same date, the same amount was deposited.

    And shockingly, a staggering deposit of twenty million had been made just a couple of hours earlier.

    This meant that aside from the original withdrawal, Carrie had not used any funds from the ount he provided.

    Not only had she refunded the two million the next year, but today she had taken things further by depositing a massive twenty million into the ount.

    Kristopher¡¯s brow creased as he muttered, ¡°Where on earth did she acquire such an amount?¡±

    He pondered over Carrie¡¯s daily routines, which predominantly involved adorning their home, trying out new recipes, or purchasing ornamental items and clothing for him.

    Although she had signed on with an entertainment agency, she only attended one audition before declining further engagements.

    Kristopher had to have Oliver intervene at her agency to avoid severe fines for herck ofmitment.

    It seemed improbable that someone with her lifestyle could independently amass twenty million.

    And if she had the capability and drive to earn that much, why would she agree to a marriage of convenience for a mere two million?

    Bowing his head in a hurried, regretful gesture, Oliver spoke earnestly. ¡°I apologize, sir. It was apse on my part. I will look into Mrs. Norris¡¯s financial dealings immediately.¡±

    Smirking, Albin nudged Kristopher lightly, his tone full of mockery. ¡°Kristopher, don¡¯t tell me you got dumped! I¡¯ve always said, women need affection! Neglect them too long, and they¡¯ll seekfort elsewhere¡­

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 Chapter 14

    ?<strong>Chapter 14:</strong>

    ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

    And now, here you are, missing out on a joyful life and tangled inplications.¡±

    He stopped abruptly as he caught the chill in Kristopher¡¯s stare.

    Only then did he recall that Lise was still present.

    Albin cast a quick nce at Lise, noticing her smile had stiffened slightly.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± he eximed, yfully smacking his forehead and making a show of zipping his lips shut.

    Lise turned her attention to Kristopher, her fingers gently wrapped around his arm, her expression one of empathy. ¡°Did I somehow lead your wife to misunderstand? I can clear things up with her if you¡¯d like.¡±

    A deep line formed on Kristopher¡¯s forehead as he frowned. ¡°What does this even have to do with you?¡± he inquired, his tone full of confusion.

    Albin, who had just promised silence, burst out again, unable to contain himself. ¡°Oh my! Kristopher, have you been living in seclusion? Haven¡¯t you caught wind of thetest buzz? Don¡¯t you see why she¡¯s upset?¡±

    Lise ventured a cautious guess. ¡°Could it be that the paparazzi snapped some photos of you extricating me from the dilemma and it spiraled into a scandal? Ms. Campbell might have seen it. I tried to quash the rumors as soon as they surfaced, but given our high profiles¡­¡±

    Her voice faded into a murmur, heavy with an air of reluctant guilt.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression softened, his tone unexpectedly tender as he reassured her. ¡°You¡¯re not to me for this.¡±

    He then shifted his gaze to Oliver, who was already trembling under the weight of Kristopher¡¯s steely stare.

    galnovels . is your storytelling hub

    ¡°I¡¯ve been preupied with Ms. Nash¡¯s affairs all day and missed the viral news. It¡¯s my oversight,¡± Oliver stated, anxiety evident in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll have it taken care of immediately.¡± With a sense of urgency, Oliver excused himself to manage the situation.

    Meanwhile, Lise nervously toyed with her clothing, watching Kristopher with apprehensive eyes.

    She bit her lip, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Kristopher, am I bing a burden to you?¡±

    Kristopher set his phone face down on the table with deliberate calmness. ¡°It¡¯s not about you,¡± he assured her, his voice steady. ¡°She¡¯s just upset with me, having a bit of a meltdown, that¡¯s all. She¡¯s got nowhere else to go without me. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she returns soon, luggage in tow.¡±

    ¡°Marrying someone as influential as Mr. Norris is a golden chance, one that shouldn¡¯t be squandered. Getting all worked up over nothing?¡± one of Kristopher¡¯spanions interjected, hoisting his drink for emphasis. ¡°Frankly, I think women need to remember where they belong!¡± The room murmured in agreement.

    ¡°Absolutely. It¡¯s just too much leniency!¡± another added, swirling his drink.

    ¡°With Mr. Norris¡¯s stature¡ªfew rumors or even a couple of affairs are hardly out of line, right? Is there even a woman in the world who would willingly abandon the title of Mrs. Norris and demand a divorce?¡±

    Albin was about to chime in when he was cut off by an interruption.

    ¡°Which one of you is Mr. Kristopher Norris?¡±

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 Chapter 15

    ?<strong>Chapter 15:</strong>

    ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

    Everyone turned, spotting a delivery man d in his work uniform at the door.

    Albin, looking confused, asked, ¡°Did someone here order takeout?¡±

    A chorus of denials followed, each person brandishing their phone. ¡°Not me.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s a mistake?¡± someone mused aloud, tilting their head skeptically. ¡°Or maybe someone¡¯s trying to impress Mr. Norris with a gift? I¡¯m curious to see what it is.¡±

    With a quick scan of the document in his grip, the delivery man stated inly, ¡°This is a divorce agreement, sent by Ms. Carrie Campbell with instructions to deliver it straight to Mr. Kristopher Norris.¡±

    The atmosphere in the room grew tense, as if an unseen force had pped Kristopher and the others sharply across their faces.

    The lively chatter of the private room abruptly ceased, reced by a palpable, uneasy hush.

    nces flickered between the upants before they each quietly bowed their heads.

    Amidst the tense silence, only Albin found the boldness to take action.

    Taking the folder from the delivery guy, he returned to his seat and tossed it toward Kristopher. ¡°Kristopher, what on earth did you do to upset her so much? She doesn¡¯t seem to be kidding around,¡± he remarked, a trace of concern in his voice.

    Albin was naturally curious about the contents of the folder, but he wouldn¡¯t dare to peek inside, even if given countless opportunities.

    The cover and the thick envelope alone, marked with the distinctive letterhead of aw firm, hinted at serious matters within.

    Under the dim light, Kristopher¡¯s face seemed to sink into shadows, darker than the night swirling outside.

    Ignoring the document, he snatched up a bottle of whiskey, poured himself a ss, and gulped it down in one fluid motion.

    His distraction evident, he carelessly set the bottle down, spilling most of its precious contents onto the sleek floor.

    It was a vintage 1972 Macan, valued at 1.5 million¡ªa sum not even the affluent Albin could ignore without a wince of regret at the waste.

    Yet, no one dared to move a muscle to pick up the fallen bottle.

    After a moment, Kristopher set his empty ss down with a clink, his gaze narrowing on the unopened folder. ¡°Is all this drama really just over a missed call?¡± he grumbled, his voiceced with disbelief and a tinge of frustration.

    The room remained silent.

    Not a single soul dared to answer, and even the sound of breathing seemed to soften, as if afraid to disturb the heavy air.

    Lise straightened her back and gently took the ss away from Kristopher. ¡°This is all on me,¡± she murmured, her voice tinged with guilt. ¡°If not for my persistent heart¡­¡±

    ¡°Had it not been for my condition, my frail health, and those incessant fevers that concern you, you wouldn¡¯t have missed her call.¡±

    Her expressive eyes quickly brimmed with tears, casting her in a vulnerable light.

    She ced a hand delicately over her heart, her apology sincere. ¡°My longstanding ailment has brought you nothing but inconvenience. Ms. Campbell tried reaching you repeatedly this afternoon. Perhaps she had something urgent to discuss.¡±

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 Chapter 16

    ?<strong>Chapter 16:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s thoughts momentarily wandered to Carrie¡¯s elegant presence, and he responded with a dismissive coolness, ¡°And what could be so urgent? I met with her earlier tonight, and she appeared perfectly fine.¡±

    At that moment, Albin, struck by a sudden recollection, interjected with surprise, ¡°Are you both really this unaware of what¡¯s been all over the news? This afternoon, you say?¡± With a serious edge to his tone, he went on, ¡°There was a news report today about an explosion in an old residential area downtown. If memory serves, wasn¡¯t there an apartment Carrie¡¯s mother passed down to her in that area?¡±

    Albin, his movements quick and deliberate, handed his smartphone to Kristopher.

    The news was significant, covered extensively by Orkset¡¯s local media.

    The reports suggested the ze was triggered by deteriorated electrical wiring and was exacerbated by a local family¡¯s stockpile of natural gas for their food business, culminating in a catastrophic st.

    Kristopher cast a brief, unsettled nce at the disturbing images from the ident, a flicker of concern crossing his features.

    However, recalling his encounter with Carrieter that evening¡ªhow she was unharmed and even sparred with him verbally¡ªhe dismissed the possibility of her involvement with a gentle exhale of relief.

    Albin paused, eyeing Kristopher¡¯s cold expression with uncertainty, before cautiously remarking, ¡°Kristopher, I recall that the old apartment was thest thing her mother left her¡ªa sort of emotional lifeline. It¡¯s only natural she¡¯d be distressed over losing such a significant piece. And to reach out to you in her time of need, only to find you unavable¡­ Plus, with the rumors swirling about you and Lise, her reaction makes sense.¡±

    ¡°You two are still married, after all. If you aren¡¯t considering a divorce, perhaps extending an apology would be wise.¡±

    Kristopher scoffed dismissively, ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! Regardless of its sentimental value, an apartment is merely a possession. How can thatpare to human concerns? Even knowing all this, my decision to take Lise to the hospital would¡¯ve still been the priority. If she truly had anypassion, she wouldn¡¯t be making such a fuss over this! An apology? It seems to me she owes me one, not the other way around.¡±

    Struck by Kristopher¡¯s harsh rebuff, Albin found himself speechless.

    He pressed his lips tightly together and took a long sip of his wine, then, shaking his head slightly, he resumed drinking as if the conversation had never happened, blending back into the evening¡¯s festivities.

    After a couple of rounds, Albin noticed Kristopher¡¯s restless nces toward his phone.

    He let out an annoyed click of his tongue before suggesting, ¡°Look, it¡¯s Carrie being difficult. I¡¯ll give her a call and talk her into apologizing, okay?¡±

    ¡°Do what you want,¡± Kristopher muttered with a shrug, his tone as indifferent as the look he cast toward Albin.

    With a decisive motion, Albin reached for Kristopher¡¯s phone, searched for Carrie¡¯s contact, and pressed the call button.

    The room fell into a tense silence, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

    The phone rang repeatedly, then abruptly shifted to a busy signal.

    Unperturbed, Albin tried again, only to be met with the same quick dismissal after a single ring.

    He attempted a few more calls, each ending abruptly.

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 Chapter 17

    ?<strong>Chapter 17:</strong>

    A flush of embarrassment tinged Albin¡¯s cheeks as he scratched his head, trying to mask his frustration. ¡°Well, you know how it is. Sometimes women need a moment to collect themselves. I¡¯ll try just once more.¡±

    He hit the call button again, a flicker of hope in his eyes, but was met with the cold, impersonal tone of a prerecorded message. ¡°The number you have dialed is currently busy¡­¡±

    Realizing the gravity of the situation, Albin set the phone down gently and edged back, putting some distance between himself and Kristopher.

    It became clear then¡ªCarrie had blocked Kristopher¡¯s number.

    Kristopher, his brow furrowed and eyes sharp with a piercing gaze, stared down at the now-silent phone on the table.

    His expression was a mix of betrayal and simmering anger.

    The lively atmosphere of Kristopher¡¯s party was shattered when the courier arrived with unexpected divorce papers.

    Kristopher had just escorted Lise back to her residence, and the cloak of night had fully descended.

    Oliver, positioned in the passenger seat, swiveled toward Kristopher with a concerned look and queried, ¡°Mr. Norris, where shall I take you tonight?¡±

    Initially, Kristopher¡¯s thoughts drifted to Bayview Vi, but the sting of remembering Carrie twisted his features into a grimace.

    Hemanded in a frosty tone, ¡°Head to the Norris Mansion.¡±

    Oliver acknowledged with a nod, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

    The driver promptly adjusted the route and steered them toward the grand gates of the Norris Mansion.

    The next day, as dawn broke, Oliver and the chauffeur were at the mansion, ready to apany Kristopher once more.

    Seatedfortably yet pensively in the backseat, Kristopher listened to Oliver enumerate the ns for the day, his voice a soothing rhythm in the quiet of the car.

    Midway through, Oliver¡¯s words faltered, his reluctance palpable in the sudden silence that followed, capturing Kristopher¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Is there something you¡¯re not telling me?¡±

    Oliver¡¯s voice wavered as he muttered, ¡°Mr. Norris, an urgent matter in Isonridge tomorrow calls for your signature on a crucial contract.¡±

    Raising an eyebrow, Kristopher looked puzzled. ¡°It¡¯s just a short trip. Toss in a few clothes. What¡¯s the problem?¡±

    With a reluctant sigh, Oliver cautiously exined, ¡°Your clothes have always been arranged by Mrs. Norris. She even took care of your travel preparations.¡±

    Oliver, along with other assistants, had tried to fill those shoes on asion, yet their efforts paled inparison to Carrie¡¯s meticulous arrangements¡ªa standard Kristopher had grown used to.

    Hearing this, a shadow of discontent flickered across Kristopher¡¯s face.

    Oliver hesitated for a moment before venturing, ¡°Should I ask Mrs. Norris toe back and help?¡±

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 Chapter 18

    ?<strong>Chapter 18:</strong>

    Silence enveloped the car as Kristopher turned his gaze toward the window, a nonverbal nod that Oliver hade to recognize as assent over their years together.

    It was Kristopher¡¯s way of giving Carrie a chance to mend things.

    With a deep breath, Oliver dialed Carrie¡¯s number.

    The line buzzed a haunting tune before her voice, uncharacteristically icy, cut through. ¡°Hello?¡±

    The chill in her tone was a stark contrast to the warmth he was used to, mirroring the frostiness that often surrounded Kristopher.

    Choosing his words with care, while gauging Kristopher¡¯s stoic expression, Oliver began, ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­ Mr. Norris has a business trip scheduled for tomorrow. Would you mind preparing his luggage?¡±

    Meanwhile, at the hotel, Carrie was roused from a deep sleep by the ring, her voiceced with a blend of disbelief and resentment. ¡°Hasn¡¯t he received the divorce papers yesterday?¡±

    Despite their marriage being one of convenience, Carrie had embraced her role wholeheartedly.

    Now, Oliver¡¯s request made her feel reduced to a mere servant in Kristopher¡¯s eyes.

    Once, her love for Kristopher had made such tasks bearable, even meaningful.

    But with a divorce looming, Carrie found herself questioning why she would continue to y the dutiful wife.

    Carrie¡¯s irritability that morning, fueled by her discontent with Kristopher, erupted violently.

    She sarcastically snapped at Oliver, ¡°You¡¯re employed by Norris Group, soprehension shouldn¡¯t be an issue, should it? Must I spell out what divorce means to you? Once it¡¯s finalized, your boss and I are nothing more than strangers. Reaching out to me now is as random as asking a stranger on the street for help. Can¡¯t your boss find someone to pack his suitcase? If it¡¯s truly such a struggle, tell him to throw more money at the problem. It¡¯s not as if he is strapped for cash!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡­¡± Oliver attempted to exin, but the call was abruptly cut off by Carrie, leaving him stunned and blocked on his next attempt to reconnect.

    ¡°Mr. Norris¡­¡± Oliver turned to Kristopher, his voice tinged with apprehension.

    The car fell into a tense silence, the sharp dialogue from the phone call still hanging heavy in the air.

    Kristopher, his expression unreadable in the dim light, his face partially obscured by shadows, replied icily, ¡°I heard every word.¡± His gaze held the chilling sparkle of ice over a winterke.

    On the other side, Carrie, having been woken up by the call, decided to rise.

    She checked her bank ount bnce and immediately regretted impulsively transferring most of her savings to Kristopher.

    She admonished herself for not leaving out at least a million for unexpected emergencies.

    Between rent, daily expenses, and her grandmother¡¯s ongoing medical treatments¡ªthe financial burdens were mounting.

    Throughout the previous year, she had neglected her acting pursuits and hadn¡¯t made any significant strides in her scriptwriting sideline.

    Inspiration had been elusive, and honing a script demanded a substantial investment of time.

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 Chapter 19

    ?<strong>Chapter 19:</strong>

    With renewed resolve, Carrie decided to rededicate herself to both her acting and her writing endeavors.

    Luckily, she had reconnected with her former agent, Ruby Curtis, the previous night.

    Ruby, though somewhat reserved, had not turned her down and had proposed they meet today.

    ¡°Carrie?¡±

    As Carrie was applying the final touches to her morning routine, Ruby¡¯s voice, apanied by a gentle knock, filtered through the air.

    Carrie moved to the door and pulled it open, revealing Ruby standing there with an air of poised professionalism.

    Ruby, dressed in an impably tailored gray business suit, had transformed from the plump-cheeked novice Carrie once knew into a sharp, formidable career woman.

    Back when Carrie was under Ruby¡¯s wing, Ruby had still been an underdog in the industry, often overlooked because her rostercked notable celebrities.

    Upon weing Carrie to her circle, Ruby couldn¡¯t hide her delight, announcing she had finally found a prot¨¦g¨¦ to teach and foster.

    Yet, as time unfolded¡­

    Within a mere two years, Ruby had carved a niche for herself in the industry, catapulting several fledgling stars into prominence.

    Everyone seemed to be ascending, everyone except for Carrie, who had paused her ascent for love, anchoring herself firmly in a bygone era.

    ¡°Ruby,¡± Carrie called out as she ushered her into the room and gestured toward a chair.

    Ruby took the seat without hesitation, her voiceced with biting sarcasm. ¡°I was under the impression you¡¯d snagged yourself a wealthy husband and abandoned this chaotic industry for good. And yet, here you are. Did the dream of avish, leisurely life as a housewife crumble, sending you scurrying back to me?¡±

    Back in the day, Carrie hadn¡¯t spent much time under Ruby¡¯s guidance before she began to sideline her own career aspirations.

    Their connection, as a result, had been tenuous at best. When Carrie had announced her intention to exit the industry, she spoke only of a new love in her life and her ns to marry.

    The man in question came from an affluent family and detested the re of the public eye.

    Ruby, though reluctant, couldn¡¯t dissuade Carrie from bing a trophy wife and had to let her go, though grudgingly.

    Yet, who could have predicted that in just two short years, Carrie would be on the phone, her voice tinged with defeat, confessing that her romantic endeavors had faltered and she yearned to reim her spot in the limelight, pleading for Ruby¡¯s guidance once more?

    Upon hearing this, Ruby was struck dumbfounded.

    If not for Carrie¡¯s undeniable beauty and her once mesmerizing talent on screen, Ruby wouldn¡¯t have even entertained this meeting.

    Carrie, well aware of her own mistakes, remained mute as Ruby¡¯s scathing words filled the air.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 20

    ?<strong>Chapter 20:</strong>

    Her silence spoke volumes of her remorse.

    Ruby, observing Carrie¡¯s genuine remorse, took a moment to light a cigarette.

    She gracefully crossed her legs, her face etched with disappointment, and continued, ¡°I had such high expectations for you.

    With your enchanting looks and natural ir for acting, it would have been a disgrace for you not to reach stardom.

    Yet, what path did you choose?

    Before you had evennded a single role, before your name graced any marquee, you were ready to abandon it all for love.

    Did you ever stop to consider the challenges of entering a wealthy family through marriage? It could have worked out if he had married you, but now¡­¡±

    As Ruby spoke, Carrie¡¯s eyshes trembled, her face drained of color.

    Ruby halted, her gaze sweeping disdainfully over the cramped, modest hotel room.

    She continued, ¡°Remember Lise Nash? The one who snatched your role away? She may not have your beauty or your talent, yet she persisted.

    Even with a high-profile partner like Mr. Norris, she never let up.

    In just a couple of years, she¡¯s climbed to the top, picking scripts from TV dramas and films as she pleases.

    You were on such a promising path.

    Had you persevered, you could have outshined her in fame by now.¡±

    Carrie felt a sharp twinge of pain in her heart as Ruby brought up Lise and Kristopher.

    She cast her gaze downward, releasing the cloth she had gripped tightly, and whispered in a tone tinged with newfound wisdom, ¡°Ruby, you¡¯re right. I was hopelessly in love once, but I¡¯ve seen the light. My career deserves my full attention. Please, let¡¯s put my past mistakes behind us. I¡¯m ready to embrace your advice andmit fully to acting.¡±

    ¡°What if love blinds you once more?¡± Ruby posed the question.

    She hade here because she cared, though her pride masked her concern.

    Carrie, far from naive, lifted her hand in a solemn vow. ¡°I swear, it won¡¯t happen again!¡±

    Ruby allowed a slight smirk to y upon her lips and chose to let the conversation end there.

    Ruby spent several hours in Carrie¡¯s hotel room, putting her through paces in various roles.

    Realizing Carrie¡¯s talent remained intact, she breathed a sigh of relief and started to meticulously craft a strategy for her return to the spotlight.

    Upon departing, Ruby imparted a piece of strategic advice. ¡°With your beauty and talent, you shouldn¡¯t settle for lesser roles even as you re-enter the scene. But remember, you¡¯re embarking on a new journey without a renowned name, so leading roles won¡¯te knocking just yet. I¡¯ll seek out auditions for you, even if it¡¯s in smaller productions. Focus on refining your skills¡ªdon¡¯t disappoint meter on.¡±

    Carrie nodded, her eagerness clear in her bright eyes.

    Ruby, reassured by Carrie¡¯s response, still held a steadfast belief in her potential, convinced that Carrie would be a shining star under her management.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 21

    ?<strong>Chapter 21:</strong>

    Two dayster, Carrie was sprawled on the hotel bed, her eyes skimming over a book on acting techniques.

    As she turned the pages, her phone erupted with the sound of an iing call.

    It was Ruby.

    With palpable enthusiasm in her tone, Ruby eximed, ¡°Carrie, you won¡¯t believe this¡ªI¡¯ve got an audition lined up for you! It¡¯s for a major franchise, a really high-profile series! They¡¯re looking to cast fresh faces, focusing more on raw talent than on past credits.¡±

    Carrie perked up as she reviewed the details Ruby had forwarded.

    The project was an acimed urban drama with a powerful female protagonist at its heart, woven with a plot that promisedplexity and rich character depth.

    The role was a stark contrast to Carrie¡¯s real demeanor, posing a thrilling challenge.

    Embracing this opportunity felt like the perfect way to leave her past behind.

    Carrie had moved on from her divorce and her old life with Kristopher and Lise, channeling her energies into nailing this audition.

    She pored over the script, the pages gradually bing dog-eared from her relentless study.

    At night, the lines infiltrated her dreams, often causing her to wake up mid-dialogue.

    Before she knew it, the audition day was upon her.

    The tryouts were scheduled in a hotel conference room, doubling as one of the shoot locations.

    Carrie pulled up in a taxi at the hotel¡¯s main entrance just as a Mercedes SUV glided in through another.

    A crowd of eager fans immediately surged towards the SUV, their excitement palpable.

    As figures emerged from the vehicle, Carrie caught a glimpse and subconsciously tightened her lips.

    In such an unpredictable world, some encounters were surprisingly inevitable.

    There was Lise, stepping out into the fray.

    Amid the mor of adoring fans, Lise was swiftly whisked into the hotel by her manager and a team of assistants.

    As the driver epted the fare from Carrie, he grinned broadly and remarked, ¡°I wonder which star is stirring up all this excitement. Young folks are starstruck these days. Yet, I must say, none of those celebrities can match your allure.¡±

    ttered by hispliment, Carrie responded with a gracious smile and a warm, ¡°Thank you,¡± before stepping out of the car.

    In stark contrast to the chaos surrounding Lise, Carrie¡¯s entrance into the scene barely made a ripple.

    Only a handful of onlookers nced her way, their curiosity piqued as they murmured, ¡°Is she a new face in showbiz? She¡¯s stunning!¡±

    Before any of them could approach her for answers, Ruby, striding confidently in her heels, guided Carrie into the safety of the hotel.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head inside and await further directions from the director.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 22

    ?<strong>Chapter 22:</strong>

    Inside the waiting room set up by the production team, a number of early arrivals were already mingling familiarly.

    They exchanged casual banter as they awaited the organization of the lottery for audition numbers and the distribution of scripts.

    Given that the role being auditioned for was a leadingdy, the room was filled with strikingly attractive women, each a vision of beauty.

    However, the moment Carrie entered, her radiance caused a collective pause, her presencemanding everyone¡¯s attention.

    Though beautiful, she was seen as a rival; almost immediately, a wave ofpetitiveness washed over the other actresses.

    Murmurs filled the air as they sized her up, none recognizing the fresh-faced beauty among them.

    Her stunning appearance,bined with her anonymity, could only mean Carrie was an inexperienced neer without any ties.

    Many viewed her with skepticism, muttering under their breath, ¡°Just another gorgeous girl with no talent, aimlessly vying for a big break.¡±

    At that instant, Lise made her entrance, enveloped by a crowd of onlookers.

    Among those auditioning today, she held the highest prestige and had ess to a private lounge reserved just for her.

    She had been present even before Carrie and the others arrived but only joined them when the staff called everyone for the lottery and script handout.

    Upon spotting Carrie, Lise hesitated for a brief moment before coolly shifting her gaze away.

    Her arrival stirred a wave of surprise among the crowd.

    With her maic aura and influential backing, the possibility of anyone else taking the female lead seemed nearly impossible.

    Disheartened yet pragmatic, some believed that if the auditions didn¡¯t go their way, it could be advantageous to get on Lise¡¯s good side.

    Thus, after collecting their numbers and scripts, several participants gravitated toward her, showering her with ttery. ¡°Lise, your talent and fame are truly unparalleled. The lead role is undoubtedly meant for you. Today, we¡¯re here more to observe than topete.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, Lise, with your track record of sessful roles, who could possibly challenge you? We¡¯re merely here to make up the numbers.¡±

    A few had caught the fleeting exchange of looks between Lise and Carrie and noted thoughtfully, ¡°Certainly. However, it seems some are overreaching themselves. An upstart with no real experience, lost in delusions of grandeur, hoping to snag the lead.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because the auditions are being held during daylight that she¡¯s lost in daydreams? Really, she seems out of her depth. Does she actually believe mere looks could eclipse Lise? Does she even have what it takes to act?¡±

    ¡°No matter how stunning she is, she doesn¡¯t have Lise¡¯smanding aura of a leadingdy. At most, she could pull off a viinous supporting role.¡±

    The room filled withughter, all eyes turning toward Carrie with a knowing nce.

    Ruby opened her mouth to snap back, but Carrie gently squeezed her hand, a silent plea for her to hold her tongue.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 23

    ?<strong>Chapter 23:</strong>

    Then, Carrie¡¯s gaze lifted to meet Lise¡¯s.

    By some twist of fate, Lise was already staring back at her.

    Their eyes locked, and a subtle smile yed on Lise¡¯s lips.

    Just then, a staff member holding a clipboard called from the door, ¡°Number 7, Carrie Campbell, you¡¯re up.¡±

    Carrie tucked away her script and rose to her feet.

    Approaching the door, she halted and spoke withposed irritation. ¡°It feels like I¡¯ve wandered into a gathering of fortune-tellers, where everyone seems to judge acting skills and star quality merely from appearances. Sure, good looks might not carry much weight, but I¡¯ll take thepliments regardless.¡±

    Typically, Carrie paid little mind to her looks, but today¡¯s constantparisons with Lise grated on her.

    With calcted spite, she added, ¡°Actually, I find your envy more ttering than any admirer¡¯s praise.¡±

    With a poised exit, Carrie departed alongside Ruby, leaving the onlookers dumbfounded and mute as they watched her leave.

    In the audition room, as Carrie entered alongside Ruby, both the director and the screenwriter were instantly mesmerized by her allure.

    Surrounded by the industry¡¯s dazzling array of talent, Carrie still managed to shine exceptionally.

    Her beauty was not just vivid and striking but was paired with an effortless grace that rendered her almost celestial.

    She was the living embodiment of the heroine from the screeny.

    The screenwriter, with augh, remarked, ¡°It¡¯s as if our heroine has leapt right off the pages¡ªpity the author missed this moment.¡±

    Ruby, catching the excitement in his voice, gave Carrie a gentle push, signaling her to step up for her audition.

    After a sinct introduction, Carrie poised herself to dive into her role.

    Just then, Stewart Lopez, the confirmed male lead, made an unexpected entrance. ¡°I¡¯ll be joining you for this audition,¡± he dered confidently.

    Though the surprise startled her for a second, Carrie¡¯s sharp instincts kicked in, and she adjusted effortlessly.

    It dawned on her that the production team might have orchestrated this surprise to test the auditionees¡¯ resilience and adaptability.

    With this insight, Carrie collected herself swiftly.

    The much-awaited audition began with an air of excitement.

    Almost instantly, Carrie slipped into character, matching Stewart¡¯s intensity with her own.

    Their undeniable chemistry radiated, and their interactions flowed effortlessly.

    Stewart, impressed by her quick wit, shot a quick look toward the director and improvised a line, stirring up a conflict in what was meant to be a gentle conclusion of the scene.

    Carrie hesitated for only a brief moment before gracefully pulling the scene back on track, turning what might have been a slip-up into a shining moment for the plot.

    ¡°That¡¯s wonderful! That wraps up the audition!¡± Overwhelmed by her performance, the director rose from his seat behind the camera, pping enthusiastically. ¡°Despite Stewart¡¯s attempts toplicate matters, Carrie¡¯s sharp and quick thinking truly shone through. It was superior to the original script. Perhaps we should consider rewriting the script to include this brilliant improvisation?¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 24

    ?<strong>Chapter 24:</strong>

    The room erupted with passionate admiration.

    Even Stewart, who typically kept to himself, approached Carrie, offering her a tissue as heplimented her. ¡°Truly remarkable!¡± Stewart was known for his exceptional talent among the flood of recent breakout stars, continually perfecting his acting skills.

    Previous actresses who had auditioned alongside him had struggled, often faltering due to his unexpected methods.

    His tolerance had been waning with each session.

    Carrie¡¯s refreshing performance rekindled his enthusiasm.

    Watching the reactions of everyone around, both Carrie and Ruby exhaled deeply, their relief palpable.

    The director then walked over to Carrie, expressing his gratitude. ¡°Thank you for your exceptional effort today. We¡¯ll reach out soon, no matter the decision.¡±

    Meanwhile, Lise nced up just as Carrie and Ruby cheerfully strolled into the elevator.

    A moment¡¯s hesitation flickered across her face before she leaned toward her manager and murmured, ¡°Elva, could you check on how Carrie¡¯s audition turned out?¡±

    ¡°Why bother with her?¡± Elva Brewer scoffed, eyeing Carrie with skepticism. ¡°Shecks both fame and connections. For a pivotal role like this, the director would never gamble on an unknown. Besides, with you as a contender, it¡¯s unthinkable he¡¯d consider anyone else¡ªunless he¡¯spletely lost his judgment.¡±

    Lise¡¯s expression clouded with worry for a brief instant, but she soon nodded, reassured by Elva¡¯s reasoning.

    Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted when a staff member beckoned her for her audition, forcing her to put her worries about Carrie on hold for the time being.

    Stewart¡¯s unexpected presence threw Lise off slightly.

    She sensed her performance dim slightly in his shadow, though she doubted it was significant enough to jeopardize her chances.

    After her audition, the director¡¯s team¡¯sckluster response left her puzzled.

    ¡°Thank you for your effort, Lise. You may go home and await the oue,¡± they stated tly.

    Lise¡¯s brow creased in confusion at their underwhelming reaction.

    Elva, noticing her distress and Stewart fetching water nearby, shed a courteous smile and asked, ¡°Mr. Lopez, what¡¯s your take on Lise¡¯s performance today?¡±

    ¡°Ms. Nash is always a standout,¡± Stewart replied, hispliment colored by a reserved aloofness.

    Elva, with decades of experience in the industry, picked up on the subdued atmosphere immediately.

    It was clear the production team favored someone else.

    With a polite nod and a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes, Elva exchanged brief goodbyes.

    She then guided Lise out of the building, her demeanor bing grave once they were alone.

    After Lise¡¯s audition wrapped up, everyone took a well-deserved break.

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    .

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 Chapter 25

    ?<strong>Chapter 25:</strong>

    The director, scanning through his audition notes, paused briefly, then broke the silence. ¡°You know, if we hadn¡¯t seen Carrie¡¯s audition today, Lise¡¯s effort might have seemed more impressive. She¡¯s riding a wave of poprity right now, and her social media presence is undeniable.¡±

    Lise was not just another applicant.

    She was a frontrunner for the female lead, personally scouted by the director.

    At the peak of her career, she was a sought-after star, and her involvement could potentially boost the show¡¯s ratings.

    The director pondered this, tilting toward giving her another chance.

    Stewart, who had been observing quietly, chimed in, ¡°Remember, this drama springs from a beloved online novel series with a vast fanbase. The essence of our casting should hinge less on the actors¡¯ fame and more on our loyalty to the source material.¡±

    The screenwriter, nodding in agreement, added, ¡°Exactly. Adapting such a workes with its own set of challenges. Fans of the book are usually more critical than general TV viewers. Getting the female lead right is crucial for the sess of our adaptation.¡±

    His thoughts then drifted to Carrie. ¡°The moment Carrie walked in, she embodied the female lead I had pictured in my head. Her portrayal was surprisingly authentic, far more so than Lise¡¯s.

    Lise had ess to the script and her audition pieces a whole week in advance, yet her execution was just barely making the cut. It could be ack ofmitment, or maybe it¡¯s her acting chops that are falling short.¡±

    From the agent¡¯s earlier reactions, it seemed thetter might be the more urate diagnosis.

    Elva had been lingering outside the waiting area for a tense ten minutes when she finally managed to catch the attention of a young intern bustling past.

    With a swift exchange, she presented him with a chic, limited-edition YSL gift box, securing some crucial information about the current deliberations between the director and the screenwriter.

    ¡°What? They¡¯re seriously considering Carrie for the lead?¡± Elva eximed, her voice tinged with disbelief.

    Lise, caught off guard, faltered for a moment.

    Elva, with a frown knitting her brows, pressed on. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s doing this deliberately? Given her tumultuous rtionship with Mr. Norris and their impending divorce, could she be trying to swipe the role from you out of sheer spite?¡±

    ¡°Maybe not,¡± Lise murmured, biting her lip in a mix of doubt and resignation. ¡°But if their split really does have something to do with me, then she¡¯s justified in resenting me. In the end, this alles back to me. The role is hers if she desires it that desperately. It¡¯s a shame, really. The story had truly resonated with me.¡±

    Despite her attempt at magnanimity, a shadow of regret clouded Lise¡¯s features.

    Elva reached out, cing aforting hand on her shoulder, and said, ¡°Oh, Lise, your heart is just too big! Remember, it was Carrie who intruded on your love with Mr. Norris, not the other way around. She¡¯s the one who owes you an apology!

    And let¡¯s not forget, you¡¯ve sacrificed so much for this role, evenpromising your health. I¡¯m the only one who really sees how much you¡¯ve struggled. You deserve this role¡ªwhy should you step aside for her?¡±

    With a mix of frustration and determination, Elva pulled out her phone, ready to make a move.

    Lise¡¯s expression was one of shock. ¡°Elva, what on earth are you doing? You¡¯re not seriously considering calling Kristopher, are you? Let¡¯s not drag him into this over something so trivial.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 26

    ?<strong>Chapter 26:</strong>

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Elva shrugged off Lise¡¯s hand, turned away slightly, and proceeded to dial Kristopher¡¯s number.

    Lise made no further attempt to intervene.

    Instead, she stood back, observing Elva¡¯s figure and quietly listening, a subtle smile ying on her lips.

    Soon after, Kristopher¡¯s crisp, detached voice resonated from the phone. ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±

    After a brief pause, Elva exined, ¡°Mr. Norris, I need to discuss something about Lise. She¡¯s been throwing herself into rehearsals for an audition, literally day and night, to the extent that her heart issue red up again. She even sneaked off to the hospital a few times without telling many people. Regarding the role¡­¡±

    Kristopher immediately seized on the critical issue. ¡°Hospital? Why wasn¡¯t I informed?¡±

    Elva sensed his growing concern and steered the conversation ordingly. ¡°Mr. Norris, Lise didn¡¯t want to cause you unnecessary worry, which is why she kept it under wraps. But honestly, it¡¯s nothing life-threatening. You¡¯re aware of her delicate health. Even a little stress can exacerbate her condition, and she tends to downy it herself.¡±

    She paused momentarily before redirecting the focus back to Lise¡¯s passion for the role. ¡°The real issue here is how much she adores this part. With her impressive qualifications, she seemed like a guaranteed pick, but unexpectedly, the production team had a change of heart, and now¡­¡±

    Kristopher, quick-witted as always, picked up on Elva¡¯s subtle implication and stopped her mid-sentence. ¡°From now on, keep me in the loop, regardless of the situation. Tell Lise to take it easy and not worry.¡±

    ¡°The female lead is undoubtedly hers. I¡¯ll drop by to see her once I¡¯m back in Orkset.¡±

    ¡°Understood, and thanks for your kindness, Mr. Norris.¡± Elva ended the call with a grin and turned toward Lise. ¡°It¡¯s all arranged. I told you, Mr. Norris is too fond of you to ignore your situation.¡±

    With a faint sigh, Lise nced downward, her tone apologetic. ¡°Thanks, Elva. I¡¯m sorry for the inconvenience to you and Kristopher.¡±

    ¡°Inconvenience? You¡¯re my talent, and your triumphs are mine as well. Who does Carrie Campbell think she is? She¡¯s out of the picture yet still dares to challenge you. How can she not see that Kristopher only has eyes for you? This is beyond absurd!¡±

    Elva stowed her phone and added, ¡°But take it from someone who knows, Mr. Norris¡¯s attention goes beyond mere fondness. He seems ready to grant your every wish. For someone of his caliber to do so is exceptional. I¡¯m not sure why you two split, but after all this time, perhaps it¡¯s worth reconsidering. Have you thought about rekindling things?¡±

    At this, Lise hesitated for a moment, then offered a gentle smile. ¡°We¡¯ll see what destiny has in store.¡±

    After ending his phone call, Kristopher turned to Oliver with a directive. ¡°Locate the production team that Lise auditioned for and inform them that the Norris Group is willing to invest. However, it¡¯s contingent upon Lise securing the lead role,¡± he stated firmly.

    The director felt a rush of conflicting emotions upon hearing the proposition.

    The original book, rich with opulent scenes, had been pared down due to financial limitations¡ªa constant thorn in his side.

    Now, the prospect of new funding from the Norris Group seemed like a miraculous solution.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 27

    ?<strong>Chapter 27:</strong>

    Yet, the dilemmay in the team¡¯s preference for Carrie for the lead role.

    Choosing Lise only for financial benefits could smear his reputation, making him appear tyrannical.

    After much deliberation, the director decided on a tactful approach.

    He reached out to the agents of both Lise and Carrie, proposing another audition.

    This would level the ying field, allowing the infusion of funds to be introduced more naturally should the talents of the two actresses prove indistinguishable.

    As the day of the crucial second audition dawned, Kristopher and Lise were seated together in the plush interior of a sleek, ck Maybach.

    Lise, bubbly and brimming with confidence, turned to him. ¡°Kristopher, once we¡¯re done with the audition, how about we go out for a bite? It¡¯s been a long time since ourst catch-up,¡± she suggested cheerfully, confident of her impending sess with Kristopher¡¯s support.

    Receiving no immediate response, she looked up, seeking his engagement.

    However, Kristopher appeared distant, his attention captured by something outside the window.

    Following his gaze, Lise¡¯s eyesnded on Carrie.

    Carrie was a vision in the throng, her presence almost luminous.

    Dressed in a in white sweater paired with casual jeans, she exuded an effortless elegance, transforming a simple ensemble into a statement of sophisticated style.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??????, the heart of fiction

    She seemed to be bathed in her own private glow, effortlessly outshining everyone around her.

    Even the sun appeared to fade a touch in her radiance.

    A fleeting tension clenched Lise¡¯s hands into fists before she smoothed her expression into a cunning smirk.

    She had deliberately brought Kristopher along, aiming to unt her victory.

    Lise wanted to rub it in Carrie¡¯s face that she hadn¡¯t just stolen Carrie¡¯s man, but also taken the lead role she wanted.

    Masking her true feelings swiftly, Lise pulled at Kristopher¡¯s sleeve and put on a guise of astonishment. ¡°Why, what¡¯s Ms. Campbell doing here?¡±

    Snapping out of his reverie, Kristopher responded with a dismissive coolness. ¡°She¡¯s spent years enjoying the good life, but this rough patch might be the reality check she desperately needs. Maybe she can¡¯t handle it anymore and is thinking about groveling back to me.¡±

    His knowledge of Carrie¡¯s circumstances was always up-to-date.

    She had lived in a hotel, pointedly leaving all her belongings at their shared home.

    Her actions spoke more of a petnt withdrawal forck of attention than a serious move toward divorce.

    In his view, Carrie was so ustomed to a life of indulgence that she likely found it difficult to cope on her own after their separation.

    To him, Carrie¡¯s unexpected appearance was nothing more than an admission of her inability to navigate her challenges alone, possibly even a hint at an impending apology.

    Given that Carrie had often tried to monitor his whereabouts throughout their marriage, it hardly surprised him that she had managed to locate him here.

    In the lobby, Carrie lingered by the vending machine, looking at the Coke inside.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 28

    ?<strong>Chapter 28:</strong>

    She originally nned to buy just one can of Coke, but after some thought, she decided to purchase two cans instead.

    ¡°Kristopher, it really means a lot that you took the time to meet me here,¡± Lise said, her voice tinged with a mixture of gratitude and apprehension. ¡°Am I interrupting anything? I know you¡¯re usually swamped with work.¡±

    Just then, the gentle cadence of Lise¡¯s voice wafted from behind Carrie.

    Although soft, in the hushed expanse of the lobby, her words were unmistakably clear.

    Carrie turned just in time to see Kristopher, with a tender gesture, smoothing down the fabric of Lise¡¯s coat as he assured her warmly, ¡°It¡¯s perfectly fine. My recent business trips have kept me away, and I haven¡¯t been able to spend much time with you. Now that I¡¯m back, my priority is to make sure you¡¯re okay. Everything else can wait.¡±

    A sudden tremor seized Carrie¡¯s hand as she reached to insert her money into the machine¡ªa physical manifestation of her inner turmoil.

    Was it her heart aching, or was it something else? In that moment, she felt starkly out of ce, like an outsider in their life.

    The scenario before her seemed almost absurd.

    They were still legally married, their divorce proceedings iplete, and yet, here he was, openly disying his affection for another woman.

    A pang of bitterness tightened around Carrie¡¯s heart as she pondered what ce she still held in Kristopher¡¯s life, if any at all.

    A wave of frustration surged through Carrie, so intense it almost choked her.

    She pressed her lips tightly together, her fingers curling into a fist, as her gaze locked onto the vending machine with a steely intensity.

    Pressing the button firmly, she watched as two cans of Coke rattled loudly into the chute.

    Bending down, she retrieved the first can, and just as her hand reached for the second, arge, imposing hand snatched it away.

    Without turning, Carrie knew it was Kristopher.

    She drew in a deep, steadying breath, stepping back to give him a sharp, icy stare. ¡°Do you need something?¡± she asked, her voice dripping with frost.

    Kristopher turned the can over in his hands. ¡°Oh,e on. Since you went out of your way to find me here, why y it off as just coincidence? Here you are, pulling sodas from a vending machine, living out of a budget hotel¡ªlooks like you¡¯ve embraced a simpler life,¡± he drawled, his voiceced with mock pity as he raised an eyebrow.

    Carrie returned his stare with one of disbelief, her eyes sweeping over him dismissively. ¡°Are you alright?¡± she asked, her toneced with incredulity.

    From behind, a disapproving voice cut through the tension. ¡°Kristopher, how can you speak to her like that? She is still, technically, your wife.¡± Lise chided, her brow furrowed in disapproval as she stepped closer.

    Turning towards Carrie, Lise attempted aforting tone. ¡°Ms. Campbell, please, don¡¯t take his words to heart. You know how quick his temper res.¡±

    Lise¡¯s presence, exuding a certain unwee superiority, only intensified Carrie¡¯s difort, making her stomach turn.

    Eager to escape any further painful exchanges, Carrie turned to leave.

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    .

 Chapter 29

    ?<strong>Chapter 29:</strong>

    However, Kristopher¡¯s grip on her sleeve halted her, pulling her back into the moment she desperately wished to flee.

    Kristopher¡¯s lips barely moved, a shadow of contemtion flickering across his face as he dwelled on the recent fire incident.

    His pride remained unyielding, yet his voice, tinged with an uncharacteristic softness, broke the tense silence. ¡°Carrie, I admit, your response may have been a bit overwhelming, yet I can empathize with the turmoil you¡¯ve endured after the fire engulfed your apartment. If you decide to return, I am prepared to overlook all that has happened.¡±

    Lise¡¯s advice evidently left a profound imprint on him.

    Carrie brushed aside his softened tone, her attention narrowing in on one crucial detail of his statement¡ªthe fire.

    He was aware of the catastrophe, and yet he had the audacity to wait for her to confess her wrongs and seek amends?

    While she grappled with life and death, Kristopher was with Lise, who had just indulged in a bit too much alcohol.

    Did he truly deem Carrie¡¯s grievances unfounded? An epiphany struck Carrie with chilling rity.

    In Kristopher¡¯s world, Lise¡¯s whims held more weight than Carrie¡¯s very existence.

    Even the most patient would reach a breaking point when consistently provoked.

    Both Kristopher and Lise had continually scorned her, dismissing her as insignificant.

    Repulsed, Carrie jerked her hand free from his grasp as if shedding ayer of grime, her voice icy and sharp as she said, ¡°Return home? Do you and Ms. Nash share some twisted pleasure, Mr. Norris?

    Wasn¡¯t it enough that I stepped aside for you? Must I now y a part in your charade? So, you¡¯re running back to your first love and trying to create a tangled love triangle, Mr. Norris? While you may enjoy it, I find it utterly disgusting!¡±

    Stunned by her scathing words, Kristopher¡¯s anger red, but he found himself at a loss for words. ¡°Carrie, you¡ª¡±

    Carrie was determined not to get entangled with him any longer.

    She turned sharply and stormed off, her voice cutting through the air. ¡°Enough! You were never a decent husband, let alone a tolerable ex! Now that we¡¯re done, stick with your new love and quit pestering me. What a nuisance!¡±

    With a few strides away, Carrie paused, spun around, and fixed him with a searing re.

    In a swift move, she snatched the soda can right out of his hands¡ªit was rightfully hers, after all.

    Earlier, Kristopher had watched as Carrie purchased two cans of soda and had mistakenly assumed one was intended for him.

    When she reimed it, irritation flickered across his face.

    Since when had Carrie turned so petty, bickering over something as trivial as a soda can?

    Upon reaching the elevator, Carrie bumped into Ruby.

    ¡°I was just digging up some info. Seems the role was nearly yours, but then Lise stepped in, wanting it for herself. Her boyfriend, Kristopher, threw his weight around, backing the production financially to secure her the lead role.

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 Chapter 30

    ?<strong>Chapter 30:</strong>

    The director, though, really favored you; he resisted the pressure enough to set up a second audition for both of you.¡±

    Carrie clenched her jaw, her silence heavy.

    She realized she could have seen iting!

    Lise and Kristopher¡¯s presence wasn¡¯t a coincidence.

    Kristopher hade to pave the way for Lise¡¯s sess.

    Only a fool would think they could rival Lise¡ªit was in as day.

    But then, why had Carrie stepped back?

    A fierce determination lit within her.

    She would contend for the role, even if it meant standing alone.

    In the meeting room, the arrival of Kristopher and Lise together caught everyone off guard.

    It was no secret that Kristopher would spare no expense for Lise¡¯s entry into the production, yet his personal escort to the audition was an umon gesture within their circles.

    Clearly, the rumors were true¡ªLise had always been Kristopher¡¯s beloved one.

    Not wanting to appear negligent, the director hastened to greet them, script in hand and a weing smile on his face. ¡°Mr. Norris, Lise, wee. Here¡¯s the script for today¡¯s audition. You¡¯ll be reading the same scene as Carrie with Stewart, so we can see both your performances side by side.¡±

    Kristopher, taken aback, paused for a moment.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling

    The realization dawned that Carrie was not here to find him. She was here to audition herself.

    He immediately recognized the look on Carrie¡¯s face from earlier¡ªit was the kind of expression reserved for aplete fool.

    He swept his gaze across the room, eventually spotting Carrie tucked away in the most unobtrusive corner.

    Beside her sat Stewart, both of them deeply engaged in conversation, theirughter echoing softly,pletely unaware of Kristopher¡¯s presence.

    The sight of Carrieughing so freely struck Kristopher as a tant affront, especially given her earlier coldness towards him.

    Yet there she was, seemingly enraptured in conversation with someone else.

    Stewart was merely a handsome face with little substance.

    Kristopher wondered what they could possibly find to discuss so animatedly.

    How had Carrie be so chummy with industry folks despite her long hiatus from acting?

    Out of the corner of his eye, Kristopher noticed Stewart sipping from a can of soda, identical to the one Carrie held, which only fueled his annoyance further.

    So, that soda had been meant for him.

    Lise caught the storm brewing on Kristopher¡¯s face and worried they might quarrel here, potentially exposing their rtionship.

    With a quick gesture, she interjected, her voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°I never imagined the director was considering Carrie for the role.¡±

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 Chapter 31

    ?<strong>Chapter 31:</strong>

    Hearing this, Kristopher¡¯s irritation red, and he shot a cold, piercing look toward Elva, who had just entered.

    Had Elva mentioned sooner that Carrie was also auditioning, he could have spared himself today¡¯s embarrassment.

    Elva, under Kristopher¡¯s intense scrutiny, felt a chill run down her spine, though she feigned ignorance.

    Just as Kristopher was about to confront Elva, the director called out, ¡°Is everyone ready? Shall we begin?¡±

    Carrie and Stewart approached, confirming their readiness in unison. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes swept past Kristopher without pausing, rendering himpletely invisible in her world.

    Earned The Right To Compete

    Once Lise gave the nod that she was ready, the director called out, ¡°Alright, Carrie, you¡¯re up first.¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise but held back anyments.

    She nodded firmly, then plunged into her scene alongside Stewart.

    Around thirty minutester, Carrie concluded her audition to a chorus of approving nods.

    Now it was Lise¡¯s turn.

    |??¨¨$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? 1n ??l¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    As Lise started her performance, both the screenwriter and Stewart furrowed their brows.

    She fumbled a line early on, and her delivery began to unravel.

    It was unclear if it was nerves or something else, but she struggled to match Stewart¡¯s pace from that point on.

    Even the director couldn¡¯t mask his dismay with a subtle frown.

    He had intentionally had Carrie audition first, part of a little plot he had cooked up.

    He had given the script for this second audition to Lise well in advance, while Carrie had only received hers today, granting Lise a substantial head start in preparation.

    He had Carrie go first, hoping to pave the way for Lise.

    The strategy was simple¡ªexpose any shorings Carrie might encounter, thus giving Lise the chance to makest-minute tweaks and gain a clear edge.

    However, Lise wasn¡¯t merely subpar¡ªshe waspletely outssed.

    In every aspect¡ªher lines, facial expressions, and on-the-spot creativity¡ªCarrie was the undisputed star.

    Even Kristopher, whose expertise in acting was minimal at best, could discern the ring disparity between the two performances.

    The director, who had until now been preupied with the logistical aspects of the production, now wore a troubled expression, his brow furrowed in dismay.

    Apologizing with a faltering voice, Lise confessed, her eyes welling up as she cast a helpless nce at Kristopher. ¡°I know I let you down this time¡ªI wasn¡¯t at my best.¡±

    ¡°Sorry about that.¡± With a note of frustration tinged with empathy, the director responded, knowing Kristopher was watching, ¡°Since today seems off for you, let¡¯s give it another shot.¡±

    Stewart stepped up once more to perform alongside Lise.

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 Chapter 32

    ?<strong>Chapter 32:</strong>

    On this second attempt, she managed to elevate her performance slightly, just enough to barely make it through.

    Yet, she still fell significantly short of Carrie¡¯s performance.

    The gap in their performances was significant, prompting a need for a closed-door discussion between the director and the screenwriter about the next steps.

    While Stewart was not deeply involved in these deliberations, he took a moment to encourage Carrie, approaching her with a warm, admiring smile. ¡°You did a great job.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze brieflynded on the c in his hand, her smile faint and a little distracted.

    Breaking the brief silence, Stewart earnestly added, ¡°I truly mean it. It¡¯s not merely about the c.¡±

    Just as he spoke, Kristopher drifted into the conversation with a frosty sneer. ¡°Her acting didn¡¯t seem all that remarkable to me.¡±

    Stewart was keenly aware that Kristopher was not just another critic, but the financial backbone of their project.

    Stewart harbored a disdain for Lise¡¯s dependence on such financial backing.

    Although he despised Kristopher for his susceptibility to charm, Stewart wasn¡¯t about to jeopardize the project over pride.

    He took a deliberate gulp of his c, choosing tactful silence as his response and consciously avoiding further engagement with Kristopher.

    Lise, meanwhile, strolled up, her eyes suddenly darting to the drink in Stewart¡¯s grip as though it was a revtion. ¡°Oh, look at that! Ms. Campbell was kind enough to buy Mr. Lopez a c,¡± she dered, an edge of mock surprise in her voice.

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated that the drink Carrie snatched away from Kristopher would wind up in the hands of another.

    To a casual observer, this might well appear as if she were shamelessly cheating in in sight of Kristopher.

    Noticing Kristopher¡¯s mood sour further, a hint of amusement flickered across Lise¡¯s features, though she managed to maintain a poker face.

    She teased with a smirk, ¡°If I had realized a mere can of c could sway you, Mr. Lopez, I¡¯d have grabbed one for you too, just as Ms. Campbell did. Kristopher, care for one? Perhaps I can have someone fetch it for you.¡±

    Kristopher dismissed the offer with a scoff, ncing over at Carrie with a sardonic smirk. ¡°I avoid that sort of rubbish,¡± he retorted sharply. ¡°You frequent such refined ces, Ms. Campbell. So much for being picky¡ªyou seem fine with whateveres your way.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯sments were ostensibly about the c, but the underlying dig was aimed directly at Stewart.

    He insinuated that, following her recent discussion on divorce, she¡¯d swiftly fallen for a lesser-known celebrity. How utterly pathetic could she possibly be?

    Internally, Carrie merely shrugged off his barb with an eye roll.

    In terms of acting prowess, Kristopher was far superior to Lise. His skills were so refined that he could rightfully be dubbed a professional.

    His public aloofness towards her was clearly a strategy to avoid rumors about their marriage.

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 Chapter 33

    ?<strong>Chapter 33:</strong>

    It seemed he was protecting Lise from the scandalousbel of being the other woman.

    Indeed, Kristopher seemed to be going to great lengths to look after his beloved.

    Yet, this scenario yed well into Carrie¡¯s hands too.

    A bit more chatter about her status as a forsaken affluent wife would likely work in her favor.

    After all, genuine rtionships weren¡¯t merely defined by superficialbels.

    Moreover, if he intended to continue pretending they were mere acquaintances in public, he had no grounds to critique Carrie.

    Determined to leave Stewart out of this, Carrie retorted sharply, ¡°Mr. Norris, if you find my choices so unbearable, why involve yourself in this audition where Ms. Nash and Ipete?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s irritation grew as Carrie stood up for Stewart, palpably cooling the air around him.

    ¡°Compete?¡± he sneered, dismissing her words as if she had made aughablement. ¡°Ms. Campbell, perhaps you¡¯re mistaken. You haven¡¯t even qualified topete against Lise.¡±

    Carrie had resolved to move on, steeled her nerves for Kristopher¡¯s cold-heartedness, yet her heart still faltered at his words, a nervous tension gripping her as her fingers curled tightly into her palms.

    She realized with a sinking heart that in his eyes, she didn¡¯t even stand a chance against Lise.

    The moment Lise stepped into the picture, Carrie¡¯s chances seemed to evaporate.

    After a lengthy discussion, the director and screenwriter finally concluded their deliberations and stepped out of the room.

    ¡°Director, have you reached a decision?¡± Lise inquired, her gaze sharp and calcting as she intercepted him with a poised smile.

    Her voice was light, yet her eyes darted briefly towards Carrie, keen to catch any trace of disappointment.

    Lise¡¯s confidence was bolstered by her poprity, Kristopher¡¯s backing, the audition script she had received early, and even a second audition¡ªeverything pointed to a decision in her favor.

    To her, their deliberations were nothing more than a procedural step.

    She almost relished the prospect of witnessing Carrie¡¯s crestfallen face.

    Unexpectedly, the director paused, sharing a tentative look with Kristopher before he spoke. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Norris. While Lise¡¯s audition was impressive and she certainly looks the part, the screenwriter and the original author are unanimous¡ªCarrie embodies the lead character more closely. Would Lise consider epting the role of the secondary lead? What are your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    The words from the director hit Lise with the sting of a p, catching her off guard.

    Unable to mask her reaction, she gasped, her face contorting briefly in dismay.

    Quickly regaining herposure, she painted on a strained smile and conceded, ¡°It appears my skills aren¡¯t quite there yet. Congrattions, Ms. Campbell.¡±

    Before Kristopher could offer any words of constion, Lise gently grasped his sleeve, her voice tender yet firm. ¡°Kristopher, it¡¯s fine. Not securing this role just shows I need to hone my craft further. I promise, I¡¯ll work even harder.¡±

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 Chapter 34

    ?<strong>Chapter 34:</strong>

    At this, Elva couldn¡¯t hide her irritation, her voice dripping with scorn. ¡°Unbelievable! A total neer with zero acting experience snatches the lead role from Lise? Something shady is definitely going on.¡±

    The room fell into an ufortable silence.

    It seemed Elva had conveniently overlooked the reason Kristopher had apanied Lise¡ªit was to help her snatch the role from Carrie, not the other way around.

    ¡°Elva, please, that¡¯s enough,¡± Lise began, reaching out to Elva in an attempt to quell any further outbursts.

    However, her voice faded to a whisper, her strength waning mid-sentence.

    Suddenly, she clutched at her chest, her legs buckling beneath her as she slowly sank to the floor.

    ¡°Lise!¡± The worry was evident on Kristopher¡¯s face as he ran to her side and wrapped her in a tight embrace.

    Swiftly, Elva dialed for an ambnce.

    In the midst of the turmoil, Elva managed to locate a lounge chair for Kristopher to gentlyy Lise down, then she spun around and fixed Carrie with a fierce re. ¡°If anything happens to Lise, you¡¯ll answer for it!¡±

    Lise spoke up cautiously. ¡°Elva, this isn¡¯t Ms. Campbell¡¯s doing. It¡¯s just my frail health.¡±

    She raised her eyes to Carrie, giving a feeble smile. ¡°Ms. Campbell, I apologize if I¡¯ve rmed you. My health is fragile, and emotions often overwhelm me. You shouldn¡¯t hold yourself responsible. This isn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    Elva¡¯s gaze, however, bore into Carrie with undisguised usation. ¡°How can you say it¡¯s not her fault? If she hadn¡¯tpeted with you for the role, would you have exhausted yourself with endless rehearsals and schedules? If something dire happens, how could someone like her possibly make amends?¡±

    Everyone bristled at Elva¡¯s domineering and irrational usations.

    With the influential star and the CEO of Norris Group on one side and an unproven neer on the other, the silence was heavy with unspoken tensions.

    Even Stewart could only offer Carrie a look of empathy, his head subtly shaking as if to advise her to bear the moment.

    Ruby, unable to contain herself any longer, stepped forward to speak her mind, but Carrie halted her with a gesture.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes searched Kristopher¡¯s, seeking confirmation of his thoughts.

    With a face drawn tight with tension, Kristopher fixated on Lise,pletely oblivious to Elva¡¯s sharp usations. Carrie, utterly ignored by him, felt the sting of neglect as keenly as a knife twisting deep within her chest, sending waves of pain and an icy chill cascading through her. With a barely perceptible, rueful smile, Carrie cast her gaze downward. Indeed, she mused silently, expecting anything from him was a fool¡¯s hope.

    She opened her mouth to voice her thoughts. Before she could utter a word, Lise, her face deathly pale, interjected anxiously, ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m really not feeling well. Is the ambnce on its way yet?¡±

    Her fingers tugged at Kristopher¡¯s sleeve with desperate gentleness as she spoke. This plea seemed to snap Kristopher from his distant thoughts. He turned decisively to the director, his voice resolute andmanding. ¡°Double the investment. The Norris Group will ensure every Parisian scene from the novel is brought to life, exactly as written. Lise is the only one who should y this role.¡±

    The original narrative had the characters roaming through Paris, weaving their drama around the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and the grandeur of Versailles. Budget cuts had initially rerouted the story to a less illustrious locale near Orkset.

    Though Carrie outshone Lise in talent, Lise¡¯s celebrity status, amplified by the promise of increased funding, tipped the scales yet again.

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 Chapter 35

    ?<strong>Chapter 35:</strong>

    The director nced at Carrie with a pained expression of apology and, bypassing any form of consultation, dered, ¡°Very well, Lise will take the lead role.¡±

    Carrie, momentarily immobilized by the news, let a mocking smile flicker across her features. She felt no bitterness toward the director¡¯s choice. After all, in the cutthroat world of business, profit always took precedence¡ªno one would jeopardize substantial benefits for a mere acquaintance.

    From the moment of his arrival, Kristopher had been there not for her but to safeguard Lise. Was there any chance at all that someone would stand up for Carrie? Not wanting to dwell on it, she motioned for Ruby to bring the car around and trudged toward the exit.

    ¡°Kristopher, I feel like I¡¯m suffocating,¡± Lise gasped faintly, gripping Kristopher¡¯s sleeve for support.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression immediately clouded with concern. Ignoring the thought of waiting for an ambnce, he scooped Lise into his arms and made for the exit with urgent strides.

    Carrie had resigned herself to despair, but witnessing Kristopher¡¯s evident distress, she stopped in her tracks, the image vividly recalling her own rescue by firefighters days ago.

    Suddenly, Kristopher¡¯s shoulder brushed against hers. He was moving too fast and inadvertently bumped into her. Still nursing a sore calf, Carrie had put weight on her uninjured leg. The sudden jolt threw her off bnce, and she toppled sideways. In a frantic attempt to right herself, she reached out and clutched a nearby folding table. The table buckled under her grasp, unable to bear her weight, and copsed, scattering cups everywhere.

    Carrie tumbled to the floor with a thud, the folding table and cups ttering down onto her leg, dousing the sore spot with scalding water. ¡°Ah!¡± she cried out, her voiceced with unexpected pain.

    Kristopher threw her a brief, sidelong nce at the sound of her distress. However, it was merely a fleeting look. As Lise¡¯s frail groan pierced the air, he coldly turned his back, determinedly escorting her away without a backward nce.

    Carrie was left wondering whether it was the sharp sting in her leg or the profound sorrow in her heart that caused her eyes to flood with tears.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± The director dashed over, his movements brisk as he lifted the folding table that had pinned her down. Stewart was close behind, his hands gentle as he assisted Carrie to her feet.

    He faltered, his voice tinged with hesitation as he ventured, ¡°Should we head to the hospital?¡±

    Amidst the chaos, Carrie barely had a moment to assess her injuries or catch the worried looks exchanged in the room. She responded hastily, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m okay. My agent will take me thereter.¡± With that, she limped through the doorway, her head bowed solemnly.

    She made her escape like Cindere fleeing the ball at the stroke of midnight, though draped in humiliation rather than elegance. Her pride was now as fragmented as scattered shards of ss.

    Carrie had just emerged from the building when she spotted Ruby¡¯s beige car screeching to a stop in front of her.

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 Chapter 36

    ?<strong>Chapter 36:</strong>

    ¡°Should I drive you back to the hotel? Carrie¡­ what happened?¡± Ruby leaned out, poised to help Carrie in, yet as her eyes took in the scene, her expression darkened with worry.

    Ruby immediately unfastened her seatbelt and rushed over to Carrie. Her concern was palpable as she eximed, ¡°I was only away for a few minutes¡ªhow did you end up bleeding so terribly? Where are you injured? Did you stumble and fall?¡±

    Following Ruby¡¯s attentive nce, Carrie looked down and saw her pants were stained with blood around the calf. She managed a weak smile and said with forced calmness, ¡°The burn from that fire the other day hasn¡¯t quite healed. I must¡¯ve bumped it and got hit by some boiling water, probably tore it open again.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s eyes widened in rm. She stooped to lift the hem of Carrie¡¯s pants, her hands hovering uncertainly, wary of inflicting more pain. After a brief hesitation, Ruby straightened, offered her arm to Carrie, and escorted her to the vehicle, swinging the door open. ¡°Get in. I¡¯ll drive you to the hospital to get that checked out.¡±

    Realizing the risks of an improperly healed wound, Carrie didn¡¯t dy.

    She gave a quick nod and cautiously settled into the passenger seat. Ruby selected a reputable hospital, and they reached it in just ten minutes.

    Once there, Ruby guided Carrie to a chair in the bustling lobby and said, ¡°Stay here, I¡¯ll go sign you in.¡±

    As Ruby disappeared into the crowd, Carrie¡¯s gaze wandered across the room and stopped short.

    There was a familiar silhouette. It was Kristopher, clutching a pile of paperwork.

    Carrie¡¯s heart sank as she pieced together for whom those papers were likely meant. Ever the golden boy, Kristopher willingly took care of all the hospital formalities for Lise without a second thought.

    With a bitter twist to her lips, Carrie rose to her feet.

    ¡°Carrie?¡± His familiar voice echoed from behind.

    With purposeful determination, Carrie brushed off Kristopher¡¯s call and continued walking as if she hadn¡¯t heard a thing. Kristopher, however, wasn¡¯t about to let her go so easily. He seized her wrist firmly, demanding, ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Despite her efforts to wrench free¡ªpulling once, then again¡ªKristopher¡¯s hold was unyielding, more like iron mps than fingers.

    Carrie inhaled sharply, faced him with a sh of irritation, and snapped, ¡°We¡¯re in a public hospital, not your personal property, Mr. Norris. What makes you think I shouldn¡¯t be here?¡±

    His suspicions bubbled over as he used her, ¡°Did youe here just because I gave her the lead role? Is that it?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for her to confirm, his tone already shifting as he added, ¡°Look, Carrie, let¡¯s not drag Lise into our issues. This is between you and me.¡±

    With a scoff, Carrie eyed him coldly, her voice dripping with scorn. ¡°Believe me, I have zero interest in you or your darling. It¡¯s purely coincidental that we auditioned for the same part and ended up here at the same time. Now, will you let go of my arm?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s grip remained, though his voice lost some of its edge, softening as he remarked, ¡°Lise is fragile, not cut out for stress. You don¡¯t really need this job, Carrie. Whypete with her?¡±

    He then proposed a deal, trying to coax her agreement. ¡°I¡¯ll buy thend where your mother¡¯s apartment is situated and hand it over to you. Isn¡¯t that a fair trade? You¡¯ve always wanted to fund charity projects. Think about it¡ªyou could start a non-profit nursing home, or maybe amunity park, just like your mom would¡¯ve wanted. I¡¯ll handle all the costs.¡±

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 Chapter 37

    ?<strong>Chapter 37:</strong>

    Watching him closely, Carrie could think of nothing else¡ªshamelessly two-faced.

    He was bncing the pretense of being a devoted husband while clinging to his first love. The man she had once adored now filled her with nothing but disgust. With a scoff of disbelief, Carrie met his gaze directly.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, do you really believe money is the answer to everything?¡±

    Kristopher opened his mouth to respond, but Carrie cut him off sharply.

    ¡°You¡¯re attempting to buy off the job I¡¯ve poured my heart into, just to hand it over to Lise. And now, you¡¯re throwing money around to either cate me or, frankly, to intimidate. Thatnd you¡¯re offering is worth a fortune, isn¡¯t it? You seem ready to sacrifice anything for Lise. Is your love for her truly that deep?¡±

    Their heated exchange captured the attention of nearby patients, who turned their heads toward themotion. Flustered and visibly ufortable, Kristopher grumbled, ¡°Carrie, what foolish nonsense are you even talking about?¡±

    But Carrie¡¯s smile only widened, her toneced with biting irony.

    ¡°Am I wrong? Why must everything be ording to your wishes? Why do you think I don¡¯t need that job opportunity? Don¡¯t I deserve a chance at my own career?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, the lines of his frown deepening. ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your benefit. It¡¯s been two years since you¡¯ve had a steady job. How do you expect to make it in show business?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s thoughts immediately turned to Lise. Was Lise somehow more capable? But then it dawned on her¡ªLise enjoyed Kristopher¡¯s unwavering support, something she had never received. Carrie resolved not to waste her breath arguing with Kristopher. It had be clear to her that changing others was futile; the only change she could enforce was on herself. She couldn¡¯t force Kristopher to treat her as he did Lise, nor could she make him love her. But she could detach herself from the emotional roller coaster of hope and disillusionment.

    With a serene yet pointed tone, Carrie confronted him.

    ¡°Today, I have truly seen the depths of yourmitment to your beloved, Mr. Norris,¡± she said, her smile tinged with bitterness. ¡°Since you are willing to go to such lengths for Lise, why not make it official and make her Mrs. Norris? What¡¯s stopping you from signing the divorce papers? Are you content with keeping the woman you cherish relegated to being the other woman?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s patience wore thin, his tone sharp with exasperation. ¡°I never said I wanted a divorce. You¡¯re beingpletely unreasonable,¡± he retorted, struggling to keep hisposure. ¡°Carrie! I¡¯ve tolerated enough from you already.¡±

    Finding his sanctimonious attitude absurd, Carrie erased the smile from her lips, recing it with a chilling nkness in her gaze. ¡°Let go,¡± she stated tly, the finality in her voice unmistakable.

    With a sharp re and an unyielding stance, Kristopher dered, ¡°ept my offer and step down from the lead role. If thend isn¡¯t sufficient, name your price, I¡¯ll¡­¡±

    Carrie had reached her limit, exhausted from trying to reason with someone so obstinate. Further words seemed futile. Without another word, she bowed her head and sharply bit into his hand.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± Kristopher yelped, the pain loosening his grip immediately.

    Seizing the moment, Carrie wrenched her hand free and dashed away.

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 Chapter 38

    ?<strong>Chapter 38:</strong>

    ¡°Did you just bite me? What are you, some kind of animal?¡± Kristopher yelled after her retreating, limping form, eyeing the angry mark on his wrist.

    After a brief pause, he shook his hand in irritation and decided against pursuing her.

    The phone¡¯s ringtone cut through the air. Kristopher turned away, picked it up abruptly, and demanded, ¡°What now?¡±

    On the other end, Oliver hesitated, sensing Kristopher¡¯s mood was off but unsure why. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s about Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    Before Oliver could continue, Kristopher, still seething, abruptly ended the call.

    He scanned the area¡ªno sign of Carrie. Pulling down his sleeve to cover the bite, he strode off toward Lise¡¯s hospital room.

    Back in the office, Oliver stared at the terminated call, then at the report in his hands detailing Carrie¡¯s injuries from an earlier ident. With a weary exhale, he decided to hold off and share the news when the timing felt calmer.

    In the hospital room, Lise reclined on the bed, herplexion ashen and drained after the blood draw. Kristopher settled in beside her, his brow furrowed with worry as he extended a medical report toward her. ¡°Here¡¯s the report. Everything checks out¡ªyou really shouldn¡¯t overexert yourself like this again.¡±

    Lise¡¯s lips curled into a yful pout, poised to chide him about the dy in retrieving the report. However, catching the distant look in his eyes, she hesitated. The uncertainty of her ce in Kristopher¡¯s life since her return loomedrge in her mind. Furthermore, she wrestled with the fear that Kristopher might feel betrayed by her and Elva¡¯s secretive maneuver to usurp Carrie¡¯s role.

    With a nervous bite of her lip, Lise gently called out, ¡°Kristopher?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kristopher¡¯s tone was brisk, his gaze snapping to her with a hint of anxious concern.

    Masking her anxiety with a feigned concern, Lise murmured softly, ¡°I just realized today that the other candidate the director considered was Ms. Campbell. Do you think she might feel that I was deliberatelypeting against her? I me myself for not clearing the air sooner. When Elva approached you for help, I should have spoken up¡­¡±

    Her voice dwindled to a whisper, burdened with guilt. After a brief pause, as if reaching a painful conclusion, Lise began to cry. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Kristopher. I never meant for you to fight with her. I can step away from this role. There will be other roles I love in the future. Just as long as it means you two won¡¯t argue over me¡­¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s features rxed, his expression melting into something gentler at her words.

    With a tender gesture, he brushed a stray strand of Lise¡¯s hair behind her ear, his lips curving into a soft smile. ¡°Silly girl, the issues between Carrie and me are not your burden to carry. Focus on your recovery and don¡¯t stress about this. I promised you this role, and I intend to keep that promise, regardless of Carrie¡¯s involvement.¡±

    Lise¡¯s smile flickered through her tears. ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯re too kind to me. How fortunate I am to have met you. But still, I can¡¯t help but feel responsible for the misunderstanding with Ms. Campbell. Maybe you should go and talk to her? I wouldn¡¯t want this to escte because of me. I¡¯m familiar with this sort ofplication; I¡¯ll be alright soon.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s just caught up in the drama for now. Don¡¯t worry about her,¡± Kristopher assured her, though the thought of Carrie¡¯s recent thorny attitude brought a frown to his face and a pang of headache.

    Just then, Elva walked in with a stack of papers. ¡°Mr. Norris, the test reports havee out. Everything looks good. It¡¯s all under control. What a relief!¡±

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 Chapter 39

    ?<strong>Chapter 39:</strong>

    Kristopher gave a solemn nod, absorbing her words before turning his attention back to Lise. ¡°I must return to the office now. Oliver wille byter to assist you. If anythinges up, just have Elva direct him on what to do.¡±

    Lise observed the subtle preupation flickering across his face, and a part of her yearned to plead with him to stay. Yet, after a moment¡¯s pause, she offered a supportive smile and responded with gentle understanding, ¡°You should go. I¡¯ll manage on my own.¡±

    After Kristopher had left, Elva swiftly closed the door with a soft click and turned to Lise, her expression glowing with anticipation. ¡°You won¡¯t believe who I encountered earlier!¡±

    Disinterestedly flipping the reports into the bin, Lise raised an eyebrow in mild curiosity. ¡°And who might that be?¡±

    ¡°Carrie Campbell, along with her manager, Ruby Curtis,¡± Elva replied, dragging a chair to sit close by the bed, her voice dripping with gossip. ¡°They were deep in conversation. It turns out Carrie¡¯s recent leg injury, which she neglected, not only reopened today but also suffered burns. It seems it might even scar!¡±

    Lise ceased her absent twirling of her fingers, her attention sharpening. She remembered Albin mentioning a fire at Carrie¡¯s family home that fateful night in the secluded ambiance of the club¡¯s private room. It was bing clear that Carrie was likely at the site when the tragedy urred.

    So, while Carrie was embroiled in a perilous ordeal, Kristopher had been tending to Lise, who was merely battling a slight ailment? A smirk slowly formed on Lise¡¯s lips, a hint of triumph in her gaze.

    Following her departure, Kristopher had hastily entered into a marriage. Initially, Lise thought it was a move to provoke her, but as time unfolded, she began to question whether Carrie truly held any significance in Kristopher¡¯s heart. Looking back, it seemed that she had given Carrie more importance than she truly deserved. Even with the ring on his finger, Lise knew she remained the one who mattered most to him.

    With a barely concealed grin, she casually dismissed the topic. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about her.¡±

    To Lise, Carrie was merely a rival who had already lost the battle. Elva, misunderstanding the context for a professional one, nodded in agreement. ¡°Absolutely, with Mr. Norris in our corner, there¡¯s no cause for concern regarding the role. We just need to be patient for the uing good news.¡±

    ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t you mention something about Carrie and Kristopher having trouble in their marriage?¡± Elva casually steered the conversation. ¡°Lise, think about it. Mr. Norris is a rare catch. With so many eyes on him, now that he¡¯s got a shot at being single again, you need to push harder for that divorce and im your ce as Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Lise, however, remained quiet upon hearing Elva¡¯s strategic advice. Although Elva¡¯s point was reasonable, Lise recalled how her previous haste had only led to setbacks. Sometimes, it was wiser to let things unfold at their own pace.

    Ruby felt a twinge of concern for Carrie¡¯s well-being as she settled alone into the hotel, prompting her to swiftly arrange for Carrie¡¯s move to an apartment directly across from her own that very night.

    Carrie paused at her new doorstep, her gaze flickering to the identical unit across from hers. Curiously, she inquired, ¡°Why do you own two apartments here when you live alone?¡± The location was prime, nestled in the vibrant city center where the price of a single apartment rivaled that of a suburban vi.

    Carrie mulled over Ruby¡¯s financial prowess, wondering about the extent of her wealth that allowed such casual purchases.

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 Chapter 40

    ?<strong>Chapter 40:</strong>

    Ruby responded with an air of nonchnce, ¡°I prefer choosing my own neighbors, and who knows what sort of entric folks I might otherwise end up beside. I figured it¡¯s wiser to secure the entire floor. Luckily, there are just two apartments per level.¡±

    It dawned on Carrie that Ruby was not just affluent but likely hailed from a wealthy lineage.

    After a moment¡¯s reflection, Carrie offered a simple, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Ruby waved off the gratitude. ¡°There¡¯s no need. Once you begin earning, you can start paying rent,¡± she said inly.

    Ruby¡¯s suggestion was clear and carried an underlying tone of assurance. Moreover, Ruby proposed a rent that was surprisingly more affordable than what Carrie had been paying at the budget hotel.

    Their conversation was interrupted when Ruby¡¯s phone vibrated. She answered the call, and Carrie observed as Ruby¡¯s expression gradually became serious with each word she heard.

    After hanging up the phone, Ruby scrolled through Twitter. What she saw next caught her by surprise. The trending section was aze with news about Carrie and Lise, topped by a post boldly dering, ¡°Breaking!¡± #LiseCarrie #Breaking! #LiseHospitalizedDueToWorkRtedStress #CarrieTheMostImpressiveNewActress.

    As she connected the dots, the picture became clear.

    The paparazzi had snapped photos of Lise making another weary trip to the hospital. While a wave of fans expressed their concern, another faction uncovered that the production crew had discreetly scheduled a second audition, pushing Lise to her limits. She had been bncing an already packed agenda, rehearsing relentlessly until itnded her in the hospital.

    The more theizens delved, the more astonishing the revtions became. Lise, amidst this turmoil, was found to bepeting for a role against an obscure neer. Though Lise¡¯s performances were generally seen as average¡ªsufficient to not disrupt a scene¡ªshe did enjoy a modest fanbase and had the support of some powerful industry insiders. Normally, a role was hers for the taking.

    Up until now, Lise had consistentlynded lead roles since her debut. The notion that she might not be the top choice this time, paired against an emerging actress, sent ripples of shock across the entertainment sphere. Everyone was now buzzing with excitement, eager to uncover more about this extraordinary new talent.

    Lise¡¯s fans were in an uproar.

    ¡°What kind of nonsense is this? If herpetitor were a seasoned star, it¡¯d make sense, but Carrie Campbell? I¡¯ve never even heard of her! How did she get to audition alongside Lise? There¡¯s something underhanded at y here for sure!¡±

    ¡°Lise is immensely talented and well-supported. She shouldn¡¯t need to audition for the lead female role at all. And yet, here is this unknown neer with neither fame nor notable roles. Without some behind-the-scenes maniption, this makes no sense!¡±

    ¡°Alright, she might look presentable. But she must have resorted to unsavory means to get here! She¡¯s nowhere near Lise, who is cherished and protected like royalty by our powerful CEO. It¡¯s clear as day.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s unscrupulous, unlike Lise, who would never exploit her position to mistreat others. If it weren¡¯t for the influential figures in her corner, she wouldn¡¯t even be here for a second audition!¡±

    ¡°Hold on, that name does sound familiar. Could it be that she¡¯s been in the industry a long time and just never made a ssh?¡±

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 Chapter 41

    ?<strong>Chapter 41:</strong>

    A tidal wave of condemnation from Lise¡¯s fans surged toward Carrie, escting the controversy. As the debate intensified, it attracted a crowd of onlookers, sparking a mix of opinions as the drama unfolded.

    ¡°I was right there at the set during the initial auditions, rooting for the other hopefuls for the lead role, and I got a glimpse of Carrie. I don¡¯t know much else, but she¡¯s absolutely breathtaking¡ªa true standout, far surpassing the so-called elite actresses. Frankly, Lise falls far short of her!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s face it, Lise¡¯s performances have beenckluster. Beyond her debut drama, her subsequent roles have all seemed repetitive, safely within her wheelhouse. It seems more like sheer luck and perhaps a few strategic connections that keep her in the limelight, doesn¡¯t it? It¡¯s hardly shocking that she didn¡¯t make the cut after those auditions.¡±

    However, as dissentingments started surfacing, Lise¡¯s fans were quick to shut them down. They offeredpelling evidence arguing that Carrie, a mere neer, was out of her leaguepeting for a leading role against a well-known actress like Lise. Surely, someone influential had to be backing her.

    Within the entertainment world, Lise¡¯s credentials were well-known, built on a strong and impressive foundation. Yet, Carrie had dared topete with Lise, evidently thanks to the backing of some formidable sugar daddy, just as Lise¡¯s fans had suggested. Her striking beauty further cemented this perception, drawing even the most casual observers into conceding that Lise¡¯s fans might be right.

    People often struggled to turn a blind eye to the ws of those blessed with striking beauty. In an instant, Carrie¡¯s standing plummeted before she could even fully embrace her newfound fame, sending her public image into a freefall.

    In the sterile confines of the hospital room, Lise was engrossed in her phone, scrolling through social media. A smirk crept across her face as she absorbed the cascade of iratements directed at Carrie. Radiating vitality, she seemed reborn¡ªa stark contrast to the pallid, fragile figure she had been just hours earlier during her encounter with Kristopher.

    Meanwhile, Ruby spoke with a serene, unshakable calm, effortlessly putting Carrie¡¯s mind at ease. ¡°Don¡¯t stress over the trending situation. I¡¯ll sort it out¡ªyou just focus on getting some rest at home.¡±

    With a quick nod of acknowledgment from Carrie, Ruby hurried off. Left alone, Carrie felt a wave of helplessness wash over her as she made her way back to her apartment. The loft sprawled over 90 square meters, ample space for solitude. Ruby had thoughtfully tidied the ce up, leaving it spotless. Its minimalist white d¨¦cor, ented by warm lighting and crisp, new bed linens, enveloped the space in a soothing aura.

    Carrie refreshed herself quickly and changed into her pajamas. She then copsed onto the bed, the softness weing her tired body. Barely had she reclined when her mind was yanked back to the chaos of trending topics. Despite being a neer, she was catapulted into the public eye as though she stood on equal footing with Lise. It seemed surreal that she could stir up such a storm without some powerful maniptor.

    The more she pondered, the more Carrie became convinced that Lise¡¯s influential connections were orchestrating the spectacle. Instead of acting on impulse, Carrie made up her mind to turn to her insightful friend, Camille Nixon, for advice.

    Camille wasn¡¯t just any friend. She was the progeny of a titan in the nation¡¯s entertainment industry, making her a bona fide heiress. With her father being a towering figure in the film and television world, Camille had naturally cultivated a fascination with the morous realm of celebrities. Her financial freedom had facilitated intimate connections with stars, paparazzi, and influential media circles, transforming her into a walking archive of entertainment industry gossip.

    Over the years, Carrie had gleaned countless pieces of celebrity chatter from Camille, most of which had proven urate. So, Carrie texted Camille, detailing the entire conundrum. It didn¡¯t take long for Camille to respond. ¡°Do we really need to dig deeper? I¡¯m sure Lise is behind this!¡± she wrote, but proceeded to verify her hunch anyway.

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 Chapter 42

    ?<strong>Chapter 42:</strong>

    Momentster, Camille dropped a bombshell in Carrie¡¯s inbox¡ªa screenshot that confirmed her suspicions. Armed with this revtion, Carrie wasted no time in forwarding the scoop to Ruby.

    Ruby, who had been attempting to downy the situation, couldn¡¯t contain her reaction. A flurry of voice notes ensued. ¡°We¡¯ve got the leverage now to expose the puppeteer behind this mess. I recall there was some off-the-record footage from the auditions. I¡¯m on it. Once we get our hands on those videos, we can really put that bitch in her ce.¡±

    ¡°By the way, is there some hidden grudge between you two? Why does she keeping after you? From the moment you entered the showbiz, she¡¯s been stepping on your toes, and now this! It looks like she¡¯s trying to drive you out of the industry! Probably feeling invincible with Mr. Norris¡¯s support behind her. But don¡¯t worry, this time I¡¯m going to ensure she faces the consequences. We can¡¯t let her think she can just trample over us!¡±

    The circumstances surrounding the second audition, involving just two candidates and the financial implications, pushed the director to forgo proper documentation¡ªsomething Lise had probably anticipated, knowing Carrie had no way to prove her innocence.

    Carrie mentioned this to Ruby. Ruby shed a knowing smile and insisted, ¡°How about we dig up Lise¡¯s first audition record? Even with more actresses in the mix, her unremarkable performance stillnded her the lead role. If that were made public, it would surely cause an uproar and might even lead someone to teach her a lesson.¡±

    Carrie trusted Ruby¡¯s knack for strategypletely and didn¡¯t feel the need to add anything more. Just then, she received an unexpected message from herwyer, who had been helping with her scriptwriting agreements. ¡°Ms. Spencer, are you asleep?¡±

    The contract had been sealed. Carrie was taken aback by the inquiry. With a puzzled expression, she responded, ¡°No, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Thewyer, soundingposed but direct, informed her, ¡°Thepany that purchased your script, Silver Elephant Media, is requesting a meeting with you.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Carrie¡¯s voice carried a hint of suspicion as she arched an eyebrow. Her preference had always been to steer clear of intricate social exchanges, having delegated the entirety of her script¡¯s copyright dealings to her legal representatives, thus avoiding direct interactions with buyers. This unprecedented request for a face-to-face meeting piqued her curiosity.

    Thewyer exined, ¡°They are quite enthusiastic about your screeny and are gearing up topete with another drama, ¡®Raging Sun.¡¯ Lise Nash has already secured the lead role in that project, and with every other potential contender otherwise engaged, they¡¯re keen on granting audition opportunities to every actress who¡¯s interested in the role of the female lead. They value your insights as the script¡¯s original creator and want your presence.¡±

    A realization dawned on Carrie at that moment.

    The character in her script was a mirror reflection of herself¡ªno one could embody that role as perfectly as she could. Lise had usurped not just her husband but also her role, all while attempting to tarnish her reputation. It was evident that Lise aimed to suppress her. Yet, despite beingpliant at times, Carrie had her limits. Faced with diminishing opportunities to counter these affronts, fate had finally thrown her a bone.

    With a surge of determination, sheposed a reply. ¡°No need for all this fuss. I already have the ideal female lead in mind. Could you arrange a meeting with them?¡±

    As dusk descended, the grand facade of the Norris Group¡¯s headquarters, located not far from Carrie¡¯s apartment, was predominantly dark, except for a single office where the lights remained aze. Kristopher was perched behind his desk, his fingers drumming an erratic beat against the sleek surface. In the quiet of the office, Oliver approached with a report on the current social media frenzy.

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 Chapter 43

    ?<strong>Chapter 43:</strong>

    ¡°Thetest online sentiment regarding Mrs. Norris is quite negative. Would you like me to quell the trending topic?¡± he asked, his voiceced with hesitation, as he gauged Kristopher¡¯s reaction. The dynamic between Carrie and Kristopher had grown tense recently, leaving Oliver reluctant to take matters into his own hands.

    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Kristopher dered, his tapping ceasing abruptly. His eyes darkened as theynded on the faint bite mark adorning his wrist, and a sardonic smile twisted his lips. ¡°If Carrie thinks she can thrive on her own, let her face this challenge alone. If she falters with something as trivial as a trending topic, how does she expect to survive the cutthroat world of showbiz?¡±

    ¡°Very well, Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver responded, his tone reflecting relief that he had posed the question. Just as he was about to leave, Kristopher gave a reminder. ¡°However, keep Lise out of this. She¡¯s emotionally fragile, and undue stress could harm her health. Keep an eye on thements to make sure she doesn¡¯t get caught up in the drama.¡±

    Oliver, taken aback by the unexpected directive, opened his mouth to respond but thought better of it upon seeing Kristopher¡¯s detached expression. He nodded silently and retreated. Kristopher observed Oliver¡¯s hesitancy before thetter exited, but remained indifferent.

    Leaning back, Kristopher inteced his fingers beneath his chin, his thoughts drifting to Carrie. Her determination to leave him and pursue independence, even at the cost of their marriage, was palpable. He was content to wait for her inevitable struggle, believing it would eventually drive her back into his protective embrace. In his mind, she would soon realize the benefits of being Mrs. Norris and the shelter his influence provided. He was prepared to wait for her return, confident in the inevitability of her surrender.

    Just then, Kristopher¡¯s phone buzzed insistently. He cast a wary nce at the illuminated screen before reluctantly pressing the answer button. The moment the connection snapped into ce, he was greeted by the anxious tones of his grandmother, Mny Norris. Her voice, thick with concern, permeated the line.

    ¡°Kristopher, where are you right now? Oliver told me Carrie got hurt. How is she coping with the injury? You know how important appearances are to a young woman. What if it scars? How will she feel confident in skirts again? Make sure you take great care of her!¡±

    The mention of an injury widened Kristopher¡¯s eyes in surprise, a flicker of confusion shadowing his features. Yet, he managed to keep his voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m still at the office, Grandma. Her recovery is going smoothly.¡±

    As he spoke, shes of Carrie¡¯s bandaged leg and the hospital visit surged in his thoughts, connecting the scattered pieces. Carrie had indeed been at the location of the recent fire¡ªpossibly hurt during the chaos. A twinge of something, a blend of concern and remorse, tugged subtly at his heartstrings, casting a shadow over his mood.

    On the other end of the line, Mny¡¯s voice softened, filled with heartfelt advice. ¡°Kristopher, remember she¡¯s the one you chose to marry. It¡¯s your duty to cherish and protect her. Don¡¯t let your aloof nature push her away, especially now. She¡¯s likely quite shaken by the fire ordeal. Don¡¯t forget to offer her your support andfort.¡±

    She paused, her tone turning reflective. ¡°Your grandfather and I will be back at the Norris Mansion in a few days. We¡¯d love it if you both could visit. Bring Carrie along, won¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Kristopher responded curtly, dismissing Mny before hanging up. He promptly dialed an internal number.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, how can I help you?¡± Oliver, who had been called back without warning, wore a look of confusion until he met Kristopher¡¯s steely gaze.

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 Chapter 44

    ?<strong>Chapter 44:</strong>

    ¡°What¡¯s thetest on the fire investigation? And howe my grandmother knew about Carrie¡¯s ident before I did?¡± It dawned on Oliver then. He immediately exined, ¡°Your grandmother called earlier to inquire about Mrs. Norris¡¯s condition. I had no choice but to disclose the truth about her injury.¡±

    As for¡­ ¡°And regarding Carrie¡¯s injury¡­¡± Oliver paused, recalling how the conversation had abruptly ended when he brought up Carrie¡¯s name, as Kristopher had cut the call short.

    Choosing his words carefully, he began tentatively, ¡°I was about to inform you of Mrs. Norris¡¯s ident, but at that time, Ms. Nash had just suffered a heart issue during her audition, and you rushed her to the hospital.¡±

    The memory hit Kristopher like a sh.

    He remembered crossing paths with Carrie as he hurried Lise to emergency care, and theirter encounter at the hospital. At that moment, he had assumed Carrie¡¯s fall was a ploy for his attention. Could it be that she had been at the hospital for a genuine follow-up on her own injury? He realized he might have misjudged her intentions.

    Kristopher¡¯s features subtly tensed. Oliver, perceptive of the shift in his boss¡¯s expression, cautiously continued, ¡°The fire was quite fierce at that moment, and several media outlets managed to snap photographs at the scene. I spoke with the doctor who treated Mrs. Norrister. He described her wounds as severe, almost revealing the bone beneath. Thankfully, though severe, they missed any critical structures. She¡¯s likely facing a long journey of cosmetic surgeries and various treatments to healpletely. He even said that had the injuries been slightly off, they could have restricted her ability to walk.¡±

    Oliver had brought the relevant documents earlier, secured in a file folder, but only now had Kristopher gotten the chance to ask about them. As he did, Oliver quickly sifted through the stack of documents, pulling out the medical records and photographs andying them before Kristopher.

    Kristopher caught sight of a photo of Carrie being rescued, her face darkened with soot, stripped of her usual poise, her eyes wide with a blend of fear and confusion. His eyes then drifted to her leg, elegant and straight, yet marred by a grievous wound. Considering her delicate nature, it astonished him that she had not spoken of her injuries.

    He had always ensured she lived a life of luxury. Yet, seeing her endure such agony now stirred a sharp twinge of heartache in him, mingled with a deep-seated guilt. Kristopher slid the photos face down on the table, his eyes shifting away as he instructed, ¡°Handle this. Control the media narrative¡ªwhether it¡¯s Lise or Carrie, keep it under wraps. And clear my schedule for tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°I need everything canceled. I¡¯m going to the hotel myself to bring her back.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Oliver responded with a nod, a wave of relief washing over him. The continual strain of his boss¡¯s marital troubles had worn him thin, but this time, Kristopher seemed genuinely concerned for Carrie, not just for Lise.

    Meanwhile, Ruby was making noticeable progress. The cameraman who had been tasked with capturing behind-the-scenes footage had indeed recorded the crucial audition scenes. However, wary of crossing the production team and Kristopher, he hesitated to hand over the footage to Ruby. But Ruby, hailing from a well-connected, affluent family, wasn¡¯t one to give up easily. She dangled a more lucrative job offer and a substantial reward before him, ultimately securing the coveted video.

    With adept editing, she uploaded the audition clip to Twitter. The apanying caption read: ¡°Rumors im my artist secured a second audition by dubious means. We stand by our integrity and refuse to tolerate nder. Here¡¯s the behind-the-scenes footage for everyone to see. We invite your feedback and oversight on Carrie¡¯s performance. Moreover, we urge those unaware of the full story not to spread rumors, as we¡¯ll protect Carrie¡¯s name through legal means if necessary.¡±

    She slipped into a private chat with Carrie, urging her to share the message on Twitter. Carrie¡¯s ount, marked with the tform¡¯s blue check but silent for years aside from one automated tweet, felt like an empty shell. Despite being bolstered by ten thousand fake followers¡ªa scheme concocted by thepany¡ªreal engagement was virtually non-existent.

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 Chapter 45

    ?<strong>Chapter 45:</strong>

    Undeterred by herck of active followers, Carrie promptly shared Ruby¡¯s tweet with a personal touch, stating, ¡°I¡¯m dedicating myself to my craft and aspiring to excel as an actress.¡±

    Once the tweet hit the inte, it ignited immediate buzz. Lise¡¯s fervent fans, supplemented by paidmenters, swarmed the post.

    Theyvished Lise with undue praise while casting disparaging remarks at Carrie. As the conversation expanded, casual observers began to weigh in. They pointed out the ring disparity in talent between Carrie and Lise and criticized the hollow adoration from Lise¡¯s fans. This shift in the dialogue brought a new angle to the forefront.

    ¡°Carrie truly eclipses Lise in acting prowess! How did Lise¡¯s unremarkable performances garner such acim? She has never transformed into her characters. It seems fans nowadays follow blindly.¡±

    ¡°Carrie is absolutely breathtaking. Is she really not wearing any makeup? Can¡¯t wait to see more of her work!¡±

    ¡°Carrie effortlessly matches strides with my favorite actor, Stewart, in her scenes. That¡¯s no small feat for a neer! Fans of Lise, are you seeing this? Maybe your idol should consider a different career path and leave the spotlight to the true talents.¡±

    ¡°How could the production team of ¡®zing Sun¡¯ even think of casting Lise as the lead? As someone who adores the original novel, I firmly believe Carrie deserves that role.¡±

    ¡°Could it be that Lise,cking in talent, demanded a second audition, pushing the director to this decision? Using her connections to secure roles is one thing, but undermining a budding talent like Carrie is crossing a line, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Carrie scrolled through thements, a warmth blossoming in her chest. She had trended online before, but the wave of support she witnessed now was unprecedented. Regret tinged her thoughts. Had she devoted herself more diligently to her craft in the past years, perhaps she wouldn¡¯t find herself fighting so hard to prove her worth now.

    Thankfully, the discerning eyes of her supporters saw through the veneer of industry politics. Abruptly, the doorbell echoed through her apartment.

    Startled, Carrie paused just as Ruby began pounding on the door, her voiceced with urgency. ¡°Carrie, you won¡¯t believe this! The Norris Group¡¯s calling us! Do you think they¡¯re reaching out to hold us ountable?¡±

    Carrie was abruptly awakened, her fury simmering as she flung the covers off and stomped barefoot to the door. Although she had blocked Kristopher¡¯s and Oliver¡¯s numbers, it hadn¡¯t crossed her mind that they would contact Ruby instead. Her rage intensified. The audacity they had to overshadow her, tarnish her reputation, and then deny her a chance to respond was infuriating. With each infuriating thought, her anger surged.

    She yanked the door open and snatched the phone from Ruby¡¯s hands. ¡°Hand it over!¡± Rubyplied without objection, gently offering the phone to Carrie while advising, ¡°Just listen to what they have to say, okay? Try to stay calm.¡±

    Carrie clenched her jaw but remained silent. Alright. Her curiosity got the better of her. After steadying herself with a deep breath, she lifted the phone and said in a cold, cutting tone, ¡°What do you want?¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± Oliver began politely from the other end. ¡°Mr. Norris is aware of the trending topics. He¡¯s asked me to handle it, so it¡¯ll be resolved shortly and won¡¯t cause you any trouble.¡±

    Carrie stood rigid, momentarily paralyzed by the revtion. She struggled toprehend that Kristopher was actively working to erase the hashtags targeting her. A fissure seemed to form in the icy shell encasing her heart, causing her to clutch the doorknob even tighter. Her frosty heart showed signs of thawing, if only slightly. Yet, she swiftly suppressed these budding emotions.

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 Chapter 46

    ?<strong>Chapter 46:</strong>

    She shook her head in denial. Deep down, she understood this wasn¡¯t truly about her welfare. They were still legally married, and in the eyes of the world, she upheld the dignity of the Norris family as Kristopher¡¯s wife. She surmised that his actions were likely motivated by preserving the family¡¯s image, rather than her personal well-being.

    Carrie struggled to maintain herposure, reminding herself to remain logical, but found her chilly heart reluctantly softening. After ending the call, she checked Twitter. As Oliver had promised, the once-persistent negative trend had vanished, erased as though it had never been. A subtle smile unknowingly spread across Carrie¡¯s face.

    Ruby also noticed it, and she chuckled. ¡°Can you believe it? Even Mr. Norris seems to have a conscience after all. Shame it had to take such chaos to bring it out. But, honestly, this whole debacle? Totally his doing. If he hadn¡¯t been backing Lise, she never would have been so brazen. Absolutely, he could wipe those trending topics off the inte in a heartbeat. He owes us that much, so let¡¯s not pat him on the back just yet. We were already sorting things out ourselves. He¡¯s definitely still in our debt for that role!¡±

    As Carrie listened to Ruby, a deep sense of understanding settled within her. It was clear as day to everyone that Kristopher was the source of the turmoil. If he hadn¡¯t fumbled everything up, Carrie wouldn¡¯t have been cheated out of a role that was hers by right. Lise wouldn¡¯t have had the chance to trample over her ambitions so easily. Ultimately, everything traced back to Kristopher, and his efforts to remove the trending topic were likely just a tactic to salvage his family¡¯s reputation.

    Carrie realized she had no reason to feel grateful for him doing what was expected, yet a wryugh escaped her lips. Suddenly, Ruby, who had been browsing her phone, burst out in exasperation.

    She said, ¡°This is just ludicrous! I got ahead of myself too quickly. They pulled your trending topic, sure, but they also took down the audition clips I posted! Now, we¡¯ve lost any evidence of the sh between you and Lise. Even her terrible acting clip got censored! I poured my heart into securing that video. I figured it would illuminate your abilities, yet it vanished in an instant! Countless fans missed their chance to see it!¡±

    Carrie, her curiosity piqued, snatched up her phone and flicked through Twitter. Ruby¡¯s predictions hade true once again. Every whisper of conversation about Carrie and Lise had dissolved into nothingness. It wasn¡¯t merely her trending issue that had been purged. The hashtags #LisePoorActing and #LiseSelfDestruction, which had climbed the trending charts thanks to Ruby¡¯s uploaded audition clips, had also been meticulously erased. Even the supportive remarks that had previously cast Carrie¡¯s talents in a more favorable light than Lise¡¯s were nowhere to be found.

    She clenched her teeth, desperately searching for any mention of herself and Lise. Queries about Lise still pulled up old trending discussions and content. But searches for Carrie? They yielded a stark void. Every trace of her previous mentions had been scrubbed clean.

    Ruby¡¯s face was a mask of fury as she spat out the words, ¡°So, it turns out Kristopher was never on our side. He¡¯s been covering for Lise all along. He¡¯s petrified that she¡¯ll be mocked, so he scrubbed the trending topic clean. Now, there¡¯s no trace left for anyone to even whisper about it.¡±

    Her voice rose with every word, her hands clenching tightly. ¡°What¡¯s even more infuriating is that he didn¡¯t stop at hiding her stories; he obliterated everything about you too. Just as people began to notice your talent, he snuffed it out like it was nothing!¡± The injustice of it made Ruby¡¯s chest heave with raw anger.

    Carrie calmly locked her phone, a cold, mocking smile curving her lips. The whole situation struck her as absurd. She had endured a relentless onught of cruel remarks all night, without a hint of support from Kristopher. Yet, the instant Lise was criticized for her audition, he jumped into action to sanitize the mess. A bitter sneer twisted her features. It was undeniable¡ªLise was his priority, always first in line.

    Kristopher¡¯s world seemingly revolved solely around Lise, relegating Carrie to the shadows, barely more than a fleeting thought. Carrie realized the agony of the fire hadn¡¯t been enough. Her heart hadn¡¯t yet broken entirely back then. Reflecting on their two-year marriage, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder what it truly meant to him. He wasn¡¯t devoid of emotions, yet it seemed all his care and concern were reserved exclusively for Lise, as if Carrie was merely a ghost in their shared existence.

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 Chapter 47

    ?<strong>Chapter 47:</strong>

    Carrie had never been so deeply disappointed in Kristopher.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she muttered, her voice raspy as she attempted to calm Ruby. ¡°We lost this round. Next time might be different, who knows?¡±

    Ruby continued to stamp her feet, her frustration evident. ¡°It¡¯s so infuriating! With anyone else, I could have leveraged my family¡¯s influence to gain an edge, but we¡¯re up against Mr. Norris! He¡¯s the top CEO in the country; no one wields his level of influence. Lise is incredibly fortunate to have his support, under any circumstances. It¡¯s maddening¡ªhow I wish he was in your corner instead!¡±

    Carrie turned to face her, feeling a mix of emotions. The notion seemed far-fetched. Lise was the one he truly cherished. Kristopher would never stand by Carrie¡¯s side with the same devotion he showed to Lise. But Carrie dismissed the thought with a shake of her head. She was no delicate flower in need of protection.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it all just a game of power?¡± Carrie said with a light chuckle, locking eyes with Ruby. ¡°I don¡¯t need to ride on anyone¡¯s coattails. I¡¯m capable of forging my own path, gaining my own power.¡±

    Ruby, caught off guard, paused and peered into Carrie¡¯s eyes, suddenly witnessing a fierce spark of determination that took her by surprise. That unexpected disy of resolve in Carrie¡¯s gaze left Ruby momentarily speechless.

    Ruby, ever the pragmatist, leveled with Carrie. ¡°Sure, dreams are enticing, but let¡¯s not kid ourselves¡ªthe reality doesn¡¯t always y fair. With Lise¡¯s unexined grudge against you, if you snag a role she¡¯s eyeing, she might sabotage it. That kind of stunt could tarnish your reputation in the industry.¡±

    ¡°That won¡¯t happen,¡± Carrie replied with unwavering confidence. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about roles. Kristopher may be influential, but he¡¯s not omnipotent. Not everyone dances to his tune. Just securing a role will put me in the spotlight, ensuring I don¡¯t just vanish into obscurity. What I need from you is to help me pick the right scripts.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s resolve bolstered Ruby¡¯s spirits, injecting a dose of courage. ¡°All right, let¡¯s get this started!¡±

    The following day, at the flower shop, a Rolls Royce rested by the curb. Inside, Kristopher lounged in the back seat, his face partially cloaked in shadows. His eyes snapped open as they caught the vibrant disy of fuchsia Freud roses by the entrance. ¡°I¡¯ll take 99 of those,¡± hemanded.

    Oliver, wary of Kristopher¡¯s sharp gaze, hesitated before pointing out, ¡°Mrs. Norris usually prefers the dusty pink roses.¡± Kristopher, intent on mending bridges, knew he couldn¡¯t afford any slip-ups, not even with a bouquet.

    Bewildered, Kristopher knitted his brows together. ¡°Aren¡¯t they all just roses? Why does the color matter so much?¡±

    Flowers were far from his area of expertise. He recalled Lise mentioning her fondness for fuchsia Freud roses during a stroll past a flower shop, where the proprietor had informed him of their hefty price tag. For Kristopher, the value of flowers boiled down to their cost. Massaging his forehead, he tried to avoid getting caught up in this trivial matter.

    With a dismissive wave of his hand, he dered, ¡°Just pick up 99 of those roses you mentioned.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Oliver replied, his relief palpable as he exited the vehicle and made his way to the flower shop. Meanwhile, Kristopher remained seated in the car, idly checking the time on his exclusive, high-end watch. The hour hand aligned with the ten on its meteorite-studded moon dial¡ªa rare piece from a renowned luxury brand.

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 Chapter 48

    ?<strong>Chapter 48:</strong>

    His agenda for the day included fetching Carrie from her hotel and treating her to lunch, followed by aprehensive medical examination at the hospital.

    Carrie had a penchant for ying up her grievances to capture his attention, recently even resorting to threats of divorce to underscore her displeasure. If she bore any visible scars, Kristopher knew she would leverage them to stir up drama for years. Moreover, her delicateplexion made any blemish particrly conspicuous and unappealing. The mere thought exacerbated his headache.

    His musings were cut short by the sweet chime of his phone. Answering the call with nonchnce, he was greeted by Elva¡¯s anxious tone. ¡°Mr. Norris! Lise¡¯s heart issue has red up once more!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kristopher inquired, his voiceden with concern.

    Elva paused, searching for the right words. Then she replied, ¡°Last night, there was some confusion¡ªpossibly the production team¡¯s oversight¡ªthey seemed to have sponsored some hashtags about the audition. When Lise¡¯s fans started attacking Carrie, she retaliated by leaking clips from the audition. You know Lise¡ªher skills might not be top-notch, but her dedication is undeniable. Unfortunately, the leaked footage sparked a fierce online debate, and critics used Lise of underhanded methods to nab roles. It really got to her. Being naturally sensitive, Lise took the criticism to heart. As soon as I heard about the bacsh, I dashed to get her something to help her rx, hoping it would ease her into sleep. But by then, she was already overwhelmed, sobbing uncontrobly under her covers until exhaustion took over, leading her into a fitful sleep gued by nightmares.¡±

    She then exined further, her tone filled with worry, ¡°This morning, she was a mess¡ªpanic-stricken, heart pounding. I was so rmed that I called an ambnce. It took some time, but we managed to calm her down. That¡¯s when I contacted you.¡±

    Kristopher pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling sharply. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell Oliver to block all posts rted to this immediately? How on earth did shee across it?¡±

    Elva hesitated, her words halting. ¡°This one¡¯s on me. I was so wrapped up in my worries after the news broke that I lost track of my surroundings. While I was hashing things out with my assistant in the hallway, I didn¡¯t realize Lise was overhearing every word. Despite your quick grasp of the trends, it still hit her hard.¡±

    There were even callsing in for her at midnight¡ªpeople insulting her harshly. I can¡¯t fathom who would orchestrate such a thing.

    Her voice shook with emotion. ¡°You¡¯ve always been there for Lise since the very start of her career. She¡¯s never faced such tant hostility. The barrage of online criticism is enough to unnerve even the most resilient, and she¡¯s particrly fragile. Mr. Norris, I truly didn¡¯t intend to drag you into this mess, but¡­¡±

    Kristopher cut in, a firm resolve in his tone. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m already on my way to see her.¡±

    A faint smile touched Elva¡¯s lips. ¡°Mr. Norris, Lise will be thrilled to know you¡¯reing. A chat might just be what she needs to break the cycle of her worries. Oh, and perhaps bring along some roses? She loves those flowers dearly, and seeing them could bring a smile to her face.¡±

    No sooner had Kristopher disconnected than Oliver stepped in, carrying an impressivelyrge bouquet of roses.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, these just came in by air. I believe Mrs. Norris will be delighted with them.¡±

    Kristopher only flicked a fleeting nce their way. ¡°Lise is struggling with heartplications. We won¡¯t be stopping at the hotel. We¡¯re heading straight to the hospital.¡±

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 Chapter 49

    ?<strong>Chapter 49:</strong>

    Oliver blinked, caught off guard. ¡°What about Mrs. Norris, then?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s tone was unwavering as he asserted, ¡°We¡¯re staring down a life-and-death situation. It¡¯s clear what needs to take priority.¡±

    Understanding dawned on Oliver, his expression dimming slightly in resignation.

    Adding a final directive, Kristopher remarked, ¡°Be sure to pick up 99 of those roses.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Oliver responded, his toneden with a mix of duty and hesitation. He chose to hold back any further questions.

    He carefully arranged the roses¡ªdark pink and elegantly wrapped in crisp white paper and gauze¡ªon the passenger seat and made his way back to the flower shop.

    Kristopher inspected the bouquet in his car with a critical eye. These flowers, rich in hue and wrapped with more sophistication than the typical red, caught the light beautifully.

    Shortly thereafter, Oliver reappeared with an additional bouquet, cing it gently beside the first. He then slid into the driver¡¯s seat, ignited the engine, and they were off.

    The hospital was only a short distance away, and they made it there swiftly.

    Once parked, Oliver sprang from the car and swung open the back door with a flourish.

    Roses in hand, Kristopher stepped out briskly, and they paced quickly toward the hospital¡¯s bustling entrance. All the while, hidden cameras discreetly documented their every move, capturing the urgency of their journey.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where magic happens

    In the hospital room, Lise rested on the bed, herplexion ashen and her lips colorless, appearing even frailer than on previous asions. As Kristopher entered the room, she was about to greet him, but her attention was captured by the roses that Oliver held discreetly behind him. Her eyes sparkled with delight. ¡°They¡¯re gorgeous!¡± she eximed with a weak but genuine smile.

    Gently, she attempted to sit up, propping herself on her elbows. ¡°Please, stay down,¡± Kristopher urged, swiftlying to her aid. He tenderly supported her by the head, easing her back onto the pillow with care.

    Just then, Elva walked in with Lise¡¯s medication, catching the tender scene. She approached briskly, her voiceced with concern. ¡°You need to rest. ¡®zing Sun¡¯ is about to begin production. How do you n to join the team if you don¡¯t look after yourself? We can¡¯t afford to vite the contract due to your health.¡±

    Oliver set the roses beside her bed and quietly exited.

    Lise reached out, her fingers lightly caressing the petals as she smiled warmly at Elva. ¡°You worry too much, Elva.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed in thought, his voice soft and hesitant as he broached a delicate subject. ¡°Perhaps¡­ it might be time to consider leaving the industry. I can provide for you in any way you need. If you¡¯re passionate about acting, maybe stepping into a role as a producer could suit you¡­¡±

    Lise shook her head, her smile still in ce but her eyes serious. ¡°I¡¯m not like Ms. Campbell, Kristopher. I couldn¡¯t bear the thought of being dependent on someone else. Whether it¡¯s the Norris family or anyone else, they all seem to think I¡¯m just after your fortune¡­¡±

    Interrupting her, Kristopher asserted firmly, ¡°Lise, I¡¯ve never believed that, and you shouldn¡¯t be concerned with their opinions.¡±

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 Chapter 50

    ?<strong>Chapter 50:</strong>

    Lise cast her eyes downward, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. ¡°Even if I manage to shrug off their idle chatter, I can¡¯t quite shake off my own feelings. I¡¯ve always been hesitant around you. You shine like a star, while I feel like a quiet flower in the shadows. Acting¡­ it lends me a sense of value, making me feel as though I deserve to be by your side, even if it¡¯s merely as apanion¡­¡±

    Her voice trailed off, softer now, infused with a tinge of mncholy that matched her tired demeanor.

    ¡°I understand,¡± Kristopher finally responded, breaking the lingering silence with a nod of eptance. He found it difficult to decline her requests, unlike how he might with others. Gently, he adjusted the nket around Lise, tucking her in warmly, and advised softly, ¡°Remember what the doctor said. I¡¯ll worry if you fall ill. Moreover, I respect your decisions. Beyond acting, let Elva handle the mundane worries. If she finds them too burdensome, I¡¯ll step in to support you.¡±

    Elva, who had been listening, let out a heavy sigh. ¡°Lise is simply too innocent to y their cunning games. It was just a handful of unfounded rumors on some gossip sites¡ªthey¡¯ll be forgotten soon enough. But¡­¡± She paused, reluctant to bring up Carrie directly, so she mentioned Carrie¡¯s manager instead. ¡°That manager, Ruby Curtis, seized on the buzz, pulled a few strings, and leaked audition footage. Theizens, always quick to judge and quick to envy, turned against us, iming Lise¡¯s sess was merely due to your influence. This hits a sore spot with Lise; she strives relentlessly to prove her worth.¡± She scrutinized Kristopher¡¯s demeanor closely, subtly suggesting, ¡°Ruby, however, wasn¡¯t always this daring.¡±

    ¡°I wonder who¡¯s giving her the courage to be so audacious now,¡± Elva mused. As she spoke, Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened visibly. With Ruby firmly supporting Carrie, it was clear that Carrie herself was behind it all.

    Previously, Kristopher believed Carrie was merely another casualty caught in the whirlwind of gossip, prompting him to step in and sway the public opinion in her favor. Little did he expect that Carrie would exploit the circumstances to bolster her own image while casting Lise in a negative light. Carrie¡¯s boldness had erased all remnants of her once apparent gentleness!

    At that moment, any remaining sympathy Kristopher harbored for Carrie dissipated entirely. He could tolerate a momentary outburst, but not the deep-seated malice festering in Carrie.

    Shortly thereafter, Kristopher secured a consultation with a leading cardiologist from Isonridge to devise a robust treatment strategy for Lise. He remained by Lise¡¯s side until she had finished her meal and then departed from the hospital.

    Outside, Oliver was fidgeting nervously in the car. Upon seeing Kristopher descend, he promptly stepped out, opened the rear door, and inquired, ¡°Mr. Norris, are we still visiting Mrs. Norris?¡± Kristopher stooped to enter the car, a potent aroma of roses engulfing him. He nced briefly at the lush bouquet and responded icily, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Oliver, sensing the severity in Kristopher¡¯s tone, felt an involuntary shiver. There was no doubt¡ªKristopher wasn¡¯t seeking reconciliation. He was ready for a sh.

    Meanwhile, at a convenience store¡­

    Carrie had spent the entire day meticulously organizing her home. By the time the sun dipped into a pink-streaked sunset, she realized the pangs of hunger gnawing at her. Seeking nourishment, she ventured out for a meal, and on her way home, she decided to grab some snacks and essential supplies.

    Living with Kristopher had taught her one unmistakable lesson: he had a precise pte when it came to food. To avoid any petty squabbles during their two-year marriage, Carrie had steered clear of keeping her cherished ¡°junk food¡± at home.

    As shepleted her purchase at the store, the temptation proved too great; she tore open a box of chips right at the counter, her eyes lighting up with glee as she savored the crunch. There was something profoundly satisfying about the simple joy of carbohydrates.

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 Chapter 51

    ?<strong>Chapter 51:</strong>

    The store owner was engrossed in videos on his iPad, but a headline mentioning familiar names snatched Carrie¡¯s attention. ¡°Norris Group CEO spotted at the hospital visiting Lise, candidly allowing paparazzi snapshots, igniting rumors of an imminent rtionship deration¡­¡±

    Mid-chew, Carrie froze, her gaze locked on the screen. The footage revealed Kristopher hastening toward the hospital, his expression etched with worry.

    The store owner caught her intrigued look and let out a chuckle. ¡°That actress finds herself in the hospital every few days, and he¡¯s always on her heels. These rich folks really must be bored. Don¡¯t they ever get sick of these shenanigans?¡±

    Indeed, it was the third hospital visit for Lise in just two weeks. The drama felt overyed and transparent, yet Kristopher seemed to invest every ounce of his emotion into supporting Lise¡¯s recurring episodes.

    ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s true love,¡± Carrie mused with a lighthearted tone, finishing off thest of her chips.

    The recent burst of gossip quickly sapped her enthusiasm for shopping, prompting her to approach the roadside to g down a taxi to head home. However, before she could even lift her arm, a Rolls-Royce smoothly glided to a stop before her.

    As the window lowered, Kristopher¡¯s striking yet unreadable face came into view.

    ¡°Did you leak the audition tape?¡± Kristopher pressed, his voice taut with urgency.

    Carrie¡¯s mind raced, piecing together the puzzle with the day¡¯s viral news. As expected, it had always been this way. Whenever Kristopher¡¯s cherished Lise spiraled into a crisis, he found sce in unleashing his frustrations on her. It was aughably predictable twist, straight out of a cliched melodrama.

    Was she nothing more than his helpless pawn, his convenient scapegoat? The more she dwelled on it, the more her irritation red.

    She folded her arms and peered down at Kristopher with a taunting grin. ¡°Yes, I leaked it. What about it? She tramples over me to capture the spotlight, and I¡¯m expected to just endure it? Do I look like a freaking doormat to you?!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened as he noticed the gathering crowd. ¡°Get in the car. Don¡¯t you see you¡¯re bing quite the diva yourself?¡±

    As Oliver absorbed the weight of the conversation, he hastily exited the vehicle and swung open the rear door. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯m the one who¡¯s caused you embarrassment now, isn¡¯t that it? Why not just sign the divorce papers? Once we¡¯re separated, my actions will no longer tarnish your reputation, Mr. Norris.¡±

    Carrie remained resolute, her stance firm, showing no signs of climbing into the car.

    At the mention of ¡°divorce,¡± a shadow fell over Kristopher¡¯s face, his eyes clouding with contempt. ¡°Do as you please. However, consider this a final warning¡ªLise¡¯s heart is fragile, and she struggles with emotional turmoil. Stay away from her if you know what¡¯s good for you.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not someone you can mess with.¡±

    Her voice thick with irony, Carrie retorted, ¡°Oh, so now I¡¯m the one who¡¯s messing with her, huh? Why don¡¯t you go and tell her to stay the hell away from me? Ah, I see how it is, Mr. Norris¡ªyou can¡¯t seem to get enough of this kind of drama.¡±

    ¡°What bullshit are you rambling about now?! I regret ever allowing you into show business. It¡¯s changed you.¡± A headache began to build in Kristopher¡¯s temples. Each exchange with Carrie had be a war of words, her remarks sharp and pointed, ready to draw blood.

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 Chapter 52

    ?<strong>Chapter 52:</strong>

    Observing his hypocrisy, Carrie couldn¡¯t help but smirk. ¡°You scorn show business, yet isn¡¯t your beloved Lise also part of it? Besides, even as your wife, I am my own person. Since when do you have the right to dictate my choices? If I am guilty of any wrongdoing, let thew judge me. There¡¯s no need for you to y the hero, Mr. Norris.¡±

    ¡°So, is this where all your acting skills go¡ªto starting fights with me?¡± Kristopher shot back without missing a beat.

    Carrie, feigning bewilderment, responded with a sly smile, ¡°Oh, such ttery, Mr. Norris.¡±

    The air crackled with tension between them, thick and charged as if a storm might erupt at any moment. Oliver stepped forward quickly, his hands raised in a calming gesture. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡¯m certain Mr. Norris didn¡¯t intend it like that. Perhaps you should discuss this in the car on the way home?¡±

    Carrie scoffed dismissively, her voice dripping with disdain. ¡°Save that ¡®Mrs. Norris¡¯ nonsense for your boss¡¯s dear Lise. I have absolutely no interest in it.¡±

    With a dramatic turn, Carrie made to leave, her resolve clear.

    Oliver moved to intercept her, his voice soft yet urgent. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    ¡°Get out of my way!¡±

    ¡°Let her go!¡±

    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????

    Both Kristopher¡¯s and Carrie¡¯s voices rang out in unison, forceful and final.

    Oliver hesitated, his resolve faltering under theirbinedmand, and he stepped aside, allowing her passage as dictated by Kristopher.

    ¡°Sis, did something happen between you and your husband? Did I just hear you say something about a divorce?¡±

    Carrie had just started to walk away when Yara Campbell, her half-sister, appeared seemingly out of thin air, eyeing her with an unsettling smirk.

    Yara, eager to stir up some drama, reached out to link arms with Carrie. It was apparent that Yara had overheard the heated exchange between Carrie and her husband, Kristopher, although she likely missed the finer points of their argument.

    Carrie instinctively pulled away from Yara¡¯s touch, her expression one of clear distaste.

    Unperturbed, Yara¡¯s eyes followed the retreating Rolls-Royce. ¡°Your husband sure has a way of treating you like you don¡¯t exist, doesn¡¯t he? Just ditched you here on the curb. Need a ride?¡±

    Yara was a year younger than Carrie. Their father, Tristan Campbell, had struck gold in a business venture when Carrie was just five. His first act uponing into wealth was to leave his wife for his mistress. Left broken by Tristan¡¯s betrayal, Carrie¡¯s mother, Danna Moran, fell into a deep depression and eventually ended her life.

    Carrie, the true heiress of the Campbell family, was sent off to live with her grandmother, Gracie Moran. In the tangled web of their family¡¯s emotional entanglements, Yara stood as Carrie¡¯s foe. Despite the family wealth amassed from Danna¡¯s efforts, Carrie saw no benefit from it and struggled even to cover her grandmother Gracie¡¯s medical expenses. These dire straits had pushed her into a marriage of convenience with Kristopher, a union that was wed from the start.

    ¡°Oh, so everyone¡¯s family all of a sudden? Let me remind you, my mother only had one daughter, and that¡¯s me,¡± Carrie stated icily before heading off.

    ¡°What are you so damn smug about, Carrie?¡± Yara pressed, unwilling to back down.

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 Chapter 53

    ?<strong>Chapter 53:</strong>

    Abandoning her thin mask of civility, Yara scoffed disdainfully, ¡°Even the distant rtives in the Norris family manage to throwvish weddings, eager to broadcast their joy to the world. Yet here you are, married to the Norris family¡¯s patriarch, with nothing but a marriage license to your name. Meanwhile, theizens rave about Lise, Kristopher¡¯s true love, as if you, the so-called Mrs. Norris, don¡¯t even exist.¡±

    Carrie stopped, the sting of Yara¡¯s words halting her retreat. She couldn¡¯t refute the truth in them. Her union with Kristopher had started as a mere business arrangement, never meant to face public scrutiny. However, as her feelings deepened and after their original agreement ended, Carrie had timidly suggested perhaps holding a wedding. Initially, Kristopher dodged her proposals with a string of excuses. Eventually, he dropped the act and bluntly dered that since they were already legally bound, any additional ceremony was unnecessary and a mere waste of time.

    Carrie, blinded by her affection, had rationalized his hectic life and quelled her desires, telling herself that life was inherently wed and what truly mattered was making the best of their life together. But reflecting on it now, she recognized her naivety, realizing she had been far less perceptive than Yara. Suppressing her growing sadness, Carrie managed to muster a contrived smile. ¡°At least having something is better than having nothing. Holding the title of Mrs. Norris keeps me one step ahead of you. In our social circles, rank matters greatly.¡±

    She paused, inching closer to Yara with a sly tilt of her head. ¡°Truth be told, if I set my sights on ruining you, there wouldn¡¯t be a ce for you in Orkset at all.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously as she observed the shift in Yara¡¯s demeanor. With a slight, knowing smile, she straightened, her hands unfolding as if disying her helplessness. ¡°Indeed, as you¡¯ve mentioned, the title of Mrs. Norris carries substantial weight¡ªsomething you and your mother can merely dream of.¡±

    Yara bristled at Carrie¡¯s air of superiority, her jaw clenching. ¡°Don¡¯t get too full of yourself, Carrie. Your husband and Lise have been all over the newstely. Who are you trying to impress by acting tough with me? Will you not eventually be outssed by Lise, despite her charm and lineage being far beneath yours?¡±

    Yara¡¯s voice grew louder, her words sharp with challenge. ¡°I might never im the title of Mrs. Norris, but tell me¡ªhow long can you truly cling to it?¡±

    At that moment, a deep, resonant voice, rich as a cello, filled the air behind Carrie. ¡°Since Carrie became my wife, she will remain my wife forever. We value unwavering faithfulness in my family¡ªsomething your family doesn¡¯t seem to share.¡±

    Startled, Carrie spun around. Kristopher was approaching, his silhouette outlined against the glowing sunlight, his features more defined and imposing than ever. Oliver stood behind him, holding a grand bouquet of Ecuadorian roses.

    The atmosphere grew thick with unease as Kristopher made his appearance. Yara¡¯splexion drained, shifting swiftly from ashen to a heated flush, yet she refrained from voicing her discontent. Instead, she mustered a strained smile and inquired, ¡°Kristopher, I thought you had left?¡±

    ¡°I merely stepped away to pick up flowers for my wife. Furthermore, my wife is an only child, Miss Campbell, so please refrain from fabricating familial connections,¡± Kristopher responded, his tone detached, his eyes avoiding Yara¡¯s gaze.

    Yara was left momentarily speechless, her fingernails pressing sharply into her palms. Rumors had flooded the inte about Kristopher¡¯s adoration for Lise, and whispers of his imminent separation from Carrie were rampant. Yet here he was, boldly proiming Carrie as his wife and standing by her with unshakable devotion.

    Carrie, equally baffled by Kristopher¡¯s actions, watched him as he approached. With a discreet sidestep, he signaled Oliver to present the roses to Carrie. ¡°Do you like them?¡± he asked, his eyes softening considerably as they met Carrie¡¯s surprised yet glowing face¡ªhis expression a stark contrast to the iciness he had exhibited earlier during their disagreement.

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 Chapter 54

    ?<strong>Chapter 54:</strong>

    Though puzzled by Kristopher¡¯s motives, Carrie quickly adapted to the situation, ying her part in his apparent charade. Admiring the roses, she responded warmly, ¡°Yes, these are my favorite.¡±

    Reflecting on the past two years, she acknowledged that, despite everything, Kristopher had provided her with a measure of materialfort, far surpassing what the Campbell family had offered. With this stark contrast in mind, Carrie couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Yara viewing her as something to ridicule. Acting wasn¡¯t just a talent for her. It was a necessity for her survival and sess in their cutthroat circle.

    With her most dazzling smile, Carrie approached Kristopher, gently looping her arm through his, and cooed in a syrupy tone that made her own flesh crawl, ¡°Thank you, sweetheart.¡± It was the first time Kristopher had ever heard her use such a sugary-sweet voice, and it visibly threw him off. His body tensed, and a look ofplexity washed over his face as he turned his gaze toward her.

    At that instant, Kristopher developed a deep appreciation for Carrie¡¯s theatrical prowess. Yet, he remained silent, only shooting an impatient look toward Yara.

    Yara, attempting to maintainposure, forced a smile and said, ¡°Mr. Norris, please don¡¯t get the wrong idea. I merely caught a snippet of your conversation about a divorce¡­ I assumed there were some troubles in your rtionship.¡±

    With a fond look at Carrie, Kristopher let out augh and responded, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing more than a lovers¡¯ quarrel. Miss Campbell, instead of specting about the stability of others¡¯ marriages, perhaps it would be wiser to concentrate on your own academic endeavors. Despite sharing half the genes, your appearance and intellect don¡¯t seem to measure up to even half of what Carrie possesses.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s reputation for his forthrightness was no secret; he spared no one¡¯s feelings, regardless of their status or connection to him, including a distant acquaintance like Yara. His words clearly cut deep, and despite her usual resilience, Yara found herself unable to remain any longer.

    With a sharp, smoldering look of resentment, she nced at Carrie and stormed away. Carrie watched Yara leave, her expression turning frosty as she faced Kristopher.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, did youe here just to revel in my distress? You¡¯ve seen enough. I¡¯d prefer it if you left now.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face clouded with confusion, his eyebrows knitting together. ¡°Why must you speak to me in such a manner?¡±

    Carrie parted her lips to retort, but considering he had just done her a favor, she bit back her sharper reply.

    Sensing the shift, Kristopher¡¯s voice grew gentler. ¡°There¡¯s a family event at the Norris estate tomorrow. I couldn¡¯t reach you by phone, so I decided toe here directly to fetch you.¡±

    A scornfulugh bubbled up inside Carrie, but she suppressed it. Apparently, Kristopher had thought of her only now, conveniently because he needed her as his wife for the asion.

    Turning her head away, she murmured, ¡°We¡¯re divorcing, Kristopher. It¡¯s not a secret that can be kept indefinitely. It would be wise to inform your family sooner rather thanter. After all, our marriage was nothing more than a contract for a year.¡±

    The terms of their agreement had expired. They were supposed to have gone their own ways by now. Last year, entangled in her ownplications, and Kristopher, likely overwhelmed with hismitments, neither had initiated the separation. Now, as Carrie reconciled with the facade of their rtionship, she acknowledged the futility in holding onto something so insubstantial. This bitter eptance caused a faint ache in her heart.

    As shadows of concern crossed Kristopher¡¯s face, he remembered Mny¡¯s expressed wishes. Despite the tension, he spoke with restrained patience. ¡°Grandma caught wind of your ident in the fire and also saw the headlines about me and Lise this morning. She¡¯s quite upset. Let¡¯s go back and set things straight. She shouldn¡¯t have to worry over our affairs.¡±

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 Chapter 55

    ?<strong>Chapter 55:</strong>

    At these words, Carrie felt a resurgence of anger just as it had begun to wane. She wanted to confront Kristopher¡ªwhat was there to exin? Did she need to tell Mny that the rumors of him and Lise were entirely unfounded, that the paparazzi shots and viral gossip were crafted lies?

    Nevertheless, Carrie swallowed her retort, choosing silence over confrontation. Mny held a unique ce in her heart.

    She was the one member of the Norris family who had shown her genuine affection.

    Recalling the day she and Kristopher had made their union official, Carrie remembered how Mny had tenderly handed her a cherished family heirloom bracelet, affirming her eptance in front of the entire Norris family. This heartfelt gesture had fortified Carrie against the less favorable attitudes of other family members, who, despite their disdain, never crossed the line into overt hostility.

    Carrie, nurtured by Gracie¡¯s steadfast love, often saw reflections of Gracie¡¯s nurturing spirit in Mny. Motivated by deep emotional bonds and a sense of obligation, Carrie feltpelled to visit the Norris Mansion to reassure Mny, hoping to ease her worries.

    Perceiving Carrie¡¯s silence as acquiescence, Kristopher tactfully avoided revisiting their earlier exchange. He gently probed further, ¡°Oliver told me you¡¯ve checked out of the hotel. Where are you staying now? I can drop you off. Or you could consider staying at Bayview Vi tonight to pick out a suitable outfit for tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, but no. I can go back alone,¡± Carrie countered, her tone sharp and unyielding as she turned away from him.

    Hearing this, Kristopher held back from pressing the matter. He slightly tilted his head and softly called out, ¡°Oliver.¡±

    Oliver immediately caught on and darted to the roadside to g down a taxi. Turning his gaze to Carrie, Kristopher spoke with a hint of insistence. ¡°I¡¯lle to pick you up tomorrow. Get my number off your cklist, will you?¡±

    Carrie, resolute and unwavering, quickly responded, ¡°No need. An ex should stay out of sight and out of mind. If there¡¯s anything urgent, Mr. Norris, you can pass it through Oliver via email.¡±

    A chuckle escaped Kristopher as he regarded her with a mixture of amusement and frustration. ¡°Carrie, must you always talk to me with such sharpness? Doesn¡¯t this constant bickering weary you?¡±

    But before she could retort, Kristopher made a swift move and snatched her phone from her grasp. Jolted by his action, Carrie lunged forward in an attempt to retrieve it. Kristopher, a slight smirk ying on his lips, raised his arm high, the phone just out of reach.

    He easily bypassed her security, using his birthday¡ªa code she¡¯d forgotten to update. Carrie cursed herself silently for the oversight. She stretched repeatedly on her toes, reaching for the phone, but their height difference thwarted her efforts every time.

    Like a doll being maneuvered by Kristopher¡¯s antics, she finally ceased her futile attempts and stood quietly beside him, her resolve fading. Kristopher didn¡¯t just remove his number from the cklist. He also took the liberty of adding himself back as a contact in her WhatsApp before handing back the phone.

    Considering she might need to contact him the following day, Carrie hesitated for a moment but then decided against blocking him again. She pocketed her phone and walked towards the roadside, her mind a tumult of thoughts.

    As Oliver hailed a taxi and swung open the rear door, he gestured gracefully. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please get in.¡±

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 Chapter 56

    ?<strong>Chapter 56:</strong>

    Carrie exchanged a brief, unreadable look with Kristopher, silently stepped towards the vehicle, and gracefully lowered herself into the back seat.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, your flowers.¡± Oliver¡¯s voice broke the brief silence just as Carrie settled in. Before she could politely decline, Oliver was already cing the extravagant bouquet of roses next to her. He shut the door with a soft thud and instructed the driver, ¡°You can go ahead now.¡±

    Resigned, Carrie turned her head to gaze out the window, the conversation outside fading away. The cityscape passed by in a blur as she lost herself in thought, only to be pulled back to reality by the sight of the roses beside her.

    These were the first flowers Kristopher had ever given her. Yet, the gesture failed to kindle the warmth she might have hoped for. It was akin to those long-anticipated moments that lose their luster when they finally unfold, leaving no room for surprise.

    The following day, just past three in the afternoon, Carrie was adjusting her outfit when her phone buzzed¡ªa call from Kristopher. She paused, her thoughts a whirlwind, before suggesting a casual meeting spot in a nearby neighborhood.

    About ten minutester, a message from Kristopher popped up. ¡°Come down.¡±

    Carrie, with deliberate steps, crossed into the neighboring neighborhood through the back gate. As she emerged, the gleaming silver Maybach parked along the curb caught the eyes of passersby, drawing admiring looks.

    Carrie made her way to the car and reached for the passenger door, only to find that Oliver had already swung open the back door.

    Inside, Kristopher was absorbed in his phone, perched on the opposite seat. With a slight frown, Carrie slipped into the backseat. Focused on carving a niche for herself in the entertainment industry, Carrie knew that hesitation might attract unwee attention. Lingering by the car could easily spiral into online gossip if a random snapshot caught her off-guard.

    ¡°Drive to the mall first. She needs to pick out a new outfit,¡± Kristopher remarked nonchntly, eyeing her outfit briefly before directing Oliver.

    Carrie interjected firmly, ¡°No thanks. I just picked this up.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± Kristopher agreed smoothly, not pressing further. He then instructed Oliver, ¡°Then, let¡¯s proceed to Norris Mansion.¡±

    As the car hummed to life, Kristopher buried himself in his phone, effectively ignoring Carrie¡¯s presence. She exhaled silently, relieved to dodge any potentially clumsy exchanges. Pulling out her phone, she arranged an uing discussion with a contact at Silver Elephant Media.

    The drive to Norris Mansion was brisk, wrapping up in just over ten minutes. Carrie stepped out of the car and lingered by the curb, catching Kristopher still lost in his phone. She gently nudged him. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived.¡±

    ¡°You go ahead. I¡¯ve got a conference call,¡± Kristopher muttered, his attention still glued to his smartphone screen.

    Carrie responded with silence, her gaze shifting toward the grand entrance of the Norris Mansion. Each visit here stirred a sense of unwee in her heart, despite the joy of seeing Mny. The Norris family had always been keen to match Kristopher with prospective brides, only to watch Carrie unexpectedly be his wife.

    To the Norris family, Carrie was nothing more than an outsider from humble beginnings, met with covert scorn and deliberate sabotage when Mny¡¯s back was turned. As she neared the mansion, the front doors stood weingly open. Drifting out was the buzz of conversation.

    ¡°Aunt Billie, have you heard about Carrie¡¯s attempts in showbiz? If only we¡¯d known Kristopher would choose a real-life Cindere, he might as well have picked Lise. At least she has the drive to seed internationally, not like Carrie¡­¡±

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 Chapter 57

    ?<strong>Chapter 57:</strong>

    ¡°Absolutely, Billie. Once Kristopher is back, you really need to have a word with him. Are wecking in resources to support Carrie? Instead, she¡¯s off trying to be an actress, turning us into the butt of jokes among our peers!¡±

    The room held three people: Kristopher¡¯s cousin, Kailee Myers, alongside her father, Cory Myers. On the sofa sat Kristopher¡¯s mother, Billie Norris, her face a mask of unreadable emotions.

    Once a thriving enterprise, the Myers family business had declined drastically, a stark contrast to its past prosperity. As a daughter of the Myers family, Billie feltpelled to lend her support. However, the Norris family had always maintained a strict separation between personal life and business dealings.

    Cory, with his limited education, had proven to be an unreliable business partner. Neither Kristopher¡¯s grandfather, Shawn Norris, nor Kristopher himself, had any desire to involve Cory in their business endeavors. Billie, unfamiliar with the intricacies of business, could only offer asional assistance to her own family, helping out with day-to-day needs.

    In time, Cory¡¯s intentions shifted. Years ago, he began eagerly introducing potential partners to Kristopher, hoping to secure a marriage that would benefit the Myers family through new alliances. Then, as if fate had twisted unexpectedly, shortly after Lise departed, Carrie entered the scene!

    This year had been particrly harsh. The Myers family¡¯s investments had floundered, leading to significant losses. Unable to fault Kristopher for not lending a hand, Cory and Kailee instead misdirected their frustrations towards Carrie.

    As Carrie entered the room, she noticed the absence of Shawn and Mny. She approached Cory and the rest with a beaming smile, yet her greeting wasced with irony. ¡°Cory, Kailee, how thoughtful of you to concern yourselves with my affairs amidst the turmoil of your impending bankruptcy.¡±

    In the past, Carrie had always acted meekly around Kristopher¡¯s rtives, giving off the impression that she was easily dominated. But now, she sharply retorted, catching everyone off guard.

    They were stunned into silence for a moment. Cory chuckled dryly after a brief pause. ¡°Carrie, you haven¡¯t even made it big yet, and you¡¯re already so full of yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the encouragement, Cory. I¡¯m definitely aiming for fame,¡± Carrie responded with a forced smile.

    She turned her attention to Billie. Her smile waned slightly as she addressed her. ¡°Billie.¡±

    Billie was d in an elegant silk gown from thetest fashion collection. Nearing fifty, she had filled out a bit since her youth but maintained her appearance meticulously. Her skin was firm and youthful, making her look no older than thirty.

    Billie offered Carrie a brief, cool nod of acknowledgment. ¡°Mm.¡±

    Beside Billie sat Kailee, dressed in a gown thatplemented Billie¡¯s. They resembled a mother and daughter more than aunt and niece from afar.

    Kailee crossed her arms, a smug grin spreading across her face. ¡°So, where¡¯s Kristopher? Off chasing after Lise again and leaving you behind?¡±

    Unperturbed, Carrie found herself a chair and settled infortably, replying nonchntly, ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me. Kristopher can spend time with whomever he pleases. Much like his buddy Albin, who¡¯s always seen with ady on each arm. Who¡¯s to manage that, right?¡±

    Kailee¡¯s expression shifted dramatically, reflecting a storm of emotions beneath her poised facade. Her infatuation with Albin was no secret. It had been a source of amusement for their elite peers for years. Kailee, often teased mercilessly, seethed with pent-up frustration. Unable to refute the unspoken truths, Kailee abruptly steered the conversation in another direction, her voice cutting through the air.

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 Chapter 58

    ?<strong>Chapter 58:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie, what on earth are you wearing?¡± she scoffed, scrutinizing Carrie¡¯s attire with disdain. ¡°The Norris family holds a name for elegance, yet here you are, dressed so inly.¡±

    ¡°How is it that living with Kristopher hasn¡¯t refined your tastes even slightly? You still exude that air of amoner.¡± Kailee¡¯s words dripped with disdain as she scrutinized Carrie¡¯s outfit.

    Carrie was dressed simply, in a brown knit sweater from a popr retail brand, paired with beige wide-leg pants that embraced a trendy yet minimalist fashion. Her entire ensemble was modest, especially when contrasted with the opulence of the Norris residence, and priced at less than a thousand dors.

    A memory of Kristopher¡¯s earlier advice shed through Carrie¡¯s mind, a premonition of this very moment. As regret began to creep in, Kristopher himself entered the room. ¡°Kailee, show some decency. She¡¯s your cousin-inw,¡± he interjected with a dismissive air, not even sparing Kailee a nce but turning to address Billie casually. ¡°Mom.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± Kailee¡¯s demeanor instantly crumbled into one of rm upon hearing his voice. Of all the family, he was the one she dreaded most.

    Undeterred, Kristopher pressed on, his voice tinged with a firmness that resonated in the room. ¡°Did you hear me?¡± he demanded.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kailee mumbled, her head bowed in reluctant submission.

    It was only then that Kristopher¡¯s tone softened, his gaze shifting to admire Carrie¡¯s poise. He smiled. ¡°It¡¯s only thosecking in self-assurance who hide behind expensive clothes. No matter what Carrie wears, she always looks amazing.¡±

    Cory and Kailee exchanged a look, their faces clearly etched with dissatisfaction. Despite their feelings, they fell into reluctant silence. Any further conversation risked offending Kristopher.

    As they halted, Shawn and Mny made their entrance. The couple was impably dressed in matching suits of cloud-white, announcing their arrival with an air of elegance. Carrie instantly recognized the attire as the work of a bespoke tailor from Isonridge, a shop famous for its connection to a royal family¡¯s tailor, making each piece a coveted collector¡¯s item.

    Even though Shawn had stepped down from his active duties years ago, his presence stillmanded attention. Cory tensed, acutely aware of Shawn¡¯s apparent disfavor towards him, and tried to make himself less noticeable. Meanwhile, Mny exuded calm and tranquility, a testament to her life devoted to personal growth and peace.

    When her eyesnded on Carrie, they softened with concern. ¡°Carrie,e over here, let me see how you¡¯re doing,¡± she said gently.

    Carrie moved toward them, respectfully nodding at Shawn and warmly taking Mny¡¯s hand. ¡°Mny, I¡¯m really okay now,¡± she assured her. ¡°Shawn, Mny.¡±

    Kailee, trailing behind, threw a discreet nce at Carrie, her lips barely moving as she mouthed, ¡°Suck up.¡± Carrie noticed but chose to dismiss it. Her bond with Mny was heartfelt, free from any pretense of seeking approval.

    Interrupting the moment, Kristopher cut in with an update, aiming to ease their concerns. ¡°Grandma, there¡¯s no need to worry. A top dermatologist from Steu Skua, known for his expertise in scar treatments, will soon be at a conference in Orkset. I¡¯ve arranged for Carrie to meet him for a thorough examination.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyshes flickered subtly in response to the news, her face remainingposed as she absorbed the information. Kristopher always provided for her materially without hesitation.

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 Chapter 59

    ?<strong>Chapter 59:</strong>

    However, since the fire, although her wounds had scabbed over long ago, Kristopher had not once inquired about her health. Wasn¡¯t this a stark testament to the cold reality of their rtionship? It seemed that for Kristopher, having his assistant arrange for a medical expert was far easier than feigning concern in her presence.

    At dinner, the family¡¯sughter and conversations flowed effortlessly, as if the day¡¯s earlier tensions had vanished into thin air. Carrie remained silent, only chiming in when spoken to directly. Just as she was about to try a piece of ck pepper steak, Mny halted her with a warning. ¡°This steak is loaded with ck pepper; it¡¯s not good for you. It might leave marks.¡±

    Kailee, with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, quickly exchanged her less spicy dish for Carrie¡¯s steak, adding, ¡°Indeed, you should avoid it, Carrie. Keeping up appearances for the camera is crucial, after all.¡±

    Mny¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. ¡°Keeping up appearances for what camera?¡±

    The elderly couple, devoted to their serene and introspective lifestyle, remained blissfully unaware of modern online trends. Carrie opened her mouth to rify, but Kailee cut in swiftly. ¡°Carrie has taken up acting recently, though her role isn¡¯t secured yet. It¡¯s already creating quite a buzz¡­¡±

    ¡°Eat your dinner,¡± Kristopher interjected sharply, his gaze icy.

    With a stern nce his way, Mny shifted her focus back to Kailee, her curiosity evident. ¡°Go on, what buzz?¡±

    ¡°Kristopher, this isn¡¯t my fault,¡± Kailee said hastily, the fear of being cut off by Kristopher apparent in her voice. ¡°Listen, Mny, here¡¯s what happened. Carrie and Kristopher¡¯s ex-girlfriend were both up for the same role. Unfortunately, Carrie didn¡¯tnd it and ended up being mocked all over social media. Fortunately, their marriage hasn¡¯t been made public yet, or the Norris Group¡¯s shares might have taken a hit.¡±

    Mny¡¯s face darkened gradually, a storm brewing in her eyes.

    She pivoted toward Kristopher, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°Kristopher, she¡¯s your ex. That¡¯s history. Carrie is your wife now, bound byw. Can¡¯t you see who you should be supporting?¡±

    Amid the tension, Shawn, who had been quiet, finally chimed in, ¡°Even though your marriage to Carrie isn¡¯tmon knowledge, your friends and rtives are aware. Don¡¯t repeat this mistake.¡±

    Kailee, caught off guard by Shawn and Mny¡¯s robust defense of Carrie and their critique of Kristopher, bit her lip and retreated into silence.

    Kristopher, with a gesture of peace, picked up the serving fork and spoon and gently ced a piece of fish onto Mny¡¯s te, murmuring subduedly, ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher, it¡¯s easy to say the right thing, but I want to see you act on it,¡± Mny retorted sharply, her quick tap on his hand leaving a red mark. ¡°You don¡¯t need to fuss over me. Why don¡¯t you look after your wife instead? Her favorite beef dish is sitting untouched at the other end of the table.¡±

    Following her pointedment, Kristopher dutifully served a slice of beef to Carrie. Carrie, watching Kristopher¡¯s uncharacteristic humility, couldn¡¯t suppress a smile, the corners of her mouth curling up in amusement.

    Catching her smile, Kristopher added a shrimp to her te, his eyes softening. ¡°Am I that amusing when I¡¯m being scolded?¡± he teased.

    Carrie took a delicate bite of the shrimp, a yful smile tugging at her lips. ¡°This shrimp is quite delightful.¡±

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 Chapter 60

    ?<strong>Chapter 60:</strong>

    Sensing her mood lightening, Kristopher felt an urge to mend their rift. He began, ¡°Tonight, I¡¯d like to¡ª¡±

    But before he could finish, his phone erupted with a ringtone, shattering the moment. It was an unusual oversight, as Kristopher always silenced his phone during meals. The sudden disruption drew all eyes to him.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted towards the phone, spotting the name ¡°Lise¡± shing across the screen.

    Kristopher answered the phone, his face initially calm, but the expression gradually hardened, as if his emotions were set in stone. Whatever was said on the other end seemed to weigh heavily on him. He replied, ¡°Alright, I see.¡±

    Ending the call, he turned to his family and announced, ¡°I need to head to thepany right away.¡±

    Mny¡¯s eyes narrowed as she nced at Carrie. ¡°Is it really that urgent? Can¡¯t you wait until after dinner? You¡¯re nning to leave Carrie here alone?¡±

    Kristopher nodded, his decision firm. He quickly finished his meal, rising from the table. ¡°Oliver will drive you home,¡± he told Carrie, his tone final.

    ¡°Understood. Drive safely,¡± Carrie responded softly, her smile gentle, but her eyes grew cold. Her fingers tightened almost imperceptibly around her fork, her knuckles nching. The moment Lise¡¯s name appeared¡ªeven if only indirectly¡ªKristopher¡¯s patience with their pretenses had vanished.

    After Kristopher¡¯s car disappeared, Kailee broke the silence. ¡°That was Lise on the phone, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Her voice carried a hint of provocation.

    Carrie¡¯s response was sharp. ¡°Since when did you be an investigative journalist?¡±

    Kailee¡¯s lips curled into a patronizing smile. ¡°I¡¯m simply looking out for you. Lose your husband¡¯s heart, and you¡¯ll regret it.¡±

    Billie, who had been quiet until now, set down her fork with deliberate precision. ¡°Kailee speaks the truth,¡± she said, her gaze piercing as she looked at Carrie. ¡°As a wife, your focus should be on Kristopher and building a family. At your age, chasing stardom is foolish. A child would strengthen your bond.¡±

    Her eyes dropped meaningfully to Carrie¡¯s stomach. ¡°You¡¯ve been married for two years with no child. Perhaps it¡¯s time for a medical evaluation.¡±

    Kristopher hadn¡¯t touched her since their wedding night¡ªif she were to have a child, it would surely be a biblical miracle.

    Carrie¡¯s response was measured. ¡°Having a baby isn¡¯t something I can aplish alone.¡±

    Billie¡¯s sharp gaze flickered with disbelief. In the past, Carrie had always swallowed such cutting remarks with quiet deference, letting them slide off like rain on a slick roof. But this time, her poised defiance hit Billie like a p.

    Billie turned to Mny, her voiceced with indignation. ¡°Mny, are you hearing this? I barely said a word, and now she¡¯s talking back to me.¡±

    Mny gave Billie¡¯s hand a gentle pat, her smile as soft as a fading twilight. ¡°Every generation has its own way of doing things, Billie. Don¡¯t forget, you didn¡¯t have Kristopher until years after your marriage.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s different,¡± Billie muttered, though her voice faltered into silence.

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 Chapter 61

    ?<strong>Chapter 61:</strong>

    Mny shifted her attention back to Carrie with an inviting smile. ¡°Carrie, are you full?¡±

    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Carrie replied with a polite nod. ¡°Is there something you need?¡±

    Mny stood, her tone warm and encouraging. ¡°I have an ointment for scars that I think might be helpful. Come to my room, and I¡¯ll show you how to use it.¡±

    Rising quickly to assist, Carrie replied, ¡°Of course, Mny. I¡¯d be happy to.¡±

    Billie watched them leave, snorting her disapproval before turning her motherly attention to Kailee. ¡°Kailee, stay over tonight. I want to hear how you¡¯ve been doingtely,¡± she said, her tone softening as if Carrie¡¯s departure had cleared the air.

    Carrie nced briefly at their harmonious interaction before guiding Mny upstairs, her steps slow and deliberate.

    Once inside Mny¡¯s cozy bedroom, Mny closed the door and walked to a wooden table, lifting a delicate box adorned with intricate carvings. Inside was an array of small, ornate bottles that seemed to carry the weight of a hundred years of tradition.

    ¡°These were prepared by an old traditional medicine doctor in Isonridge,¡± Mny said, her voice filled with quiet reverence. ¡°Modern medicine has its ce, but true treasures like these remind us of the wisdom of our ancestors.¡± One by one, she exined the uses of the ointments before carefully returning them to their ce.

    Carrie epted the box with both hands, its weight matched only by the burden in her heart. ¡°Thank you, Mny,¡± she murmured, her voice soft with gratitude but tinged with unease.

    Mny¡¯s kindness felt both like a balm and a thorn. Carrie knew it was rooted in her role as Kristopher¡¯s wife, a role she was preparing to leave behind. The thought of epting such genuine care while harboring secrets made guilt pool in her chest like lead.

    Taking a deep breath, Carrie finally broke the silence, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°Mny, there¡¯s something I need to tell you¡­¡±

    ¡°Kristopher and I haven¡¯t consummated our marriage.¡± The words tumbled out of Carrie¡¯s mouth, leaving behind an uneasy silence. As the confession lingered in the air, she felt both a flicker of vulnerability and the release of a heavy weight she¡¯d been carrying for far too long.

    Mny¡¯s warm smile faltered, freezing like a picture caught mid-frame. She thought back to Billie¡¯s earlierments about Carrie and children. Suddenly, it all made sense¡ªthis was Carrie¡¯s exnation for the absence of any baby news in the past two years. Her expression shifted to one of empathetic sorrow, tinged with rising anger at Kristopher.

    Taking Carrie¡¯s hand in hers, Mny¡¯s grip was firm yetforting. ¡°Kristopher married you, and with that, he took on the duty to cherish you. I can¡¯t believe he dared to treat you like this¡ªfor two entire years! Don¡¯t you worry, Carrie. I¡¯ll make sure he hears a piece of my mind this time!¡±

    Carrie, feeling the warmth of Mny¡¯s hands, squeezed back gently, her voice steady. ¡°Please, Mny, don¡¯t be upset. There¡¯s something more I need to tell you.¡±

    With a deep breath, Carrie began to recount the scars of her marriage¡ªthe endless ways Kristopher had hurt her in his blind devotion to Lise, and how the two were now inching closer to rekindling their rtionship. Each word felt like reopening an old wound, and before she realized it, tears spilled freely down her cheeks, betraying the calm she tried to maintain.

    Mny tenderly wiped away Carrie¡¯s tears with her scarf. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, dear. We failed to raise Kristopher properly. He¡¯s always been stubborn, keeping secrets. But I never imagined he could be so cruel to you¡­¡±

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 Chapter 62

    ?<strong>Chapter 62:</strong>

    Her voice trailed off, punctuated by a heavy sigh. Carrie, in a gesture offort, squeezed Mny¡¯s hand. ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°He only has Lise in his heart. Now that they¡¯re rekindling their rtionship, you¡¯ll probably have a great-grandchild soon.¡±

    At the mention of Lise, Mny¡¯s face hardened with disapproval. ¡°No, no, no! That woman could never rece you in my eyes. As far as I¡¯m concerned, you¡¯re my only granddaughter-inw. As long as I¡¯m alive, I won¡¯t allow him to marry Lise!¡± Her voice rose with each word, thick with indignation, until Carrie interjected, her tone calm yet resolute.

    ¡°Mny, emotions can¡¯t be forced. I¡¯m telling you all this because I respect you and don¡¯t want to deceive you any longer. Please don¡¯t be angry. It¡¯s simply that Kristopher and I¡­ we were never meant to be.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes dropped to the floor, her voice heavy with bitterness and resignation. Observing Carrie¡¯s demeanor, Mny understood that no persuasion would change her mind. That foolish Kristopher didn¡¯t know how to appreciate Carrie. Let him regret itter! Perhaps Carrie would find happiness after leaving him.

    ¡°Alright, dear. If a divorce is what you want, I won¡¯t stand in your way,¡± she said softly, her voice filled with love. ¡°But remember this¡ªwhether you¡¯re part of this family or not, you¡¯ll always have a home here. Promise me you¡¯ll visit Shawn and me often. The Norris Mansion will always have a room waiting for you.¡±

    After bidding farewell to Mny and Shawn, Carrie left the Norris Mansion and slid into Oliver¡¯s car. As they drove through the estate¡¯s gates, Oliver nced over and inquired, ¡°Mrs. Norris, where would you like me to take you?¡±

    ¡°Just stop here,¡± Carrie responded, gathering the items Mny had given her, preparing to exit the vehicle. Oliver appeared visibly concerned.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, this area isn¡¯t easily essible by taxi. It would be inconvenient for you to find transportation.¡±

    ¡°Please allow me to drive you to your destination.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s tone was resolute. ¡°No need. My agent will pick me up nearby.¡±

    After several moments of apparent hesitation, Oliver reluctantly opened the car door, his worry evident. ¡°Mrs. Norris, if you need anything, please don¡¯t hesitate to call me.¡±

    Carrie ignored his offer and walked down a narrow path, her figure soon disappearing from view. Oliver pulled out his phone to call Kristopher but found the call wouldn¡¯t connect. Momentarily, he realized it might be the day Lise was signing a contract with the production team. With that thought, he steered the car towards her talent agency.

    Meanwhile, Carrie hadn¡¯t gotten far when her phone buzzed. It was Ruby on the line, sounding apologetic. ¡°Carrie, my car¡¯s conked out, and I¡¯m stuck waiting for a tow truck. No clue how long it¡¯ll take. You might have to grab a ride back on your own.¡±

    ¡°Got it, no worries,¡± Carrie replied, her tone calm as she ended the call. She turned around instinctively, only to find that Oliver¡¯s car was already gone, its tail lights swallowed by the darkness.

    The Norris Mansion sat nestled in Orkset¡¯s most exclusive neighborhood, perched like a crown jewel atop a wooded hillside. Surrounding it were sprawling estates, scattered like stars, and the road downhill stretched long and lonely. Above her, the sky brooded, heavy with storm clouds. Not a sliver of moonlight pierced the dense gray, and the wind hissed through the trees like a whispered warning. The air carried a chill that crept under her coat, prompting her to tug it tighter and quicken her steps.

    After nearly twenty minutes of trudging downhill, the glow of the main road¡¯s lights flickered through the tree line. Relief washed over her¡ªit couldn¡¯t be more than a kilometer away.

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 Chapter 63

    ?<strong>Chapter 63:</strong>

    Fishing out her phone, she quickly booked a ride. Just as the confirmation buzzed on her screen, the heavens opened with a dramatic crack of lightning. Thunder rumbled in quick session, and raindrops the size of marbles began pelting down.

    Carrie raised the bag she carried over her head as a makeshift shield and broke into a run, her shoes sshing through muddy puddles. By the time she reached the roadside, she was drenched to the bone, her hair stered against her face, and her coat sagging with water.

    The white Volkswagen she had booked pulled up ahead, its headlights cutting through the downpour. But before she could step forward, another car¡ªa gleaming silver Maybach¡ªswept in front of it with smooth authority. The door swung open, and out stepped Oliver, holding arge ck umbre that he quickly angled over her.

    Without missing a beat, he gestured to the back seat.

    ¡°Get in,¡± came Kristopher¡¯s sternmand from inside the car, his dark expression brooking no argument.

    Carrie flicked a disinterested look at Kristopher, then averted her eyes as if he were merely an inconsequential stranger lingering in the background. She stepped boldly from the shelter of Oliver¡¯s umbre, embracing the downpour as she strode toward the car she had booked.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris has specificallye to drive you home,¡± Oliver called out with urgency in his voice, though he hesitated to physically intervene by reaching out to stop her.

    Meanwhile, Kristopher remained silent, observing the scene unfold. Without a word, he left the car. With swift steps, he intercepted Carrie, mming the rear door of the car she had just opened.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Carrie¡¯s initial irritation quickly morphed into bewilderment. Ignoring her question, Kristopher scooped her up effortlessly and carried her towards his car.

    ¡°Put me down!¡± Carrie demanded, wriggling in his arms in a vain attempt to escape. Her voice was thick with exasperation. ¡°Kristopher, is this how you show respect to a woman? Forcing me to apany you in such a manner?¡±

    Powerless to resist, she could only watch helplessly as Kristopher gently ced her in the backseat of his car. Kristopher slid into the car, his eyes immediately drawn to the damp marks her presence had left on his clothing. His eyebrows knitted in a fleeting scowl.

    Carrie¡¯s hair, drenched from the rain, clung to her cheeks in wet tendrils. Droplets fell from the ends, staining the delicate embroidery of the luxury nket under her feet with dark, spreading splotches.

    Oliver was the first to react upon entering the vehicle. He flicked on the air conditioner and extended a dry nket toward Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please dry off your hair,¡± Oliver offered calmly.

    Observing her disheveled state, Kristopher couldn¡¯t resist throwing a yful jab her way. ¡°Why did you walk away like that? How foolish of you.¡±

    In his view, Carrie was merely acting out, engaging in trivial dramatics. He failed to grasp why she would choose topromise herfort just to prove a point.

    Carrie stopped patting her hair dry and turned to face him. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t butted in unexpectedly, I would have been in the car already. Why did I have to be out in the rain this long?¡± Their gazes locked.

    Memories of how Kristopher had left her alone at the dinner for Lise flooded back, heating Carrie¡¯s eyes with the threat of tears. Her face, usually so striking in itsposure, now betrayed a hint of sorrow. Her eyes, typically soft and warm, sparkled with a defiant edge, her tears lingering on the brink yet refusing to fall.

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 Chapter 64

    ?<strong>Chapter 64:</strong>

    Back then, her reticent nature had masked her allure, yet now, she captured his gaze and unexpectedly melted his heart a little.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice softened as he admitted, ¡°I didn¡¯t abandon you there because of anyone else. It was because of mymitments to the Norris Group. This isn¡¯t just about finances; it requires my direct involvement and my signature.¡± He rarely opened up like this to her.

    Carrie understood he was referring to his dealings with zing Sun. Yet, in her heart, she couldn¡¯t help but wonder, wasn¡¯t this just another excuse for his actions concerning Lise? How was it any different from leaving her for Lise?

    His exnations seemed pointless to Carrie at this point. Since she had resolved to divorce him, his business dealings and justifications had ceased to matter to her. With a heavy heart, she averted her gaze, continuing to dry her hair, letting the silence between them grow.

    Disregarding Kristopher¡¯s attempts at exnation, Carrie instead directed Oliver to the nearestmunity center near her new residence. Oliver remained still, casting an inquiring nce at Kristopher.

    Kristopher, having not anticipated that his words would only harden Carrie¡¯s resolve, was momentarily taken aback and fell into a frustrated silence.

    Oliver, after a brief pause and realizing the conversation had stalled, relied on his seasoned understanding of Kristopher to take matters into his own hands.

    Fifteen minutester, Carrie finished drying her hair and gazed out the window, struck by a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu. After a while, she realized they were headed toward Bayview Vi.

    She confronted Oliver, her voice rising. ¡°Oliver! You¡¯re going the wrong way¡ªmy ce isn¡¯t this way. Turn back!¡±

    Observing Kristopher¡¯s indifferent reflection in the window, Oliver chose to continue their journey towards Bayview Vi.

    ¡°Are you not listening? I said turn around and take me back home!¡± Carrie¡¯s voice cracked with irritation as she thumped the back of Oliver¡¯s seat.

    Yet, Oliver pressed on toward their destination without response.

    Feeling slighted by both Kristopher and Oliver, Carrie¡¯s regret for joining them in the car deepened. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she noticed the car door wasn¡¯t locked.

    Resolute, she reached for the handle, ready to open the door and leap from the moving vehicle.

    As Carrie opened the car door, a sharp st of wind,ced with icy rain,shed against her face. The cold droplets stung her skin like needles. She barely managed to angle herself outward when, suddenly, a strong force yanked her backward, pulling her into a warm and secure embrace.

    Meanwhile, Oliver, reacting swiftly, mmed on the brakes and swerved sharply to the side. The car¡¯s abrupt motion sent a stic warning sign hurtling into a nearby stone pir with such force that it shattered on impact. If Kristopher hadn¡¯t acted quickly, pulling her back, Carrie might have met a fate simr to the demolished sign.

    A surge of fear rippled through her, but determined to mask her vulnerability, she maintained a facade of indifference, her expression as frosty as the biting wind.

    Once the vehicle came to a halt, a palpable tension filled the air inside. Trapped tightly in Kristopher¡¯s arms, Carrie found herself immobilized. She tilted her head back, her eyes locking with his. Kristopher¡¯s gaze initially burned with anger but soon cooled to a chilling, distant ze.

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 Chapter 65

    ?<strong>Chapter 65:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s voice broke the heavy silence, firm yet tinged with the intensity of the moment. ¡°Let go of me!¡±

    Her words cut through the howling wind, which whipped her tousled hair further into disarray and caused rainwater to trail down her cheeks, amplifying her already fragile and pitiful demeanor.

    Kristopher ignored her, swiftly freeing one hand to m the car door shut, his icy gaze never leaving hers. ¡°If you¡¯re so eager to meet your demise, at least choose a method that¡¯s not so messy. Jumping from a moving vehicle will likely leave you crippled rather than dead. You¡¯d only inflict pain upon yourself and inconvenience us in the process.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s response was icy, her voice slicing through the tension. ¡°Rest assured, Mr. Norris, once you¡¯ve signed the divorce papers, I won¡¯t need your concern, even if I am left crippled.¡±

    Observing her defiant expression, Kristopher¡¯s patience snapped. He leaned in abruptly and kissed her forcefully, cutting off her words and imposing his will to silence her.

    From the driver¡¯s seat, Oliver caught the abrupt interaction in the rearview mirror. His initial shock was quickly overridden by professional instincts. Without hesitation, he lowered the partition between the front and back seats, granting them privacy in the enclosed space of the car.

    The kiss was aggressive and domineering, a clear attempt by Kristopher to dominate and subdue her will. Carrie felt a surge of humiliation and helplessness wash over her as she tried to push him away. The significant difference in their physical strength left her struggling ineffectively.

    Throughout their two-year marriage, Carrie had often fantasized about true intimacy with him, but their reality had been starkly different. Their conjugal life had been uniformly dull, with the few nights spent in the same bed urring only after she had fallen asleep. Even then, Kristopher would always bring his own nket, maintaining a cold distance.

    His detachment and disinterest had always made her yearn for more, filling her with a deep and lingering sense of rejection whenever she dared to hope for closeness. Once upon a time, Carrie had attempted to stir the mes of passion. She had purchased an alluring piece of lingerie, having heard rumors of its irresistible appeal. She even disyed it prominently in her closet, hoping to capture some attention.

    However, the following day, she discovered it tossed away in the trash. This incident led Carrie to question whether Kristopher might be impotent. She never brought up her suspicions, fearing it might bruise his ego. Instead, she turned to the inte for guidance and secretly consulted a doctor. After meticulous examination, the diagnosis turned out to be quite clear. Kristopher harbored no physical attraction towards her.

    Carrie had never known the joys of an intimate rtionship, and over the years, she had resigned herself to a life devoid of sexual intimacy. Yet, as they teetered on the brink of divorce, Kristopher¡¯s behavior took a sudden and drastic turn. He began to exhibit an overwhelming enthusiasm, reminiscent of an overeager puppy, forcefully seeking intimacy at every turn. Carrie could only react with revulsion to his advances. Gone was the naive, lovesick woman she once was. Carrie now recognized that his anger over her perceived defiance was fueling his repellent actions. With this realization, her frustration morphed into rage.

    She opened her mouth, prepared to retaliate with a biting remark. But Kristopher, detecting her intentions, acted swiftly. He clutched her face and stifled her words with a forceful kiss, leaving her silenced yet again. The delicate scent of her, intermingled with the fresh aroma of rainwater, enveloped his senses. It was as though she were a refreshing mountain stream, enticing him to draw nearer. Kristopher¡¯s grip on her slim waist tightened.

    Initially, his reason for kissing her had been simple¡ªto make her stop talking. Yet as their lips met, he found an unexpected pleasure in the act. To his own astonishment, a gentle warmth bloomed from his typically cold demeanor. His grip softened unconsciously, and their kiss, growing in depth, stirred a newfound passion between them.

    Inside, Carrie wrestled with the urge to push him away, yet a soft moan slipped through her lips. She tried to suppress her involuntary response, swallowing back any further sounds. This, however, only deepened Kristopher¡¯s resolve, his kisses bing more insistent.

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 Chapter 66

    ?<strong>Chapter 66:</strong>

    Her soft skin pressed against him.

    As she tried to push him back, her soft hands brushed against him, causing a sharp increase in his intensity.

    Kristopher¡¯s breathing became heavier and his hand slid under her shirt.

    Her previously cold skin had be feverish.

    She had a fever?

    Realizing her condition, his conscience stirred and stopped his actions despite the surge of desire.

    Frustrated and gruff, he gave her a light p on the bottom. ¡°You asked for it! You made yourself sick.

    Are you satisfied now?¡±

    Flushed with embarrassment and seething with anger, Carrie raised her hand and delivered a sharp p across Kristopher¡¯s face.

    The impact was light, but it reverberated with a sting that cut deep to his core.

    As his features twisted in anger, Kristopher¡¯s grip on her wrist became vice-like, his expression darkening ominously.

    His voice came out as a venomous hiss through clenched teeth. ¡°Carrie!¡±  Lately, Carrie had been pping him for the slightest thing, challenging his temper.

    For decades, Kristopher hadmanded respect and instilled fear throughout the corporatendscape.

    Yet here he was, reduced to a mere pawn in Carrie¡¯s hands.

    Her wrist reddened under the pressure of his grip, and she replied with fierce defiance, ¡°What now? Are you going to hit me? Isn¡¯t ignoring me satisfying enough that you have to resort to physical threats?¡±

    ¡°Do you doubt I would?¡± Kristopher growled, releasing her wrist only to wrap his hand around her throat, tightening his grip.

    Gasping for air, Carrie could no longer speak, but her gaze was deadly ¨C full of undiminished defiance.

    Herplexion seemed pale and lifeless, the redness clinging stubbornly to her tired eyes.

    A tear escaped, searing his skin as it traced a path down her face.

    Kristopher was abruptly brought back to the present, acutely aware of how far he had allowed himself to be carried away.

    How could he, a man known for his unppable nature in dangerous situations, have been so thoroughly unsettled by Carrie¡¯s mere words?

    Abruptly releasing her, he slid up the partition of the car with a sharp motion and gave Oliver a brisk order, his voice tinged with iciness. ¡°Go to the Bayview Vi. ¡®

    Oliver, his forehead beaded with sweat from the palpable tension, was stunned by his apparent misstep, but responded promptly, ¡°Yes, sir.¡± He then set the vehicle in motion.

    Carrie, gasping for air, managed to pull herself upright and leaned heavily against the car door, creating as much space as she could between herself and Kristopher. Her eyes darted around, filled with suspicion and caution. Kristopher deliberately ignored her presence, turning his attention to the rain-streaked window. He found a strange sce in the rhythmic patter against the ss, which seemed to soothe his rattled nerves.

    Upon their arrival at the vi, Kristopher discovered Carrie had sumbed to a feverish slumber. Her forehead was rmingly hot to the touch. She was lost in the throes of a nightmare, whispering fretfully, her tears mingling with the dried ones already on her cheeks.

    With a grim expression, Kristopher hoisted her into his arms without a hint of gentleness. His movements were brusque, reflecting his inner turmoil. Carrie, ufortable and disoriented in his hold, shifted slightly. This minor movement reignited a spark of desire he thought he had controlled, tightening his grip on her as if fearing she might slip away.

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 Chapter 67

    ?<strong>Chapter 67:</strong>

    Oliver caught a glimpse of Carrie¡¯s distress and ventured cautiously, ¡°Mrs. Norris seems to be quite ill. Should we not take her to the hospital?¡± At the mere suggestion of a hospital, Carrie stirred in her feverish state, clutching desperately at Kristopher¡¯s suit with childlike panic. ¡°I¡¯m not going! No!¡±

    Kristopher paused, his thoughts clearly weighing on him, before he instructed, ¡°Get the doctor to our house. You wait in the living room.¡±

    With urgency, he swiftly ascended the staircase to the master bedroom, Carrie still in his arms. The house was quiet, devoid of any housekeepers. He noticed her drenched attire. Almost instinctively, he drew a nket from the bed, spread it carefully, andid her down on it.

    This was unfamiliar territory for him. He rubbed his temples, visibly disturbed by the situation.

    After a moment, Kristopher strode to the closet with a stern expression and retrieved a set of pajamas for her. Carrie, drifting in and out of consciousness, blinked her eyes open. Her vision was blurry, but she recognized the contours of the familiar room. Her fever induced a dizzy haze, making the room appear to whirl around her.

    When she saw Kristopher approaching with a look of concern, holding her pajamas, she could hardly believe it. It felt like nothing more than a dream, just a fleeting illusion in her mind. She couldn¡¯t believe it¡ªKristopher, of all people, was showing such concern for her.

    As Kristopher came closer and began to help her change, her body tensed involuntarily, haunted by the memories of the recent unpleasant incident in the car. Noticing her difort, Kristopher¡¯s voice softened, his patience thinning but gentle. ¡°Change out of your wet clothes into these dry ones before you rest.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± she responded, too weary to argue with what she believed was merely a figment of her imagination. She began to unbutton her blouse.

    Noticing her action, Kristopher discreetly turned away. His expression altered subtly, confirming in Carrie¡¯s mind that even in her dream, he maintained a respectful distance. Revisiting their shared moments, she realized his gestures had been more about fulfilling a need than showing affection, making her feel reprimanded instead of cherished.

    Carrie didn¡¯t linger on the thought. With haste, she changed into fresh clothes and slipped under the covers of her bed. The plush silk quilt embraced her¡ªa luxury she could never resist. She sank into a fitful sleep, thefort of the quilt a stark contrast to the turmoil in her mind.

    Kristopher paused at the threshold of the bedroom, his gaze lingering on Carrie as she slept serenely. His eyes then drifted to the scattered clothes on the floor.

    Muttering to himself, Kristopher mused, ¡°What am I to do with these?¡±

    The next morning arrived. Carrie¡¯s eyes fluttered open, her vision clouded and slow to clear. As her surroundings gradually came into view¡ªthe opulent master bedroom she knew so well¡ªmemories of the previous night surfaced, along with the vivid image of Kristopher¡¯s worried expression in her dream. She massaged her throbbing temples, trying to dispel the remnants of the dream. She had allowed herself to wallow in fantasies for far too long, over two years of wishful thinking. It was time to put an end to it. After all, it had been just a dream.

    Her reverie was interrupted by a knock. Before she had a chance to respond, the door creaked open. An unfamiliar middle-aged woman entered, bearing a tray.

    ¡°Who are you?¡± Carrie asked, her voice tinged with confusion and curiosity.

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 Chapter 68

    ?<strong>Chapter 68:</strong>

    The woman entered the room with a tray, her movements deliberate and her eyes radiating contempt. ¡°Mr. Norris instructed me to attend to you,¡± she announced, her tone dripping with disrespect.

    Carrie was stunned by the servant¡¯s audacious behavior towards thedy of the house. Kristopher¡¯s disdain for her seemed so profound that even a new employee felt emboldened to treat her with such tant disregard. It felt less like care and more like an assignment to manage an inconvenience. While Lise was known for dramatizing her illnesses to garner attention¡ªand Kristopher would typically go to extraordinary lengths for her¡ªhe had coldly delegated his own wife¡¯s care to a servant during her fever.

    ¡°You can leave now. I need to freshen up,¡± Carrie said casually, throwing off the covers.

    The servant remained motionless.

    ¡°Mr. Norris instructed you to take the medicine after breakfast.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s voice turned cial. ¡°Kristopher asked you to care for me, not to issue orders.¡±

    The servant¡¯s expression shifted. ¡°What do you mean?¡± Without hesitation, Carrie asserted, ¡°I¡¯m still his wife. I would appreciate a modicum of respect.¡±

    Seeing the servant¡¯s continued silence, she added firmly, ¡°That¡¯s enough. You may go now. I won¡¯t repeat myself.¡±

    The maid red but did not dare challenge her, eventually turning and departing. Once alone, Carrie exhaled and went about freshening up. After slipping into clean clothes and grabbing her bag and phone, she headed for the door. She peeked into the living room¡ªempty.

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Without wasting a moment, she booked a ride and slipped out of the house like a thief escaping captivity. The crisp air greeted her, but her momentary relief was interrupted by the incessant ringing of her phone. Her steps faltered as she slid into the waiting cab. Sitting in the backseat, she dug the phone out of her bag, her brow furrowing when she saw the caller ID. Tristan.

    Carrie¡¯s frown deepened, memories tugging at her like an unwanted tide. In the early days of her marriage to Kristopher, Tristan had practically hounded her, calling incessantly. He¡¯d shamelessly invoked their shared bloodline to demand favors, whether it was insider stock tips, business deals, or invitations to high-society gs for Yara to snag a wealthy husband. But Carrie had never been one to dance to anyone¡¯s tune, least of all Tristan¡¯s. Her refusals were firm and final. When it became clear he couldn¡¯t use her as a pawn, Tristan dropped the pretense of fatherly affection.

    Two years had passed without so much as a word between them. And yet, here he was, calling out of the blue. The timing wasn¡¯t lost on her. Their recent encounter, coupled with news of her impending divorce, had likely stirred his interest. The phone buzzed persistently, on the verge of stopping. She hesitated, weighing her options, before finally answering. Her tone was frosty, the warmth of civility stripped away. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Tristan began with a facade of paternal concern, his words subtlyced with criticism. ¡°Two years without returning home, and now that you¡¯ve ascended the socialdder, you¡¯ve forgotten your father. You truly have a cold heart¡­¡±

    As Tristan¡¯s harsh words filled the phone, Carrie subtly moved the device away from her ear, her gaze drifting to the car window.

    On the sidewalk, an elderly man approached a young woman emerging from a store, her armsden with grocery bags. With gentle care, he offered her an ice pop and took the heavy bags from her hands, allowing her to enjoy her treat while walking beside him. Their striking resemnce would leave no doubt about their familial connection. Though the daughter appeared to be around Carrie¡¯s age, her father¡¯s eyes still saw her as a child needing protection.

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 Chapter 69

    ?<strong>Chapter 69:</strong>

    Unlike this tender scene, Tristan was nothing like that caring father. Carrie withdrew her gaze indifferently.

    On the other end of the line, Tristan¡¯s tone shifted, growing less caustic, though the undertone of calction remained. ¡°Yara told me you and Kristopher had some sort of public spat about the divorce. Is it because of his ex?¡±

    He paused briefly, then continued, more as if pondering aloud than speaking to her. ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ Marrying into a wealthy family isn¡¯t as morous as people think. At the end of the day, one can only rely on their own blood and flesh. We¡¯re the ones you can truly count on. You¡¯ll probably get a nice settlement, right? Speaking of which, Yara¡¯s been eyeing a Porsche 911. It¡¯s not that pricey. If you buy it for her, I¡¯m sure she¡¯ll be grateful.¡±

    Carrie clenched her jaw, a bitterugh threatening to escape her lips. She had anticipated this call would be unpleasant but hadn¡¯t braced herself for this level of audacity. Her family¡¯s shamelessness knew no bounds¡ªthey were practically salivating over the money they assumed she¡¯d receive from the divorce. Tristan¡¯s feigned concern, wrapped in the guise of family love, was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to manipte her. It was grotesque. Hypocritical.

    At that moment, she found herself questioning if she truly shared the same blood as Tristan. The sun poured through the car window, bright and golden, yet an icy chill crept through her veins. Her mind drifted to Kristopher, and a memory surfaced unbidden. Once, he had stood between her and her family¡¯s barbs, shielding her from their relentless demands. Back then, she had seen him as herst refuge after her mother¡¯s passing. But now, even that had crumbled to dust.

    Carrie inhaled deeply, pushing the wave of sentimentality into a locked corner of her mind. Her voice, when she finally spoke, was as cold and sharp as a de. ¡°Yes, Kristopher and I are divorcing. And I¡¯ll leave with nothing. So don¡¯t bother wasting your time on me.¡±

    Tristan¡¯s voice immediately escted. ¡°What? Nothing? Are you out of your mind? Two years of marriage, and you¡¯re just walking away? Do you think I¡¯ll let him get away with this? I¡¯ll go to the Norris family myself and demand what¡¯s rightfully yours!¡±

    Carrie¡¯s head throbbed with an excruciating headache as she interrupted sharply, ¡°Do you really believe Kristopher is naive enough to overlook your true motives? Go ahead, pursue your n, but should Kristopher retaliate, don¡¯t expect me to shoulder any of the fallout. And remember the fate of the Seymour family!¡±

    The mention of the Seymours effectively silenced Tristan. The Seymour and Campbell families had a longstanding acquaintance, having once coborated with the influential Norris Group through their connection to the Campbell family. However, when the Seymour family attempted to shake down Kristopher for additional funds, they found themselves bankrupt and ostracized from Orkset overnight, a stark reminder of Kristopher¡¯s formidable reach and ruthlessness.

    Before Tristan could muster a reply, Carrie ended the call, decisively blocking his number. No sooner had she done so than her phone rang again, the screen shing a number she didn¡¯t recognize. With a mix of caution and curiosity, Carrie answered, ¡°Hello?¡±

    The voice on the other end was warm and refined. ¡°Is this Ms. Spencer? My name is Soren Rodgers, CEO and creative director of Silver Elephant Media. I understand you have someone in mind for our female lead. Could we possibly arrange a meeting with you and the prospective candidate? What time would suit you best?¡±

    Soren¡¯s directness, underscored by an unmistakable sincerity, prompted Carrie to consider the proposal seriously. She brushed away her swirling thoughts and responded with eager anticipation, ¡°Sure, I¡¯m avable right now.¡±

    With neither family nor romance to anchor her, Carrie hade to understand that life must continue.

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 Chapter 70

    ?<strong>Chapter 70:</strong>

    Immersing herself in her career was her chosen refuge, finding sce in the stability that financial independence could offer. After all, depending on others for security was a trap she was determined not to fall into.

    Soren, devoid of pretension, confirmed swiftly, ¡°Great, see you soon.¡±

    Arriving at Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop, Carrie was guided by her navigation to this quaint establishment, steeped in tradition. Its charming courtyard,plete with a small bridge arching over a gently flowing stream and a meandering corridor, radiated a sense of timeless grace. Inside, the main hall boasted valuable art paintings and intricate crafts perched on the shelves, each telling a silent story of elegance.

    An attentive waiter approached and escorted her with a polite nod. Carrie was led to the Azure, one of the many color-themed private rooms, bathed in a light misty blue that promised tranquility. As she walked, the choice of venue and the sound of Soren¡¯s voice intertwined, sketching in her mind the portrait of a warm, sophisticated young man.

    The rooms were generously spaced, ensuring privacy, with only a quaint vintage bead curtain marking each threshold. Peering through the curtains, her eyes widened momentarily at the sight within. A stylish man with striking silver hair was seated at the table, gracefully pouring coffee. His attire consisted of a sleek ck designer T-shirt coupled with chic, light-washed, distressed jeans from another renowned brand, his grin exuding a yful allure.

    Amid the ssically elegant decor that adorned the room, he appeared conspicuously modern. The noise caused him to halt and nce up, his voice tinged with uncertainty. ¡°Ms. Spencer?¡±

    Carrie, ever open-minded, quickly masked her initial surprise and entered with a warm nod and a friendly smile. ¡°Hi, Mr. Rodgers.¡±

    ¡°Just Soren, please.¡±

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    Soren set the coffee pot aside, signaled discreetly for the waiter to depart, and rose with polite grace to offer Carrie a seat. ¡°Did the candidate not apany you?¡±

    As he resumed his ce and filled a cup for Carrie, heplimented her. ¡°Your beauty truly stands alone, unmatched by any actress in this industry. Merely by your looks, you epitomize the heroine I envisioned.¡±

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m here to put myself forward for the lead role,¡± Carrie responded, epting the coffee and meeting Soren¡¯s gaze. The light from the chandelier above danced in her eyes, making them twinkle like stars.

    Soren paused, a flicker of realization crossing his features as he understood that Carrie¡¯s proposal, though unexpected, was indeed fitting. As the original author, she possessed a deep understanding of her characters, an insight only she could im. With her stunning appearance, it seemed fate had blessed her exceptionally.

    Soren, his attention seemingly elsewhere, tapped his fingers idly on the table. ¡°With some polish on your acting skills, fame is just around the corner for you. However¡ª¡± His tone shifted as he steered the conversation in a new direction. ¡°Acting demands dedication and practice¡­ I imagine you, Ms. Spencer, are particrly keen to see your character portrayed urately.¡±

    As a shrewd businessman, Soren had little room for error. He was not one to invest in projects without expecting returns. Ackluster performance could jeopardize the entire venture.

    Carrie responded, her voice carrying a mix of pride and wistfulness, ¡°I had an engagement with Nathan Films and participated in their acting workshops¡­ However, personal issues necessitated a hiatus from my career.¡±

    Nathan Films, renowned for its prestigious standing in the film industry and its workshops led by distinguished educators, had a history of nurturing numerous award-winning talents. Noticing this, Soren¡¯s demeanor brightened, his earlier reservations fading.

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 Chapter 71

    ?<strong>Chapter 71:</strong>

    He ceased his absent-minded tapping, took the pot, and topped up Carrie¡¯s coffee with newfound enthusiasm. ¡°I¡¯ll reach out to the lead actor and set up a meeting for the two of you to¡­¡± he began, only to be cut off by a melodic voice from the doorway.

    ¡°Kristopher, this spot is quite near to your office, and it¡¯s really quite lovely. I think I¡¯ll start bringing lunch over so we can eat together during your breaks.¡±

    The voice was not loud, yet in the enveloping silence, it came across as startlingly sharp. Carrie¡¯s heart stuttered. Could it really be that coincidental? Lifting her eyes, she peered through the dangling bead curtain and locked eyes with Kristopher¡¯s piercing, icy stare.

    ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± Lise, upon noticing his halted steps, turned to follow his gaze and caught sight of Carrie. Her voice was tinged with surprise. ¡°Ms. Campbell?!¡±

    Reacting on impulse, Carrie lifted her hand, but clumsiness took over, sending a pot ttering to the ground. Hot coffee sshed across her hand, painting a bright red burn onto her skin.

    Soren, oblivious to the neer at the entrance, swiftly turned his attention to Carrie, grabbing a nearby scarf to gently dab at her scalded hand. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, are you alright? Did that burn?¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here, Carrie? You should be home recuperating if you¡¯re ill, not out here, especially not with another man,¡± Kristopher interjected sharply, his voice heavy with disapproval. ¡°You¡¯re married, Carrie. It¡¯s prudent to maintain a proper distance from other men.¡±

    With a swift motion, Kristopher brushed past the curtain and stepped closer, pulling Carrie¡¯s hand from Soren¡¯s gentle grasp and positioning himself as a barrier between them. His expression was stormy and unreadable. He turned his cold gaze on Soren, evaluating him with a silent usation. If he had not intervened, Soren might have been too close forfort.

    Kristopher, whose business never crossed paths with the glitzy world of entertainment, didn¡¯t recognize Soren. Likewise, as Kristopher was a figure absent from any media spotlight, Soren did not recognize him either.

    Soren opened his mouth to rify. ¡°We were just. Carrie jerked her arm free from Kristopher¡¯s grasp, her eyes shing as she warned, ¡°Mind yournguage. This is my business partner, and we are here strictly for professional reasons.¡±

    She cast a pointed look at Lise, who had trailed in behind Kristopher, and added with a loaded tone, ¡°Unlike you two.¡± Though she aimed for sarcasm, Carrie¡¯s voice betrayed a touch of bitterness, as if tinged with envy. She had been making a concerted effort to keep her distance from Kristopher, yet somehow, she and this duo always seemed to be in the same ce at the same time. It was almost as if fate enjoyed mocking her attempts to avoid them.

    No surprise, then, that Kristopher and Lise were the darlings of the online world. In contrast to her strained interactions with Kristopher, Lise seemed toplement him perfectly, almost as if they were genuinely married. This thought only deepened the ache in Carrie¡¯s heart as she reflected on her own faltering marriage over the past two years.

    When Carrie¡¯s cutting remark hit its mark, Kristopher bristled, feeling his pride sting in front of the other man. His reply was sharp and cutting. ¡°So this is how you assert your independence? By leaning on other men? If that¡¯s all, why didn¡¯t you just ask me for help?¡±

    Her response was a cold, mocking smile. ¡°Ask you for help? And watch you help someone else take my role? No way.¡± Kristopher was aware that he was in the wrong, yet his stubbornness prevailed as he scornfully remarked, ¡°What¡¯s so special about acting? You really take your good fortune too lightly. Do you honestly believe sesses that easily?¡±

    Lise, who had been quietly observing their exchange, struggled to keep her smile intact. She had noticed how Kristopher¡¯s gaze had lingered on Carrie ever since he walked into the room. While Kristopher remained indifferent to Lise¡¯s interactions with other men, the sight of Carrie chatting amiably with another man clearly ruffled him. This observation ignited a sharp pang of anxiety in Lise¡¯s heart. With her lips pressed tightly together, she intervened between Kristopher and Carrie, her voice tinged with a shy, youthful timbre. ¡°Ms. Campbell, there seems to be a misunderstanding. I had invited a musician to talk about the theme song for our uing show. It just so happens that we¡¯re near Kristopher¡¯s office, and he joined out of concern,¡± she exined, her tone carrying the confidence of someone ustomed to being favored.

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 Chapter 72

    ?<strong>Chapter 72:</strong>

    Carrie, unfazed by the exnation, shifted her gaze away, picked up a cup from the table, and took a measured sip, dismissing the situation curtly. ¡°Huh, ridiculous.¡±

    Unruffled by Carrie¡¯s demeanor, Lise turned and feigned a sudden realization of another presence. She eximed with a crafted look of astonishment, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Mr. Rodgers from Silver Elephant Media!¡±

    The confined space of the room made Soren¡¯s silver hair stand out conspicuously. Seizing the moment, Lise continued, her wordsden with intent. ¡°Mr. Rodgers, your remarkable influence at Silver Elephant Media is unmatched, and the captivating scripts you create always turn into blockbusters. It¡¯s rare for actresses¡ªeven top stars¡ªto receive such personal attention from you. Ms. Campbell, you must know how fortunate you are to possess such beauty.¡±

    At this moment, Lise paused, her tone tinged with resignation. ¡°Indeed, beauty does open many doors.¡± She hadn¡¯t anticipated Carrie¡¯s knack for connecting with Soren. Deep down, Lise harbored no desire for Carrie to remain by Kristopher¡¯s side, nor did she wish for her to break into the entertainment industry. Despite their simr humble beginnings, Carrie seemed to effortlessly secure everything that Lise struggled so hard to achieve, all thanks to her physical appeal. This realization was hard for Lise to swallow.

    Carrie, picking up on the subtle jab, responded with a calcted nce at Lise. ¡°Ms. Nash, I¡¯m surprised someone of your appearance would understand the advantages of beauty so well¡­¡± With a slight, knowing smile, Carrie concluded, ¡°After all, don¡¯t people tend to idealize what they can hardly grasp?¡±

    As soon as those words left her mouth, Soren almost burst outughing. He quickly masked his amusement with a cough, drawing the eyes of everyone in the room. He quickly schooled his expression. Inwardly, Soren silently cheered Carrie on with a thumbs-up. Her ability to articte her thoughts so incisively, without resorting to vulgarity, was nothing short of impressive.

    It was clear why she was considered a top screenwriter. Given the right opportunity, Soren would eagerly sit down with Carrie to explore the art of crafting character dialogue.

    Lise, utterly taken aback, could only turn away, her face a mask of silent fury as she nced tearfully at Kristopher. Kristopher¡¯s features were shadowed with annoyance as he confronted Carrie. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into youtely? Your words are sharper than ever.¡±

    ¡°Are you just going to ignore everything she said about me?¡± Carrie¡¯s voice cracked, worn thin by frustration. If only Kristopher had been open to discussing things amicably, they might not have been teetering on the brink of divorce.

    Cutting herself off, Carrie grabbed her bag from the back of her chair with a resigned sigh. ¡°Mr. Rodgers, maybe we should save business discussions for another day. I¡¯ll reach out to youter.¡±

    As she moved to leave, Soren rose. ¡°Let me walk you out.¡± Carrie breezed by Kristopher without so much as a nce, her steps determined and swift. Soren, unaware of Kristopher¡¯s identity, simply followed her out as if they were alone in the room.

    Kristopher stood there, a mix of confusion and irritation brewing within him as he watched them leave. This disregard from Carrie, his wife in name, was a sharp blow to his pride. He used to bask in her undivided attention. Now, dismissed so casually, he found himself adjusting his tie in vexation, seeking some smallfort.

    Once Carrie and Soren were out of sight, Lise ventured cautiously, ¡°Is Ms. Campbell¡¯s sudden push for divorce because she¡¯s being backed by someone else?¡± Her voice was low and deliberate, each word weighed to gauge Kristopher¡¯s reaction.

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 Chapter 73

    ?<strong>Chapter 73:</strong>

    When he offered no counter, Lise¡¯s voice softened with empathy. ¡°I get it, though. As a stay-at-home wife with no financial worries, it¡¯s easy for feelings to spiral and turn into dramatic situations.¡±

    Annoyed, Kristopher massaged his temples. ¡°Backed by someone else? I¡¯ve given her the best of everything. How many women in Orkset enjoy the privilege she has?¡±

    Lise exhaled, her tone tinged with resignation. ¡°But isn¡¯t it true that satisfaction is always just out of reach for some? Perhaps she¡¯s experiencing something¡­ different with Mr. Rodgers. Maybe she¡¯s chasing what she truly wants now.¡±

    Outside the Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop, Carrie nced back at Soren, who had followed her out, a mild headache throbbing at her temples. She was indifferent to Kristopher¡¯s possible misconceptions about her; her primary concern was keeping Soren out of her private matters.

    Her brows knitted in thought as she searched for a tactful way to dismiss him when a familiar silhouette caught her eye. There, by the roadside, stood Camille in a striking bodycon dress, enthusiastically waving at her.

    ¡°Sweetheart, congrats on breaking free from the chains of marriage!¡± she remarked with a gleeful grin.

    Carrie froze for a moment, her mind racing to process Camille¡¯s unexpected appearance from Steu Skua. Shifting her attention to Soren, she offered an apologetic smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my friend just showed up. I need to go.¡±

    ¡°And hey, just hit me up about the audition. I¡¯m pretty flexible these days,¡± Carrie added, quickly grabbing Camille¡¯s arm and leading her away.

    Once they settled into a taxi, Carrie turned to Camille, curiosity painting her features. ¡°What made youe back?¡±

    ¡°Sess was elusive abroad, so here I am,¡± Camille responded nonchntly, reclining in the seat. She then casually directed the driver, ¡°Head to the Oasis Club, please.¡±

    Suspicion flickered across Carrie¡¯s face as she inquired, ¡°And how exactly did you know to find me here?¡±

    Wearing a self-satisfied grin, Camille dered, ¡°Is there anything in the entertainment industry that escapes my notice? Of course, I¡¯m in the loop¡ªI heard Mr. Rodgers was meeting with Katrina right here.¡±

    Camille alone was privy to the fact that Carrie used the pseudonym Katrina Spencer.

    With a yful wink, Camille teased, ¡°But you know, I¡¯d only ever heard the name Soren Rodgers before. I had no clue he was such a looker. Why not give him a chance, especially after dumping that jerk Kristopher?¡±

    Carrie, still smarting from Kristopher¡¯s cuttingments earlier, quickly interjected, ¡°Please, don¡¯t try to set me up. I¡¯m really just focusing on my career at the moment.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, we¡¯ll drop it. Today¡¯s about celebrating your liberation,¡± Camille responded, her smile radiant and disarming.

    They had shared their formative years as high school ssmates. Back then, Camille was reserved and academically struggling, which meant few friendships within the ss. As the ss representative, Carrie asionally covered for Camille when she failed to turn in her homework, whichid the groundwork for their acquaintance.

    Their bond deepened dramatically the day Camille fell gravely ill and copsed in the ssroom. Without hesitation, Carrie hoisted her friend up and carried her to the infirmary, twisting her ankle during the effort. Despite her own difort, Carrie remained by Camille¡¯s side for hours, ensuring her well-being. This act of kindness and solidarity marked a turning point, after which Camille truly began to open her heart to Carrie.

    During her sophomore year of high school, Camille decisively rejected her father¡¯s ns to use her marriage as a tool for family alliances. iming the need to study abroad, she escaped to Steu Skua and remained there for seven long years. Upon her return, Camille had finally carved out the life she had always envisioned for herself.

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 Chapter 74

    ?<strong>Chapter 74:</strong>

    Carrie was genuinely ted for Camille, though she couldn¡¯t help but envy the independence that Camille enjoyed. She harbored hopes that one day, she might also seize such freedom for herself.

    As their conversation flowed, the taxi pulled up to their intended destination. Exiting the vehicle, Carrie trailed behind Camille into the chic fa?ade of the ¡°Oasis Club.¡± She gazed upward at the sign, its modern, sleek lighting exuding a sense of style without any hint of gaudiness.

    Yet, the atmosphere was heavy with the heady aroma of alcohol, and the intersecting beams of light, coupled with bursts of music leaking from the private rooms, unmistakably marked it as a bastion of the nightlife. The expressions on the faces of the patrons, both men and women, were subtlyced with flirtatious intent.

    Having never ventured into such an establishment before, Carrie hesitated. ¡°Why don¡¯t we find somewhere to enjoy a decent meal? What¡¯s the big deal about this ce anyway?¡± she remarked yfully.

    With a confident grin, Camille draped an arm around Carrie¡¯s shoulders and guided her, following the waiter into a secluded room. ¡°Oh, the food isn¡¯tcking here! Tonight, I¡¯m going to introduce you to the thrill of the nightlife,¡± she dered with a twinkle in her eye.

    As Carrie settled into her seat, a procession of young men entered, their presence making the spacious room suddenly seem quite snug. Each of them stood over six feet tall, sporting broad shoulders and trim waists¡ªa sight that could easily ce them among the ranks of second-tier celebrities.

    This must be what people refer to as ¡°toy boys¡± online. Carrie had never stepped foot in a ce like this before. Yet, even without firsthand experience, the tableau unfolding before her painted a clear picture of its infamous reputation.

    ¡°Enjoy yourself, Miss!¡± the boys chorused, their voices smooth as honey but startling Carrie all the same.

    Uncover new worlds at g   alnov els

    Camille, however, remained unfazed, as if she¡¯d walked these gilded halls many times. She nudged Carrie with an elbow and gestured toward a young man leaning nonchntly against the far wall. ¡°Look at the one on the far right,¡± she said, a wicked smirk curling her lips. ¡°Doesn¡¯t he remind you of that jerk Kristopher?¡±

    Carrie followed Camille¡¯s gaze, her eyesnding on the boy. Under the dim, moody lighting, his sharp features did bear a fleeting resemnce to Kristopher¡¯s, though theparison left a sour taste. ¡°A little,¡± she admitted, nodding reluctantly.

    With a casual wave, Camille beckoned the boy over. ¡°Come and keep Carriepany,¡± she instructed, her confidence palpable.

    The Kristopher lookalike approached, smoothly uncorking a wine bottle. ¡°Miss, would you prefer poker or dice?¡± he asked, settling beside Carrie.

    Carrie¡¯s body immediately stiffened. Despite the plush sofa, she sat rigidly, her posture reminiscent of a disciplined schoolgirl. Her physical reactions had always been brutally honest¡ªa testament to her emotional sensitivity. Though undeniably attractive, the boy evoked no desire in her. Instead, she felt a subtle sense of repulsion, her body instinctively recoiling.

    Camille, observing Carrie¡¯s difort, spoke with a mix of frustration and pragmatism. ¡°Kristopher and his mistress have likely been intimate countless times. You¡¯re practically divorced¡ªwhy cling to your principles?¡±

    Recognizing the difficulty of changing someone¡¯s nature, Camille turned to the boys. ¡°My friend doesn¡¯t enjoy physical contact. Drinks and games only. Understood?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s grip tightened around the winess handed to her. If Kristopher could find someone else, why couldn¡¯t she? Good men might be as rare as diamonds, but there was no shortage of men in the world. Why should she resign herself to loneliness after cutting ties with the Norris family?

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 Chapter 75

    ?<strong>Chapter 75:</strong>

    Swallowing her hesitation along with the wine, Carrie forced herself to stay. Whether it was out of spite or a desire not to dampen Camille¡¯s spirits, she reached for the deck of cards and began to y.

    The boys, sensing the shift, found their ces around them, and the gamesmenced. Camille, more enthusiastic than skilled, quickly amassed a losing streak that left her with a row of empty beer bottles. She swayed unsteadily as she rose. ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore. Bathroom break,¡± she slurred.

    Carrie stood to follow, but the crowd boxed her in. A single misstep would mean brushing against too many bodies, so she sat back down, resigned.

    Meanwhile, outside in the hallway, a group of sharply dressed men approached the private rooms. Kristopher strode at the center, his expression stormy, his patience hanging by a thread. Albin, walking beside him, cast him a sidelong nce and offered cautiously, ¡°Kristopher, if you¡¯re that worried, maybe we should call it a night. Go home and talk things out. There¡¯s no shame in bending a little for someone you care about. Or¡­ are you really set on this divorce?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened at the word ¡°divorce.¡± It was a thorn in his side, prodded deeper with every passing moment. Carrie had been pushing boundariestely, unting her newfound independence. Yet he found himself infuriatingly powerless to stop her.

    His gaze turned icy as he shot Albin a re. ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything useful to say, keep your mouth shut.¡±

    As they neared the private rooms, Camille stepped out of hers, eyes glued to her phone, oblivious to the approaching storm. The men in Kristopher¡¯s group paused, their attention drawn to the glimpse of boys lounging inside her room.

    ¡°Wow, these women know how to live it up better than we do,¡± one of them quipped. ¡°A whole room of toy boys? That¡¯s next-level fun.¡±

    Another chuckled, ¡°She¡¯s a knockout, too. Makes you wonder if she¡¯s got a married friend in there who¡¯s just as bold.¡± At the mention of married women, their thoughts turned to Carrie.

    Kristopher had been notably absent from home, leaving her to endure years of loneliness. Someone, emboldened by the drinks they¡¯d had, blurted out, ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯ve left your wife to fend for herself for so long. Aren¡¯t you worried she might, you know, find someone else to keep her warm?¡±

    The yful atmosphere evaporated instantly. A heavy silence fell over the group, and all eyes darted nervously toward Kristopher. He said nothing, his jaw tightening as he absently turned the ring on his finger.

    The words ¡°find someone else¡± reyed in his mind like a broken record, each repetition digging deeper. Images of Carrie flickered through his thoughts¡ªher quiet defiance earlier that day, her face pale as she masked her pain. She had endured far worse injury in silence before him, yet today, she was crumbling in front of another man over something as small as a scald.

    The irony twisted in his gut like a knife.

    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Kristopher spoke. His voice was low, steady, andced with steel. ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±

    After a marathon of drinks that blurred the line between merriment and chaos, Camille suddenly flung the unfinished ying cards across the table as if they had wronged her and sprang to her feet.

    ¡°It¡¯s an absolute catastrophe!¡± she dered, her voice edged with panic. ¡°My brother knows I¡¯m back! He¡¯s on his way to drag me out of here! I¡¯ve got to bolt! Carrie, stay put¡ªI¡¯ll call a car to pick you up.¡±

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 Chapter 76

    ?<strong>Chapter 76:</strong>

    Before Carrie could untangle her muddled thoughts to respond, Camille had snatched her bag from the table and disappeared like a thief in the night.

    Carrie, left in a storm of dizziness and difort, slumped deeper into her chair. Her head spun like a rogue carousel, and her stomach churned with the fury of a storm-tossed sea. Abandoned in a room full of unfamiliar men, the irritation she had previously suppressed surged with renewed force.

    Perhaps emboldened by her solitude, one of the toy boys sauntered over. He had the smug confidence of a bargain-bin version of Kristopher, all swagger and no substance. Leaning far too close forfort, he whispered in her ear, ¡°Miss, you know, I could give you a ride hometer.¡±

    His breath, sour with alcohol, curled against her ear, making her skin crawl. Carrie wanted to recoil, but the alcohol had stolen her strength, leaving her anchored to her seat in a foggy stupor.

    Taking her silence as encouragement, the young man grew audacious. His hand, unwee and intrusive, crept onto her thigh, his fingers trailing over the fabric of her pants with feigned delicacy.

    The establishment catered primarily to middle-aged women and clients with unconventional preferences. A young, attractive woman like Carrie was a rare find. The young man¡¯s calctions were clear: if he could initiate a connection with her, a more prosperous future might await.

    His flirtatious advances sent chills down Carrie¡¯s spine, momentarily cutting through her alcohol-induced fog. Reflexively, she shoved him away. Lurching to her feet, she stumbled backward, inadvertently sending a row of bottles crashing to the floor.

    An instantaneous silence fell over the room. The previously boisterous young men now regarded her with the chastened demeanor of schoolchildren caught in mischief. Suppressing the nausea rising in her throat, Carrie delivered a cold, razor-sharpmand: ¡°Get out.¡±

    A few of the toy boys, sensing the storm brewing, scrambled to their feet and made their way to the door without a word. But not the Kristopher wannabe. He lingered, his face flickering with indecision. Clinging to some misguided bravado, he forced a grin and lifted a ss of wine as if that could smooth things over. ¡°Miss, if this bothers you, I can¡ª¡±

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    ¡°Get out!¡± Carrie cut him off, her disgust as palpable as the shattered ss at her feet. She jabbed a finger toward the door, her patience snapping like a dry twig. ¡°Or do you want me to report you?¡±

    At that precise moment, the door to the opposite room swung open. Albin casually draped his jacket over his shoulder as he exited, his eyes widening at the scene before him. Carrie stood amid the dispersing toy boys, her hair slightly disheveled and cheeks flushed with anger. Even in her moment of rage, she possessed an undeniable allure.

    Albin¡¯s lips curved into a teasing smirk as he turned toward Kristopher. ¡°Isn¡¯t that your wife, Kristopher¡ª¡±

    The moment he caught Kristopher¡¯s dark, thunderous expression, the rest of his potential observation died in his throat. A heavy silence descended upon the room. The others, their gossiping instincts crushed beneath a wave of pure terror, wished they could vanish instantly.

    The fear of potentially witnessing Kristopher¡¯s humiliation sent icy tremors through their bodies. Sensing the growing tension, Albin pped his hands in a brisk,manding gesture. ¡°Alright, everyone, the show¡¯s over. Go home, mind your own business, and keep your mouths shut.¡± It was a lifeline thrown to a drowning crowd.

    Relieved, they murmured hasty affirmations of silence, scurrying off like mice fleeing a prowling cat. Within moments, the once-bustling hallway was deserted.

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 Chapter 77

    ?<strong>Chapter 77:</strong>

    Kristopher wasted no time. He pushed open the door to Carrie¡¯s private room with a stride that carried the weight of his simmering anger. ¡°Carrie! What on earth do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

    Inside, Carrie was no longer the fierce, fiery figure she had been moments earlier. Her earlier indignation had been consumed by the haze of intoxication, leaving her in a drunken stupor. She was just about to copse onto the couch for a nap when a tall, sharp silhouette stepped into the room.

    Even through the blur clouding her vision, the man¡¯s presence was unmistakable. His distinguished bearing and cool demeanor stood out like a beacon amidst the earlier chaos. His resemnce to Kristopher was uncanny¡ªso much so that Carrie let out a breathyugh.

    Taking a few unsteady steps forward, she promptly lost her bnce and tumbled right into his arms. For reasons she couldn¡¯t fathom, her body didn¡¯t resist the contact. Her fingers grazed his face in a yful pat as she giggled. ¡°Well, well, what do we have here? Finally, a proper imitation! This ce had you hidden away all along, huh? They really saved the best forst.¡±

    Her voice, tinged with flirtation, carried a dreamy lilt. She made no effort to leave his embrace; in fact, she seemed perfectly content nestled there.

    Kristopher stared down at her, his jaw tightening as his mind reyed the sight of those toy boys slinking out of the room. His mood darkened further. Even if she was drunk, did that give her the right to so casually fall into another man¡¯s arms? His thoughts spiraled, wondering how far her recklessness had gone.

    Suppressing his fury, he resolved that this wasn¡¯t the time to confront her. Without a word, he swept her up into his arms, her weight barely registering as he carried her out of the room. Carrie didn¡¯t resist; instead, she looped her arms around his neck, her smile as sweet as it was oblivious. To anyone watching, they might have looked like a couple caught in the thrall of young love.

    Pausing at the door, Kristopher cast a pointed nce toward Albin. ¡°Erase any security footage,¡± he ordered, his tone cold and absolute.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Albin, watching the scene unfold, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. His eyes followed Kristopher and Carrie until they disappeared into the distance, his mind churning with unspoken observations.

    At the door of the Oasis Club, Oliver stood by the car, holding the door open with the stoic patience of a butler in an old drama. Kristopher¡¯s voice dripped with acidity. ¡°By day, business partners. By night, toy boys. Carrie, you¡¯ve certainly mastered time management. I can¡¯t believe I fell for your ¡®perfect wife¡¯ act!¡± He roughly pushed Carrie into the backseat before sliding in beside her.

    Oliver, learning from a previous encounter, quickly raised the divider between the front and back seats. Carrie winced from the abrupt movement, her delicate features scrunching in difort. She attempted to sit upright but felt so unsteady that she copsed against Kristopher¡¯s body.

    Seizing the moment, she looked up at him, her voice defensive. ¡°Don¡¯t me me! I didn¡¯t do anything wrong! I didn¡¯t even touch those toy boys!¡± Kristopher¡¯s jaw clenched. ¡°You¡¯re disappointed about that?¡± Disbelieving her words, he roughly grabbed her chin, meticulously examining her neck and behind her ears for any signs of intimate contact. Her skin was so sensitive that even the gentlest touch could leave a mark.

    After his thorough examination, he leaned back. Aside from the faint scent of alcohol clinging to her, there were no signs of anyone else.

    ¡°Ouch!¡± she eximed, meeting his gaze with wide, innocent eyes and breaking free from his grip. Still tipsy, she momentarily forgot her pain and leaned in, softly tracing his face with her fingers. ¡°I felt no regret earlier. But now that you¡¯ve caught my eye, I want more than just holding hands with you!¡±

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 Chapter 78

    ?<strong>Chapter 78:</strong>

    Before he could respond, his phone buzzed.

    The sharp sound broke the moment like shattering ss. He unlocked the phone to see a surveince video from the private room she¡¯d been in. With one hand, he captured her wandering fingers, holding them still. With the other, he yed the video.

    Carrie huffed, slumping back with a theatrical pout. ¡°You¡¯re working again? Why aren¡¯t you ever smiling? You and that other guy are the same¡ªboth of you look like you¡¯ve been carved out of stone. Who¡¯d want someone like that?¡±

    As the video yed, Kristopher¡¯s anger began to cool, though the storm clouds in his expression didn¡¯t fully dissipate. The footage showed nothing too rming¡ªjust people drinking and ying games. But then, toward the end, he noticed a man who bore a faint resemnce to himself sitting too close to Carrie. The so-called ¡°toy boy¡± had dared to touch her leg.

    Kristopher froze the video, took a screenshot, and sent it to Albin. Before he could type a message, Albin¡¯s instant reply arrived: ¡°Kristopher, don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve handled that guy. He won¡¯t use that hand again. We kicked him out of Orkset. He¡¯s gone for good.¡±

    Meanwhile, Carrie, still teetering on the edge of her drunken haze, watched him with narrowed eyes. ¡°That phone of yours¡­ You¡¯re glued to it. Is work really that demanding, or are you just too busy with her?¡±

    Her voice cracked, the hurt bleeding through despite her attempt at sarcasm.

    Kristopher paused, unbuttoning the top of his shirt as if the fabric itself had grown suffocating. ¡°Look at yourself,¡± he said, his tone sharp enough to cut. ¡°You¡¯re making a spectacle of yourself. You¡¯re embarrassing the Norris family.¡±

    ¡°Go to ces like this again, and I¡¯ll personally make sure you can¡¯t walk there.¡± His words were meant to hit hard, but Carrie, far from cowering, fired back with unfiltered frustration.

    ¡°Embarrassing the Norris family?¡± she echoed bitterly. ¡°Who even knows I¡¯m part of it? Everyone thinks she¡¯s your wife. To the world, I¡¯m just some secret you keep hidden away. The Norris family might be filthy rich, but what did I get? No wedding, no acknowledgment. People probably think I¡¯m just your mistress!¡±

    Kristopher felt an odd twinge in his heart, struggling to determine if it came from sympathy, but the sensation quickly faded when Carrie snapped, ¡°Kristopher the Jerk.¡±

    His face tightened into an icy mask as he shot back with biting sarcasm. ¡°You imed the wedding didn¡¯t matter to you, yet here you are, throwing it in my face. Seems to me, you¡¯re the real hypocrite, not me.¡±

    Carrie paused, her brow furrowing as she thought it over before shaking her head dismissively. ¡°Hypocrite? Hardly. I take responsibility for my choices. But I do regret the day I handed over that twenty million. He wasted my money on fancy clothes and trinkets for his precious darling!¡±

    Kristopher let out a scornfulugh. ¡°Believe me, your little fortune would be useless to me, even if I were to hit rock bottom.¡±

    Carrie shrugged casually. ¡°Bankrupt, are you? Well, join the club. You¡¯re quite the catch, but I¡¯m tapped out. I can¡¯t afford your price tag, so maybe you should just go.¡± She straightened her posture, reaching for the car door, intent on leaving.

    In a swift motion, Kristopher yanked her back against him, his tone sharp. ¡°What now? Didn¡¯t learn your lessonst time? Trying to pull that jumping-out-of-the-car stunt again?¡±

    For a brief moment, Carrie remained silent, trapped in his hold. Kristopher thought he had unnerved her, but how logical could a drunk person really be?

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 Chapter 79

    ?<strong>Chapter 79:</strong>

    Carrie snuggled closer to him like a frisky cat, her enticing eyes narrowing just enough to add to her charm. ¡°You were the one who hugged me first! So, it¡¯s not about me taking advantage, but rather you offering an open invitation!¡±

    Her fingers lightly grazed his neck, and she tilted her head up to kiss him, her tongue tracing the outline of his Adam¡¯s apple as she whispered, ¡°You have such a wonderful scent.¡±

    Kristopher swallowed hard, feeling a surge of excitement that caused a noticeable bulge.

    Carrie felt the firm object against her waist and tried to wriggle free, yfully slurring, ¡°It¡¯s just too big¡ªit doesn¡¯t feel right.¡±

    Her voice was sultry and teasing, more flirtatious thanining.

    ¡°Carrie, behave yourself!¡± Kristopher murmured in a stern, low tone.

    But Carrie, undeterred, hooked her finger under his chin, her eyes gleaming mischievously. ¡°I won¡¯t! What are you afraid of? Afraid to kiss me? Or¡­ are you impotent? Oh, I didn¡¯t take you for someone who¡¯s all talk and no use.¡±

    The desire in Kristopher¡¯s gaze shattered the remnants of his self-control.

    He slipped his hand under her shirt, his fingers gliding up her slim waist to her soft chest, where he grasped firmly.

    ¡°Mm¡ª¡± Her lips, soft and delicate, parted ever so slightly, and a gentle moan slipped out involuntarily.

    He leaned in, cradling her face, lips poised to capture hers in a kiss.

    But suddenly, Carrie¡¯s head spun wildly, her stomach revolting with intense nausea.

    A scorching wave rushed up to her throat, and with a guttural ¡°ugh,¡± she couldn¡¯t contain the nausea any longer.

    Kristopher whipped his head aside just in time, yet still got caught in the spray.

    The car was immediately engulfed in a sharp, acrid odor.

    Carrie, embarrassed, wiped her mouth with her sleeve, then curled up in the only clean corner and drifted off to sleep.

    Kristopher gazed at her tranquil face, now marred by the events, his features shadowed by doubt.

    Was she merely drunk, or did her body harbor a deeper aversion to his touch? Perhaps she was mistaking him for someone else in her inebriated state but rejecting him instinctively all the same. This wasn¡¯t the first time, but the second time she had vomited during such a critical moment.

    The following morning, Carrie awoke to a relentless throbbing in her head and found herself entwined around Kristopher like a clinging vine.

    The memory ofst night¡¯s debacle flooded back, and she shut her eyes tightly, wishing she could vanish into thin air or never face the dawn.

    A frosty voice broke the silence, looming over her. ¡°Enough with the act.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re awake, move away from me.¡±

    Without another word, he pushed her aside, abruptly severing their tangled embrace.

    Carrie was forced to confront her mortification and reluctantly opened her eyes.

    Kristopher had propped himself up; his torso was bare, showcasing his well-defined and striking muscles.

    .

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 Chapter 80

    ?<strong>Chapter 80:</strong>

    While she could question his integrity and emotions, his physical appearance was beyond reproach.

    A sardonic grin yed on Kristopher¡¯s lips as he looked at her and teased, ¡°Had your fill of the view?¡±

    Caught red-handed, Carrie¡¯s reply came with a tinge of difort. ¡°Well, you¡¯re right there¡ªwhat else should I be looking at?¡±

    Kristopher averted his gaze, casually rising to get dressed.

    His voice held a mix of jest and earnestness as he mused, ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder whether you truly want a divorce, or if you¡¯re just ying coy to catch my eye.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into this. I have no interest in you,¡± Carrie responded, her tone t as she turned her head away.

    Kristopher¡¯s face remained impassive as he countered bluntly, ¡°And who was it that seduced me in the car yesterday and clung to me throughout the night? Wasn¡¯t that you?¡±

    ¡°I was drunk,¡± Carrie began, abruptly realizing she was inadvertently admitting guilt.

    She checked herself, sat up straight, and retorted with calcted disdain, ¡°If I were trying to seduce you, why would I end up throwing up? Clearly, it¡¯s my body¡¯s reflexive resistance.¡±

    This revtion aligned perfectly with Kristopher¡¯s earlier suspicions.

    However, even with Carrie¡¯s confession, he found himself reluctant to ept it. ¡°Who knows what kind of trick you¡¯re trying to pull now?¡± he said.

    Carrie was at a loss for words. ¡°Why waste time specting? Just sign the divorce papers and let¡¯s end this,¡± she countered.

    Kristopher buttoned his shirt, casting a skeptical nce her way. ¡°Do you think getting a divorce is like calling off a casual rtionship? Something you can decide on a whim and then backtrack if you change your mind? Or perhaps you believe you run the courthouse?¡±

    Carrie¡¯sugh was tinged with frustration. ¡°How did your ego escape my notice all this time? What part of what I¡¯ve said even hints at wanting to get back together? If you¡¯re that concerned, we could include a stiption in the divorce decree that bars any possibility of remarrying each other.¡±

    ¡°This is futile. I have more important things to do than argue with you,¡± Kristopher dered dismissively, striding out the door.

    Left alone, Carrie lingered on the bed, her mind slowly piecing together the events of the previous night.

    She had been sick all over Kristopher. Considering how self-centered he usually was, why didn¡¯t he just leave her to handle the mess on her own?

    Yet somehow, they had ended up back in bed together.

    Could it be that he had stayed to take care of her after all?

    Not long after, the door swung open once more.

    This time, it was the overbearing housekeeper, Willow, whom Kristopher had recently employed.

    She swept into the room with a sense of ownership, quietlyining about the ceaseless work.

    Upon noticing Carrie awake, Willow didn¡¯t hesitate to air her grievances. ¡°I dressed you in fresh clothes and tucked you into the guest roomst night.¡±

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 Chapter 81

    ?<strong>Chapter 81:</strong>

    ¡°How on earth did you wind up back here in the master bedroom?¡±

    Carrie, who had vomited and subsequently passed out, retained no recollection of the night¡¯s events.

    She threw off the covers and stood up, challenging Willow¡¯s interrogation. ¡°This is my bedroom. What¡¯s stopping me from returning to it?¡±

    Willow responded with a scornful smirk. ¡°Well, it¡¯s because Mr. Norris gave me specific instructions. He arrived homest night, handed you over to my care, and insisted I clean you up and sequester you in the guest room, dering he didn¡¯t want you sullying his space. I made sure you were asleep before I left. I never anticipated you¡¯d slip back here. Trying to keep up with you is exhausting.¡±

    Carrie froze, a sharp pang of realization piercing through her, from her fingertips straight to her heart.

    Once more, she found herself caught in her own foolishness. Despite the ring truth before her, she had woven fantasies of him looking after her throughout the night.

    Indeed, when she had been feverish and unconscious before, he had shown no concern. Why would he bother now, just because she was drunk?

    She struggled to suppress the agony that threatened to overwhelm her, reassuring herself that this lesson was necessary. It steered clear of any potentialplications and avoided the difort of a possible encounter today.

    Maybe, given enough time, the lingering ember in her heart would extinguish, never to be rekindled by a passing whisper of emotion.

    Once Willow had exited the room, Carrie revitalized herself, gathered her belongings, and left.

    Upon stepping outside, she immediately checked her phone, noticing a barrage of missed calls from Camille.

    Right as she was about to return the call, Camille rang again.

    ¡°Carrie, is everything okay? Yesterday, when the driver arrived to pick you up, the staff at Oasis Club informed him you had left with someone else. I¡¯ve been trying to find out who it was, but they¡¯re tight-lipped! If you hadn¡¯t picked up today, I was on the verge of calling the police!¡±

    Touched by her friend¡¯s concern, Carrie bit back her grievances and responded with a hint of resignation. ¡°I bumped into Kristopherst night and, in the confusion, thought he was just another gigolo. He ended up taking me to Bayview Vi.¡± Realizing Carrie was safe at home, Camille¡¯s tension eased, her curiosity piqued by the intriguing revtion. ¡°You thought he was a gigolo? Did anything happen between you two?¡±

    Carrie reflexively dismissed the idea. ¡°No, absolutely nothing happened. How could anything happen? I ended up vomiting all over his car, and all he did was drop me off at home before leaving.¡±

    Yet, the brief intimate moment haunted her, stirring a sense of unease within her¡­

    Surely, a kiss that was never fully realized didn¡¯t really count as something significant, did it?

    Camille, failing to pick up on the shift in Carrie¡¯s voice and feeling somewhat guilty herself, remarked with a cheerful tone, ¡°Why don¡¯t we go shopping and grab some lunch today? I promise, no bars. Just aid-back day for the two of us. What do you say? Meet at Evergreen za?¡±

    With no other ns in mind, Carrie consented. ¡°Alright, see you at Evergreen za soon.¡±

    Unbeknownst to Carrie, Willow had been covertly watching her.

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 Chapter 82

    ?<strong>Chapter 82:</strong>

    As Carrie departed, Willow lingered by the window, picked up the phone with a servile tone, and stated, ¡°I¡¯ve ryed everything exactly as you instructed. She appeared quite disturbed. She didn¡¯t even think to confirm with Mr. Norris and just left, looking rather somber. ording to her conversation with a friend, she¡¯s heading to Evergreen za.¡±

    In the bustling heart of the Aria Shopping Center, Camille and Carrie strolled out of a candy shop, arm in arm, their spirits high.

    Suddenly, Camille¡¯s eyes lit up as she spotted a luxury brand disy nearby.

    Excited, she pointed at a resplendent dress and eximed, ¡°Look at that! It¡¯s perfect for you! If you love it, I¡¯ll get it for you as a makeup gift forst time!¡±

    The dress was an exquisite white, adorned with meticulous embroidery and daring cutouts around the waist, striking a bnce between elegance and allure.

    Carrie, however, gently waved off the suggestion. ¡°No, I appreciate it, but it¡¯s just too expensive. Plus, maintaining such fancy clothes is a hassle. It¡¯s more than I¡¯d like to spend.¡±

    ¡°But you don¡¯t have to buy it just to try it on,¡± Camille countered yfully, coaxing Carrie toward the boutique.

    With a flourish, Camille swung her new designer handbag onto the counter and cheerfully asked the sales assistant, ¡°Could you please let my friend try on that dress?¡±

    Noticing Camille¡¯s luxurious attire, the sales assistant promptly brightened up, fetched the dress with a smile, and directed, ¡°Miss, the usual fitting room is upied, but feel free to use the one right here.¡±

    ¡°Just go for it! I¡¯ll wait right here,¡± Camille urged, settlingfortably on a plush sofa nearby, her gaze wandering around the sparse shop.

    galnovels  hosts great stories

    Apart from them, there was only a man seated discreetly behind a partition.

    Although only part of his side was visible, his refined posture and the subtle charisma he radiated were unmistakable.

    Camille mused to herself that he might be a devoted husband patiently waiting as his wife shopped, secretly admiring hisposed demeanor.

    Momentster, the fitting room door swung open, and Carrie stepped out, transformed.

    Camille¡¯s eyes widened, her gaze lingering in awe as she stepped closer. ¡°Wow! You look absolutely stunning!¡±

    In that moment, a gentle voice interrupted, ¡°Well, Kristopher, what do you think of this?¡±

    Simultaneously, Lise stepped out from another dressing room, adorned in an identical dress.

    Behind a nearby partition, a figure rose to his feet¡ªit was Kristopher.

    ¡°Seriously? The cocktails at the Oasis Club must have been stronger than I thought to skew my judgment this badly. How could I have ever thought Kristopher was a devoted husband patiently waiting for his wife?¡±

    Kristopher pivoted toward the disturbance, his eyes locking on Carrie.

    The dress clung to her, entuating her graceful silhouette and the daring cutouts along her sides, which drew attention to her delicate waist.

    Carrie stood tall, the hem of the dress riding up slightly, showcasing her long, sculpted legs.

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 Chapter 83

    ?<strong>Chapter 83:</strong>

    However, a vivid red scar marred her otherwise wless skin.

    Kristopher¡¯s thoughts drifted to his grandmother¡¯s renowned ointment, recalling how it had nearly erased his cousin¡¯s severe cut from a sculpting ident in mere weeks.

    Time had passed, yet Carrie¡¯s scar remained prominent, a stark testament to the severity of her wound.

    Carrie caught Kristopher¡¯s gaze and, almost reflexively, sidestepped to shield her leg with a nearby chair.

    The presence of her scar always brought a wave of insecurity, especially around him; she felt noticeably lesser.

    All she wanted was to disappear from his sight.

    She harbored a deep-seated fear of Kristopher witnessing her imperfections, both past and present.

    As Kristopher advanced to greet her, Lise tugged at his sleeve with a sugary tone. ¡°Kristopher.¡±

    He shifted toward Lise with a questioning look. ¡°Yes?¡±

    Lise twirled in her dress, eyes sparkling with anticipation. ¡°Do I look good in this?¡±

    Though shorter than Carrie, Lise¡¯s dress just brushed her knees, skimming her slender body without enhancing her shape, exuding a sense of gentle innocence rather than allure.

    ¡°Yeah, it looks great,¡± Kristopher assured her, his words lighting up her face.

    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s

    With a victorious smirk, Lise approached Carrie. ¡°Ms. Campbell, I wasn¡¯t expecting to bump into you here. I had a little mishap with coffee earlier, and Kristopher brought me here to find something nice. Hope you don¡¯t mind!¡±

    Her smile gleamed as she stood beside Carrie, yful yet provocative. ¡°So, Kristopher, who wore it better¡ªme or Ms. Campbell?¡±

    Kristopher paused for a moment, almost dismissing the question, but then he vividly recalled how that man had tenderly stroked Carrie¡¯s leg. If she had been wearing that particr dress the previous evening, that man¡¯s hands would have been directly on her skin.

    Irritation red up within him, and he remarked with a hint of spite, ¡°You definitely wear it better than she ever could.¡±

    Carrie had no interest inpeting with Lise in a beauty contest; she was eager to escape the situation. She turned on her heel, heading toward the fitting room to change back into her own clothes.

    Kristopher noticed her nonchnt response to hisment, realizing he may have been too lenient. His voice hardened as he retorted, ¡°What is this even supposed to cover? Is this a dress or a joke? Why can¡¯t you pick something that decently covers you up?¡±

    As Carrie stopped, a sharp sting radiated from the old scars on her leg. Given Kristopher¡¯s recent scrutiny of her legs, she inferred he was implying that her scars were unsightly and needed to be hidden.

    Despite still being hiswful wife, his words seemed to suggest that she was bringing shame upon the Norris family. He could have at least pretended to care, even if it were just for appearances. Why must he disy his tant revulsion publicly?

    Seeing Carrie¡¯s subdued reaction, Camille assumed she felt threatened and quickly moved to her side. Positioning herself protectively in front of Carrie, she addressed Kristopher in a confrontational tone, ¡°Mr. Norris, can¡¯t you tell the difference between the genuine and the superficial? Or do you truly have such a twisted preference for things that are ugly? Do you honestly think her slender figure surpasses Carrie¡¯s elegance?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 84

    ?<strong>Chapter 84:</strong>

    Lise interjected with a gentle rebuke, ¡°Hold on, he was merely teasing. Don¡¯t take it so seriously.¡±

    I suffer from a heart condition, so Kristopher tends to pamper me.

    I¡¯m aware I don¡¯t possess Ms. Campbell¡¯s grandeur.

    Truly, at her age, she could go for something more refined.¡±

    Kristopher quickly assumed that Camille was the mastermind from the previous night, the one who had taken Carrie to that club. He couldn¡¯t help but attribute Carrie¡¯s recent behavior to Camille¡¯s influence, especially considering Camille¡¯s provocative attire.

    Choosing to ignore Camille, Kristopher turned his attention back to Carrie and remarked, ¡°Seeing thepany you keep, it¡¯s no surprise your behavior has taken a turn for the worse!¡±

    Carrie was used to shrugging off their veiled insults, but dragging Camille into this was a step too far. Her tone dripped with sarcasm as she shot back, ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this funny? A cheating husband and his mistress are trying to lecture me on friendship and fashion. If you need a mirror, try the bathroom. Get a real look at what kind of garbage you¡¯ve be. Should I really be the one dressing conservatively? How about shutting up and actually acting like decent human beings for a change?¡±

    ¡°Carrie!¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice boomed across the room.

    Swiftly softening her voice, Lise intervened, ¡°Please, Kristopher, don¡¯t be upset. This is on me. Let¡¯s not fight over this.¡±

    Finding their presence unbearable, Carrie¡¯s eyes drifted toward the doorway, seeking sce away from their judgmental stares.

    Camille, witnessing Carrie¡¯s defiance, almost erupted in apuse but restrained herself. Instead, she confidently slid her credit card across the counter, dering, ¡°I¡¯ll take this dress.¡±

    However, Carrie interjected, casting a disdainful nce at Kristopher before she declined, ¡°No, thank you. What a mess¡ªI actually picked the same awful dress as Miss Nash. What a disaster! We should avoid repeating such a mistake.¡±

    Her statement was a clear jab at Kristopher, hinting that marrying him had been an equivalent misjudgment.

    Camille nodded in agreement, adding a snide remark, ¡°Absolutely! With those white flowers? It¡¯s obviously more fitting for a maniptor pretending to be pure and innocent.¡± The exchange of sharp words was brief, and Kristopher stood his ground, ready to counter any insult hurled his way.

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your breath trying to insult me¡ªI¡¯m not interested. Say whatever you want¡ªI respect that, but I¡¯m standing my ground, no matter what,¡± Carrie stated, her tone resolute.

    With those final words, she turned on her heel and strode toward the fitting room.

    Observing Kristopher being insulted by Carrie and her friend, Lise¡¯s concern about facing Carrie¡¯s wrath lessened. As Carrie¡¯s assertiveness grew, Kristopher¡¯s tolerance would certainly wane, finding her increasingly unbearable.

    When Carrie slipped back into her regr attire and ushered Camille away, Lise feigned worry and approached Kristopher.

    ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m sorry for stirring up trouble between you and Ms. Campbell today. Don¡¯t worry about me. Perhaps you should follow her. She might be strong-willed, but even the toughest need a bit of indulgence now and then. A little extra attention from you might just ease the tension,¡± she suggested softly.

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 Chapter 85

    ?<strong>Chapter 85:</strong>

    Kristopher turned away, his expression detached and cool. ¡°You don¡¯t need to bother yourself about her,¡± he responded, his voice icy, betraying no emotion.

    Lise¡¯s words came out softly,ced with uncertainty. ¡°Kristopher, is it true? Are you thinking of divorcing her?¡±

    ¡°Divorce? I¡¯m not nning anything of the sort,¡± Kristopher stated casually, pulling a sleek ck card from his bag and handing it to the sales associate as a way to deflect. ¡°Please package the dress she¡¯s modeling and those handbags she admired.¡±

    The transaction was steep, exceeding a million dors.

    The sales associate, initially caught off guard, quickly recovered and dashed to process the payment. ¡°Right away, sir.¡±

    Upon Kristopher and Lise¡¯s arrival, the sales associate had been sternly instructed by her manager to maintain the utmost discretion regarding their high-profile clients, avoiding any chance of gossip.

    At first, the associate had seemed indifferent, having no personal stake or spicy tales to spread. However, the prospect of a hefty sale sparked her enthusiasm. She approached with a glowing smile, showeringpliments. ¡°Miss Nash, that dress is breathtaking on you. Could we snap a picture togetherter?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lise responded, her smile warm yetcking genuine joy as her hand involuntarily tightened into a fist.

    Meanwhile, just outside, Camille, having just exited the boutique, caught sight of the interaction and turned, ready to storm back in, when Carrie seized her hand.

    ¡°Why are you stopping me?¡± Camille snapped, her eyes zing. ¡°I need to deal with that damn bitch! She¡¯s putting on quite the show now. I should expose her deceit.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    Carrie restrained her, steering her clear of the storefront. ¡°We¡¯ve already dealt with her after those earlier remarks. Dragging this out won¡¯t help. She¡¯s just acting like a victim to win Kristopher over. Let¡¯s not y into her hands.¡±

    Persuaded, Camille ceased her resistance and intertwined her arm with Carrie¡¯s, venting with a scowl, ¡°What kind of enchantment has that woman cast on Kristopher? How could he fall for such a basic, two-faced bitch? Is he blind? The perfect wife is literally right before his eyes! Or perhaps he¡¯s like one of those oblivious rich guys from romance novels, grown weary of exquisite dinners and suddenly craving a taste of street food. And that outfit she¡¯s wearing? It¡¯s like a cheap knockoff from an online bazaar.¡±

    Carrie absorbed her friend¡¯s diatribe, her resolve hardening to carve out her own path. ¡°Men are too fickle to depend on. I have to make it on my own. Any sess that bitch wrangled through Kristopher, I¡¯m determined to earn independently!¡±

    Mid-conversation, Carrie¡¯s phone buzzed with a text from Soren, informing her of her audition time with the male lead.

    Three dayster, at Silver Elephant Media, Ruby dashed in, out of breath. Her anxiety eased only when she spotted Carrie lounging on a sofa in the reception area. ¡°You waited until thest minute to tell me about this big deal. Lucky for you, I was free.¡±

    Witnessing Ruby¡¯s distress, Carrie offered aforting smile. ¡°It¡¯s merely an audition. Nothing¡¯s set in stone yet.¡±

    ¡°For a project of this magnitude, even stepping into the audition room is crucial,¡± Ruby remarked, settling beside Carrie. ¡°How did yound such a coveted spot? Katrina Spencer¡¯s screeny, no less! Even the premier star of our agency might not snag such a chance. Was it that connection who helped you investigate the mastermind during that viral moment who got you this?¡±

    Carrie pressed her lips together, steeling herself to reveal the truth. ¡°I am Katrina Spencer.¡±

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 Chapter 86

    ?<strong>Chapter 86:</strong>

    Ruby, as her manager, had to know eventually.

    With a dismissive roll of her eyes, Ruby expressed her disbelief. ¡°Sure, and next you¡¯ll tell me you¡¯re married to the wealthiest man alive?¡±

    Carrie was momentarily at a loss for words. Indeed, she was Katrina Spencer. Determined to prove her point, Carrie retrieved the copyright contract from her phone and handed it to Ruby. ¡°I¡¯m dead serious.¡±

    Ruby skeptically took the phone, but her expression shifted to one of shock as she scrutinized the document.

    Looking up, she asked in astonishment, ¡°You¡¯re actually Katrina Spencer?¡±

    Carrie affirmed with a nod. ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Why would you keep such a significant secret? And why bother with those ridiculous auditions for ¡®zing Sun¡¯?¡± Ruby¡¯sposure finally shattered.

    Carrie had the advantage, yet she allowed Lise to belittle her?

    Carrie thought back to leaving the house with no clear direction, just a determination to do something, and that decision had led her to Ruby.

    Reflecting on this, she exined, ¡°Initially, Icked confidence. I wanted to start small and hone my abilities.¡±

    Ruby exhaled a weary sigh. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not toote to change course.¡±

    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all

    A sudden recollection made Ruby reach into her bag and pull out an envelope. ¡°This is for you.¡±

    Curious, Carrie epted it. ¡°Who¡¯s it from?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got no idea. It was left at the front desk with instructions to pass it on to you. By the time I got downstairs, the messenger was already gone,¡± Ruby said, her brow furrowed in confusion, as though trying to piece together a riddle with missing clues.

    Carrie unfolded the package carefully. Inside was a crisply folded card with the word ¡°Invitation¡± elegantly embossed on its cover, a hint of mystery wrapped in simplicity.

    Before she could even flip it open, her phone buzzed like an impatient reminder. Soren¡¯s name shed on the screen, and his brisk voice came through, urging her to hurry.

    Carrie mentioned she would arrive shortly, and then she tucked the envelope back and casually threw it into the nearby trash can. Every year, invitations like this found their way to her, each as unwee as thest.

    She didn¡¯t waste time puzzling over how this one ended up at herpany. In this industry, people had an uncanny knack for digging up personal information.

    Truth be told, she hated such events. Kristopher, her husband, seldom attended these social soirees and would hand his invites off to her like they were chores. ¡°You should go if you feel like it,¡± he¡¯d say.

    But what was the point of going solo? She could already picture the two likely oues. Either she¡¯d be the subject of hushed gossip, with acquaintances snidely remarking on her husband¡¯s absence, or she¡¯d end up fending off advances from strangers with questionable motives.

    Snapping out of her thoughts, Carrie nced at Ruby. ¡°Let¡¯s head upstairs. Mr. Rodgers and Asher Burton are already here.¡±

    Asher Burton was more than just a handsome face.

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 Chapter 87

    ?<strong>Chapter 87:</strong>

    A multitalented performer, he had carved out a reputation as a superstar who excelled in singing, dancing, and acting. With his and Katrina¡¯s names attached to a project, sess seemed almost guaranteed. Even a neer in the female lead would be catapulted to instant fame¡ªa testament to Silver Elephant Media¡¯smitment to quality production.

    Ruby¡¯s concern flickered across her face. ¡°I read online that ¡®Agarwood¡¯ was something you wrote years ago. Do you still remember the details? I¡¯ve heard Asher can be difficult. If he disagrees, even Mr. Rodgers might struggle to secure your role.¡±

    Asher¡¯s reputation preceded him. Some said he was all high and mighty, while others argued he maintained an intentional distance to avoid potential scandals.

    Carrie gave Ruby¡¯s hand a reassuring pat. ¡°Rx. I know my work like the back of my hand. Let¡¯s not keep them waiting.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t just another scriptwriter chasing a paycheck back then; every word she wrote carried her dedication. She knew her own creations inside out, and no critique or test could catch her off guard.

    When they reached the office, Soren wasn¡¯t at his desk. Instead of the producer himself, a young man lounged dramatically on the sofa, his Balenciaga distressed hoodie and jeans creating an image of calcted nonchnce. His legs stretched across half the room, a physical manifestation of his apparent indifference.

    Sharp facial features and captivating eyesmunicated aplex persona¡ªsimultaneously mischievous and forbidding. He was precisely as unapproachable as the rumors suggested.

    Asher¡¯s journey was legendary. Debuting at 19 with a music group, he had conquered international stages, collecting gold awards and establishing himself as a group leader.

    After breaking free from an exploitative agency, he transitioned to a sessful solo career, with his first romance film cementing his status as a top-tier talent. He hadn¡¯t descended from that peak since, and his co-stars were either seasoned pros or rising stars with exceptional skill. If anyone had a reason to walk with their nose in the air, it was him.

    Carrie¡¯s arrival drew a brief nce from Asher, his gaze raking her up and down before sliding dismissively back to his phone.

    Just then, Soren stepped out from the inner room with a smile. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re here.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t flinch at Asher¡¯s attitude; to her, he was just another cog in the machine of the production. She walked in confidently, greeting, ¡°Good morning, Mr. Rodgers, Mr. Burton.¡± With a nod toward herpanion, she added, ¡°This is my agent, Ruby Curtis.¡±

    Asher straightened with dramatic slowness, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Are we here to exchange pleasantries or get on with the audition?¡±

    Carrie knew her appearance wasn¡¯t universally celebrated, but such overt hostility from a stranger was unexpected. She frowned, mentallybing through her memories for any potential offense. Nothing surfaced. The only person in the entertainment industry she genuinely disliked was Lise. Ironically, she had heard Asher himself harbored negative feelings toward Lise, making his current attitude toward Carrie seem illogical.

    Soren nodded at Ruby and stepped forward, his movements deliberate as he sought to ease the underlying tension. ¡°I watched the ¡®zing Sun¡¯ audition clips on Twitter,¡± he began. ¡°Carrie demonstrated remarkable emotional depth. Today, let¡¯s explore the scene where the main characters experience a critical misunderstanding.¡±

    As his hand reached for the script, Asher abruptly rose and approached him, firmly pressing down on the document. ¡°Why confine her to familiar territory?¡± Asher challenged. ¡°Apelling show can¡¯t rely on predictable scenes. Unexpected moments define true storytelling. What if we randomize the scene selection?¡±

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 Chapter 88

    ?<strong>Chapter 88:</strong>

    Carrie, who had been quietly observing, sensed something brewing between them. Her suspicion crystallized: Asher seemed to have a specific agenda regarding her.

    With studied nonchnce, she responded, ¡°I¡¯m adaptable. Choose whatever you¡¯d like.¡±

    Soren surveyed both participants, his gaze weighted with unspoken understanding. ¡°Since you¡¯re in agreement, I¡¯ll select a scene at random.¡±

    Though technically conducting the audition, Soren remained skeptical of Carrie¡¯s potential. Future coborations demanded diplomacy, and he was reluctant to be overly critical. His primary hope rested on her meeting the fundamental acting requirements.

    With Asher having escted the challenge, Soren was quietly eager to witness the unfolding dynamics.

    After shuffling the scripts methodically, he randomly selected one and distributed copies to Carrie and Asher.

    Carrie rapidly scanned her lines, her posture transforming as she prepared herself. ¡°I¡¯m ready,¡± she announced with quiet confidence.

    Asher¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Every line in ¡®Agarwood¡¯ is meticulously crafted,¡± he criticized. ¡°How can you possiblyprehend the nuances with just a cursory nce?¡±

    Carrie was momentarily surprised. Did he not realize she was the script¡¯s original author? Revealing her identity now would feel awkward and contrived. Instead, she responded with controlled sharpness, ¡°My capabilities will be evident during the performance. Are you iming some extraordinary insight into myter performance? Wait, are you unprepared yourself? If that¡¯s the case, I¡¯m happy to wait.¡±

    Her politeness masked an underlying steel. Asher¡¯s persistent provocations had awakened herpetitive spirit.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive

    ¡°You¡¯re incredibly presumptuous,¡± Asher muttered, a flicker of dissatisfaction crossing his eyes. He set down the script. ¡°Let¡¯s proceed.¡±

    Having dissected the script numerous times, Asher knew every scene intimately. From the outset, his intention was clear: create obstacles for Carrie, hoping she would falter during the audition.

    Recognizing his strategy, Carrie responded by channeling her entire artistic arsenal into the performance. As the scene unfolded, Carrie¡¯s interpretation surpassed Asher¡¯s most pessimistic expectations. Her line delivery and emotional resonance betrayed no hint of amateurism.

    Their interaction possessed an unexpected fluidity¡ªeach moment precisely calibrated, their chemistry electric and authentic.

    When the scene concluded, Asher was captivated, wanting more. True to his principled nature, he acknowledged his earlier misjudgment.

    Approaching Carrie, he offered a sincere apology. ¡°I never anticipated your profound understanding of Katrina¡¯s script. My initial perspective was embarrassingly narrow. I¡¯m truly sorry.¡±

    Asher¡¯s motivation stemmed not from personal bias but from a genuine desire to protect the artistic integrity of his idol¡¯s work. Contemporary romantic dramas often prioritized actors¡¯ appearances and social media poprity over genuine talent. Previous auditions had featured influencers whocked substantive acting credentials, resulting in disappointingly superficial performances.

    Consequently, when an unknown actress like Carrie arrived¡ªbeautiful and seemingly inexperienced¡ªAsher had initially dismissed her as another well-connected, aesthetically pleasing performer.

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 Chapter 89

    ?<strong>Chapter 89:</strong>

    Yet Carrie remained puzzled. Hadn¡¯t Soren introduced her to Asher?

    Soren approached with a mischievous smile, drawling, ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve been holding onto a secret. Carrie is actually Katrina. I knew you were her fan, so I deliberately kept quiet, worried you¡¯d be too star-struck to see clearly.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes widened, shock etching itself across his usuallyposed features.

    At that moment, Carrie and Asher realized they had been masterfully manipted by Soren. Asher¡¯s stoic facade crumbled, revealing a fascinating cascade of emotions¡ªembarrassment, surprise, and deep regret flickering across his handsome face. He awkwardly cleared his throat and managed to say, ¡°Your script is truly exceptional.¡±

    The thought of having been so dismissive during their first encounter with his literary idol mortified him.

    Soren, entirely unabashed, practically radiated excitement. ¡°This is perfect!¡± he eximed. ¡°I¡¯ve struck gold!¡±

    Without hesitation, he immediately finalized the contract and set the filming start date. The contract had been prepared well in advance, and Soren was generous with the terms. The seriesprised 30 episodes, with a shooting schedule spanning approximately four months, and thepensation was set at five million.

    While modest by leading actress standards in major productions, the pay represented the top-tier rate for aplete neer like Carrie.

    Carrie reviewed the document carefully before passing it to Ruby, who settled onto a nearby sofa and began a meticulous word-by-word examination.

    Leaning close to Carrie, Soren whispered yfully, ¡°Should I thank Mr. Norris for keeping you hidden? It¡¯s allowed me to discover such a remarkable treasure.¡±

    ncing subtly at Ruby, Carrie lowered her voice. ¡°Very few people know about this. I¡¯d appreciate your discretion.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re about to divorce, and I don¡¯t want him involved in my professional endeavors.¡±

    Soren¡¯s surprise was evident. ¡°Not even your agent knows?¡±

    In the entertainment industry, most would eagerly leverage any connection to Kristopher. Lise, for instance, understood precisely how to exploit such influential connections. By contrast, Carrie seemed deliberately intent on maintaining distance.

    Was this a demonstration of extreme self-sufficiency? Or perhaps a deeper, moreplex emotional narrative of love transforming into something moreplicated?

    After a moment¡¯s reflection, Carrie exined, ¡°I haven¡¯t intentionally concealed anything. My contract contains no uses about rtionships or marriage. Simply put, since getting married, I haven¡¯t been present at thepany. At this point, mentioning it seems unnecessary.¡±

    Though burning with curiosity, Soren was diplomatic enough to restrain his questions. He simply nodded. ¡°Understood. My lips are sealed.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s review was exhaustive. She scrutinized the contract multiple times, only permitting Carrie¡¯s signature after absolute confirmation of its integrity.

    Post-signing, Soren outlined two critical matters. ¡°First, I¡¯ll soon announce our Asher and Carrie coboration on Twitter, but without mentioning Katrina or our ¡®Agarwood¡¯ production. We¡¯ve decided, in consultation withpany executives, to keep Katrina¡¯s personal involvement confidential. We¡¯ll also arrange a non-disclosure agreement. Given our substantial investment, we¡¯re maintaining a low profile during the initial stages.¡±

    Asher and Carrie nodded their understanding.

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 Chapter 90

    ?<strong>Chapter 90:</strong>

    Leaning against the table, Asher inquired casually, ¡°And the second matter?¡±

    ¡°Bowman Group, our primary ¡®Agarwood¡¯ sponsor, is hosting a banquet this weekend,¡± Soren continued. ¡°Asher, would you care to make an appearance?¡±

    Asher frowned, declining, ¡°I¡¯mmitted to an international variety show this weekend and can¡¯t return.¡±

    A hint of embarrassment colored his next words as he looked at Carrie. ¡°This opportunity might be more suitable for Katrina¡ªI mean, Carrie. As a neer,working at such events could be beneficial.¡±

    Since discovering Carrie¡¯s true identity, Asher had undergone a remarkable transformation¡ªfrom icy skepticism to something resembling an ardent fan.

    Soren turned to Carrie, his gaze inquisitive.

    The weekend arrived, casting its spotlight on the Penins Hotel. The moment Carrie and Soren entered, theymanded the hall¡¯s collective attention.

    Soren stood resplendent in a white suit adorned with diamond-studded shoulder patches, resembling a fairy tale prince draped in ethereal starlight. His silver hair caught the ambient illumination, creating an almost maic presence.

    Beside him, Carrie wore a magenta silk slip gown¡ªa bold choice that lesser women might have struggled to carry. Yet on her, the vibrant hue transformed into a living canvas of elegance, like a rare exotic bloom against a pristine backdrop. Her natural beauty was breathtaking. Her eyes, luminous and deep, seemed to outshine even the crystal chandelier¡¯s brilliant radiance.

    Whispers rippled through the crowd: ¡°Which prestigious family does she belong to? Such extraordinary beauty!¡±

    Sensing Carrie¡¯s momentary disorientation, Soren leaned closer.

    ¡°Rx,¡± he murmured reassuringly.

    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Carrie nodded, returning to the present. Her mind drifted to the invitation card, its design tugging at the edges of her memory¡ªfamiliar, yet maddeningly elusive.

    Clifton Bowman approached¡ªa man in his forties who defied typical middle-age stereotypes. Unlike many of his contemporaries, he radiated vitality, his presence more dynamic than most young men. His openness and generosity were immediately apparent.

    As the host and owner of Bowman Group¡ªthe primary investor in ¡°Agarwood¡±¡ªhe carried an unmistakable gravitas. A waiter trailed behind, bearing a tray of champagne sses.

    Clifton selected one for himself and offered another to Soren. ¡°Good evening, Mr. Rodgers. Your presence is a rare honor. You¡¯re not known for frequenting such events.¡±

    His observation wasn¡¯t mere pleasantry. Soren¡¯s tendency to maintain a low profile was well-known. This discretion exined why Carrie, despite her years with Silver Elephant Media, had never previously encountered him, and why paparazzi rarely captured his image.

    Soren epted the champagne, taking a measured sip. ¡°How could I decline your invitation, Mr. Bowman?¡±

    Turning to Carrie, he introduced her. ¡°This is the lead actress of our uing drama. I thought it would be an excellent opportunity for her to meet you.¡±

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 Chapter 91

    ?<strong>Chapter 91:</strong>

    Carrie stepped forward, her movement fluid and graceful. She extended her hand. ¡°Carrie Campbell. It¡¯s an honor to meet you, Mr. Bowman.¡±

    Clifton¡¯s handshake was brief but warm. He smiled at Soren, remarking, ¡°No wonder you decided to attend. Supporting such a charmingdy is certainlypelling. Though one typically keeps such beauty discretely hidden, not disyed.¡± He clearly misconstrued Carrie as Soren¡¯s lover.

    Carrie remained unperturbed. She understood the subtleties of business interactions¡ªClifton was merely probing, assessing whether Soren was manipting investments for personal interests.

    Soren recognized the underlying message instantly. ¡°Mr. Bowman, let¡¯s not jump to conclusions.¡±

    ¡°Carrie and I share a purely professional rtionship. Having secured your investment, we select roles with utmost care. Though she¡¯s new to the industry, I¡¯m confident her performance will exceed expectations.¡±

    His professional interest in Carrie was genuine. Tonight¡¯s attendance wasn¡¯t solely about introducing her but also navigating theplex industryndscape, with the intricate dynamics in his family and thepetitive undercurrents in the industry.

    Clifton¡¯s smile remained enigmatic. ¡°I eagerly await the surprise you¡¯ll deliver.¡±

    As their conversation concluded, the surrounding atmosphere shifted. Networkers surrounded Soren, while several young men¡ªnow aware Carrie wasn¡¯t romantically linked to him¡ªbegan making bold approaches.

    In a shadowed corner, Lise watched the unfolding scene, her eyes burning with a mixture of resentment and excluded frustration.

    Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

    Lise glided into the event, her light-green long dress cascading elegantly, the diamond ne from Kristopher catching the light. She had dressed to make a statement, hoping tomand attention among the elite.

    Yet, in this gathering of wealthy socialites, her carefully crafted image seemed to dissolve. The high society crowd regarded her with a detached indifference that cut deeper than outright dismissal. Despite her rising stardom, she remained an outsider¡ªthe women casting subtle, judgmental nces, the men maintaining a calcted distance out of respect for Kristopher.

    Only a few aspiring actors and actresses, desperate towork, acknowledged her presence. The rest of the room seemed to look through her as if she were invisible.

    Unconsciously, Lise¡¯s fingers tightened around her wine ss, her grip reflecting her growing frustration. She couldn¡¯t help but contrast her situation with Carrie¡¯s.

    When Carrie had married Kristopher, even though many had initially overlooked her, the prestigious families had eventually extended a grudging respect. Now, about to be divorced and stripped of the Norris name, Carrie was just another unknown in the entertainment world.

    Somehow, she had still managed to capture Soren¡¯s attention with her effortless charm. Lise had worked tirelessly, even stumbling into rare opportunities, yet she could never achieve the ease with which Carrie seemed to navigate these social minefields. The unfairness burned within her.

    Scanning the room, she spotted Billie and Kailee¡¯s arrival. Billie had always been critical of women around Kristopher who didn¡¯t meet her strict social standards.

    Lise knew better than to directly challenge her, but an opportunity for subtle maniption presented itself. After a brief hesitation, she glided toward Kailee, making her move as seamlessly as a chess yer advancing a pawn.

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 Chapter 92

    ?<strong>Chapter 92:</strong>

    Pausing by the drinks table, she feigned delight as her eyes met Kailee¡¯s. ¡°Kailee! My goodness, it¡¯s been ages. You look stunning, as always,¡± she said with a smile as smooth as cream.

    They say a soft approach defuses the sharpest des, and Kailee¡¯s guarded expression rxed slightly. Having recently used Lise to antagonize Carrie, Kailee was willing to entertain her for now.

    ¡°Miss Nash,¡± she replied politely, though her tone remained cool. ¡°It has been a while.¡±

    Lise then turned toward Billie, her voice dripping with deference. ¡°Good evening, Mrs. Norris. You¡¯re looking radiant tonight.¡±

    Billie barely acknowledged her with a curt ¡°Hmm,¡± already preparing to walk away.

    But Lise wasn¡¯t about to let the moment slip. Tilting her chin subtly in Carrie¡¯s direction, she asked with feigned innocence, ¡°Oh, I just noticed Ms. Campbell earlier. Did you three happen toe together?¡±

    Billie paused, her expression unreadable, but Kailee bristled, gripping her aunt¡¯s arm tightly. ¡°She¡¯s here?¡± Kailee snapped, her annoyance sharp as ss. ¡°Aunt Billie, no wonder when I asked Kristopher for an invitation, he said he¡¯d already given it away. It must¡¯ve gone to Carrie!¡±

    Kailee¡¯s irritation boiled over. She had begged Kristopher for an invitation to the banquet, only for him to im he had none to spare. Left with no choice, she¡¯d turned to Billie, who then brought her as apanion. Now, realizing Carrie had been given Kristopher¡¯s invite, Kailee¡¯s pride smarted like a wound.

    Unbothered by Kailee¡¯s spiraling thoughts, Billie patted her hand in a gesture of appeasement. ¡°Didn¡¯t I bring you here myself?¡± she said calmly.

    Lise, watching the exchange with veiled satisfaction, interjected with a small gasp. ¡°Oh, so Kristopher gave her the invitation? How surprising. I saw her arrive with Mr. Rodgers. I hear they¡¯re working on a new drama together and have grown quite close.¡±

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    Kailee¡¯s scoff was immediate. ¡°Using an invitation from our family to show up here with another man? What a joke! And it must be a second-rate drama. Does she think she can waltz into a ce like this and be taken seriously? If anyone from the Norris family¡¯s circle sees her in showbiz, it¡¯ll be Kristopher¡¯s reputation on the chopping block.¡±

    Her indignation bubbled over into venom, her tirade sharp enough to sting everyone in its vicinity¡ªincluding Lise.

    Though Kailee¡¯s words unintentionally lumped her into the same category of disdain, Lise let it slide, her pleasant mask unbroken. ¡°That¡¯s not entirely fair,¡± Lise replied, her tone measured, with just the right touch of humility. ¡°If she gets the right roles and manages to win a few awards, opinions might shift. I¡¯d be happy to help herwork¡ªafter all, I know a screenwriter who rivals Katrina in reputation.¡±

    Her strategy was subtle¡ªpositioning herself as potentially helpful while sowing seeds of doubt and discord.

    Kailee¡¯sugh was derisive. ¡°Win awards? Please. She¡¯s been ying house for years. What acting chops could she possibly have? If she¡¯s here, it¡¯s to use the Norris name to score favors. Nothing more.¡±

    Lise swirled her winezily, her lips curving into a faint smile. ¡°Well, sometimes the right project can mask ack of experience. If Ms. Campbell wants to break into better roles, I might be able to connect her with someone who could help.¡±

    Carrie struggled with social interactions. Finding a convenient excuse, she slipped away from the crowd and headed toward the refreshment table.

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 Chapter 93

    ?<strong>Chapter 93:</strong>

    Unexpectedly, she spotted Lise conversing with Kristopher¡¯s mother and cousin. Carrie initially nned to slip by unnoticed, but something caught her attention. She found herself inadvertently listening as their conversation turned to discuss her.

    Lise introducing her to potential connections? And a screenwriter who rivals Katrina in reputation, no less? That was hrious.

    cing down the te she had just lifted, Carrie approached Billie with measured respect. ¡°Billie,¡± she greeted.

    Billie responded curtly, ¡°Carrie.¡±

    Social decorum was Billie¡¯s paramount concern. Despite harboring numerous grievances against Carrie, she remained determined to maintain aposed facade and avoid bing the center of gossip.

    Kailee stood nearby, her gaze radiating such intense jealousy it seemed almost tangible. Her eyes swept over Carrie with a mixture of resentment and reluctant admiration. How could this woman appear so effortlessly elegant? Even a garish color seemed to drape her with grace. How could a family that had recently risen from obscurity produce such refined beauty?

    Carrie locked eyes with Lise, her voice crisp and direct. ¡°Ms. Nash, there¡¯s no need to involve yourself in my affairs. If you possess such valuable resources, I suggest you keep them for yourself instead of attempting to interfere.¡±

    Despite being looked down upon, Carrie had no intention of revealing her identity as Katrina, which remained her most closely guarded lifeline.

    Kailee, nursing a grudge about the invitation, couldn¡¯t resist interjecting, ¡°You¡¯re ying so high and mighty, iming you want no resources? Then why are you even here?¡±

    Lise, with exaggerated enthusiasm, jumped in. ¡°This screenwriter is quite renowned, having written several hit scripts, potentially rivaling Katrina¡¯s work. If you¡¯re uncertain, I can provide her contact information for a direct connection.¡±

    In reality, screenwriters of Katrina¡¯s caliber were extremely rare in the entertainment industry. Lise¡¯s im was transparently fabricated; even if she sought out one of those screenwriters herself, securing an audience would be nearly impossible.

    Carrie responded with a calm smile. ¡°I¡¯m quite satisfied with my current show¡¯s screenwriter.¡±

    ¡°Wow, I didn¡¯t realize you were so loyal to your current screenwriter,¡± Lise said, her surprise seemingly genuine but her tone carefully calcted. A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she continued, ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, wasn¡¯t Soren Rodgers also a screenwriter? Though his works have never quite hit the mark. I suppose you¡¯re working with one of his scripts this time. Given your close rtionship, it makes sense you¡¯d want to support him. My apologies for being presumptuous.¡±

    Carrie instantly recognized Lise¡¯s true intention: to subtly undermine her reputation by insinuating an inappropriate rtionship with Soren.

    ¡°What? You¡¯re associating with another man? Carrie, you¡¯re already married!¡± Kailee¡¯s voice dropped to a harsh whisper, her expression contorting with exaggerated shock. She darted furtive nces around the room, clearly desperate to avoid drawing public attention to Carrie¡¯s marital status.

    Carrie¡¯s face darkened. ¡°My personal affairs are none of your concern,¡± she responded coldly, herposure unwavering. She recognized Kailee as nothing more than a pawn in arger strategic game, too naive to understand the maniptions unfolding around her.

    ¡°You!¡± Kailee huffed, stomping her foot in frustration.

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 Chapter 94

    ?<strong>Chapter 94:</strong>

    She turned to Billie, her lips pursed in a dramatic pout. ¡°Auntie, look at how she¡¯s behaving!¡±

    Billie, who had maintained a stoic silence until now, finally spoke. Her stern voice cut through the tension. ¡°You might im it¡¯s none of my business, but it is certainly mine.¡±

    Billie¡¯s tant favoritism toward Kailee bordered on the absurd. Her bias was so transparent it was almostical. Carrie had long suspected Billie was the type who blindly prioritized family loyalty above all else. Yet, as time passed, she realized the dynamics were far moreplex. Even Cory seemed desperate to marry his daughter into some powerful family and benefit from it. So that was just family tradition.

    Carrie parted her lips but remained silent. Instead, she lowered her head, embodying demure submission.

    Billie¡¯s reprimand was sharp and calcted. ¡°You¡¯re bringing embarrassment to our family. I don¡¯t care about your private conduct, but here, in public, as a Norris family member, you must maintain our reputation. You represent our image and must be cautious. This isn¡¯t a casualdies¡¯ luncheon. It¡¯s inappropriate to be seen with a stranger, let alone follow him here. Now,e with me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Carrie apologized, her tone respectful and seemingly obedient as if nothing had fundamentally changed.

    For a fleeting moment, Billie¡¯s icy demeanor seemed to thaw, but Carrie¡¯s next words swiftly refroze it.

    Carrie gripped the fabric of her dress, her voice a hushed whisper of determination. ¡°But I can¡¯t leave. My boss is still here, and it would be inappropriate to abandon him midway through the event. As a neer, I can¡¯t risk damaging the Norris family¡¯s reputation by acting irresponsibly.¡±

    Billie¡¯s gaze locked onto Carrie, a cold understanding dawning in her eyes. She let out a sardonicugh. ¡°Now I see your true self. I wish Shawn and Mny could witness this facade you¡¯ve so carefully constructed.¡±

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    Kailee chimed in with gleeful malice, ¡°Look at you, Carrie. You¡¯re practically rebelling against Aunt Billie now!¡±

    Lise, the architect of this discord, wore a faint smile of triumph. Having stirred the pot to her satisfaction, she decided against fanning the mes further. ncing at her phone, she spoke with calcted politeness. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Kailee, Ms. Campbell, I¡¯ve got some matters to attend to. I¡¯ll leave you to enjoy yourselves.¡±

    ¡°Billie, I¡¯ve been away too long. My boss mighte looking for me,¡± Carrie interjected hastily, crafting an excuse to escape the brewing storm. ¡°I¡¯d better head back.¡±

    Billie¡¯s eyes burned holes into Carrie¡¯s retreating figure, anger radiating from her like heat off asphalt on a summer¡¯s day. Seeking privacy, she pulled out her phone and dialed Kristopher. ¡°Did you know Carrie attended the Bowman Group¡¯s party?¡± she demanded.

    Kristopher¡¯s response was matter-of-fact. ¡°Yes, I gave her the invitation. She¡¯s been emotionally fragile since the fire.¡±

    ¡°I thought the Penins Hotel¡¯s desserts might lift her spirits,¡± Kristopher said, though his words barely registered over Billie¡¯s frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors of her involvement with a rich yboy from the Rodgers family. You should control her better before anyone discovers she¡¯s your wife. She¡¯s barely been part of the family, and already she¡¯spromising our image.¡±

    Billie had long tolerated Carrie¡¯s humble background, hoping for an eventual pregnancy. But Carrie¡¯s apparent attempts to leverage her status as Mrs. Norris, along with the absence of any grandchild, were wearing thin her patience.

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 Chapter 95

    ?<strong>Chapter 95:</strong>

    Growing irritated, Kristopher curtly responded, ¡°I¡¯m in a meeting. If you¡¯re upset, just bring her back.¡±

    Billie¡¯s sarcasm dripped through the phone. ¡°Bring her back? She won¡¯t even listen to me! You won¡¯te, will you? My words carry less weight than a servant¡¯s in our home.¡±

    Kristopher, sensing her anger nearing a boil, relented with a weary sigh. ¡°Fine. I¡¯lle now.¡±

    Twenty minutester, Kristopher strode into the venue, his face etched with irritation. The toll of back-to-back meetings,te nights, and the demands of a new project weighed on him. Yet here he was, dragged into a melodrama he¡¯d much rather avoid.

    His sharp eyes scanned the room until theynded on Carrie, standing by the dessert table, herughter ringing like a bell as she chatted with a cluster of sharply dressed men. The curve-hugging dress she wore made him bristle. It was a hair¡¯s breadth from inappropriate, almost provocative¡ªa world away from the reserved elegance he associated with her.

    He couldn¡¯t help but me Camille¡¯s influence. Determined to end this spectacle quickly, Kristopher took a decisive step forward, only to find himself blocked by a waiter.

    ¡°Sir, may I see your invitation?¡± the waiter asked, polite but firm.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, and he gestured toward Carrie. ¡°That¡¯s my wife.The invitation¡¯s with her.¡±

    The waiter, who had seen Carrie enter with Soren, studied Kristopher carefully. His shirt cuffs were messily rolled, and his suitcked any distinguishing logos. While many tried to crash such events, something about Kristopher¡¯s refined demeanor gave the waiter pause. Unsure of his identity, the waiter hesitated to turn him away directly.

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    ¡°I¡¯ll check with thedy,¡± the waiter said cautiously before approaching Carrie.

    ¡°Madam, there¡¯s a gentleman at the entrance who ims to be with you. Could you please confirm?¡±

    Carrie followed his gesture and spotted Kristopher near the door. His usual air of polishedposure was reced by a hurried, slightly unkempt look. Her mind raced. For him to show up like this, it had to involve Lise.

    Her stomach churned. Did Lise call him over to stir up trouble? She had just turned down Lise¡¯s so-called kindness, and now Kristopher was here, likely to y the gant protector. The timing was too convenient to be a mere coincidence.

    Swallowing her frustration, Carrie forced herself to walk toward the entrance. At a party like this, getting an invitation wouldn¡¯t have been a problem for Kristopher. She had overheard Kailee mentioning spare invites earlier¡ªKristopher must have passed one to Lise.

    Was this Lise¡¯s new strategy? Stirring up chaos by dragging Kristopher into the mess? Carrie bit back a sigh. What a cunning move.

    Carrie approached Kristopher, her expression as sharp as shattered ss. ¡°If you¡¯re here to attend the party, maybe you should go find your dream girl instead.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened as he looked at her, the warmth she had just shown to other men reced by a chill so cold it could freeze fire. Her indifference stung more than he cared to admit.

    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡± he snapped, irritation shing in his eyes. ¡°Why do you always drag Lise into this? At first, I thought you were just mistaken about her, but now I¡¯m starting to see what she meant¡ªyou¡¯re targeting her deliberately!¡±

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 Chapter 96

    ?<strong>Chapter 96:</strong>

    Carrie shrugged with a nonchnce that could have rivaled the wind ignoring a falling leaf. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. I¡¯m the big bad viin here. Satisfied? Or was there more you needed to lecture me about? If not, consider it noted.¡±

    She turned to leave, but Kristopher blocked her path. ¡°You¡¯re not going anywhere without taking me inside.¡±

    Carrie folded her arms, her gaze unwavering. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood. Find another way in.¡±

    Kristopher let out a humorlessugh, his frustration evident. ¡°You¡¯re holding my invitation. Why can¡¯t I go in?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s frown deepened. She had arrived with Soren. When exactly had Kristopher given her an invitation?

    Their heated exchange drew Soren¡¯s attention. He approached, first nodding at Kristopher before addressing Carrie. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    The waiter, visibly flustered, saw Soren as a potential mediator. Before Carrie could respond, he blurted out, ¡°Mr. Rodgers, this gentleman ims he gave his invitation to thisdy.¡±

    Soren quicklyprehended the situation. He understood the waiter believed Kristopher was attempting to crash the event. ¡°This is a business partner of Mr. Bowman and the CEO of Norris Group,¡± Soren exined to the waiter. ¡°Obtaining an invitation is no challenge for him. There¡¯s been a misunderstanding. Return to your duties; I¡¯ll escort Mr. Norris inside.¡±

    Relieved, the waiter hurried away.

    Soren turned to Kristopher, providing additional context. ¡°Carrie came with me because Mr. Bowman invested in our new drama. She only carried a small clutch today, which couldn¡¯t amodate an invitation. I believe you¡¯ve misunderstood, Mr. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher realized his mistake. Yet, a familiar irritation bubbled beneath the surface. Why had shee with this shy man when she could have secured her own invitation? Was she deliberately trying to provoke him?

    Initially intending to speak with Billie, Kristopher now hesitated, unwilling to appear foolish in front of Soren. He removed his suit jacket, draping it over Carrie. ¡°What on earth are you wearing? I won¡¯t argue about the past, bute back with me now.¡±

    Carrie stepped back, evading the jacket. ¡°I¡¯ll wear whatever I choose. Since when do I need an ex-husband¡¯s permission for my clothing?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still technically married.¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice turned cial.

    ¡°I¡¯ve moved out and submitted divorce papers.¡± Carrie stood her ground. ¡°If you refuse to agree, once the separation period ends, I¡¯ll have the court enforce it.¡±

    Clifton noticed themotion and approached. ¡°Mr. Norris, I didn¡¯t know you wereing.¡±

    Sensing Carrie¡¯s difort, Soren intervened. ¡°Mr. Norris, some investors are interested in our film¡¯s progress. I¡¯ll take Carrie to speak with them. Apologies for theck of hospitality; I¡¯ll treat you to dinnerter to make up for it.¡±

    Carrie shot Soren a grateful nce and followed him.

    Clifton, ever the observer, chuckled as he watched. ¡°The woman Mr. Rodgers brought is quite the beauty. At first, I thought she might be his new muse. But both of them insist otherwise.¡±

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 Chapter 97

    ?<strong>Chapter 97:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s response was icy and clipped. ¡°They¡¯re not a good match.¡±

    Clifton raised a brow, misinterpreting thement as a slight against Carrie. ¡°Well, to each their own. You¡¯ve always had an eye for substance over mere beauty, Mr. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher, feeling both irritated and exhausted, merely grunted in response.

    Billie¡¯s approach caught Clifton¡¯s attention. ¡°Mr. Norris, you¡¯re here to meet your mother?¡± He greeted her warmly. ¡°Mrs. Norris, you should have informed me of your arrival. It¡¯s quite crowded today, and I apologize for not weing you properly.¡±

    After exchanging pleasantries, Clifton wisely excused himself, sensing the tension that seemed to follow the Norris family like a shadow.

    Billie wasted no time, her tone cold and clipped. ¡°Where¡¯s Carrie?¡±

    Kailee, ever the eager informant, scanned the room and pointed. ¡°Aunt Billie, there she is¡ªchatting up that guy from the Rodgers family again!¡±

    Billie¡¯s expression curdled like milk left in the sun. Her voice sliced through the air with sharp disapproval. ¡°Why don¡¯t you keep a tighter leash on your wife? What sort of spectacle is she making, cozying up to another man at such a formal event?¡±

    Kailee, always eager to fan the mes, added with mock concern, ¡°Exactly, Aunt Billie! Imagine what people might say if they saw this. The whispers alone could tarnish the Norris name!¡±

    Kristopher pressed his fingers against his temple, the beginnings of a headache knocking insistently. His patience frayed, he replied curtly, ¡°Soren and Carrie are coborating professionally. This is a business event¡ªsocial minglinges with the territory. There¡¯s no scandal inworking at a party.¡±

    Billie¡¯s frown deepened, her displeasure bubbling into open disdain. ¡°So that¡¯s it? You¡¯d rather y the peacekeeper than hold her ountable? Fine, if you don¡¯t want to be the bad guy, I¡¯ll do it for you.¡± She turned sharply toward Kailee, her tone decisive. ¡°Go get Carrie.¡±

    Kailee¡¯s eyes lit up with a zeal she reserved for stirring trouble. Like a soldier given marching orders, she strutted toward Carrie and grabbed her hand. ¡°Aunt Billie says you¡¯reing home with us now.¡±

    Carrie, aware of the growing attention around them, allowed herself to be led to a quieter corner. Once there, she shook off Kailee¡¯s grasp with an air of quiet defiance. ¡°Kailee, let¡¯s get one thing clear¡ªI¡¯m your cousin¡¯s wife, a Norris daughter-inw, not some errand girl for the Myers family. You¡¯d do well to remember that.¡±

    Kailee smirked, her smugness barely contained. ¡°Oh, please. Are you about to lecture me about overstepping? Save it¡ªI¡¯m just the messenger here. Aunt Billie thinks it¡¯s best if you stop making a spectacle of yourself, chatting with every man in sight. The Norris family doesn¡¯t need a daughter-inw with loose boundaries.¡±

    Carrie let out augh, brittle and cold. ¡°How convenient. I don¡¯t want to be a Norris daughter-inw anymore, anyway. I¡¯ve already handed Kristopher the divorce papers. If Billie is so concerned, why doesn¡¯t she help her precious son sign them so we can both move on?¡±

    Kailee¡¯s smugness faltered, reced by a flicker of disbelief. ¡°You¡¯re joking. No way. You¡¯ve worked so hard to w your way into this family. Why would you throw it all away¡ªthis wealth, this status?¡±

    The question hung in the air, heavy with implications Kailee didn¡¯t dare voice. Deep down, she knew Carrie loved Kristopher, even if she masked it with indifference now. That love had cost her dearly¡ªher pride, her peace, maybe even herself.

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 Chapter 98

    ?<strong>Chapter 98:</strong>

    And yet, Kailee couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of envy. If she had the chance to stand beside someone like Albin, she¡¯d cling to it with both hands. Despite her superior background, she had never had the chance to enter a rtionship.

    Carrie, unfazed, shrugged lightly. ¡°Have I ever so much as touched the Norris family¡¯s wealth for myself?¡±

    Kailee hesitated. She knew the answer but couldn¡¯t admit it. Refusing to back down, she fired herst shot. ¡°Do you really mean it? You don¡¯t love Kristopher anymore?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression hardened, her voice steady and cold. ¡°No, I don¡¯t. Love is a luxury, and not everyone is worth the cost.¡±

    Kristopher approached, concerned Kailee might be harassing Carrie. Instead, he discovered Carrie confidently dering her emotional detachment. He felt like a fool.

    Carrie now resembled a defensive cat, prepared to scratch anyone who threatened her.

    She would no longer suffer in silence.

    Rage burning beneath his calm exterior, Kristopher spoke coldly. ¡°Carrie, bad habits are easily acquired, but good ones require dedication. You¡¯ve achieved nothing, yet you speak such nonsense. Marriage transcends love¡ªit¡¯s about responsibility.¡±

    Soren, sensing the escting tension, intervened. ¡°Mr. Norris, this is a public space. Choose your words carefully. If paparazzi capture any negative remarks about my lead actress, I¡¯ll hold you ountable.¡± His meaningful nce carried a clear warning. ¡°Moreover, it¡¯s quite inappropriate for a man to berate a woman publicly.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened as he positioned himself protectively¡ªor possessively¡ªin front of Carrie. ¡°I¡¯m addressing my wife. What business is this of yours?¡±

    Soren ignored Kristopher¡¯s im and turned to Carrie. ¡°I apologize for tonight¡¯splications. Allow me to take you home.¡±

    Just as Carrie appeared ready to ept, Kristopher seized her wrist. ¡°You¡¯reing home with me.¡±

    Carrie paused, her gaze shifting between Soren and Kristopher.

    Carrie finally turned to Kristopher, her voice steady yet sharp as a de. ¡°Mr. Norris, kindly remember where you are and act ordingly.¡±

    Once upon a time, her gaze had been a canvas of warmth and affection, painting vivid strokes of deep, unspoken love whenever her eyes met his. Now, it was as if winter had settled permanently in her eyes¡ªcold, barren, and unyielding, leaving no trace of the man she once cherished.

    Kristopher froze for a moment, feeling as though something precious had slipped through his fingers, lost to the winds of time.

    Taking advantage of his silence, Carrie gently freed her hand from his grasp. Without a backward nce, she strode away with Soren, her steps resolute, her decision clear.

    Billie approached Kristopher, her exasperation palpable. ¡°He¡¯spromised the Norris family¡¯s reputation for Carrie¡¯s sake, and you still doubt there¡¯s something between them? Do you require catching them in apromising moment to be convinced? My patience with you has reached its absolute limit,¡± she scolded, her words sharp and unforgiving.

    Kristopher remained silent, his gaze fixed on the now-empty doorway through which Carrie and Soren had disappeared. A single, haunting question echoed in his mind: Was there truly something brewing between Carrie and Soren?

    Seeing Kristopher¡¯s unresponsive demeanor, Billie huffed in frustration and turned to Kailee. ¡°Kailee,e home with me,¡± she dered.

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 Chapter 99

    ?<strong>Chapter 99:</strong>

    Kailee acquiesced reluctantly, casting a final, hesitant nce at the dispersing crowd before lowering her head and following Billie.

    The party was winding down, and it seemed increasingly unlikely that Albin would make an appearance.

    Just outside the hotel, Carrie and Soren emerged precisely as the driver pulled the sleek vehicle to the curb. Soren approached the car, opening the door with a gant flourish. ¡°My beautifuldy,¡± he invited smoothly, ¡°might I have the honor of escorting you to the new revolving restaurant? You¡¯ve hardly eaten this evening, so consider this my humble apology for not providing adequate care.¡±

    Carrie stood resolute. She began directly, ¡°Soren, you¡¯re well aware of my circumstances. Kristopher and I remain legally married, and I¡¯m merely establishing myself in the entertainment industry. My professional aspirations are paramount. With the inte¡¯s pervasive nature, even the slightest suggestion can metastasize into sensationalized narratives. A single photograph could spawn countless spective stories. I believe maintaining professional distance serves both our interests and protects the integrity of our uing project.¡±

    Soren¡¯s smile carried a hint of regret. ¡°I profoundly admire you and would genuinely enjoy a friendship. However, you¡¯ve articted theplexities perfectly. Perhaps when you¡¯ve achieved the pinnacle of stardom, such rumors will lose their potency¡­¡±

    Carriepleted his thought seamlessly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll certainly invite you to the revolving restaurant. We¡¯ll watch the snow and moonlight, discussing scriptwriting and our shared literary passions.¡±

    ¡°I have absolute faith that day will arrive,¡± Soren responded sincerely.

    After exchanging final courtesies, Soren offered to escort her home.

    Carrie declined, brandishing her phone. ¡°I¡¯ll simply arrange a taxi,¡± she stated definitively.

    Across the street, Yara, apanying her parents while shopping and growing restless during her mother¡¯s clothing trials, had momentarily slipped away to purchase a beverage. Unexpectedly, she spotted Carrie with an elegantly attired gentleman.

    Though unable to discern his facial features, the ostentatious Rolls-Royce nearby suggested considerable wealth and social standing.

    Yara yearned to approach them, but the street pulsed with constant, chaotic traffic.

    By the time the pedestrian signal turned green, Carrie, the mysterious man, and the luxurious vehicle had vanished¡ªleaving behind only a trace of intrigue.

    Furious, Yara hurled her juice to the ground, her temper boiling over.

    ¡°Yara, what¡¯s with the outburst?¡± Tristan¡¯s voice broke through her frustration as he approached, his face a mixture of concern and indulgence.

    Yara stared at the blur of honking cars and rushing headlights, her frustration bubbling over. ¡°I just saw Carrie with some guy driving a Rolls-Royce,¡± she snapped, her voice tinged with irritation.

    Tristan¡¯s brow furrowed, suspicion flickering in his eyes. ¡°Was it Kristopher? Maybe they¡¯ve patched things up after all.¡±

    After hisst terse call with Carrie, Tristan had pulled a few strings to discreetly check her marital records at the court. To his surprise, there was no trace of divorce proceedings. He chalked up her talk of separation to a fit of temper, thinking reconciliation was inevitable.

    Yara let out a scornfulugh. ¡°No! It wasn¡¯t Kristopher. I couldn¡¯t get a good look at the guy¡¯s face, but he had this ridiculous white hair. Definitely not Kristopher.¡±

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 Chapter 100

    ?<strong>Chapter 100:</strong>

    In Yara¡¯s mind, shy hair was a hallmark of someone trying too hard to stand out¡ªa showboat with no substance. No matter how much wealth or status this mystery man unted, he couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Kristopher¡¯s gravitas.

    Tristan¡¯s skepticism deepened. ¡°Carrie? With another man? That doesn¡¯t add up. She loves Kristopher to the bone. They¡¯re still legally married. Why would she risk everything to cheat on him?¡±

    Though Tristan didn¡¯t hold Carrie in high regard, he recognized her unwavering loyalty¡ªjust like her mother¡¯s. Love for her, it seemed, was an unyielding vow.

    But Yara¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sinister light. ¡°She might not be cheating, but the cracks in her marriage are obvious. Men like that don¡¯t miss opportunities. And if someone like him swoops in, it won¡¯t matter what Carrie wants. The Norris family would never tolerate a scandal like that.¡±

    She¡¯d be out on her ear.¡± Her lips curled into a subtle smile. Divorce would be Carrie¡¯s undoing, and Yara¡¯s golden ticket to bing Mrs. Norris.

    Tristan didn¡¯t seem to catch the scheming undertone in her voice. He waved dismissively. ¡°Let it go, Yara. Whatever mess she¡¯s in has nothing to do with us. Even if she stays married to Kristopher, there¡¯s no benefit for us anymore.¡±

    But Yara wasn¡¯t ready to drop it. Her gaze sharpened as a cunning idea took shape. ¡°Dad, do you remember Nate Crawford?¡±

    Tristan gave a curt nod. ¡°I remember him. What of it?¡±

    Yara¡¯s smirk widened, her toneced with quiet triumph. ¡°He¡¯s still obsessed with Carrie. Why not use him to our advantage?¡±

    Your imagination thrives at galnovels punt

    Nate Crawford, the only heir of the Crawford family, had once been Tristan¡¯s pick for Carrie¡¯s husband. Even after Carrie married Kristopher, Nate¡¯s obsession had only grown stronger, fueled by a toxic mix of longing and envy.

    If Carrie were to get divorced, she would be at risk of losing the crucial protection that Kristopher offered. Yara had gleaned as much during a private party where Nate, drunk and reckless, spilled his feelings.

    ¡°Think about it,¡± Yara pressed, her voice low and persuasive. ¡°If we nudge him toward Carrie, it could be our way back into the Crawfords¡¯ good graces. Those promises they made back then? They¡¯re still on the table. And right now, our family could use their connections more than ever.¡±

    Tristan sighed heavily, doubt shadowing his face. ¡°Carrie would never agree. She turned down Nate without a second thought, and that¡¯s how she ended up crossing paths with Kristopher. Thest time I brought up the Crawfords, she blocked my number. Besides, no man would dare go near her while she¡¯s still tied to Kristopher.¡±

    It¡¯d be suicide for their reputation.¡± Carrie¡¯s fiery rejection of Tristan¡¯s meddling had left an unmistakable sting, one he wasn¡¯t eager to relive.

    But Yara¡¯s determination was unshaken. ¡°Everyone has an Achilles¡¯ heel, Dad. You just need to find it. Even the strongest will fall if you press the right nerve.¡± Her words hung in the air like a loaded gun, only to be interrupted by a new voice.

    A woman, her figure wrapped in elegance and wealth, stepped forward. Her eyes, cold as winter ss, gleamed with calction.

    It was Cindy Green, Tristan¡¯s second wife, who had freshly emerged from the boutique where she¡¯d been trying on clothes. A sardonic smile yed on Cindy¡¯s lips as she joined the conversation. ¡°If Nate Crawford wants a taste of Kristopher¡¯s woman, what does it matter to us? In fact, it might be exactly what we need.¡±

    Several dayster, just as dawn broke, a persistent knocking roused Carrie from her sleep.

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 Chapter 101

    ?<strong>Chapter 101:</strong>

    Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she shuffled to the door.

    The urgency in the visitor¡¯s voice immediately jolted her from her grogginess, snapping her to full alertness.

    A court official stood at her doorway, papers in hand¡ªTristan had taken the drastic step of suing her for seizing the inheritance left by her mother.

    The legal stiptions were clear. In the absence of a definitive will, Danna¡¯s assets were to be equally split between her spouse and her daughter upon her passing.

    Danna, who hadn¡¯t earned an ie since marrying, left behind a sole possession¡ªan old apartment encrusted with years of neglect.

    Unlivable and long abandoned, the apartment still held a ce in Carrie¡¯s heart, drawing her back from time to time for personal visits.

    Now, Tristan was tantly using her of monopolizing the property and was aggressively seekingpensation for his perceived loss of inheritance, plus damages for the years the apartment stood deserted.

    His threats escted to selling the apartment unless she paid up. Though the apartment was old, its prime location hinted at a lucrative redevelopment opportunity, possibly skyrocketing its worth.

    Tristan¡¯s demands were audacious¡ªnine hundred thousand dors.

    Clutching the documents with a white-knuckled grip, disbelief washed over Carrie as she realized just how conniving Tristan could be.

    She was well aware that his interest in the apartment was nothing more than a facade. There had to be deeper motives at y.

    As she pondered this, her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number.

    She hesitated for a moment before answering.

    To her surprise, it was Tristan¡¯s voice that greeted her. ¡°Did you receive the notice from the court?¡±

    Without missing a beat, Carrie cut to the chase. ¡°What are you plotting now, Tristan?¡±

    ¡°You¡­¡± Tristan¡¯s voice teetered on the edge of anger when suddenly, Cindy intervened, her tone soothing as she took over the conversation. ¡°Carrie, there¡¯s no need to be so aggressive with us. We¡¯re still family, after all. I understand that this apartment is the only legacy your mother left behind, and I have no intention of depriving you of it.¡±

    There was a brief pause before Cindy added, ¡°But we have a proposition that could benefit us both. Should you ept, your father will relinquish his inheritance rights, and the apartment will be solely yours.¡±

    Cindy¡¯s cunning was no secret to Carrie. She had always been a master of maniption, cloaking her sharp acumen with the facade of a benevolent stepmother, regardless of how Carrie responded.

    With a skeptical frown, Carrie probed further. ¡°And what exactly are you proposing?¡±

    Carrie hadn¡¯t dismissed the idea outright, which prompted Cindy to seize the opportunity, her words tinged with urgency. ¡°Do you remember Nate Crawford? Your ex-fiance? Married or not, he still loves you¡ªit doesn¡¯t matter to him. Now that you¡¯re contemting a divorce from Kristopher, perhaps reconsidering Nate isn¡¯t such a bad idea?¡±

    This was their true motive, then. They were still clinging to ambitions they had failed to realize years earlier.

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 Chapter 102

    ?<strong>Chapter 102:</strong>

    A surge of defiance tightened Carrie¡¯s grip on her phone, her tone turning frosty. ¡°Forget about it. We¡¯re in a modern society¡ªyou can¡¯t just treat me like a thing to be sold!¡±

    Snatching the phone from Cindy, Tristan¡¯s voice wasden with threats. ¡°If you reject Nate and refuse to settle the debt, I¡¯ll sell the apartment off to a salvage firm to convert it into a storage facility!¡±

    It seemed there was no familial bond left between him and Carrie, only the bitterness of adversaries.

    Carrie slid down the wall, drawing her knees to her chest and resting her chin upon them, her body curling into a shield against the world.

    The apartment was a sanctuary, holding the few treasured memories of Danna. Regardless of its dpidated state, it was a piece of her past that Carrie desperately clung to.

    Carrie managed to steady her nerves before responding. ¡°I¡¯ll have my attorney review the offer you¡¯ve made to ensure it¡¯s fair, and I¡¯ll pay you what¡¯s reasonable. If that doesn¡¯t satisfy you, feel free to take legal action. As for everything else, consider it forgotten. I refuse to let you three leverage my life for your gain!¡±

    With those final words, she ended the call abruptly.

    On the other end, Cindy and Tristan shared a bewildered look. Tristan, clearly caught off guard, took a thoughtful sip of his lemonade, his brow furrowing. ¡°Is she bluffing? She once said she¡¯d walk away from the marriage empty-handed. Where¡¯s all this moneying from suddenly? And even if she can pay, what are we going to tell the Crawfords?¡±

    Cindy settled beside him, her expression one of exasperation. ¡°Youck patience, Tristan. It doesn¡¯t matter where her money¡¯s from¡ªif she has it, it¡¯ll end up in our pockets one way or another. If she doesn¡¯t, then she¡¯s trapped, just where we want her. Besides, money doesn¡¯tst forever. She¡¯ll face more expenses soon enough. And don¡¯t forget about the old woman in the hospital. If her health deteriorates, the medical costs alone could ruin Carrie.¡±

    Carrie attempted to rise, but her legs refused to cooperate, leaving her feeling utterly helpless. The weighty shadows of her family¡¯s expectations stretched over her like a dark cloud, chasing her relentlessly. No matter how far she fled, she couldn¡¯t shake them off, couldn¡¯t truly break free.

    With a heavy heart, she copsed back onto the floor and ryed the circumstances to herwyer. Thewyer affirmed that the amount of nine hundred thousand dors was justified under the circumstances.

    Yet, all Carrie had was an advance of eight hundred thousand from her recent acting gig, an exception made by Soren who, knowing of her recent divorce, wished to ease her financial strain. Pushing for more would risk making here across as greedy.

    The possibility of borrowing crossed her mind, yet the only potential lender was Camille, who, amid her own familial turmoil, was unlikely to have funds to spare.

    After a long, hard thought, Carrie resolved to depend solely on herself. With a gritty determination, she hoisted herself up, changed into her most empowering outfit, and ventured outside.

    She navigated the process of obtaining a credit card with swift precision, withdrew a substantial sum of cash, and merged it with her advance payment, just reaching the amount needed to appease Tristan¡¯s demands.

    Anxious to avoid any hitches, she contacted herwyer immediately upon exiting the bank, urging him to expedite the transfer process of the old apartment.

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 Chapter 103

    ?<strong>Chapter 103:</strong>

    Tristan, perhaps sensing her urgency, cooperated without fuss, facilitating the legalities swiftly. Yet, it was only when she firmly grasped the deed to the property, her name freshly inked across the document, that Carrie allowed herself a moment of hard-earned peace.

    Life had a way of dumping everything at her feet all at the same time. Just as she was unlocking her front door, Carrie¡¯s phone rang sharply with a call from the hospital where Gracie was being treated.

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, I¡¯m afraid your grandmother¡¯s condition has deteriorated significantly. We need to transfer her to the ICU immediately and revise her treatment protocol. Unfortunately, this will also mean an increase in costs. Could you pleasee to the hospital as soon as possible to discuss these changes and arrange for the payment?¡±

    For Carrie, it felt like a cruel reminder that life¡¯s unforeseen challenges could easily outstrip her every effort to stay ahead. Without wasting a moment, she hurriedly changed her outfit and rushed to the hospital.

    She found Gracie lying in her hospital bed, a mere shadow of her former self, surrounded by a maze of tubes and beeping monitors. Having been raised by her grandmother, Carrie¡¯s bond with Gracie was deeper than any other. Memories flooded back to her of simpler times¡ªtimes when Gracie would treat her to ice cream outings.

    As they enjoyed their sweet treats, a young Carrie would promise, with earnest eyes, to one day take her grandmother tovish restaurants and beautiful, far-off ces. Now, standing by her bed, Carrie clutched at those cherished memories of them together¡ªGracie¡¯s warm hand in hers, their shadows stretching behind them under a golden sunset.

    Yet here they were; her promises unfulfilled as Graciey confined to a hospital bed, far from the joyous days Carrie had once envisioned for them.

    Carrie lingered at the doorway, steadying herself for several moments before masking her concerns with a bright smile and stepping inside. ¡°Grandma, are you feeling poorly again?¡±

    ¡°Carrie, my dear!¡± Gracie greeted her with a strained smile. ¡°I¡¯m just feeling the weight of my years, that¡¯s all. It¡¯s nothing serious.¡±

    Beside Gracie¡¯s bed, Carrie sped her grandmother¡¯s hand, tears brimming in her eyes. The hand she held was frail, more skeletal than flesh, the skin papery thin. Awork of raised veins crisscrossed the back of her hand, punctuated by the telltale marks of numerous needles¡ªa testament to her enduring battles.

    Gracie¡¯s eyes, clouded and wistful, met Carrie¡¯s with deep fondness. ¡°Oh, Carrie, don¡¯t weep. You¡¯re grown now. You know life¡¯s fleeting nature. And remember, even in my absence, don¡¯t be afraid. I trust in your strength to face whateveres.¡±

    ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m going to find the top specialists to help you. And once you¡¯re better, I promise we¡¯ll go on that trip you¡¯ve always wanted,¡± Carrie dered, her smile wavering as she spoke, caught betweenforting Gracie and seeking sce for herself.

    Gracie offered a weak nod, a glimmer of hope flickering in her gaze. ¡°Alright, my dear. I¡¯ll hold you to that journey.¡±

    Their heartfelt exchange was gently interrupted by the doctor, who stepped in with a reminderced with professional concern. ¡°The patient needs to conserve her strength. Ms. Campbell, could we discuss a few things in my office, please?¡±

    With a heavy heart weighed by concerns for Gracie¡¯s well-being, Carrie stood up from her chair, her reluctance clear in her hesitant movements. ¡°Grandma, try to get some good rest. I really need to head off now. Work has been overwhelmingly busy, but I promise to swing by whenever I am free.¡±

    Gracie, her expression softening, gave an understanding nod. ¡°Being busy is part of life. Just make sure you¡¯re also taking care of yourself,¡± she advised warmly. ¡°The medical staff here are top-notch, so there¡¯s no need for you to worry about me.¡±

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 Chapter 104

    ?<strong>Chapter 104:</strong>

    With a final, lingering look at Gracie, Carrie made her way out and followed the doctor toward his office.

    Once inside, she approached the subject with visible hesitation. ¡°Doctor, is there any chance the payment could be postponed just a few days? I¡¯ll settle it as soon as my paycheckes through.¡±

    The doctor¡¯s expression clouded with concern. ¡°Ms. Campbell, your circumstances don¡¯t exactly qualify as dire.¡±

    ¡°The treatments we¡¯re employing are top-tier and costly. It¡¯s not our practice to dy charges.¡±

    Their exchange was abruptly interrupted by an unexpected voice from the doorway. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re here too?¡±

    Carrie whirled around to confront Tristan and Cindy, who loomed ominously in the doorway. Her gaze hardened with suspicion as she stepped closer. ¡°How did you find this ce?¡± she asked sharply.

    Back in those days, Carrie had harbored a deep-seated fear that Tristan might leverage Gracie as a pawn against her. Determined to keep Gracie safe, she had sought Kristopher¡¯s help to discreetly relocate her grandmother to a different hospital. The Campbell family had stayed away from Gracie for two years, giving Carrie a false sense of security. But now, with Tristan and Cindy¡¯s unexpected presence, all her old anxieties surged back, amplified by recent troubling incidents. She felt a knot of apprehension tighten within her.

    Cindy offered a disarming smile. ¡°We¡¯re here to visit your grandmother, naturally. We even brought her some fruit a couple of days ago.¡±

    Carrie recalled Gracie¡¯s peculiar demeanor earlier, which now clicked into ce. Previously, during her visits, Gracie often inquired about Kristopher, yet today, his name hadn¡¯te up once. The pieces were falling into ce. Carrie deduced bitterly that the couple had probably informed Gracie about her impending divorce, shocking Gracie and exacerbating her frail condition.

    With eyes zing with anger, Carrie snapped at them, ¡°I¡¯m warning you¡ªkeep your distance from my grandmother! If anything happens to her, remember, I have nothing left to lose, and I will not hesitate to bring you down with me!¡±

    Tristan scoffed at her warning, his voice thick with disdain. ¡°Is this how you speak to your father? Threatening me like somemon thug?¡±

    Cindy gently patted Tristan on the back, casting him a disapproving nce before advancing with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach her eyes. ¡°What on earth are you suggesting? That we¡¯d harm Gracie? Your father holds her in such high regard, nearly as if she were his own mother.¡±

    ¡°Just now, we couldn¡¯t help but overhear your conversation with the doctor about needing more time to sort out the payments. What¡¯s the issue? Are finances a bit tight? If something¡¯s wrong, don¡¯t keep it to yourself¡ªtalk to us!¡±

    Carrie, visibly annoyed, made a dismissing gesture, signaling it was time for them to leave. ¡°I appreciate the concern, but I¡¯ve got it covered with Grandma. You really needn¡¯t bother yourselves here, so I must ask you to leave, now!¡±

    With a mocking sneer, Tristan¡¯s voice took on a menacing tone. ¡°You seem so devoted to your grandma. Surely you wouldn¡¯t want her to suffer just because you can¡¯t settle the hospital bills, right?¡±

    ¡°Exactly, Carrie. Don¡¯t let your pride get in the way,¡± Cindy added, stepping a little closer to lend her words more weight. ¡°Listen, we¡¯vee with promising news. Nate¡¯s ready to cover the hospital fees. His uncle isn¡¯t just any doctor¡ªhe¡¯s a distinguished practitioner of traditional medicine, and he¡¯s offered to look after Gracie. This could be a lifeline. Don¡¯t just dismiss it outright.¡±

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 Chapter 105

    ?<strong>Chapter 105:</strong>

    Carrie grasped their true intentions immediately. They hade fully prepared. Gracie¡¯s prolonged illness stemmed from her condition that barred surgical interventions, leaving only conservative treatments viable. After multiple expert consultations, doctors from both Isonridge and Steu Skua had advised Carrie to explore traditional medicine options. A skilled practitioner in that field could potentially offer a significant breakthrough.

    Carrie had already approached several renowned traditional medicine doctors, yet none had delivered promising results. Now, this couple was scheming to manipte her into an alliance with the Crawford family. Carrie knew all too well that if Gracie discovered she was contemting marriage to secure a doctor, she would outright reject the treatment.

    With that realization, Carrie held her ground. ¡°Neither Grandma nor I need any assistance from the Crawford family.¡±

    Faced with her firm stance, Tristan couldn¡¯t hide his frustration. ¡°You¡¯ve been married before. You¡¯re no longer the naive girl you once were. What harm is there in remarrying?¡±

    Disbelief flickered across Carrie¡¯s face as she stared at the man before her. The sting of those words was sharper because they didn¡¯t sound like her father at all. This was the breaking point. Years of pent-up sorrow and rage surged through her. In a swift motion, Carrie hurled her phone directly at Tristan¡¯s face and bellowed, ¡°Get out! You fucking bastard!¡±

    Tristan gripped his throbbing eye, his face twisted in pain. With a swift motion, he raised his hand, aiming to strike Carrie. ¡°You insolent child, how dare you hit me!¡±

    Carrie, fueled by fury, was too slow to evade the impending p, whichnded squarely on her cheek. Her vision blurred momentarily, and she staggered, nearly losing her footing.

    As Tristan raised his hand for another blow, a tall figure intervened, stepping in front of Carrie with protective haste. Straightening her tousled hair, Carrie¡¯s gaze lifted to see Oliver standing there. Towering over Tristan, Oliver exuded an authoritative aura, honed from years at Kristopher¡¯s side.

    With an icy tone, he warned, ¡°Mr. Campbell, I would advise caution in your actions. Remember, Mrs. Norris is under the protection of the Norris family.¡±

    Tristan, ever the bully when the odds were in his favor, hesitated and lowered his hand, his defiance simmering as he growled, ¡°No one dictates how I discipline my own child.¡±

    Oliver dismissed Tristan¡¯s mutterings and guided Carrie gently to a nearby chair. ¡°Mrs. Norris, are you alright?¡±

    His voice softened as he regarded her, his eyes reflecting a hint ofpassion for her plight. Carrie, a victim of her cruel familial ties, seemed all the more pitiable under his concerned scrutiny.

    The bodyguards surrounded Cindy and Tristan. Sensing the escting tension, Cindy quickly ushered Tristan away in a humiliating retreat.

    Dabbing at her tears, Carrie looked up at Oliver with vulnerable eyes and asked in a quivering voice, ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Allow me to handle Gracie¡¯s medical expenses,¡± Oliver offered openly, his voice carrying a tone of earnest responsibility. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris has already transferred eight hundred thousand to cover the uing medical bills for several months.¡±

    This arrangement didn¡¯te as a surprise, given that Kristopher had organized the hospital care, likely keeping himself informed of all developments.

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 Chapter 106

    ?<strong>Chapter 106:</strong>

    Carrie pressed her lips tightly together, her hands veiling her face. She harbored a deep resentment towards Kristopher¡¯s tendency to solve problems with money, as if every issue could be dismissed with a check.

    If Tristan hadn¡¯t lost his temper earlier, she might have been able to decline Oliver¡¯s proposition with confidence. But under the current circumstances, that option seemed out of reach.

    Oliver gently picked up an ice pack from a nearby counter and extended it toward Carrie, his voice softening as he spoke. ¡°Mrs. Norris, would you like me to drive you back to Bayview Vi?¡±

    Gratefully, Carrie took the ice pack, pressing it against her flushed cheeks. The chilling touch soothed her turmoil, easing the heat of her emotions.

    ¡°Is he there?¡± she inquired hesitantly, her mind on Kristopher. Despite her frustrations, she found herself missing his presence. Even his stern demeanor and harsh words seemed preferable in moments where he effortlessly resolved her dilemmas.

    Oliver¡¯s arrival had once symbolized a flicker of hope for her, lending her a trace of fortitude amidst her engulfing despair.

    Hesitating slightly, Oliver replied, ¡°Mr. Norris is still at the office, workingte.¡±

    Kristopher had deliberately avoided the hospital, dreading a possible sh with Carrie in front of Gracie, opting instead to send Oliver as his proxy.

    As Oliver was midway through his exnation, a group of doctors rushed toward them.

    Upon recognizing Oliver, the doctors regained theirposure and inquired, ¡°Mr. Brooks, have youe to oversee Ms. Nash¡¯s follow-up appointment?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes fell as she processed the information. So, Kristopher¡¯s allegedte nights were actually spent with Lise. Oliver was here not for her but to facilitate the doctors¡¯ visit for Lise. What she had mistaken for a guiding light was merely a beacon meant for another.

    Before Oliver could respond, Carrie handed back the ice pack and rose to her feet, stating firmly, ¡°Please extend my thanks to your boss. I¡¯ll make sure to cover today¡¯s medical expenses promptly.¡±

    With a curt shake of his head, Oliver corrected the doctors. ¡°I¡¯m not here for you. There¡¯s been a misunderstanding.¡±

    Facing Carrie, he attempted to clear things up. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I didn¡¯te here for¡­¡±

    Carrie summoned a feeble smile and interrupted him, ¡°Make sure my message gets through.¡± She had no faith in Oliver¡¯s justification. After all those years with Kristopher, it was second nature for him to defend Kristopher no matter what.

    With a hurried step, she departed, her pace quickening as though she were escaping. The prospect of lingering and facing the mocking stares of onlookers was unbearable for her.

    Oliver observed her hastening away, his expression painted with a helplessness that words could not capture. The hospital, renowned for its association with Kristopher and its premier medical facilities in Orkset, was deeply connected to him. Whether it involved the Norris family or Kristopher¡¯s inner circle, he ensured they received care here. The hospital¡¯s chief physician was even Kristopher¡¯s personal doctor.

    Now, a grave misunderstanding had unfolded, further straining the ties between Kristopher and Carrie.

    As Oliver debated whether to follow Carrie, his contemtion was cut short by his phone buzzing¡ªit was Kristopher on the line.

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 Chapter 107

    ?<strong>Chapter 107:</strong>

    Hesitating for a moment, Oliver answered the call.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the phone. ¡°Has the matter been settled?¡±

    A wave of anxiety washed over Oliver, prompting beads of cold sweat to form on his back. With a measured tone, he replied, ¡°Mrs. Norris sent her regards and thanks through me.¡±

    On the other end, Kristopher¡¯s expression tightened, a hint of impatience in his voice. ¡°And? I want her toe back to the vi. What did she say about that? I couldn¡¯t care less about her ns, but her grandmother shouldn¡¯t have to suffer because of them.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris has left the hospital.¡± Drawing in a sharp breath, Oliver prepared himself for whatever response awaited him. ¡°She promised to repay all the medical costs as soon as she could.¡±

    The smile that had been ying around Kristopher¡¯s eyes vanished, reced by a look of stunned disbelief. His mood shifted swiftly to irritation as he tossed his phone onto the sofa.

    Carrie¡¯s behavior was bing increasingly baffling. He had gone out of his way to resolve her issues, only to be met with indifference?

    His brow furrowed in frustration as he pondered over her aloofness. He had always made an effort to empathize with her, to see things from her side. Regardless of her previous hardships, wasn¡¯t it time she let bygones be bygones?

    Understanding the depth of Carrie¡¯s affection for Gracie, he had embraced Gracie as if she were his own family. Knowing well Carrie¡¯s financial struggles, he had explicitly instructed Oliver to monitor Gracie¡¯s situation meticulously¡ªa move that today had revealed Carrie¡¯s struggle to cover hospital expenses.

    Kristopher was taken aback. Even with Gracie¡¯s welfare on the line, Carrie¡¯s resolve remained unyielding.

    Carrie dragged herself home, overwhelmed by gloom, yearning only for the solitude of her apartment and the relief of a heartfelt sob.

    To her surprise, upon leaving the elevator, she encountered Ruby, who was setting out in search of ate-night treat.

    ¡°Carrie¡­¡± Ruby¡¯s voice faltered as she spotted the unmistakable signs of distress in Carrie¡¯s eyes. Quickly closing the distance between them, she expressed her concern. ¡°What¡¯s troubling you? Has something happened?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Carrie muttered, her voice barely above a whisper, as she brushed past, her steps heavy with fatigue.

    Ruby lingered in the hallway, concern knitting her brows. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she ventured cautiously, ¡°Carrie, are you still upset about that evening at ¡®Serene Sighs¡¯? When I persuaded you to have a drink?¡±

    Since Carrie returned to rebuild her career, she had been noticeably aloof, and Ruby wondered if that night had caused a strain in their friendship. It was time to clear the air.

    Approaching gently, Ruby offered an exnation, hoping to bridge the gap between them. ¡°I thought that having a drink might shield us from any unwanted advances.¡±

    Stopping abruptly, Carrie turned, a mix of surprise and realization dawning on her face. She reassured Ruby, ¡°I don¡¯t me you at all for that night. I know you were looking out for me. Your support has been invaluable since I¡¯ve been back. I really appreciate it.¡±

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 Chapter 108

    ?<strong>Chapter 108:</strong>

    Carrie had grown ustomed to processing her emotions in solitude, to such an extent that even her closest friend remained oblivious to her inner turmoil.

    As she unlocked her apartment door and prepared to step inside, she hesitated, turning back to face Ruby. ¡°Would you minding in for a while?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

    Their gazes locked, and a mutual smile bridged the distance between them, silently healing old wounds. Ruby stepped into the apartment, her voice firm yetforting. ¡°Whateveres our way, let¡¯s not shy away from discussing it. We¡¯ll tackle it together, so no more bottling things up, okay?¡±

    Carrie settled onto the couch, diving straight into theplexities surrounding Gracie. When the topic shifted to Kristopher, she cautiouslybeled him as a friend. Fidgeting with a bottle of mineral water, she struggled to open it before exhaling deeply. ¡°I need to settle a debt with this friend soon. Without it, there wouldn¡¯t even be a connection between us, and now, it¡¯s just making things awkward.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s expression turned contemtive. ¡°I¡¯ve just invested in a house, so I¡¯m a bit strapped for cash at the moment¡­¡± Her voice trailed off as a flicker of inspiration struck her. Brightening, she continued, ¡°Hold on¡ªI just remembered! There¡¯s a scriptpany desperately seeking custom scripts. They¡¯re paying well because their client is demanding, but their writers can¡¯t quite meet the mark. Maybe that¡¯s an avenue you could explore?¡±

    Ruby extracted her phone and eagerly disyed the official website of the scriptpany and the manager¡¯s social media profile to Carrie. Carrie peered at the screen, nodding thoughtfully. ¡°This does look promising,¡± she remarked.

    Ruby concurred with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ve had ties with the owner for ages. There shouldn¡¯t be any issues. They¡¯re just starting out, so they haven¡¯t managed to snag any top-tier writers yet. However, they are quite generous with theirpensation.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips tightened slightly, her mind clearly churning with thoughts. Observing Carrie¡¯s pensive expression, Ruby crossed her legs and flicked ash from her cigarette into a nearby ashtray. Ruby remarked with a knowing look, ¡°If I¡¯m guessing right, you hold your pen name, Katrina Spencer, in high esteem and aren¡¯t keen on using it for mere quick cash.¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s what I suggest: set up a new profile and introduce yourself to the scriptpany as a neer. I¡¯ll back you up and secure an opportunity for you to pitch a sample script. Thepensation might not be as hefty as what Katrina would pull in, but it should be enough to keep you going for now.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s reassurance alleviated Carrie¡¯s anxiety. With a note of gratitude in her voice, she expressed, ¡°Ruby, you¡¯ve really been a tremendous support to me.¡±

    Promptly thereafter, she set up a new WhatsApp ount. Ruby brushed off the thanks with a wave of her hand. She said with a light chuckle, flicking ash from her cigarette, ¡°Think nothing of it! I don¡¯t just regard you as my artist; you¡¯re also a friend to me. Besides, if you get bogged down with other matters and hold up our filming, it would be a setback for me as well. Scripts like these have a standard structure; they¡¯re more akin to products than profound literary creations, and they don¡¯t demand much in the way of creative spark. With your knack for writing, this should be well within your reach.¡±

    Subsequently, Ruby sent Carrie¡¯s new WhatsApp details to the scriptwriting agency. Out of respect for Ruby, they swiftly sent Carrie the sample script details and advised her to take cues from Katrina¡¯s style, who was highly regarded by their clients. This guidance spared Carrie the effort of masking her own distinctive style.

    With the issue resolved, Ruby stood, ready to leave. ¡°I¡¯m off then. You dig into that sample script, and don¡¯t hesitate to call me if you need anything.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Carrie responded, ready to tackle the task ahead.

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 Chapter 109

    ?<strong>Chapter 109:</strong>

    With Ruby out of sight, Carrie shifted her energy toward creating the sample script. The narrative was set against a backdrop of contemporary romance, a genre not particrly arduous for her; yet, the protagonist bore a striking resemnce to Lise¡ªa woman who exuded innocence and purity on the surface but harbored a maniptive streak beneath. Carrie found herself puzzled by the recent poprity of such characters among her clients.

    Had she still been writing under Katrina¡¯s pseudonym, she would have declined the project without a second thought, even for a staggering sum of a hundred million. But currently, constrained by financial urgencies, she feltpelled to deliver the work in line with the client¡¯s demands.

    The scriptpany reviewed the sample script with enthusiasm and without any quibbles over the cost, stating inly, ¡°This is excellently written. We are prepared to pay a million for this script, although ourpany does not impose a heftymission.¡±

    Carrie responded without hesitation, ¡°That price works for me, but I insist on a sixty percent advance payment. I find myself in a tight spot financially, and if that isn¡¯t feasible, I¡¯ll need to explore other options.¡±

    Elsewhere, at the scriptpany, the owner sat at his desk, deep in thought over Carrie¡¯s proposal when he was startled by an inquiry. ¡°Are you ready to leave for the day?¡±

    He nced up to find Lise at the doorway, her armsden with opulent shopping bags. Oversized sunsses masked most of her features, yet the slight dip of her lips hinted at her discontent.

    ¡°You showing up feels like my workday never ends,¡± the owner remarked briskly as he approached, his eagerness palpable as he relieved her of her bags. ¡°What brings you here today?¡±

    Lise strolled over to his desk, gracefully seated herself, and, with a flourish, removed her sunsses, her fingers drumming lightly on the tabletop. ¡°I was running some errands nearby and decided to swing by.¡±

    ¡°Have you located the script I inquired about? It¡¯s been a week and I¡¯ve heard nothing.¡±

    Her online reputation was nosediving, pushing her to secure a top-notch script swiftly to reim her standing. The script not only had to be enthralling, but it also needed a protagonist whose traits mirrored her own, easing her performance burden considerably. Well-known screenwriters, protective of their own reputations, often shied away from such projects, prompting Lise to turn to this particrpany. Still fledgling and desperate for stable clients, thispany held her in high regard.

    ¡°Your request has been our top priority,¡± the owner assured her with a reassuring smile, serving Lise a ss of water and pulling up a file on hisptop. ¡°Take a look. I¡¯ve stumbled upon a rather promising new talent. Her craft rivals that of Katrina¡¯s. Give her some time, and she¡¯s bound to make waves.¡±

    Lise cast a skeptical gaze his way but leaned in closer to scrutinize the script on the screen. Once she finished reading, her initial doubts seemed to evaporate, reced by a nod of approval. ¡°Wow, this is actually good, way better than that ¡®zing Sun¡¯ debacle I¡¯m stuck in. Let¡¯s get her on board, fast! Nowadays, the script quality has been plummeting, and I desperately need solid work like this for my career shift.¡±

    The owner wrung his hands, his brow furrowed with concern. ¡°There¡¯s a problem¡ªthe writer is short on funds and is demanding a sixty percent advance.¡±

    Lise rolled her eyes, exasperated. ¡°Then just pay her. Honestly, it¡¯s rare to stumble upon real talent in this sea of ckers. Why the hesitation?¡±

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 Chapter 110

    ?<strong>Chapter 110:</strong>

    shing a strained, almost apologetic smile, the owner muttered, ¡°Well, it¡¯splicated. Our firm hasn¡¯t been pulling in many contracts, and we¡¯re a bit short on funds for such a hefty advance.¡±

    ¡°You could have led with that. Look, if it¡¯s just a matter of money, then it¡¯s hardly an issue. Take care of what¡¯s important without wasting time!¡±

    Checking her phone, Lise noticed her bnce was slightly above a hundred thousand. Her finances were mostly locked in various investments, leaving her rather strapped for readily avable cash. After mulling it over for a bit, she decided to send a message to Kristopher on WhatsApp.

    ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯ve stumbled across an exceptional script. Unfortunately, the author insists on a hefty sixty percent upfront.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for Kristopher to reply, his curiosity evident.

    ¡°How much are we talking about?¡±

    ¡°Six hundred thousand.¡±

    Raising the price over such a small thing was thest thing on Lise¡¯s mind. Her real ambition stretched beyond mere tens or hundreds of thousands. She yearned to earn the title of Mrs. Norris.

    On the other side, Carrie had been waiting anxiously, her patience thinning. Just as she resolved to write off the deal, her phone buzzed¡ªa notification from WhatsApp unveiling an electronic contract.

    ¡°Kindly examine the contract. Upon your signature, I¡¯ll initiate the funds transfer without dy,¡± the owner of the scriptpany remarked, cutting straight to the chase.

    With meticulous care, Carrie perused the contract. Satisfied that it was all in order, she signed it decisively. Momentster, a notification chimed on her phone, announcing a substantial deposit of six hundred thousand dors. Seizing the moment, Carrie immediately ryed the amount into Kristopher¡¯s ount.

    Meanwhile, at the Bayview Vi, Kristopher gazed at the two transaction records disyed on his phone, his intuition nagging at him that something was amiss. Identical amounts of money shed simultaneously, taunting him with their synchrony. His long fingers drummed a chaotic rhythm on the table, betraying his unrest. He obsessively toggled between the records, feeling the anomaly but unable to identify it. The same amount had been transferred and received in a span of less than ten minutes.

    Merely hours earlier, Carrie had been in negotiations with the doctor, pleading for a postponement of the treatment charges, and now, suddenly, she possessed an additional six hundred thousand. This was distinctly odd. Certainly, Carrie and Lise had no known ties.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably just a random chance,¡± he muttered to himself. However, the perfection of the coincidence seemed imusible.

    Nearby, Oliver paused thoughtfully before dialing Carrie¡¯s number and extending the phone towards Kristopher. ¡°Perhaps you should inform Mrs. Norris about thepleted transfer,¡± he suggested gently.

    Kristopher merely arched an eyebrow, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Since when do I concern myself with six hundred thousand?¡±

    He was ustomed to not personally acknowledging even the influx of funds for billion-dor projects. Oliver remained silent, bearing Kristopher¡¯s brusque mood, still offering the phone persistently.

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 Chapter 111

    ?<strong>Chapter 111:</strong>

    ¡°Mrs. Norris isn¡¯t exactly flush with cash, and yet she managed to send such an amount. It¡¯s definitely something to bring up, Mr. Norris.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, definitely something to bring up, if only to confirm she hasn¡¯t borrowed it from those so-called friends of hers.¡± Kristopher mulled over this, his gaze clouded with a flicker of scorn. ¡°I possess my own phone.¡±

    Carrie had already excised his name from her cklist, so there was no need for him to borrow Oliver¡¯s phone to contact her. He retrieved his phone and initiated a call.

    The moment the call connected, Carrie¡¯s frosty voice struck him like a bitter wind. ¡°I¡¯ve repaid you for Grandma¡¯s medical bills. We¡¯re squared away now. Nevertheless, thank you.¡±

    Her words sparked a re of irritation in Kristopher. He had been ready to suggest she keep the money if she found herself short, but her tone made him reconsider his approach.

    In a toneced with annoyance, he retorted, ¡°What do you mean by ¡®we¡¯re squared away now?''¡±

    He had extended his help genuinely, thinking he was acting as a conscientious husband should, yet herck of appreciation stung him.

    Carrie, perturbed by Kristopher¡¯s tone yet acknowledging her indebtedness in this instance, held back her frustration and patiently rified, ¡°Since I¡¯ve departed from the Norris family, it doesn¡¯t seem right to continue using your funds.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t ept this as a rification; rather, he perceived it as a provocation. With a trace of sarcasm, he pressed on. ¡°So, you wish to cut all ties with me then? Do you really think this insignificant amount resolves everything?¡±

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    ¡°The six hundred thousand was merely to cover Grandma¡¯s medical bills. As for everything else, I left 20 million at Bayview Vi when I walked out. That money was rightfully mine. I reckon that should more thanpensate for any expenses I¡¯ve incurred while being a part of the Norris family these past two years. Moreover, I didn¡¯t take any of the opulent luxuries or symbols of status from the home.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s voice carried a note of triumph; she was assured and resolute.

    Departing with both her dignity and financial independence felt profoundly right. Indeed, a woman needed to have her own financial resources.

    Kristopher rose to his feet, his expression shadowy and inscrutable as he stared out the window. Over the years, he had dealt with all manner of people, each seeking to wring additional benefits from him. Money had always been his tool for solving problems, yet Carrie was an anomaly he hadn¡¯t anticipated.

    The money he had offered her was imbued with his concern and care, not just a means to an end. After a lingering silence filled the air, he finally spoke, his voice deep and resonant. ¡°Carrie, do youck allpassion? What does that 20 million signify? In our two years of marriage, has it really all boiled down to mere financial transactions?¡±

    Carrie scoffed, her reply sharp and swift, ¡°Besides money, what else is there left to split between us?¡±

    If another person had made such a remark, she could have interpreted it as a sentimental confession, buting from Kristopher, it only sowed seeds of confusion in her mind. Their home was void of theughter of children or even the soft pattering of pet paws. As far as emotions were concerned, she poured her heart into it tirelessly, with no reciprocity in sight. She had never soughtpensation for her emotionalbor, so why did he dare to pose such an inquiry now?

    Kristopher¡¯s silence on the other end of the phone seemed to stretch into an eternity.

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 Chapter 112

    ?<strong>Chapter 112:</strong>

    ¡°Mr. Norris, has it suddenly dawned on you that you¡¯re in love with me?¡± Carrie¡¯s voice,ced with a sharp edge of irony, intended to sting, yet it unexpectedly carved out a hollow ache within her.

    Able to catch the bitter sarcasm in her voice, Kristopher responded, his tone cold and dismissive, ¡°Fall in love with an ungrateful wretch like you? Impossible.¡±

    Carrie, her expectations met with his predictable scorn, swiftly disconnected the call. Her lips twisted into a bitter smile as she mockingly saluted the silent phone. Tossing it carelessly onto the sofa, she decided a trip to the supermarket was in order¡ªthere were countless treats and essentials yet to be crossed off her list. Dwelling on the impending demise of her marriage to a man who was now a stranger in her heart? Absolutely pointless.

    At the entrance of the Ripples Complex, a Ferrari gleamed under the afternoon sun, parked with the casual arrogance of someone who knew it belonged. As Albin emerged from the vehicle, the passenger door swung open, and a vibrant girl, who appeared to be sixteen or seventeen, bounded out with youthful energy. She lifted her face, eyes sparkling with excitement, and gestured toward the apartmentplex.

    ¡°This is perfect!¡± she eximed. ¡°It¡¯s right in the city center, just a street away from my school! You won¡¯t have to worry about my safety at all. Once I move here, I¡¯ll definitely focus on my studies¡­¡±

    The girl was technically Albin¡¯s cousin, sent by his mother after persistently arguing against staying in the dormitory. Albin had been tasked with apanying her to select apartments, a responsibility that seemed to bore him slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not holding out hope for your academic dedication,¡± Albin replied absentmindedly, his gaze wandering across the neighborhood. The area did appear quite pleasant.

    Suddenly, a familiar silhouette caught his attention. His cousin continued chattering.

    |??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    ¡°Albin, this ce was rmended by my schoolmate! She knows lots of celebrities, and I¡¯ve heard quite a few stars live here¡­¡± She paused, noticing Albin¡¯s distraction. ¡°Hey, are you even listening? What are you looking at?¡±

    Following his gaze, she spotted the source of his attention. In the crowd, a strikingly elegant figure stood out. Carrie wore a simple white T-shirt and shorts, but her exceptional figure transformed the outfit into something extraordinary. Her hair was loosely tied back, exposing the graceful curve of her neck, and her serene face held a distant beauty, like the moon¡ªlovely but untouchable.

    With a knowing smirk, his cousin leaned closer. ¡°So this is your type, huh? Gotta say, you¡¯ve got good taste!¡±

    Albin yanked her closer and hissed, ¡°Stop spouting nonsense. She¡¯s married.¡±

    The girl¡¯s eyes widened, and she pped her hands over her mouth in exaggerated shock. ¡°Albin! Crushing on a married woman? That¡¯s a one-way ticket to Trouble Town!¡±

    But Albin was no longer listening. He watched intently as Carrie swiped a card at the entrance¡ªshe lived here!

    In a swift motion, he transferred five thousand dors to his cousin. ¡°Go spend time with your friends,¡± he said distractedly, ¡°but stay away from bars. I have urgent matters.¡±

    His cousin blinked at the notification, her grin widening. ¡°Wow, big spender! Alright, I¡¯ll let you off the hook today. Go chase your forbidden love; my lips are sealed!¡±

    Ignoring hermentary, Albin quickly dialed Kristopher¡¯s number. ¡°I found where your wife is hiding!¡± he announced.

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 Chapter 113

    ?<strong>Chapter 113:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s response was maddeningly indifferent. ¡°Boring¡­¡±

    Albin quickly shared the information, anxious that Kristopher might hang up. ¡°You won¡¯t want to miss this¡ªit¡¯s right next to the bustling city center CBD, at Ripples Complex.¡±

    Ripples Complex¡ªa namepletely different from what Carrie had mentioned before.

    Kristopher¡¯s finger hovered momentarily over the hang-up button before he changed his mind. ¡°I¡¯m on my way,¡± he said.

    Half an hourter, an understated Audi rolled up beside Albin¡¯s ostentatious Ferrari.

    Albin¡¯s eyes flicked over, his expression turning curious as Oliver stepped out of the driver¡¯s seat to open the back door.

    Jogging over, Albin rapped on the car roof with a smirk. ¡°Kristopher, ditching the luxury chariots for this old jalopy? What happened?¡±

    Kristopher stepped out of the car, his face a cold mask, and brushed past Albin without a word.

    Oliver exined with a calm tone, ¡°Mr. Norris¡¯s car was in the shop when you called. Since mine was at the office, I drove it here.¡±

    Kristopher turned a cold gaze on Oliver. ¡°You¡¯ve gotten quite talkative, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Albin was visibly shocked by his response. Usually, Kristopher¡¯s car underwent maintenance swiftly, thanks to his VIP service¡ªno lines, and just an hour or two for routine checks. He never used to hurry, not even for deals worth millions. But today, his urgency was palpable.

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    Could this suggest he actually cared about Carrie?

    Everyone had assumed that Kristopher¡¯s marriage to Carrie was a reckless decision, a way to defy his family after seizing control¡ªa rebellion against being separated from Lise. To the world, Carrie was a modern-day Cindere, lucking into luxury and the life of a pampered spouse. People believed she adored Kristopher, though she seemed nothing more than a glorified servant in their mansion.

    No one anticipated that she would choose to assert her independence. They had all expected her to wait passively until Kristopher grew bored and reced her with a socialite of his stature. Yet, against all odds, she did assert herself, not only leaving empty-handed but also leaving behind twenty million dors for Kristopher.

    Despite his usual detachment, Kristopher was not prepared to release her and finalize their divorce.

    Was their rtionship so widely misinterpreted? Perhaps even Kristopher himself hadn¡¯t fully grasped his own growing emotions.

    Albin¡¯s lips twisted into a knowing smirk, a flicker of secret triumph in his eyes, suggesting he was the sole bearer of the truth amidst widespread ignorance. Once the discussion seemed over, Oliver didn¡¯t hesitate; he started his car and pulled away swiftly.

    Looking around, Kristopher recognized they were near the neighborhood he¡¯d once visited to pick up Carrie. He hadn¡¯t anticipated her to be this cautious, to mislead him with a dummy address. The realization stung him.

    They were still husband and wife. He had always considered himself a responsible partner¡ªno whisper of scandal, his financial support unwavering. Why then did she hold such deep-seated animosity? Sure, his job had often engulfed his attention, possibly neglecting some of her needs, but a conversation from her could have bridged that gap. Now, she was pushing for aplete separation, covertly renting a new ce to escape their shared past.

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 Chapter 114

    ?<strong>Chapter 114:</strong>

    As his thoughts spiraled, his frustration mounted, and it was clear in his sharp tone. ¡°Where¡¯s Carrie?¡±

    Albin, lifting an eyebrow in smug satisfaction, responded with a sly tone, ¡°Let¡¯s head to her apartment. I¡¯ve managed to uncover her new address. Have you seen Carrietely? She looks even more enchanting, as if there¡¯s a newfound glow about her. How do I put it correctly?¡±

    Albin scratched his head, fumbling for the appropriate phrase, then, with a sudden spark of inspiration, pped his thigh excitedly. ¡°I¡¯ve figured it out! She was once meek, much like a modest housemaid, but now she¡¯s blossomed into a dazzling rose, breathtaking and vibrant.¡±

    As these words floated in the air, Kristopher¡¯s face clouded over with displeasure. ¡°It sounds like you¡¯re using me of mistreating her,¡± he retorted.

    Realizing his blunder, Albin snapped his lips shut and hastily led the way.

    They walked in silence for a few paces until Albin, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer, halted and faced Kristopher, his demeanor stripped of its usual levity.

    ¡°Tell me, Kristopher, do you love Carrie?¡± he inquired, his gaze piercing.

    Kristopher hesitated, his response guarded. ¡°She¡¯s my wife. I fulfill all the roles and responsibilities of a husband.¡±

    Unsatisfied by the evasive answer, Albin probed deeper, his voice infused with sincerity. ¡°Forget the duties and titles for a moment. I¡¯m asking about your heart. Do you feel love for her?¡±

    Albin¡¯s question hung heavily between them, a silent plea for truth in Kristopher¡¯s next words.

    Kristopher fixed his piercing stare on Albin, his eyes drilling into him as if trying to unravel his very thoughts. That intense gaze somehow brought to mind the question Carrie had posed over the phone earlier. Under the weight of Kristopher¡¯s stare, Albin¡¯s skin broke out in a cold sweat.

    Suddenly, Kristopher diverted his eyes, his expression etched with scorn. ¡°With all that free time, maybe it¡¯s time to think about getting a job,¡± he suggested, his voice resonating with a deep, dismissive timbre as he strode away.

    He continued, ¡°We¡¯re bound together in marriage, and that is the unchangeable truth. Does love hold any real weight? I provide her with the finest things in life. Surely, that¡¯s more substantial than fleeting emotions?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s readiness to prolong the conversation prompted Albin to quicken his pace and catch up. Analyzing the situation, Albin countered, ¡°In terms of material things, you¡¯ve made sure Lise has had the finest life possible. Throughout the years, her every desire has been met without fail. Yet, thisvishness mirrors the fondness one might show a sister. On the other hand, your interactions with Carrie are charged with emotion. Your fiery temper exposes the bond between you. Perhaps you don¡¯t love her, but she stirs something within you ¡ª she stands apart from other women in your life.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes briefly locked in a frozen gaze, his fingers nervously adjusting the cufflinks at his wrists. ¡°So, what exactly are you trying to get at?¡± he demanded.

    Albin¡¯s tone carried a hint of urgency as he responded, ¡°Kristopher, this isn¡¯t about proving something. It¡¯s about understanding what you truly want. Carrie is contemting divorce because she feels neglected and unloved.¡±

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 Chapter 115

    ?<strong>Chapter 115:</strong>

    ¡°If you¡¯re serious about not wanting a divorce, then you need to show her your affection. Love isn¡¯t solely built on the gifts you can buy.¡± His voice grew tense with anxiety. ¡°Emotions need to be nurtured and openly shared. You can¡¯t just substitute emotional connection with money, can you? Isn¡¯t it necessary to invest your feelings as well?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, his brows knitting together in confusion. Although he grasped each word Albin uttered, when put together, they baffled him. The younger Kristopher would have dismissed such concerns as trivial. Yet, given Carrie¡¯s increasingly drastic responses recently, he found himself pausing to reconsider.

    For the first time, Kristopher questioned aloud, ¡°What is love, really? It¡¯s something you can¡¯t see or touch. Are mere sweet nothings truly more valuable than solid, tangible support?¡± As for whether he truly loved Carrie, the thought had never crossed his mind. Love, as a concept, was alien to him from his earliest memories. In the Norris household, matters of the heart were overshadowed by pragmatic considerations of mutual benefit.

    The rtionships he observed among peers seemed nothing more than transactions¡ªbe they for personal gain, physical desire, or simplepanionship. To Kristopher, if this was what defined love, he was better off without it.

    His partnership with Carrie had been serendipitous. She was entric, theatrically so, reminiscent of a character in a melodrama, yet her presence never crossed into irritation. At times, he even felt a spark of vitality when she was nearby. She was a wife he was content to have by his side, and he envisioned continuing their life together without much change.

    Yet, the revtion of Carrie leaving him over something as intangible as love shook him profoundly.

    Albin exhaled deeply, the weight of the situation settling upon him.

    He recognized the futility of swaying Kristopher¡¯s deep-seated views with mere words. Draping an arm around Kristopher¡¯s shoulders, he began sharing his advice. ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯re too immersed in your own perspective to see things clearly. Just this once, hear me out. If you¡¯re not ready to ept the divorce, just humble yourself and express to Carrie that she matters to you. There¡¯s a chance for reconciliation. Trust me, I¡¯m not lying to you.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned stormy, and he remained silent, brushing off Albin¡¯s hand with a swift, dismissive gesture. Albin suddenly remembered that Kristopher disliked physical contact with others, with only three exceptions¡ªLise, Carrie, and his rarely mentioned sister.

    As they conversed, Albin guided Kristopher towards the building where Carrie resided. ¡°Here we are¡ªthis is the ce,¡± he announced.

    Kristopher surveyed the area with evident distaste. ¡°A building serving both residential andmercial purposes? Residential andmercial in one building? How do people survive in this madness?¡±

    Albin responded promptly, defending the building¡¯s reputation, ¡°Kristopher, give this ce a chance. It boasts remarkably tight security.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s skepticism was palpable. ¡°Really? And yet they let you through without a fuss?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not exactly a nobody,¡± Albin retorted, brushing off the implication with a slight shift in topic. ¡°Despite its mixed usage, this districtmands a high price tag. It¡¯s predominantly popted by ambitious young professionals and affluent individuals. Rumor has it, even celebrities find a home here.¡±

    Kristopher dismissed the idea with a wave of his hand. ¡°What celebrity would settle for such a ce?¡±

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 Chapter 116

    ?<strong>Chapter 116:</strong>

    ¡°Keep it down, Kristopher,¡± Albin whispered, leaning in closer. ¡°If Carrie overhears you, you¡¯re in for a heated debate.¡±

    As he spoke, Albin¡¯s gaze suddenly shifted over Kristopher¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Ca-Carrie, what a coincidence!¡± he eximed.

    Turning around, Kristopher spotted Carrie, burdened with several boxes and three oversized stic bags, each filled to capacity. She looked genuinely shocked to see Kristopher, her eyes widening in surprise.

    Albin greeted Carrie with an unexpected burst of energy, one she had never seen from him before.

    Startled by his vigor, Carrie lost her grip on the precarious stack she was holding. The boxes crashed to the floor, their contents spilling out in a chaotic disy. She shot a look of clear annoyance at Kristopher, then deliberately turned her back on both men and stooped to retrieve her scattered belongings.

    Seizing the moment, Albin tugged at Kristopher¡¯s arm, urging, ¡°Carrie, let us give you a hand.¡±

    Without hesitation, Albin knelt beside her, swiftly collecting the items, while Kristopher remained aloof, his stance rigid. A stic bag had ripped open, and though Carrie tried to gather the items, re-packing was futile. With everything scattered, managing it alone was out of the question.

    From his towering position, Kristopher¡¯s voice dripped with disdain. ¡°You can¡¯t even manage simple tasks. If it¡¯s too much, why not just pay for delivery?¡±

    Carrie kept her gaze fixed on the ground, her voice steady. ¡°Not everyone can afford to throw money around like you, Mr. Norris. Some of us have to keep a tight budget.¡±

    Sensing the brewing tension, Albin grabbed a box and pressed it into Kristopher¡¯s hands. ¡°Come on, Kristopher, help out.¡±

    He then hoisted the majority of the remaining boxes himself, leaving only a few snacks behind. ¡°Carrie, you handle these. We¡¯ll take the rest upstairs for you.¡±

    Carrie rose to her feet and firmly declined. ¡°I appreciate your offer, but please, just leave them here. I¡¯ll have the security guard assist me with themter.¡±

    Albin stepped back, clutching the box in his hands, unwilling to let go. ¡°There¡¯s no need to bother them. Kristopher and I are free at the moment, so we might as well help you with these,¡± he insisted, giving Kristopher a slight nudge with his elbow.

    Narrowing his eyes, Kristopher responded icily, ¡°Why must you always be such a nuisance? People are paid to work, not to cater to your every whim. Imagine if everyone acted like you. How would our frontline workers manage?¡±

    Albin, caught off guard and at a loss for words, simply shook his head, his frustration evident as he pondered the difficulty of altering Kristopher¡¯s rigid views.

    Exhausted and devoid of the energy to argue further, Carrie stated bluntly, ¡°Mr. Norris, after all this time in the business world, you still fail to grasp my point? Let me be clear. I simply do not want you in my home.¡±

    Thisment ignited Kristopher¡¯s temper once more, and he retorted scornfully, ¡°What are you afraid of? That I¡¯ll see the state of your living conditions?¡±

    Carrie stood mute, her gaze fixed on the man before her¡ªhis features striking and his presencemanding, capable of drawing everyone¡¯s attention. Yet, his charm was overshadowed the moment he spoke.

    Carrie let out a weary sigh, realizing with a sense of resignation that Kristopher was adamant about heading upstairs today. She approached the elevator and pressed the button, turning to Albin with a polite nod. ¡°Thank you,¡± she murmured, her voice soft yet detached. She conspicuously ignored Kristopher, treating him as if he were invisible, an unacknowledged presence in the corner of her eye.

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 Chapter 117

    ?<strong>Chapter 117:</strong>

    ¡°Alright, Carrie,¡± Albin responded promptly, nudging Kristopher forward, the boxes in his hands adding to the awkward shuffle.

    Initially, Albin had thought of Carrie as a modest, unassuming housewife. However, after several encounters, his perception had shifted dramatically. Although typically gentle and demure, Carrie revealed herself to be a woman of spirited determination, mirroring Kristopher¡¯s own fiery temperament.

    It was notable how well Carrie seemed to be managing since her separation from Kristopher, a fact that Albin found quite remarkable.

    The trio stepped into the elevator, and as it ascended, the atmosphere grew thick with unspoken tensions. The few seconds it took to reach their floor stretched into what felt like an eternity.

    Albin, who usually yed the peacemaker, found himself unable to bridge the icy gap between the two.

    As the elevator doors slid open, Albin was the first to step out, cing the items down with swift efficiency. He checked his phone, a smile breaking over his face as he read an iing message. ¡°Kristopher, Carrie, something urgent hase up, so I must head off. You two carry on.¡±

    With those words, he tapped the elevator button and slipped back inside as the doors whisked shut behind him.

    Left alone in the hallway, Carrie and Kristopher stood meters apart, deliberately avoiding each other¡¯s gaze. They faced away from each other, the air between them charged with an awkward tension that neither seemed willing to address.

    Exiting the elevator and opening the door to her apartment, Carrie paused momentarily, shifting aside to allow room. ¡°Thank you. Just ce them by the door,¡± she instructed, her tone polite yet distant.

    While she mulled over the best way to suggest Kristopher should leave, he had already settled the items and sprawled out on the sofa with ease. ncing back at her lingering near the entrance, he remarked casually, ¡°I¡¯m thirsty.¡±

    His tone carried a hint of entitlement as he continued, ¡°Considering all the effort I¡¯ve put in today, you wouldn¡¯t refuse me a drink, would you?¡±

    With a frosty expression, Carrie slowly shut the door and moved toward the kitchen, intent on boiling some water. However, her hand paused as it grazed the kettle. A realization struck her¡ªshe was no longer obliged to cater to him. On days when cramps tormented her, she didn¡¯t even pamper herself with a warm drink. Why would she extend this courtesy to a man who was practically a stranger now?

    Reconsidering, she pivoted and grabbed a c and a bottle of mineral water from the refrigerator. Approaching Kristopher, she extended the mineral water with evident reluctance.

    He scowled, making no move to ept it. ¡°Cold drinks upset my stomach,¡± he grumbled.

    Carrie¡¯s shoulders lifted in a dismissive shrug. ¡°That¡¯s all I have,¡± she retorted, her voice tinged with impatience.

    His sudden fussiness was a stark contrast to his old self, who thrived on iced coffee during grueling workdays. Carrie¡¯s frequent reminders, meant to be helpful, only grated on his nerves.

    With a nonchnt gaze fixed on the c in her grasp, Kristopher spoke with a light, teasing tone. ¡°I think I¡¯ll help myself to that.¡±

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 Chapter 118

    ?<strong>Chapter 118:</strong>

    Unwilling to cater to his whims, Carrie tossed the bottle of mineral water his way before indulging in the c herself.

    As she took a leisurely sip, she stated with a sly grin, ¡°This drink is hardly worthy of someone with such refined tastes as you, Mr. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s witty retorts deserted him, a sh of embarrassment crossing his features as he remembered his own snidements about Stewart¡¯s choice of drink. The corners of Carrie¡¯s mouth twitched upwards, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she delighted in his difort.

    Suddenly, the room¡¯s atmosphere was ripped apart by the roar of thunder, a brilliant streak of lightning illuminating the darkening sky, followed by a torrential downpour. Startled, Carrie¡¯s focus momentarily shifted away from their banter, apse Kristopher exploited to snatch the c from her grip. He noticed a faint lip print where her mouth had touched the can. As he sipped from the same spot, memories of her soft lips lingered unexpectedly.

    When Carrie collected herself, she found Kristopher smirking, the c can nearly empty as he unted it, saying, ¡°Sometimes, trying something new isn¡¯t such a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°Childish,¡± she retorted dismissively, rolling her eyes. Pulling out her phone, she decided it was time for him to leave. ¡°I¡¯m calling Oliver to take you home.¡±

    His expression soured as she dialed, her voice brisk in the damp air. ¡°It¡¯s pouring outside. Can youe and pick up your boss?¡±

    On the other end, Oliver¡¯s response was unexpectedly nomittal. ¡°I apologize, Mrs. Norris, but I¡¯m tied up right now.¡± Carrie was standing close by, so Kristopher caught Oliver¡¯s reply. He shifted, sinking further into the sofa, his c in hand, sipping with a rxed air.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c¨®m is your escape

    Carrie threw a nce toward Kristopher, her skepticism evident. She couldn¡¯t drop the matter, insisting, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a driver or perhaps an assistant who could fetch him?¡±

    Oliver responded with measured respect, ¡°Every car¡¯s under maintenance, and everyone¡¯s gone for the day.¡± The coincidence struck Carrie as imusible. Yet, she realized she had never kept tabs on the vehicle maintenance schedules and thuscked the evidence to challenge his im.

    Retreating toward the bathroom, she lowered her tone, her words meant solely for Oliver. ¡°If this is your attempt to set us up, it¡¯s pointless. His presence will only stir up further disputes.¡±

    Oliver¡¯s voice held a steady calmness. ¡°Mrs. Norris, you might be reading too much into this. I really am tied up. Could you possibly have him wait a little longer? I¡¯ll be there as soon as I finish up.¡±

    Carrie, unable to mask her irritation, retorted sharply, ¡°Oliver, the audacity to make your boss wait is quite bold.¡± With a scoff, she ended the call.

    Returning to where Kristopher lounged, her expression nk, she dered, ¡°I¡¯m weary of this charade. Remember, this apartment is leased. I can leave whenever I choose.¡±

    Kristopher eyed her with an unexpected look of surprise. ¡°You really think I¡¯d waste my time following you?¡± he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

    Carrie was taken aback by his response. She paused, scrutinizing him carefully, yet his expression remained genuinely baffled. Hesitantly, she ventured, ¡°So, you¡¯re saying this is just a coincidence?¡±

    He shifted in his seat, his tone gentle. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m here assisting Albin¡¯s cousin in her search for an apartment. She¡¯s studying at the international school just down the road.¡±

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 Chapter 119

    ?<strong>Chapter 119:</strong>

    A wave of embarrassment washed over Carrie as she realized she might have inted her significance in his eyes again. Without a word, she moved toward the door to sort through the shopping bags she had brought in earlier. Kristopher, meanwhile, withdrew his phone and began to manage some business affairs.

    They each retreated to their own corners of the room, enveloped in a silence that was both awkward and oddlyforting. As Carrie arranged her purchases, she briefly lost awareness of Kristopher¡¯s presence.

    She took sce in the rhythmic motion of stocking the cab, the task offering her a reassuring sense of order. After spending a good half hour tidying up, her stomach protested with a loud grumble.

    Retrieving a pack of noodles from the newly filled cab, she made her way to the kitchen. Just then, Kristopher nced up from his phone and asked, ¡°I haven¡¯t had a bite either. Would it be alright if I joined you for a meal?¡±

    Carrie dismissed Kristopher¡¯s presence and fetched a pot to boil some water. His voice drifted gently through the room. ¡°No chili, please.¡±

    Her kitchen was open-n, and through the haze of rising steam, she could make out Kristopher¡¯s form sprawled on the couch, his fingers flying over his phone as he answered emails. For a fleeting second, a sense of disbelief washed over her. This was the vision of married life she had cherished in her dreams¡ªa cozy sanctuary where they could partake in their daily activities, yet always remain within each other¡¯s gaze.

    A sardonic smile crept across her face. It was almostical that she was living out her marriage ideal on the brink of their separation.

    Caught up in her reverie, she absentmindedly reached for the pot with one hand. Today, she was preparing noodles for two, and the pot, filled to the brim with both water and noodles, was unusually heavy. Her grip faltered, and the pot tilted dangerously, sending noodles and scalding broth cascading toward her. She recoiled hastily, yet not before the hot broth sttered onto her foot.

    The skin on the top of her foot reddened immediately, a fierce burn and intense sting attacking her senses. She couldn¡¯t help but exim in a pained whisper, ¡°Ow!¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Kristopher¡¯s concern was palpable as he abandoned his phone and closed the distance between them in mere moments.

    ¡°N-nothing, I merely lost my grip, and some water sshed on my foot,¡± she stammered, visibly flustered as she took a clumsy step back. She attempted to maintain a casual tone.

    Memories of how she once exaggerated the slightest difort to capture his attention flickered through her mind. It was both absurd and slightly pathetic.

    Kristopher observed her foot, now tinged with red, and bent down, extending his hand to lift her legs, poised to carry her. ¡°I can walk,¡± Carrie asserted hastily, retreating and nearly losing her bnce. ¡°No need to make this overly dramatic.¡±

    Kristopher refrained from insisting on carrying her. He straightened up, offering her a steadying hand, his voiceced with a trace of annoyance. ¡°When I ignore yourints, you use me of not caring. Yet when I try to help, you im I¡¯m overreacting. Isn¡¯t that a bit contradictory? What is it that you truly want? Are you even sure?¡±

    Carrie allowed him to guide her to the sofa, her voice gentle yet resolute as she said, ¡°Of course, I know exactly what I want. People change, Kristopher. There was a time when all I sought was your affection and a harmonious life together. But you met me with apathy. Now, I¡¯vee to a realization¡ªI no longer wish to linger in this one-sided marriage. And still, you¡¯re displeased. You onceined I demanded too much. And now you¡¯re questioning if I know what I want? Mr. Norris, perhaps it¡¯s you who needs to reflect. My needs have always been clear. I longed for family and love before. Now, I yearn for freedom.¡±

    Kristopher had no desire to dive into a pointless debate over such obscure topics. Turning away, a hint of irritation in his voice, he remarked, ¡°I never realized how eloquent you were before. You reallye prepared with a load of arguments, don¡¯t you?¡±

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 Chapter 120

    ?<strong>Chapter 120:</strong>

    ¡°People tend to argue even when they¡¯re wrong, so naturally, they argue even more passionately when they believe they¡¯re right,¡± Carrie responded with a casual air, her voice softening slightly.

    She had little appetite for quarrels, and this unexpected outpouring of emotions left her feeling especially worn out.

    ¡°That tissue isn¡¯t clean,¡± Kristopher noted, deftly removing the tissue from her grasp and discarding it into the bin. He then stretched over her to retrieve the first aid kit perched on the cab behind her.

    Dropping to his knees in front of her, he carefully cradled her foot in his hands. Carrie¡¯s foot recoiled instinctively, a jolt of surprise coursing through her. She regarded her feet as profoundly private, and the sensation of someone else¡¯s touch on them was disconcerting.

    ¡°Stay still,¡± Kristopher instructed firmly, securing her foot gently but with resolve. He extracted the burn ointment and started to apply it with focused attention.

    This encounter marked the first time he had ever touched her foot, noting its softness and the wless texture of her skin, entirely devoid of calluses. Her foot appeared petite and graceful in his hands, its nails neatly manicured and surprisingly delicate.

    He had never before tended to someone in such a manner, so he proceeded with cautious deliberation, his fingertips tenderly spreading the ointment across her skin, ensuring each touch was soothing and precise. The cool touch on her foot was a stark contrast to the searing pain she had been enduring, easing the difort significantly.

    In contrast, her face heated up, and theposed facade she had been clinging to crumbled entirely. Her thoughts scattered, leaving her aware only of her heart¡¯s erratic pounding in her ears.

    From where she sat, she had a clear view of Kristopher¡ªhis impably straight nose and the long eyshes that cast delicate shadows over his eyes. Despite her heart turning frigid and her firm decision to leave him, the sight of him, so ethereal as he kneeled before her cradling her foot, stirred something within her. His expression, intensely focused as he tended to her wound, coupled with his posture of genuine servitude, struck a chord of sincerity.

    Yet, as the protagonist of her own tumultuous story, Carrie found this portrayal somewhat absurd.

    Her thoughts drifted wildly, and in a fleeting, whimsical desire, she imagined Kristopher as nothing more than a ything from a nightclub¡ªa toy boy she could hire to keep herpany.

    Lost in these musings, time seemed to dissolve around her until Kristopher finished his careful application of a pale yellow ointment that masked the angry red of her burn.

    While tending to her, Kristopher¡¯s mind kept echoing with Albin¡¯s earlier words. Now having finished his task, Kristopher looked into her eyes, his voice soft butden with regret as he murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    Staring at Kristopher, Carrie¡¯s eyes widened in stunned disbelief, unable to process what had just happened. The words that tumbled from Kristopher¡¯s lips hit her harder than any headline she¡¯d ever read.

    He sighed softly, his gaze shifting towards her leg. The jagged scar there was a stark reminder of past pains, shing with the surrounding smooth skin¡ªa poignant blemish on a once wless canvas. It evoked a deep sense of regret within him.

    He apologized once more, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry for the fire incident. It was something I could never have foreseen. I wasn¡¯t there for you when you needed me the most, and for that, I am sincerely and deeply regretful.¡±

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 Chapter 121

    ?<strong>Chapter 121:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s emotions surged¡ªa tumultuous mix of the past and present. Had these wordse sooner, she might have plunged into the depths of their fractured marriage without a second thought. But that time had passed. She had moved on, her heart guarded and her resolve firm. Turning back was not an option she could entertain.

    She lowered her head, her voice a gentle whisper. ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s all behind us now. I forgive you.¡±

    The past was immutable, and dwelling on it would not reverse the currents of time. His apology now served as a poignant closure to what they once shared. A farewell deserved a touch of dignity. Seeing him step back, she felt no urge to harbor any resentment.

    As she spoke, she noticed Kristopher¡¯s hand still resting on her foot and instinctively withdrew it.

    Kristopher, sensing the finality, epted her subtle rejection. He believed that with his apology and her forgiveness, they had found closure. Feeling a wave of relief, he rose and rolled up his sleeves with ease. ¡°I¡¯ll go make some spaghetti. You just take it easy.¡±

    Before Carrie could utter a word in response, Kristopher had already made his way to the kitchen, busying himself with the task of cleaning a pot and setting water to boil once again.

    Carrie¡¯s lips formed a pout as she muttered to herself skeptically, ¡°Can he actually cook?¡± For Carrie, it was difficult to reconcile the image of Kristopher, the assertive businessman, with the domestic chore of cooking.

    From the kitchen, Kristopher cast a brief nce her way before continuing his cleanup. He washed the pot thoroughly, set the water boiling, and began preparing the spaghetti with a deftness that belied any notion of him being a novice in the kitchen.

    In Carrie¡¯s conventional view, a man cooking was somehow a lessening of his masculinity. Yet Kristopher was dismantling that stereotype effortlessly. With his shirt cor undone just enough to reveal the contours of his chest muscles, and his forearms smooth yet defined, veins prominently tracing down to his skilled hands, he moved about handling the kitchenware.

    There was an undeniable allure to his actions, a sensuality that captivated. Watching him maneuver around the kitchen was unexpectedly gratifying for Carrie, the sight a visual feast that seemed to nourish the soul itself.

    Before long, Kristopher was setting down two steaming tes of spaghetti on the dining table. ¡°What are you still sitting there for? Go wash your hands and let¡¯s eat,¡± he called out, breaking her reverie.

    ¡°Oh.¡± Carrie¡¯s thoughts abruptly shattered as she found herself walking toward the kitchen to wash her hands. It was a scene ripped straight from a normal married life, tinged with the bittersweet realization of their impending divorce.

    Upon returning from the kitchen, Carrie confronted the intimacy of the small square table, which left little space for emotional distance. With a contemtive pause, she chose the chair directly across from Kristopher, sealing the proximity between them.

    The dinner tes bore spaghetti arranged with meticulous care, each topped with a perfectly cooked egg and generously drizzled with sauce. Carrie¡¯s te, however, featured an extra dollop of her favorite sauce¡ªa silent acknowledgment from Kristopher of her preferences.

    Outwardly, Carrie maintained aposed facade, but beneath it, her emotions churned as violently as the storm brewing outside. Her only respite was the meal before her. The spaghetti, rich and savory from the sauce, proved a wee distraction. She devoured it quickly, driven by her hunger.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flickered with a subtle gleam of pride as he noted the clean te in front of her, not a trace of sauce left. He asked, ¡°So, can I cook?¡±

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 Chapter 122

    ?<strong>Chapter 122:</strong>

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Carrie, caught off guard by his question, blinked in confusion before it clicked¡ªhe was referring to her earlier offhand critique of his culinary skills.

    Speechless, she could only marvel silently at how petty he could be.

    The doorbell echoed through the apartment, prompting Carrie to rise and answer it. There stood Oliver, his armsden with two bags brimming with essentials¡ªshower gel, pajamas, and the like, all items Kristopher favored.

    With a genial smile breaking through the gloom of the rainy evening, Oliver said, ¡°The downpour outside is relentless, and with the leak at Bayview Vi, staying there isn¡¯t an option. Would you, Mrs. Norris, be so kind as to let Mr. Norris crash here for the night? I¡¯ll swing by first thing tomorrow to pick him up.¡±

    Oliver¡¯s attempt at ying Cupid was unmistakable this time. To consider it mere coincidence would be nothing short of naive. She realized that giving in might only fuel Kristopher¡¯s ims that she was just ying hard to get. With their divorce impending, prolonging any interaction would onlyplicate matters.

    With aposed demeanor, she replied, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t be possible. I don¡¯t have a spare room avable.¡±

    Kristopher, who had been momentarily buoyed by their recent tentative reconciliation, felt a chill as she voiced her refusal.

    ¡°Furthermore, my agent might stop byter to discuss some business. It might be inconvenient. However, I can arrange for a driver to take him back if you¡¯re upied,¡± she added, her voice steady and indifferent.

    This left Kristopher stunned, his expression turning icy. He had done everything¡ªextended peace offerings, prepared meals, and sought forgiveness¡ªnever had he shown such humility. Yet here he was, met with nothing but her aloofness. The realization stung¡ªperhaps he had been too quick to buy into Albin¡¯s idealistic nonsense that rtionships requiredmitment.

    Kristopher mmed the cup down with such force that it echoed through the room, striding over with a stern expression stered across his face. He rebuked Oliver sharply. ¡°If you¡¯re too swamped to handle your duties, perhaps it¡¯s best you resign. I¡¯m sure I can find another assistant who can manage their time better.¡±

    Oliver, caught off guard and unaware of the underlying issues, sensed the tension had escted beyond repair. Opting not to press the matter, he stepped aside, allowing room for Kristopher to pass, and offered politely, ¡°Mr. Norris, shall I drive you home now?¡±

    Without so much as a backward nce at Carrie, Kristopher marched straight towards the exit, Oliver tailing him closely. Carrie watched their retreating figures blend into the elevator¡¯s closing doors, then gently shut her own door with a soft click, a wave of emptiness and a pang of loss washing over her.

    Just then, her phone chirped with iing notifications, snapping her out of her reverie. Carrie picked up her phone and swiped it unlocked to find two alerts from Twitter. The first was from Silver Elephant Media¡¯s official ount, announcing, ¡°Exciting new drama in the works¡ªstay tuned! @AsherBurton, @CarrieCampbell.¡±

    Intrigued, she tapped on the next notification to find Asher¡¯s enthusiastic retweet. ¡°Teaming up with @CarrieCampbell¡ªcan¡¯t wait to get started!¡±

    Carrie harbored reservations about Asher¡¯s unpredictable nature. His emotional transparency and impulsive decisions were legendary, yet somehow, he had ascended to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry. Whether his sess was attributed to his remarkable talent or just dumb luck was anyone¡¯s guess.

    Despite his stature as a superstar with a predominantly female fanbase, Asher was a solitary figure in the industry, rarely mentioning colleagues on his social media. The sudden appearance of Carrie on his Twitter was unexpected and potentially problematic. If fans started connecting dots or if someone with a vested interest twisted their rtionship into a love affair, it could jeopardize Carrie¡¯s standing.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 123:</strong>

    She reclined on the couch, nervously tapping open thements on her phone. After scanning through several, a wave of relief washed over her. The responses were overwhelmingly positive. The majority of fans were buzzing with spection about the project anduding Asher¡¯s past performances. A handful recognized Carrie, showering her with what seemed likepliments but were, in essence, further acims for Asher.

    ¡°Oh my, finally a new project from Asher. I¡¯ve binged his series endlessly¡ªhis work truly sets the bar online.¡±

    ¡°Why so secretive? Any clues about the genre?¡±

    ¡°Silver Elephant Media usually teams up with Katrina. Given Asher¡¯s admiration for her, could this project be his dream coboration?¡±

    ¡°Her captivating appearance is precisely what I¡¯m drawn to. She deserves to star opposite Asher.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t she the one who went for the ¡®zing Sun¡¯ audition recently? Asher¡¯s choice in co-stars really reflects his focus on talent over fame.¡±

    Opting not to delve further, Carrie retweeted the post and tagged Asher, modestly adding, ¡°Mr. Burton, it¡¯s an honor to coborate with you.¡±

    Momentster, her phone pinged with a WhatsApp notification¡ªa friend request from Asher, courtesy of their mutual acquaintance, Soren. After exchanging greetings, Asher tentatively invited her. ¡°A friend isunching a restaurant soon. Would you join me to mark the beginning of our film ¡®Agarwood¡¯?¡±

    Caught off guard and unable to think of an excuse, Carrie replied hesitantly, ¡°Sure.¡±

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    Unbeknownst to Carrie, shortly after she signed off, another trending topic appeared on Twitter.

    ¡°Lise, A Self-Made Star, Not Relying on Men¡±

    The post highlighted clips of Lise on the bustling set of zing Sun, capturing her daring feats on a motorcycle. Ituded her for shunning a stunt double and mastering the motorcycle herself, underscoring her well-earned achievements. Yet, the clips fell short of being persuasive. They were merely tight shots that could have been simted without genuine motorcycle skills.

    Every day, the inte buzzes with fresh content, and the echoes of Lise¡¯s past scandals had all but faded from the collective memory of theizens. Yet, her name suddenly spiked in poprity, intertwined with Carrie¡¯s in the trending sections, reigniting memories of her once-leaked audition tape. Though Kristopher had diligently scrubbed the footage from the inte ages ago, some astuteizens had archived it and chose this moment to bring it back into the limelight.

    Memories also resurfaced of Asher¡¯s refusal to work with Lise on a variety show, adding fuel to the spective fire. The inte had a peculiar way of shaping beliefs. Outright ims were often met with skepticism, yet when theizens connected the dots themselves, the resulting picture was readily epted as the unvarnished truth.

    As spection swirled, more and more people began to question the legitimacy of Lise¡¯s ascent to stardom, wondering if Asher¡¯s apparent aversion to her was a clue to some undisclosed drama behind the scenes. Aware of Lise¡¯s distaste for Carrie, her staff likely orchestrated the trending topic to get on her good side. However, it backfired spectacrly. The intent behind the search result was to showcase Lise¡¯s independent rise to stardom, not relying on any male lead, while subtly disparaging Carrie by mentioning Asher.

    Yet, Lise¡¯s limited acting prowess and the persistent whispers about her affluent sponsors marred her image. Instead of enhancing her reputation, the trending topic morphed into a self-inflicted wound. Even in Asher¡¯sment section, the dialogue began to shift, slowly changing its tone.

    ¡°Carrie should really give thanks to the zing Sun crew for their dubious actions. Without their rejection, she wouldn¡¯t have had the opportunity to coborate with Asher. Given his golden touch, she¡¯s on the brink of sess.¡±

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 Chapter 124

    ?<strong>Chapter 124:</strong>

    ¡°I recall Asher declining to join Lise on a variety show previously. Somebeled him arrogant for it. But after viewing Lise¡¯s audition clip, all I can say is¡ªwell yed, Asher.¡±

    ¡°My interest in zing Sun has wanedpletely. It¡¯s just a cash cow at this point.¡±

    ¡°Poor Stewart. I really admired him. He¡¯s both handsome and dedicated, just like Asher.¡±

    In the tranquil ambiance of a high-end spa, Lise, who had been reclining on the massage bed, abruptly sat up and hurled her phone across the room in a fit of rage. The beautician, caught off guard, stood frozen, uncertain of how to respond.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Elvamanded, dismissing the beautician with a wave of her hand before grasping the phone. The plush carpet had muffled the impact, leaving the phone unscathed, Twitterments still shing across the screen.

    Elva exhaled deeply, her voice tinged with frustration. ¡°The recent additions to the team have really screwed things up this time. Their approach is overly naive. I need to spend some time mentoring them myself.¡±

    Lise, frustration etching her features, yanked off her face mask and flung it to the floor. ¡°I never imagined Soren, that spoiled heir, would leverage Asher as a key yer to boost Carrie. Carrie is still married to Kristopher! Has Soren truly be so desperate that he¡¯s willing to plunge the entire Rodgers family into a bitter conflict with the Norris family over a married woman?¡±

    Setting the phone down on the table next to Lise, Elva responded calmly, ¡°It¡¯s merely the chatter of a few online trolls. It¡¯s not worth your distress. Your health is fragile right now. Don¡¯t let this nonsense affect you.¡±

    ¡°That Asher, always pretending to be so righteous, but he grovels before Soren. Pathetic!¡± Lise refused to ept that Asher¡¯s admiration for Carrie was sincere. She attributed his behavior entirely to Soren¡¯s maniption. ¡°What¡¯s got you so worked up? Carrie¡¯s still a rookie, and her uing project hasn¡¯t even begun production. This isn¡¯t over until the very end, and the winner is still undecided. Asher¡¯s fans might idolize Carrie now, but should any link between her and Asher emerge, the spotlight he¡¯s cast on her could swiftly turn into a storm of scorn, potentially devastating her career.¡±

    Elva¡¯s eyes gleamed with a sly hint of amusement at that moment.

    Several dayster, at The Northern Kitchen, Carrie found herself invited to dinner with Asher. After days of relentless rain and chilly air, she dressed ordingly in a thin, off-shoulder white sweater that elegantly entuated the curves of her neck and shoulders. Her outfit waspleted with skin-tight ck jeans and sleek high heels, creating a look of effortless allure. As she passed, heads turned, guests unable to resist a second nce at her striking figure.

    Nearing the private dining room, Carrie caught snippets of Asher¡¯s conversation through the slightly open door. ¡°Should I go pick her up?¡± he mused aloud. Beside him, his manager, Godwin Shaw, pressed a hand to his forehead, half-amused, half-exasperated. ¡°Rx, just stay put. Your idol is perfectly capable of managing on her own.¡±

    Unsettled by Godwin¡¯s assurance, Asher grew increasingly restless, his gaze frequently darting to his phone to check the time. Carrie was about to enter when a voice halted her. She spun around to see Stewart emerging from another private room across the corridor, with Lise and a cluster of other actors and crew from the zing Sun project trailing behind him.

    Ignoring Lise¡¯s presence, Carrie beamed a smile, nodding courteously to Stewart and the director, Bart Yates. ¡°Mr. Lopez, Mr. Yates.¡±

    Stewart¡¯s smile broadened upon confirming it was indeed Carrie. ¡°We¡¯re all here for a little crew gathering,¡± he exined. Though Asher¡¯s recent tweet hadn¡¯t made significant waves online, it had certainly stirred a buzz among the zing Sun crew. Elva reignited the controversy over the leaked audition footage, pinning the me on the crew for the relentless criticism Lise endured and the subsequent damage to her reputation.

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 Chapter 125

    ?<strong>Chapter 125:</strong>

    She leveraged this argument to advocate for more screen time for Lise. The crew remained silent, yet it was evident that everyone harbored strong opinions, and the air was thick with unspoken emotions. Observing the mounting tension, Bart proposed a group dinner, hoping to mend the frayed bonds within the team.

    Attracted by the noise, Asher emerged, his initial icy stare sweeping over the group. However, his expression visibly softened when his eyes met Carrie¡¯s. Approaching her, he remarked, ¡°You¡¯re finally here.¡±

    Bart, spotting a chance towork, quickly approached Asher. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here too, Asher. How about joining us in our dinner?¡±

    Asher had seized this rare opportunity to dine alone with Carrie, determined not to let anyone disrupt their time together. As he was about to politely decline the interruption, Godwin intuitively stepped in with a more tactful refusal. ¡°Asher and Ms. Campbell need to discuss the script, so they¡¯ll have to pass. Please, go on without us.¡±

    Stewart responded with a knowing chuckle, ¡°Ah, deeply involved in the script, are they? Well, that certainly makes it awkward for them to join us. Carrie is quite the skilled actress, perceptive too. Asher, you really should guide her more. She¡¯s brimming with potential.¡±

    A smile flickered across Asher¡¯s face upon hearing Stewart¡¯smendations for Carrie. Reflecting on their previous work together, he suggested, ¡°Stewart, let¡¯s n a separate asion to dine together.¡±

    In the world of show business, gestures of respect weren¡¯t solely governed by age, and his offer was a nod to Carrie¡¯s standing. Stewart sighed to himself, contemting the value of having someone as talented and likable as Carrie on their team, a stark contrast to Lise, whocked talent and was merely a product of nepotism.

    Witnessing Asher¡¯s and Stewart¡¯s support for Carrie only fueled Lise¡¯s irritation. She remembered a painful moment when Asher had publicly declined to work with her on a variety show.

    During the broadcast, as Katrina¡¯s talents were praised by Lise, the host mentioned Asher¡¯s admiration for Katrina, suggesting a potential coboration to fulfill their mutual admiration. It was meant as a polite suggestion, one most would decline gently if uninterested. Yet, Asher had bluntly refused, pointing out that Katrina¡¯s projects demanded a high level of proficiency, an insinuation that left Lise mortified.

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    What did it matter if Asher was a top star? Confronted with a titan like Kristopher, Asher seemed utterly insignificant. Lise scoffed disdainfully. ¡°Carrie, your fortune astounds me. With Mr. Rodgers as your patron and Mr. Burton clearing his schedules for rehearsals, you¡¯re set for stardom. Imagine if everyone had such privileges. We¡¯d be drowning in celebrities.¡±

    Her remarks not only insinuated that Carrie leveraged influential connections but also sneered at Asher¡¯s subservience to the industry moguls. Asher¡¯s face clouded with annoyance. He snapped back, ¡°It¡¯s rare to find such a remarkable partner. Some fail to distinguish genuine talent from mere mediocrity. Actually, I owe a debt of gratitude to the zing Sun team for overlooking Carrie, which fortuitously allowed me to work with her.¡±

    His candid response stung, offending all members of the zing Sun crew who were present. In his view, they could criticize him all they wanted, but they should steer clear of his idol!

    Lise, caught off guard by Asher¡¯s tant disrespect, seethed with anger. Elva, concerned that Lise might lose herposure entirely, interjected, ¡°Mr. Burton, it¡¯smendable to stand up for your colleagues, but yourments seem overly harsh.¡±

    Carrie, valuing Asher¡¯s friendship, quickly came to his defense. ¡°Who initiated this disparaging conversation? Is it only the influential who are allowed to speak?¡±

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 Chapter 126

    ?<strong>Chapter 126:</strong>

    ¡°Without repercussions? Did I miss the memo that Ms. Nash holds sway over the entire show business?¡±

    ¡°If she wishes, even a rising star would bow, and a top-tier celebrity wouldn¡¯t dare disrespect her!¡± Kristopher dered, appearing out of nowhere.

    Kristopher¡¯s mood was sour. When had Carrie be the center of every man¡¯s attention? First, she had formed a bond with Soren, and now she was openly taking Asher¡¯s side. Even Stewart hade to her defense recently.

    Suddenly, it dawned on Kristopher that Carrie had always been drawn to attractive people. He remembered overhearing her once,plimenting his own looks to a friend. At the time, it hadn¡¯t seemed important. But now, as Kristopher observed Asher and Stewart¡ªboth strikingly handsome¡ªand recalled Soren¡¯s reputation for his good looks among the elite, a chill ran through him.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression grew colder, and he scoffed silently. Was her affection merely superficial?

    Lise noticed the change in Kristopher¡¯s demeanor. She realized that he wasn¡¯t really defending her but was actually wrestling with a surge of jealousy. Choosing to ignore it, she gently chided him. ¡°Kristopher, it¡¯s really not worth getting angry over them for me.¡± She aimed to make it clear to Carrie that Kristopher¡¯s actions were all in her defense.

    ¡°It¡¯s simply a big misunderstanding,¡± Bart chimed in hastily, opening the door to the private room to relieve the building tension. ¡°Mr. Norris, your timing is perfect. We¡¯ve just arrived. Lise must be tired and hungry from her shoot this afternoon. Let¡¯s not linger here. Please, let¡¯s all go in and take a seat.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes fell on Kristopher, whose expression seemed sour, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if his previous apology back at the apartment had merely been a figment of her imagination.

    Whenever Lise was around, Kristopher transformed into someone unrecognizable. Carrie hade to terms with his icy demeanor and his seeming incapacity for love, yet witnessing his fervent defense of another was a dagger to her heart that she couldn¡¯t simply ignore. Had she encountered Kristopher before Lise entered his life, could there have been a spark between them? Yet the world offered no room for such ¡°what ifs.¡± Lowering her gaze, Carrie shook away the tumultuous thoughts swirling in her mind.

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    Pretending Kristopher was nothing more than a shadow in the room, she turned to Asher and remarked, ¡°I¡¯m famished. Let¡¯s head inside and order something to eat.¡± Upon hearing Carrie¡¯s words, Asher promptly swung the door open, skillfully shifting the conversation. ¡°Do you like fish? The house specialty here is quite remarkable.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher,¡± Lise murmured, gently tugging at his hand. Kristopher¡¯s eyes darted away from Carrie, focusing instead as he followed Lise and the others into an adjoining private room. Was he truly expected to jostle for attention like some minor celebrity? Kristopher¡¯s sense of pride and his upbringing would never allow him to stoop to such depths of sycophancy.

    Within the confines of Asher¡¯s private room, a waiter briskly set the table with a variety ofvish dishes, their sumptuous appearance reflecting their opulence. Asher, brimming with excitement, detailed several of the restaurant¡¯s specialties to Carrie, disying his thorough knowledge with enthusiasm. However, Carrie¡¯s attention was elsewhere, her thoughts tangled with Kristopher¡¯s unsettling demeanor, leaving her noticeably disengaged.

    Asher picked up on her distant air, mistaking her distraction for anxiety about offending Kristopher. He attempted tofort her, asserting, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s merely a few harmless words. Lise¡¯s influential backer wouldn¡¯t dare touch you.¡±

    At that moment, Godwin interjected with a sharp reprimand, ¡°Asher, watch your mouth! Careless talk is unwise.¡±

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 Chapter 127

    ?<strong>Chapter 127:</strong>

    Asher responded with a nonchnt shrug, ¡°We¡¯re among ourselves here.¡±

    But Godwin, with a tone of severity, countered, ¡°You¡¯re linked to several significant deals with the Norris Group.¡±

    Regardless of your personal feelings towards that man, you must conceal them. Sure, those rumors might be fodder for bloggers to specte on or for others to whisper about, but you, Asher, must never be the source of such gossip.¡±

    Carrie, who normally steered clear of the Norris family¡¯s business dealings, was taken aback upon discovering the link between Asher and Kristopher. A sense of boldness seemed to radiate from Asher. In a daring move, he had openly confronted the dream girl of his own benefactor. It appeared that Asher either possessed extraordinary luck or remarkable skill to have risen so far.

    Observing his carefree demeanor, Carrie feltpelled to offer a word of advice. ¡°Godwin has a point, Asher. In your role, every statement and gesture is under close observation. You need to tread carefully.¡±

    Asher, looking slightly sheepish, scratched his head and responded, ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll exercise more caution from now on.¡±

    Godwin, shooting a thankful nce at Carrie, expressed his gratitude. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re the only one who can rein him in. Now that you¡¯re both part of the same team, could you please watch over him for me? His candidness really keeps me on my toes every day.¡±

    Carrie, ever gracious, replied softly, ¡°Sure, Godwin, I¡¯d be d to.¡±

    The meal was served shortly thereafter, each dish a masterpiece of culinary art, tempting to the eye and promising delight to the taste buds. Asher, enthusiastic as ever, began heaping food onto Carrie¡¯s te, soon amassing an impressive assortment of dishes. Noticing Carrie¡¯s overwhelmed look, Godwin swiftly changed the subject to divert the attention. ¡°Carrie, have you ever wondered why Asher looks up to you so much?¡±

    Upon hearing this, Asher momentarily halted his action of serving Carrie, bowing his head with a touch of shyness. ¡°Godwin, why would you mention that now?¡± Curious, Carrie chimed in, ¡°What¡¯s the reason?¡±

    ¡°You hold Carrie in such high regard, it only makes sense to share that with her,¡± Godwin remarked. Then, he turned to Carrie and said, ¡°Back when Asher was training to be a star overseas, there was a point where he nearly gave up on everything. He stood firm against some shady dealings, yet despite his tireless efforts, the path forward remained dark. Then, quite unexpectedly, he stumbled upon ¡®Nobody,¡¯ and it profoundly moved him. He vowed then to rise to fame and bring your stories to life, hoping to motivate others just like himself.¡±

    ¡°Nobody,¡± one of Carrie¡¯s earlier pieces, narrated the tale of individuals who surmounted overwhelming challenges to realize their ambitions. Carrie, moved by this revtion, lifted her soda in salute. ¡°To think my writing could touch someone so deeply. Here¡¯s to your resilience, and thank you for appreciating my work.¡±

    The three of them clinked their sses together, sipping their drinks as a newfound warmth filled the air. They continued their lively conversation and shared a meal, losing track of time. Before they knew it, three hours had slipped by and the restaurant had nearly emptied.

    Carrie slipped into the restroom and cast a fleeting nce across the corridor at the open door of the opposing private room. It was deserted. Lise and her entourage had evidently moved on.

    As she proceeded down the hallway, a solitary figure engrossed in a phone conversation caught her eye. Dressed in a ck shirt with a suit jacket nonchntly hanging from one arm, his features were obscured, yet the unmistakable air of aloofness surrounding him made him instantly recognizable as Kristopher.

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 Chapter 128

    ?<strong>Chapter 128:</strong>

    Just as Carrie was about to retreat, Kristopher noticed her presence. He swiftly concluded his call and, with purposeful strides, intercepted her. nting his arm across her path, his voice cut through the air with sharp authority. ¡°Wait.¡±

    Reluctantly, Carrie halted, her gaze lifting to meet his with a resigned sigh. She pondered whether it was sheer coincidence or Kristopher¡¯s intentional efforts that caused their paths to cross so frequently. In times past, she had yearned for glimpses of him, which were rare. Now, despite her efforts to evade him, he always seemed to be around.

    ¡°Grandma¡¯s birthday is at the end of the month. I¡¯ll take you back with me,¡± he dered, his voice devoid of warmth, as though he were simply stating a fact.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going,¡± Carrie responded, her voice gentle yet firm. ¡°I¡¯ve already informed her about the divorce during myst visit. There¡¯s no point in continuing the charade of a happy couple before her. However, I will send her a gift on my own terms¡­¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face grew chillier by the moment. ¡°Why must you drag Grandma into our problems?¡± he asked sharply.

    Carrie gazed at him, her eyes brimming with a helpless sorrow. ¡°We¡¯re talking about a divorce. Do you grasp the gravity of that? It¡¯s not just some petty squabble. Isn¡¯t it right to be upfront about such significant matters with the family?¡±

    With an icy tone, Kristopher countered, ¡°We haven¡¯t signed any papers yet. Do you really think everyone should cater to your whims?¡±

    ¡°There are no whims!¡± Carrie responded with unwavering firmness. ¡°A divorce is impending, whether sooner orter! It¡¯s only fair to be truthful now, minimizing the lies, for everyone¡¯s sake.¡±

    She felt swamped by emotions. Striving for a joyous marriage had been tough, and now, parting ways seemed just as challenging.

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    She knew Kristopher wasn¡¯t genuinely averse to the divorce or misunderstanding her intentions. It was the loss of control that he couldn¡¯t stomach.

    Kristopher fixed her with a deep, unreadable look. ¡°Why are you so adamant about divorcing? If it¡¯s still about the fire, I¡¯ve told you over and over, humbled myself with apologies. Why can¡¯t you forgive and forget?¡±

    A wave of despair washed over Carrie, permeating from her heart through her very veins. Kristopher consistently simplified their divorceplications to merely his absence during that crucial fire. Their union was devoid of affection, haunted by the specter of another woman, yet he constantly found ways to maneuver around the towering barriers between them.

    Exhausted, Carrie averted her eyes, resigning herself to silence.

    Suddenly, a thought ignited within Kristopher¡ªa mere flicker that rapidly intensified. He pressed his palms against the wall behind Carrie, encircling her with his arms and the wall. Peering into her eyes, he posed the question he dreaded most. ¡°Have you fallen for someone else?¡±

    Stunned, Carrie¡¯s mouth hung open in shock for a brief moment before she scoffed coldly. ¡°Do you really think I¡¯d act like you?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s patience snapped, his tone escting. ¡°Enough of your evasivements! Just answer me, yes or no!¡±

    ¡°What on earth do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±

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 Chapter 129

    ?<strong>Chapter 129:</strong>

    At that moment, Asher, who had been anxiously awaiting Carrie¡¯s return, emerged just in time to witness Kristopher¡¯s menacing stance as he cornered her. Driven by protective instincts and believing Kristopher was harassing Carrie for Lise, Asher¡¯s fury boiled over. He charged forward, his fist aimed directly at Kristopher¡¯s jaw.

    ¡°Look out!¡± Carrie moved like a storm unleashed, shoving Kristopher aside and stepping in front of him. Asher¡¯s fist, despite his attempt to pull back, carried the unstoppable momentum of a runaway train. It struck Carrie square on the shoulder, her bare skin reddening instantly from the impact.

    Asher froze, his arm still extended, the reality of his mistake sinking in. ¡°Carrie¡­ are you okay?¡±

    ¡°What the hell were you thinking?!¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice cracked like a whip, fury zing in his eyes as he took in the swelling bruise on Carrie¡¯s shoulder. His re fixed on Asher, as cold and sharp as frostbite. The air between them crackled with tension.

    With deliberate carelessness, Kristopher shrugged off his expensive suit jacket, letting it fall to the ground like discarded paper. It was a gesture of disdain, a warning bell tolling for trouble. Carrie felt her stomach drop. This wasn¡¯t just Kristopher getting angry¡ªit was the calm before the storm.

    She¡¯d seen this side of him before, and it wasn¡¯t something easily forgotten. That night shed through her mind like a reel of horror. They had been on their way to dinner when they passed a private room. A drunken man had slurred something lewd about Lise, an insult that Kristopher couldn¡¯t let slide. Without a word, Kristopher had walked into the room like a predator entering its territory. He grabbed the man by the cor and unleashed a fury of punches, each onending with a sickening thud. Even when influential guests tried to intervene, Kristopher was unmoved, his rage consuming him.

    By the time he was finished, the man was a crumpled heap on the floor, barely recognizable, save for the faint groans escaping his lips. Kristopher had delivered one final, brutal kick before straightening his cuffs like nothing had happened.

    Carrie had shouted at him and even pleaded, but it was like trying to stop a hurricane with a whisper. In the end, she¡¯d stationed herself at the door, keeping watch to ensure no one else witnessed the carnage.

    Earlier, when Asher charged over, she had stepped in front of Kristopher not out of protection for him¡ªshe had done it out of sheer terror. The image of that man¡¯s bloodied face was a ghost that still haunted her.

    ¡°Don¡¯t fight!¡± Carrie gritted her teeth against the searing pain in her shoulder and grabbed Kristopher¡¯s arm, her fingers trembling but firm.

    His gaze fell on her, dark and unreadable. Just moments ago, she had shielded him, putting herself in harm¡¯s way, and it had struck a chord deep within him. But now, seeing her intercede on Asher¡¯s behalf made something in his chest knot painfully. When had she started showing others the same special kindness she once reserved for him?

    Godwin rushed over, confusion etched on his face. He looked to Carrie for an exnation.

    Summoning a brittle smile, Carrie attempted to ease the palpable tension. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Really. It¡¯s nothing¡ªjust a little bump. I¡¯m not made of porcin, you know.¡± Her smile, though meant to reassure, only deepened the storm in Kristopher¡¯s eyes.

    He turned to Asher and Godwin, his voice like ice over steel. ¡°You might want to reconsider that endorsement deal with mypany. From where I¡¯m standing, it looks like you don¡¯t value it anymore.¡±

    Godwin paled, the sweat on his brow gleaming.

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 Chapter 130

    ?<strong>Chapter 130:</strong>

    He stammered, hands raised in appeasement. ¡°No, no, no! It¡¯s all a misunderstanding! Aplete misunderstanding!¡±

    Carrie maintained herposure, her expression coolly collected. Turning to Kristopher, she spoke with measured calm. ¡°It was merely an ident. He was simply attempting to protect me. Don¡¯t blow this out of proportion.¡±

    Asher and Kristopher locked eyes, a silent battle of wills.

    Asher spoke coldly. ¡°If you have a problem with me, deal with me directly. Don¡¯t involve her. I insulted Lise. I threw the first punch, and she took the hit for you. Don¡¯t me her. If you want to cancel the endorsement, go ahead¡­¡±

    Godwin quickly grasped the situation from Asher¡¯s confession. He stepped forward, positioning himself protectively between Kristopher and Asher. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s merely a misunderstanding. Asher is young and impulsive. Please, don¡¯t take this personally.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s exasperated sigh cut through the tension like a de. She crossed her arms and gave Kristopher a pointed look. ¡°You¡¯re a grown man. Why are you picking on a younger man?¡±

    Coupled with Carrie¡¯s earlier act of instinctively protecting him, the words ¡°younger man¡± seemed to extinguish the embers of Kristopher¡¯s anger. Was she defending Asher merely because he was, in her words, a younger man?

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze flicked back to Asher, assessing him with a keener eye. Asher was dressed maturely, yet there was still a hint of youthful innocence in his eyes. For all his size, Asher was just a clumsy, naive young man.

    Seeing Kristopher¡¯s shoulders rx, Godwin seized the moment, his voice cautious. ¡°Mr. Norris, please, don¡¯t hold this against Asher.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t even grant Godwin a nce. Instead, his reply dripped with disdain. ¡°You¡¯re giving him far too much credit.¡±

    The unspoken message was clear¡ªAsher wasn¡¯t worth the effort of his anger.

    Carrie tilted her head toward Godwin, her tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°Take Asher and go.¡±

    But Asher, rooted in defiance, shook his head. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly, his eyes locked on Kristopher like a wary watchdog. ¡°We leave together. I don¡¯t trust you alone with him,¡± he told Carrie.

    Carrie met Godwin¡¯s gaze again, her voice carrying an edge of finality. ¡°Godwin, I know Mr. Norris. Take Asher and leave. I¡¯ll handle this.¡±

    Kristopher found pleasure in Carrie¡¯s dismissal of Asher¡¯s attitude. He turned away, silently consenting to their departure.

    Godwin nervously nced between Kristopher and Asher, weighing his options. After a moment, he apologized profusely to Kristopher and attempted to guide Asher away.

    Asher stood stubbornly rooted. Losing patience, Godwin leaned close and whispered, ¡°If you don¡¯t care about your own career, fine. But do you really want to risk your idol being cklisted even before her debut?¡±

    The words deted Asher. His defiance crumbled. With a final resentful nce at Kristopher, he followed Godwin, dragging his feet and looking back with each step.

    As they walked off, Godwin murmured in a low voice, ¡°Rx.¡±

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 Chapter 131

    ?<strong>Chapter 131:</strong>

    ¡°If she¡¯s sharp enough to write those brilliant scripts, she¡¯s sharp enough to handle this too. Let her do her thing.¡±

    Carrie waited until their figures disappeared around the corner before turning back to Kristopher. Her expression was firm, and her words measured. ¡°Don¡¯t drag Asher into this. If you let it go, I¡¯ll apany you to your grandmother¡¯s birthday party.¡±

    Kristopher arched an eyebrow, his toneced with a mixture of curiosity and disdain. ¡°Since when did you decide to moonlight as an agent? Cleaning up messes for a young man like him.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t rise to the bait. Instead, she met his sarcasm with unwavering resolve. ¡°Do we have a deal or not?¡±

    He let out a breath, his irritation giving way to reluctant acquiescence. ¡°Fine. As if I¡¯d waste my time on a youngster who barely knows how the world works.¡± His gaze drifted to her shoulder, where the red mark from Asher¡¯s punch was still visible. His voice softened slightly. ¡°Let me take you to a doctor.¡±

    Carrie opened her mouth, instinctively ready to refuse, but something in Kristopher¡¯s expression gave her pause. If she argued, she knew he might redirect his simmering annoyance back toward Asher. Swallowing her pride, she nodded. ¡°Fine, let me grab my bag.¡±

    Kristopher gave a single nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting in the car.¡±

    In front of The Northern Kitchen, Carrie navigated her way to the passenger side while Oliver had already exited and graciously opened the rear door for her. Propped against the car, one hand resting on its polished surface and the other gripping his phone, Oliver gave a firm directive to someone on the other end of the line. ¡°Grab the doctors ande straight to Bayview Vi.¡± A trace of bewilderment shimmered in Carrie¡¯s gaze¡ªwas Kristopher really insistent on calling in a family doctor? It was hardly more than a minor abrasion. Certainly, a dab of ointment and a little downtime would be enough.

    Her indifference to where she received care was overshadowed by a more pressing worry¡ªthat Kristopher would vent his anger on Asher. To her, adhering to his demands was nothing more than a mere courtesy. Without raising any questions, Carrie silently slid into the backseat.

    Next to her, Kristopher was engrossed in a virtual meeting on hisptop. The usual serenity he embodied was now overtaken by a deep concentration, the light from the screen throwing sharp contrasts over his well-defined features. He emanated the presence of a natural-born leader, effortlesslymanding respect. This was a man who inevitably captivated attention wherever he went.

    Carrie diverted her gaze and sank further into her seat, just as Kristopher snapped hisptop shut and unexpectedly reached out to straighten her clothing. Startled, she drew back sharply. Her loose, off-shoulder sweater, caught between his pull and her withdrawal, slid down, revealing her chest to him. His fingers clenched the sweater, his eyes lingering on her exposed chest before moving to the warm blush coloring her shoulder.

    Her eyes, rimmed with a faint red, echoed the fragility of a deer caught in headlights, seemingly wanting to escape yet too afraid to do so. It almost seemed as if he was a viin.

    He gently released his grip, and she quickly adjusted her sweater, straightening up. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she asserted, her voice barely a whisper.

    ¡°In the future, choose your attire more carefully,¡± he advised sharply, returning his attention to theptop before him.

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 Chapter 132

    ?<strong>Chapter 132:</strong>

    As the car¡¯s interior warmed, a subtle, woody fragrance emanating from Kristopher filled the space, creating an ufortably intimate atmosphere between them. She shifted her gaze to the nocturnal cityscape, catching his concentrated silhouette reflected against the window. Despite their proximity, an unspoken distance lingered between them.

    The car rolled to a stop outside Bayview Vi. Carrie stole a nce at Kristopher, still engrossed in hisptop. Without waiting for Oliver, she opened the door and stepped onto the pavement herself.

    She had only taken a few steps toward the vi¡¯s grand entrance when the door swung open abruptly. Willow emerged, and the moment her eyesnded on Carrie, her weing smile dissolved. ¡°Why is it you?¡± she eximed, a mix of surprise and displeasure coloring her tone.

    Only ten minutes before, the driver had returned with a group of foreign doctors, and Willow had been under the impression that Kristopher was bringing Lise back with him. Hindered by a significantnguage barrier, her interactions with the doctors were minimal. Upon spotting Carrie, Willow¡¯s gut reaction was suspicion, her mind racing to the conclusion that Carrie was there to stir up trouble.

    Kristopher, arriving just in time, caught Willow¡¯s words, his features hardening into a mask of disapproval. Oliver quickly intervened, his tone sharp with reproach. ¡°How dare you address Mrs. Norris in such a manner?¡±

    Jolted back to reality, Willow hurriedly corrected herself. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, Mr. Norris. The joy of seeing Mrs. Norris again made me speak out of turn.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was cold and resolute. ¡°If you cannot uphold the dignity of your position, perhaps you should consider seeking employment elsewhere.¡± Willow felt a lump in her throat, her eyes brimming with tears. Jobs as lucrative andfortable as this were few and far between. Being dismissed for such an incident would surely tarnish her reputation, closing the doors to employment with any other wealthy families.

    Overwhelmed by anxiety, her face drained of color as she stammered, ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Struggling to find her words, she suddenly knelt in front of Carrie in a desperate gesture, raising her hand to strike her own face repeatedly. The ps rang out sharply, leaving her cheeks flushed with stark red marks.

    She begged earnestly, ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s so rare to see you here, and I just couldn¡¯t wrap my mind around it at that moment. The words spilled out without thought! Please, don¡¯t judge someone as unrefined as myself too harshly. Could you possibly find it in your heart to give me one more chance?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression hardened as she took a step back, distancing herself from Willow¡¯s reach, and replied with a detached tone, ¡°The decision to keep you or let you go rests with Mr. Norris, not me.¡± She was no angel with endless patience for forgiveness. Despite her disdain for Willow, she considered the whole affair none of her business post-divorce.

    Desperate, Willow advanced on her knees, pleading with Kristopher, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris has already forgiven me. Please¡­¡± Noticing that Carrie remained calm, Kristopher wrongly interpreted this as a sign of approval and responded coldly, ¡°Let¡¯s ensure this doesn¡¯t repeat itself.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you, Mr. Norris.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris.¡± Willow stood abruptly, smoothing her dress with a forced smile. Yet, as her eyes flicked to Carrie, a glint of resentment briefly darkened her otherwiseposed expression. She med Carrie for her current humiliation. Had Carrie not made an unexpected return, why would Kristopher have even thought about dismissing her?

    This incident only strengthened Willow¡¯s resolve; she was determined to ensure the couple never reconciled. As long as Carrie held her position in the household, Willow¡¯s prospects looked grim.

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 Chapter 133

    ?<strong>Chapter 133:</strong>

    While fetching slippers for Kristopher and Carrie, Willow seized the moment to inquire, ¡°The doctors are already here waiting. May I ask what concerns you today, Mr. Norris?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s disgusted expression deepened, though he said nothing. Oliver gave Willow a fleeting nce, his voice sharp and dismissive. ¡°Go do your work. This isn¡¯t your concern.¡± Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and entered the living room.

    Switching effortlessly to fluent German, he addressed the doctors seated on the sofa. ¡°There¡¯s a medical room upstairs. Follow me, please.¡±

    Willow hesitated briefly before returning to her room. She quickly typed a message: ¡°Mr. Norris brought Carrie back with several doctors. They¡¯re upstairs and won¡¯t let me go up. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happening.¡±

    The response came swiftly: ¡°Keep observing. Report back immediately if anything happens.¡±

    In the second-floor medical room, a female doctor gently lowered Carrie¡¯s sweater. The swollen area revealed deep subcutaneous bleeding, a dark bruise spreading across her delicate skin. Though the injury wasn¡¯t severe, it looked rming.

    Carrie sat motionless, like a fragile porcin doll, lost in thought as the doctor applied medicine. Her pain seemed distant, a stark contrast to her past self. Once, she would have been tearful, pouting, and dramaticallyining to Kristopher. Since the fire, that sensitive part of her had disappeared.

    Even when she¡¯d burned her foot at Ripples Community, her initial cry of pain quickly gave way to indifference once Kristopher noticed. Kristopher had always found her dramatic. Now, with her changed demeanor, he didn¡¯t feel the relief he¡¯d expected.

    After the initial treatment, another doctor approached with sophisticated medical instruments.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he said gently, ¡°could you please roll up your pants? I need to examine your skin growth.¡± Only then did Carrie realize Kristopher had brought these doctors specifically for her burn injury. She lowered hershes, hiding the faint flicker of emotion in her eyes. He was always like this¡ªmeticulous about material things, a trait she once mistook for love.

    Following a thorough examination, the doctor reported to Kristopher, ¡°Mrs. Norris¡¯s recovery is progressing well. The ointment not only repairs scars but stimtes skin regeneration. In a few more months, the scars will be barely noticeable.¡±

    ¡°A few more months?¡± Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed in disapproval.

    The doctor nodded, his voice patient. ¡°Her injuries were deep, and the affected area extensive. Achieving this level of recovery in such a short time is remarkable. Pushing beyond this pace could riskplications.¡±

    Kristopher crossed his arms, his tone sharp. ¡°Haven¡¯t you developed anything more advanced?¡±

    An older doctor stepped forward, his expression calm but firm. ¡°Mr. Norris, recovery takes time. While there are experimental treatments, such as subcutaneous injections, theye with risks and may not yield better results than the current ointment. Sometimes, traditional methods achieve what cutting-edge technology cannot.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s intense focus on results only confirmed to Carrie that this wasn¡¯t about her scars¡ªit was about solving a problem with money, as he always did. To him, the world was a machine, and money was the universal lubricant. If something didn¡¯t work, it was simply because more money hadn¡¯t been applied yet.

    Breaking the tension, Carrie spoke evenly. ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter anymore. A little concealer is enough to hide it for the camera.¡±

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 Chapter 134

    ?<strong>Chapter 134:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze shifted to her, his voice tinged with indifference. ¡°I suppose if the scar remains, you¡¯ll keep holding it against me.¡±

    Ah, so that was it. He wasn¡¯t concerned about her well-being¡ªhe was simply wary of old grievances resurfacing. Carrie understood¡ªthe physical scar might heal, but the emotional wound remained unaddressed.

    Just then, the door creaked open, and Willow stepped inside, bncing a tray with a bowl of soup. Her attempt at warmth was as transparent as the crystal-clear broth.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, I made some soup for you.¡±

    Willow had spared no expense, garnishing it meticulously with cranberries. It wasn¡¯t out of genuine care¡ªCarrie knew that well. During Carrie¡¯s absence, such delicacies would typically end up in Willow¡¯s own kitchen. Now, she sought to curry favor.

    Carrie¡¯s phone buzzed on the table, cutting through the moment. She nced at it briefly. ¡°Leave it on the side table. I¡¯ll have itter.¡±

    Willow hesitated before setting the tray down, her eyes darting around the room as if cataloging every detail. Carrie unlocked her phone, intending to convert a voice message into text. But her thumb slipped, and the audio began ying aloud:

    ¡°The new script looks good, but the romance needs more drama and tension. Otherwise, it won¡¯t hold the audience¡¯s interest¡­¡± She quickly stopped the yback, but the damage was done.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°A script?¡±

    Carrie ignored him, typing a reply without so much as a nce in his direction. Meanwhile, Willow edged toward the door, her hand sliding into her pocket. She discreetly dialed a number, her movements subtle as a whisper, and lingered just within earshot.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flickered, the glint of a memory stirring. ¡°Did you make that 22 million in your ount from writing scripts?¡± he asked, his tone halfway between curiosity and disbelief.

    Carrie responded with nothing more than a nonchnt hum, a sound so casual it bordered on dismissive.

    The arrogant tone from an earlier voice message echoed in Kristopher¡¯s mind, his annoyance simmering beneath the surface. Apany producing over-the-top dramas seemed beneath contempt. The fact that Carrie, being his wife, was reduced to being bossed around was a source of profound embarrassment for him.

    His dissatisfaction etched itself across his features. ¡°Let¡¯s be clear,¡± he said, his voice cutting through the tension, ¡°Have I ever been stingy with money? Why do you need to degrade yourself by writing such trashy scripts?¡±

    Fury erupted within Carrie. Why was his profession deemed prestigious while hers was viewed as self-degradation?

    She flung her phone onto the sofa, her retort sharp and unyielding. ¡°Everything I write is my hard work. Even if you don¡¯t understand, you will show respect!¡±

    The doctors in the room wished they could vanish, their silence a testament to the charged atmosphere.

    Kristopher paused, the room holding its breath. Just when everyone expected an explosion, he drawled, ¡°Writing scripts is better than being a celebrity. If you want to write, then go ahead.¡±

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 Chapter 135

    ?<strong>Chapter 135:</strong>

    His hesitation betrayed an underlying fear that Carrie might refuse. Quickly, he offered an olive branch. ¡°I have a friend who needs scripts recently. The payment will definitely surpass what thesepanies offer.¡± If Carrie agreed, he wouldn¡¯t mind investing in a filmpany. Her scripts¡¯ quality was irrelevant.

    He would finance their production as casually as he would purchase a designer bag or a piece of jewelry. Before he could borate, his phone buzzed, the screen lighting up with a caller ID. Kristopher hesitated for a moment before swiping to answer.

    The honeyed voice on the other end immediately spilled into the room. ¡°Kristopher, I was thinking¡ªI need a few more scripts to keep my options open,¡± Lise said sweetly.

    The room froze. The call wasn¡¯t on speaker, but her words rang loud enough for everyone to hear. Kristopher¡¯s gaze flicked toward Carrie, a flicker of unease shadowing his face. ¡°I¡¯ll transfer two million to you now,¡± he said, lowering his voice. ¡°I¡¯m busy right now, but I¡¯ll call you tomorrow. Get some rest.¡±

    Lise didn¡¯t press him further, signing off with an obedient ¡°Goodnight¡± before ending the call.

    Kristopher tucked his phone away and looked up to meet Carrie¡¯s piercing stare. Her expression was a storm of anger and hurt, her eyes ssy with unspoken grievances.

    He was genuinely puzzled.

    ¡°Is this friend who needs scripts, Lise Nash?¡± Carrie asked, her voice trembling.

    Her question hung in the air like a thundercloud. A friend? High-priced scripts?

    Carrie felt a pang of humiliation twist in her chest. After everything, had he really sunk so low?

    The implication hung heavy in the air. If Norris Group needed scripts, they could hire anyone. Why involve her?

    Kristopher frowned, shaking his head. ¡°No. Why do you keep dragging Lise into this?¡±

    Carrie¡¯sugh was sharp and icy. ¡°If it¡¯s not her, then who is it? I¡¯ve never heard of any friend of yours needing scripts.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darted away, his usualposure slipping. He had fabricated the story on the spot and now couldn¡¯t conjure a single usible name.

    Carrie¡¯s conviction solidified. It was Lise who wanted the scripts from the beginning.

    ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯ve gone too far!¡± she erupted.

    His suppressed anger matched hers. Tugging at his cor, he responded coldly, ¡°What do you want? You demand respect for your career, and I¡¯m providing resources. Yet you me me? Even if it were for Lise, wouldn¡¯t it be better than those third-ratepanies? Lise wouldn¡¯t be picky. Are you just itching for a fight, or do you really think I won¡¯t divorce you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s temper erupted like a volcano. ¡°Then do it¡ªdivorce me right now!¡± she shouted, storming toward the door.

    But a pang of frustration stopped her in her tracks. Turning back, her voice cracked with anger. ¡°Resources? You¡¯ve stolen my roles and handed them to her, and now you want me to bow down and be her servant? Dream on! I¡¯d rather let my scripts rot than hand them over to that hypocrite. I won¡¯t let my heroines be butchered and mocked by the audience!¡±

    She spun on her heel, but before she could leave, Oliver stepped in to block her way, his face a picture of calm. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris didn¡¯t mean it that way.¡± Willow, struggling to suppress her amusement, added with feigned sweetness, ¡°Mrs. Norris, won¡¯t you have somete-night supper before heading out?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, his temper barely contained. ¡°Let her go!¡± he barked.

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 Chapter 136

    ?<strong>Chapter 136:</strong>

    Carrie didn¡¯t wait. She shoved past Oliver and stormed out, her fury propelling her forward.

    At the gate, she spotted Kristopher¡¯s sleek Maybach parked smugly in the driveway. A wicked impulse seized her.

    With all the pent-up rage in her body, she kicked the car door hard. The rm screamed in protest, and a noticeable dent marred the pristine surface. Carrie didn¡¯t linger to admire her handiwork. Feeling a flicker of satisfaction, she disappeared into the night, her heart a storm of emotions.

    A Week Later

    Foxfire County.

    Nestled around Orkset City, Foxfire County was home to the storied Jade Lake, a site brimming with historical allure. The area had resisted the heavy hand of urban development, leaving its pristinendscapes untouched¡ªa rare gem where nature reigned supreme. Carrie had once visited this idyllic locale with Kristopher during a project survey. The enchanting scenery had left such a mark on her that she wove its charm into one of her scripts, a vivid reflection of her awe.

    Recently, Soren had caught wind of Jade Lake¡¯s newfound fame, thanks to the ever-powerful inte celebrities. The buzz had nudged local authorities toward transforming the area into a tourist hub. Fearing that impending construction might disrupt their shoot, Soren made the executive decision to film theke scenes ahead of schedule. ¡°We need to pick up the pace.¡±

    The makeup artist¡¯s voice broke through her musings, grounding her in the present. Carrie nodded briskly and handed the woman a small box of candies. ¡°Here, try these. They¡¯re great for your throat and taste amazing.¡±

    The makeup artist epted them gratefully, unwrapping one and taking a bite. The film crew¡¯s collectivemitment to quality created an unusually harmonious atmosphere.

    By the shores of Jade Lake, Kristopher had rushed to the location upon hearing about potential tourist area developments. He had long harbored interest in this region, previously thwarted by government resistance aimed at protecting water resources. Yet, he had never truly abandoned his ambition.

    Dressed in pristine white, he paused mid-stride, one leg elevated on a step, his gaze drifting contemtively across thendscape. Sammy Gray, the person in charge of the development project, approached, gesturing toward a cluster of bungalows.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, observe¡ªmostly guesthouses with minimal tourist traffic. Primarily amodating business travelers, and even that market struggles. Recentndslides have devastated several establishments. The local poption remains unaware of impending policy changes, still hoping for demolitionpensation.¡± Sammy, typically amanding presence, transformed into pure deference in Kristopher¡¯s presence.

    Kristopher remained silent, his narrowed eyes scanning the horizon. Their collective gaze settled on a woman in a white dress, walking barefoot along thekeshore. Beside her stood a slender man, creating a tableau of unexpected beauty.

    Aspyn Gray, Sammy¡¯s ambitious daughter, followed Kristopher¡¯s gaze. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s Asher Burton!¡± she eximed. ¡°And the woman with him must be a starlet.¡±

    Since that explosive argument with Kristopher, Carrie had poured herself entirely into her work, throwing her energy into the film crew¡¯s efforts. As for Kristopher, he hadn¡¯t reached out¡ªnot a call, not a message. It was as though the ties binding them had frayed into oblivion.

    And yet, shadows of their past lingered. Lise¡¯s Twitter posts asionally bore subtle, almost coded hints of Kristopher¡ªlittle markers only someone intimately familiar with him would recognize.

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 Chapter 137

    ?<strong>Chapter 137:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s gut told her these cryptic gestures were directed at her, designed to provoke. But to what end? To gloat? What exactly did Lise have to unt? Carrie had walked away willingly, carrying no regrets.

    With an exasperated sigh, she blocked Lise on Twitter. Competing in such an absurd game of smoke and mirrors wasn¡¯t worth her time or peace of mind.

    ¡°Carrie, the skies have cleared up for now, but it looks like rain might roll in again soon.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they stunning together? Such a perfect pair!¡± Aspyn eximed, turning to Kristopher with renewed boldness. ¡°Don¡¯t you think so, Mr. Norris?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips curled into a faint sneer. ¡°Hardly,¡± he replied coolly, straightening up and deliberately shifting his gaze away.

    Aspyn blinked, startled by his response. ¡°Even someone as beautiful as her doesn¡¯t catch your eye? What kind of woman would impress you, Mr. Norris?¡±

    Irritation flickered in Kristopher¡¯s eyes. ¡°Someone with substance,¡± he answered curtly.

    Sammy, recalling earlier conversations about his daughter¡¯s academic excellence, beamed with pride.

    Aspyn blushed, interpreting his words as a potentialpliment.

    Sammy continued tovish praise. ¡°A man like Mr. Norris, truly exceptional, would never be swayed by mere appearances.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s difort grew, and just as he prepared to respond, a sudden loud noise erupted, capturing everyone¡¯s attention.

    Thendslide that struck nearby abruptly interrupted the filming. The sudden noise startled everyone, and one of the staff members was the first to react, pointing ahead with disbelief. ¡°Look! Our reserved guesthouse has been wiped out.¡±

    Asher, always quick to make light of any situation, raised his hands innocently. ¡°Don¡¯t me me! I was just joking.¡± He recalled the moment when they first arrived and he had jokingly mentioned that if there was anotherndslide, they might have to camp out in the open. The fact that his words hade true was a little too uncanny.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go over and see what¡¯s going on,¡± the director sighed, shaking his head. He motioned for the others to follow him, and they all walked towards the guesthouse.

    When they arrived, they found the guesthouse owners already standing at the gate. The damage was clear¡ªmud and water had filled the courtyard and rooms, but miraculously, no one had been hurt.

    One of the crew members sighed in frustration. ¡°There¡¯s no way we can clean this up in time. Can we still stay here tonight?¡±

    ¡°Stay here? No way!¡± Sammy, always quick to assert himself, jogged over with his secretary in tow. He scolded the guesthouse owner sternly. ¡°There was already a warning about the possibility of andslide! How could you still be operating?¡±

    The owner, looking guilty, rubbed his nose. ¡°Well, it cleared up today. Who could have known¡­?¡±

    Carrie, tired from the day¡¯s events, stepped forward to take charge. ¡°Let¡¯s first take our belongings out and check if anyone¡¯s luggage has been damaged. Then, we¡¯ll see if there are any motels or rental homes nearby,¡± she said calmly, her voice cutting through the tension in the air.

    The crew quickly found their bearings, rushing inside to move their belongings out of the ruined guesthouse.

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 Chapter 138

    ?<strong>Chapter 138:</strong>

    Carrie herself began to help, gathering her things with the same calm demeanor. Aspyn, keen to impress her idol Asher, quickly pulled her father¡¯s arm, her voice a mixture of excitement and hope. ¡°Dad, our inn still has vacancies. We can let the crew stay there.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Sammy hesitated, his thoughts clearly calcting. Although their inn wasn¡¯t open to the public, it wasn¡¯t illegal to amodate the crew. However, Sammy, always driven by profit, knew that entertainment industry connections didn¡¯t often pay off in a small town like theirs.

    Aspyn, sensing her father¡¯s hesitation, whispered in his ear, ¡°The crew is filming here, and Asher is an A-list celebrity. His shows are always a hit. If we want to promote tourism, we can definitely benefit from their fameter. This is a great chance to build a rtionship. Who knows, they might even be our tourism ambassadors.¡±

    Sammy¡¯s eyes lit up at the idea. Just as he was about to agree, he noticed Kristopher standing nearby, his expression stern and unreadable. Sammy walked over, eager to get Kristopher¡¯s approval, and asked, ¡°What do you think, Mr. Norris? If the crew stays here, would that be convenient for you?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was as indifferent as always. ¡°Whatever. Just keep them at a distance. I hate noise.¡±

    Relieved that Kristopher didn¡¯t object, Sammy smiled broadly. ¡°Of course, Mr. Norris. Your room is already arranged.¡±

    Aspyn, now emboldened, eagerly went to Asher and said, ¡°Mr. Burton, you can stay with us. We¡¯re supported by the county government, and we¡¯d be happy to amodate you at our inn.¡±

    Asher set down the luggage he had been carrying, politely nodding. ¡°Thank you so much. I¡¯ll go inform the director right away.¡± He turned to leave, but just as he was about to head inside, he spotted Carrieing out of the guesthouse, carrying several prop boxes. Without thinking, he hurried over to her. ¡°Why are you carrying so many things? Let me help you.¡±

    galn¦Òv???s.????m ¨C your update hub

    Carrie, her white dress stained with mud and water, looked slightly disheveled but still retained an air ofposure. Watching them from his discreet spot, Kristopher¡¯s gaze turned cold. Sensing his stare, Carrie looked up and met his eyes. For a brief moment, she was thrown off guard, her mind racing. But before anything could be said, Oliver quickly stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Campbell, let me help you. You¡¯re wearing a dress, and it might be too inconvenient to carry these boxes,¡± Oliver said, moving swiftly to take the boxes from her hands.

    Carrie hesitated for only a moment before she handed her belongings to Oliver, unwilling to let anyone think anything was amiss. ¡°Asher,¡± she said, turning to him, ¡°go talk to the director about the new amodation first.¡±

    Asher nodded obediently and then went inside. Aspyn, watching the exchange, noticed Kristopher¡¯s cold stare as he watched in her direction. The moment seemed to linger, and Aspyn¡¯s heart fluttered with the possibility. Was he jealous after seeing her talk to Asher?

    Thirty minutes passed before everyone gathered at the inn. Despite their anticipation of a modest, aged structure, they were greeted by a traditional courtyard, once the residence of a notable historical figure. The interior showcased an elegant garden and meandering corridors,plete with both lodging and a dining establishment. It was in this dining area that dinner was served.

    Given the extensive number of crew members, they spread out over three separate tables. At Kristopher¡¯s table, alongside those who had earlier joined the inspection, were also several delegates from construction firms and associated suppliers. These individuals had discreetly used their connections to gain an introduction to Kristopher.

    Having introduced everyone to Kristopher, Sammy then led these neers to the crew¡¯s table for a quick introduction, stating, ¡°Meet the film crew, all renowned stars.¡± In the realm of business, where niceties often precede negotiations, it was difficult to disregard the kindness of others.

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 Chapter 139

    ?<strong>Chapter 139:</strong>

    ¡°Mr. Burton, your achievements at such a young age are truly impressive. I¡¯ve enjoyed several of your films. My daughter is a huge fan of yours!¡±

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, you are absolutely stunning. When this TV series hits the screens, it¡¯s destined to be a sensation. From a distance, your ethereal presencepletely captivated me.¡±

    ¡°I never imagined Ms. Campbell as an actress. She carries herself like the CEO of a major corporation!¡±

    Having shed the soiled white dress from the set, Carrie now sported a beige long-sleeved blouse adorned with delicate goldce, paired with ck skinny pants. Her inherently calm presence seemed to enhance hermanding aura.

    Around her, the men were visibly enchanted, their gazes filled with awe, yet they maintained a respectful silence, not venturing beyond admiring looks.

    Breaking his usual stoic facade, Asher joined in the chorus of praise. ¡°Carrie indeed sets the standard for beauty in our industry!¡± He turned to face her, his eyes softening. ¡°But it¡¯s her talent that truly outshines her looks.¡±

    The business crowd, quick to sense the dynamics, chuckled knowingly. ¡°Mr. Burton and Ms. Campbell are a match made in heaven.¡±

    At a neighboring table, Aspyn whispered, almost to herself, ¡°Asher really watches out for Carrie. Ever since they announced their partnership, there¡¯s been a distinct aura surrounding them. It seems I¡¯m not the only one who thinks they¡¯re a picture-perfect pair!¡±

    Upon hearing this, Kristopher halted momentarily, his eyes rising to meet those of hispanions before he asked in a serene tone, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Oliver felt a chill run down his spine and hastily responded, ¡°Asher is too young. Alongside Ms. Campbell, they could pass for siblings.¡±

    The room, though not vast, carried Oliver¡¯s words to every corner. Unsure of Kristopher¡¯s motives, the others quickly retreated to their seats, pretending to focus on their meals.

    Aspyn¡¯s brow furrowed as she examined the pair once more and remarked, ¡°Is that so? Carrie seems rather youthful herself.¡±

    Oliver responded with conviction, ¡°Absolutely! Their auras are worlds apart! They¡¯re hardly alike at all! A woman of Ms. Campbell¡¯s caliber is more fitting for a man of sess.¡±

    Carrie let out a quietugh, shaking her head¡ªOliver was such a shamelessly eager assistant!

    Kristopher casually picked up a bite from his te and set it back down before turning to Carrie with a query. ¡°Ms. Campbell, do Oliver¡¯s words entertain you?¡± The tension in the room mounted palpably.

    The crew, picking up on the shift, nced towards Carrie with apprehensive looks.

    Carrie hesitated, shooting a quick, sharp nce at Kristopher before saying casually, ¡°Mr Norris, you¡¯ve got it all wrong. I didn¡¯t catch what Oliver mentioned. I just recalled a troublesome dog I used to know in a vige from my youth.¡±

    Kristopher was a curse! Whenever he was nearby, misfortune was sure to follow!

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 Chapter 140

    ?<strong>Chapter 140:</strong>

    The light in Kristopher¡¯s eyes dimmed, reced by a steely coldness. Back when they were newlyweds, Carrie had often shared tales of her childhood, including one about a troublesome dog that relentlessly barked at passersby. Her words now cleverly hinted at a deeper meaning.

    Kristopher clenched his jaw tight, managing a forced chuckle. With a casual nod towards the steaming te of spicy boiled beef before him, he suggested to Oliver, ¡°Why don¡¯t you take this to the crew for a taste test? The chef hails from Hico, and his recipes are the real deal.¡±

    A faint spark lit up in Carrie¡¯s eyes, her lips curling into a subtle smile¡ªit was a dish she had always enjoyed. That infuriating man, tormenting her one moment and charming her the next!

    The room¡¯s tension lifted as everyone interpreted Kristopher¡¯s words as making peace. A collective sigh rippled through the group, shoulders rxing and nces exchanged in quiet gratitude. Sammy was quick to break the ice, encouraging everyone to dig in.

    ¡°Give today¡¯s specials a try. In addition to our chef from Hico, we¡¯ve also got a new expert in Bridgan cuisine onboard. The seafood is freshly flown in today¡ªit¡¯s superb.¡±

    Aspyn cradled her bowl, using it to obscure most of her face while she stole furtive nces at Kristopher. The man before her moved with anguid, almost mesmerizing elegance, his every gesture like a subtle performance of quiet authority and noble refinement. Even while dining, he maintained an air of sophistication. His charm eclipsed even Asher¡¯s!

    As she pondered over her future with a partner more dazzling than her beloved star, Aspyn felt a sweetness envelop her heart, as if it were bathed in honey. Imaginary scenes from numerous romantic dramas flickered through her thoughts.

    Momentster, Sammy unveiled his prized stash of homemade liquor, the glint in his eye hinting at its special significance. Upon tasting, everyonevished praise on it, eximing, ¡°This is the real deal, strong enough!¡± One of his colleagues added, with a sycophantic smile, ¡°This is Mr. Gray¡¯s exclusive reserve, crafted from only the choicest ingredients. Without a VIP like Mr. Norris here, we wouldn¡¯t even get a sip. It¡¯s our good fortune that you¡¯re here.¡±

    The head of the construction firm, his cheeks tinged pink from alcohol, chuckled heartily as he hoisted his drink. ¡°Oysters and this exceptional liquor¡­ today truly is¡­

    ¡°A feast of champions! Although Foxfire County might be quaint, it¡¯s brimming with beautiful women. We know a great club. How about it, Mr. Norris? Care to join us for a bit of fun tonight?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was less enthusiastic. He barely sipped from his raised ss before setting it down with a thud, sending droplets flying across the table. The bustling energy of the room suddenly vanished; even the film crew at three nearby tables stopped their conversations and turned to stare.

    Carrie paid no attention to Kristopher, acting as though he didn¡¯t exist, her focus entirely on savoring her meal. The table overflowed with dishes, and after such an exhausting day, hungry hands eagerly spun thezy Susan in a never-ending whirl. She had been too timid to fight for food earlier, but now, with everyone momentarily distracted, she seized the opportunity to satisfy her hunger.

    To her, Kristopher was nothing more than another face in the crowd. Whether he was irritated or content was of no consequence to her. In her eyes, no man could rival the allure of a good meal!

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze shifted to Carrie, who was still absorbed in her meal, oblivious to the tension around her. A cold, hard glint flickered in his eyes. Could she truly be so indifferent? They were openly encouraging her husband to meet other women, yet she sat there calmly, still managing to eat?

    His hand clenched around the ss so tightly that the veins on his wrist throbbed visibly, a silent testament to the storm brewing within him. A wave of rage surged within him, yet he restrained himself fromshing out at her. His face set into a stern, foreboding expression.

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 Chapter 141

    ?<strong>Chapter 141:</strong>

    The jovial atmosphere at the table quickly dissipated. Smiles vanished, and an ufortable silence took over. No one dared to utter another word.

    Leaning back, Kristopher fixed Sammy with a piercing look, his mouth curling into a wry half-smile. ¡°Is this your idea of professionalism?¡± he asked, his tone cold and sharp.

    Sammy¡¯s face flushed with a mix of shame and forced indignation. ¡°Our projects are serious and legitimate,¡± he retorted defensively. ¡°We would never engage in underhanded activities. Should anyone attempt such a thing, I¡¯d be the first to intervene!¡±

    Then, turning back to Kristopher, Sammy¡¯s expression softened into a fawning grin. ¡°Mr. Norris, please understand, these men are just rugged, straightforward types; they spend their days on construction sites and aren¡¯t refined in their manners. After a couple of drinks, their mouths run wild, tossing out jokes without hesitation. Please forgive their blunt nature,¡± Sammy said.

    Quickly grasping their mistake, the others chimed in with apologies. ¡°Indeed, Mr. Norris, please overlook our coarse ways. We¡¯re simple people, unrefined by much schooling, and our words have inadvertently upset you. We¡¯ll make up for it by downing three sses ourselves!¡±

    With augh, even those previously silent grabbed their sses, filled them to the brim with potent liquor, and gulped them down, their eyes turning a shade redder with each swallow.

    Kristopher responded with detached indifference. He waited a beat, then casually reached for his cup of tea, savoring a deliberate, tiny sip.

    It was only after this pause that the atmosphere rxed, and the gathering continued their meal andughter, but in a more subdued manner than before.

    Meanwhile, Aspyn, slightly tipsy herself, saw her regard for Kristopher soar, fueled by the alcohol and her vivid imagination. What a dashing, prosperous, and honorable gentleman he was. She knew she couldn¡¯t let this chance slip through her fingers.

    Kristopher¡¯s mood shifted so abruptly that Sammy thought it best not to bring up the nned drinking session, and dinner concluded quickly, with everyone retreating to their rooms for the night.

    Secluded in his room, Kristopher copsed onto the sofa, his fingers trembling slightly as he uncapped a bottle of ice-cold mineral water he¡¯d snagged from the fridge. He gulped it down eagerly, the fabric of his shirt cor loose and fluttering with each breath.

    As the water cascaded down his throat, it did little to cool the burning mix of alcohol and heat radiating through his body, intensifying his inner turmoil. Images of Carrie by the serene Jade Lake infiltrated his thoughts, her figure crystallizing from the misty memories of the day into a vivid, haunting presence. Her skin appeared ethereal in the soft light, her limbs sculpted and elegant.

    His mind then snapped to a more unsettling memory: Carrie in the bathroom, her bare skin exposed, her eyes wide with shock. That vision struck him with startling rity and an unnerving power.

    Kristopher was no novice in matters of attraction; he had effortlessly dismissed the flirtations of a bikini-d beauty queen, a former pageant star, without a second thought. Yet, the idental encounter with Carrie, vulnerable and unguarded, had triggered a raw, visceral reaction within him. It was as though a dormant switch had been flipped, sensitizing him to even the slightest provocation.

    While he grappled with whether his feelings for Carrie were born of love or mere physical desire, he couldn¡¯t ignore the maic pull he felt towards her.

    As he sat there, the richness of the evening¡¯s feast seemed to fuel his body¡¯s unbidden responses. His thoughts drifted to tales from his youth, recounted by friends who spoke of simr awakenings driven by their first encounters with passion. Could this intense stirring be his own dyed explosion of youthful desires, now ferventlying to life?

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 Chapter 142

    ?<strong>Chapter 142:</strong>

    However, the lingering shadow of their unresolved issues, coupled with the frequent remarks about how well-matched she and Asher seemed, unsettled him once more. Even though Kristopher understood that Carrie saw Asher merely as a sibling figure, he couldn¡¯t quell the gnawing suspicion that perhaps one day, someone who meshed seamlessly with her true essence would emerge. Since they had exchanged vows, Carrie had increasingly be an emblem of ownership to Kristopher, portrayed in the devotion in her eyes, which seemed to dere her as uniquely his.

    Nevertheless, Carrie had blossomed into a dazzling, autonomous force, her presence lighting up rooms, increasingly disconnected from Kristopher¡¯s shadow. Annoyance prickled at his nerves. Kristopher snapped his head dismissively and strode toward the sanctuary of the bathroom, aiming to drown his frustrations under the steady cascade of a shower.

    Half an hourter, even as Kristopher dried his hair, the chill of the shower couldn¡¯t extinguish the warmth coursing through him. The evidence of his arousal refused to fade. As he mechanically pushed open the bathroom door, he stopped short.

    The room, once bathed in rity, nowy in subdued twilight, illuminated only by the dim whisper of a wallmp. His scattered thoughts sharpened instantly. The corporate world was a ruthless game, and he had long since learned to recognize the dangerous ploys and cunning tricks that came with it.

    He scanned the room with a measured gaze, finding it deceptively calm at first. Yet, his eyes froze on a darkened corner where a graceful figure sat silently on his bed. Relief momentarily washed over him¡ªit was only a woman, seemingly harmless.

    The image of the earlier dinner bubbled up in his mind, nudging him to conjecture that she could be an ill-conceived overture from a clueless corporate executive. ¡°Leave this ce now!¡± hemanded, his voice echoing as he reached for the light switch.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, please, it¡¯s me.¡± The reply came in a soft, uncertain tone, almost pleading.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c???? brings imagination alive

    As the room brightened, Aspyn awkwardly climbed off the bed, clutching her chest with crossed arms in embarrassment.

    Her outfit, a scant sailor dress, clung to her form, its delicate material leaving little to the imagination. A flush crept up Aspyn¡¯s cheeks as she lowered her gaze, though she stole timid nces at Kristopher.

    Kristopher stood imposingly, his upper body bare, a towel slung low around his hips.

    Droplets of water meandered down from his damp hair, skimming over his chiseled chest and along the defined lines of his abs, eventually getting absorbed by the fabric of his towel.

    The evident bulge under his towel sent a thrilling pulse through Aspyn, warming her from within.

    She barely noticed the storm brewing in Kristopher¡¯s eyes, her focus locked on one electrifying thought: the way he looked at her, the tension in his stance¡ªit was clear he couldn¡¯t hide his arousal.

    Kristopher¡¯s brows furrowed in a frown as he grabbed the robe, sliding it over his shoulders.

    Aspyn¡¯s gaze held a provocative charge, so palpable that it seemed to fill the air with a sultry tension.

    He strolled over to the sofa, gracefully sinking into its plush embrace, and took a measured gulp of water¡ªa silent plea for her to recognize her cue to leave.

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 Chapter 143

    ?<strong>Chapter 143:</strong>

    Meanwhile, Aspyn, her senses muddled by intoxication and whimsical desires,pletely misread the room¡¯s cooling ambiance.

    She dipped her head shyly, reminiscent of a startled fawn, hesitantly preening herself before meandering back to the bed.

    With a flirtatious tilt of her head and a voice dripping with faux innocence, she ventured, ¡°Kristopher, surely you wouldn¡¯t expect me to initiate things in such a delicate scenario?¡±

    Across the room, Kristopher¡¯s face was a mask of indifference, his initial spark of desire now extinguished by an overwhelming wave of repulsion.

    With a tone colder than winter, he stated sinctly, ¡°Leave.¡±

    His words were sharper than his earliermand to vacate the space.

    The word struck Aspyn like a thunderp, her eyes widening in shock as they darted from his stoic face to his previously responsive demeanor, now utterly impassive.

    The flush of anticipation drained from her cheeks, leaving herplexion ghostly pale as she nervously nibbled on her lower lip.

    The man who had briefly shown signs of interest now appearedpletely unaffected by her allure.

    His silent dismissal was a loud echo in the tense room, his unspoken disdain cutting deeper than any spoken rebuke.

    Tears brimmed in her eyes as she felt deeply wronged.

    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories

    He avoided her gaze, his voice steady with a dismissive tone. ¡°Let¡¯s pretend we didn¡¯t cross paths today. Your father won¡¯t hear about this from me.¡±

    In the quaint confines of their small town, Aspyn was known for her reputable family and her brilliance, both academically and in her talents, making her the object of widespread admiration at school.

    Never had sheid her heart bare like this, only to be greeted with such cold detachment.

    Her heart thudded painfully as she clenched her skirt, mustering her courage to voice her confusion. ¡°Why do you dismiss me so?¡±

    Kristopher paused, cing his water bottle on the table with a deliberate thud, his reply frosty. ¡°I¡¯m married.¡± His response was not out of tact or concern; Kristopher simply saw no merit in extending their conversation.

    Surprise flickered in Aspyn¡¯s gaze. Then, scrambling for answers, she ventured, ¡°Lise? Is it Lise Nash you¡¯re married to?¡±

    Impatience crept into his demeanor.

    Kristopher stood abruptly, walked over to the door, and flung it open, his voice sharp as he began to count. ¡°You have until the count of three to leave. One¡­ Two¡­¡±

    Fearing the eyes of onlookers, Aspyn bit her lip, pushed herself up from her seat, and hesitantly moved toward the door.

    Before stepping through the doorway, curiosity spurred her to question once more, ¡°Is it indeed Lise Nash who is your wife?¡±

    Right at that moment, a soft thud reverberated through the air in the serene courtyard.

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 Chapter 144

    ?<strong>Chapter 144:</strong>

    Aspyn, startled by the noise, chose not to linger or inquire further.

    With a quickened pace, she vanished from the scene.

    Kristopher shifted his attention, his eyesnding on a silhouette bathed in the faint glow of the garden lights. His lips curled into an icy smirk. ¡°Sneaking around my doorstep at such ate hour?¡± he challenged.

    Realizing the futility of concealment, Carrie abandoned her guise.

    She gracefully stooped to retrieve the pad that had ttered to the ground and made her way across the garden toward Kristopher.

    Upon reaching him, she brandished the pad with a casual flick of her wrist. ¡°The room felt suffocating, so I sought a serene spot outdoors to sketch out my script.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware of your room assignment; how could I know you¡¯d choose such a secluded spot?¡± she exined. The two faced each other, enveloped in an ufortable silence.

    Breaking the stillness, Kristopher blurted out, ¡°She entered my room of her own ord. It was unexpected.¡±

    For a moment, Carrie was caught off guard, but the pieces quickly fell into ce¡ªhe was offering an exnation for why Aspyn was there.

    Though she hadn¡¯t fully understood Aspyn¡¯s words, she did catch the mention of Lise¡¯s name.

    Did Kristopher truly mean to prove his loyalty to Lise, or was it a clever guise to gain Carrie¡¯spassion? The conflict in his actions made her stomach churn.

    Gripping the pad tighter, Carrie¡¯s features hardened as she replied, ¡°I have no interest in your exnations. You owe me no justifications.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s rising anger melted away the instant he noticed the pallor of Carrie¡¯s face. Cold sweat dotted her forehead, and his frustration ebbed as concern took its ce.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his brow furrowed in genuine worry.

    Carrie weakly waved her hand. ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just hungry,¡± she murmured, clutching her stomach as she turned to leave.

    Kristopher, however, was not one to let things go so easily. He reached out and gently grasped her arm. ¡°The night fair is just getting started.¡±

    Carrie jerked her arm free, moving with a sharpness that contrasted with her weak appearance. ¡°No need,¡± she replied, her voice small. ¡°I¡¯ll grab some instant noodles from the corner store.¡±

    But Kristopher, in his usual unyielding manner, simply stated, ¡°I¡¯m hungry too.¡± His tone was final, leaving no room for argument.

    Carrie¡¯s stomach pain red again, draining thest bit of energy she had to protest. She sighed, her gaze falling on his attire. ¡°Are you seriously going to the night fair dressed like that?¡± she asked, weakly motioning to his bathrobe.

    ¡°I¡¯ll change,¡± he said without hesitation, already steering her toward the room as if her protests were background noise.

    Within minutes, Kristopher was dressed and car keys in hand, ready to take them to the night fair.

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 Chapter 145

    ?<strong>Chapter 145:</strong>

    The fair was alive with its usual vibrant chaos, the bright lights of the stalls casting long shadows in the calm evening air. Though the weekday lull meant the crowds were sparse, there was still an energy in the air.

    Kristopher had swapped his bathrobe for a sleek jacket that matched the color of Carrie¡¯s shirt. Together, they looked like a pair coordinated not by design, but by fate.

    Leading her through the fair, Kristopher paused at a barbecue stall they had visited during theirst trip to Foxfire County. A middle-aged woman and a teenage boy were busy by the entrance, arranging skewers of glistening barbecue under the soft golden glow of hangingnterns.

    Kristopher¡¯s sharp gazended on a tank filled with lively, darting fish. ¡°We¡¯ll have a serving of fish congee,¡± he said, his words crisp and decisive.

    ¡°Got it,¡± the boy replied, rolling up his sleeves as he expertly selected a fish, his movements fluid and practiced as he cleaned and sliced it.

    Curiosity flickered across Carrie¡¯s face. ¡°Has the owner changed?¡± she asked casually. ¡°Last time we came here, it was an old man.¡±

    The woman looked up from her work, wiping her hands on her apron. ¡°That¡¯s my father,¡± she exined. ¡°He¡¯s been unwell, doctor¡¯s orders to rest. As for me, well, mypany went belly-up, so here I am, running the stall for him.¡±

    Her gaze shifted between Kristopher and Carrie, and a warm smile spread across her face. ¡°You two must havee here ages ago. Are you visiting on vacation? You make such a lovely pair¡ªreturning to familiar ces like this. You must be a very loving couple.¡±

    The phrase ¡°lovely pair¡± hung in the air, and Kristopher found himself unusually pleased by thepliment. Without a word, he ordered the most expensive barbecues on the menu, his mood subtly lifted.

    Carrie, oblivious to the change in his demeanor, chuckled softly at the woman¡¯s assumptions. She made no attempt to correct her, instead turning to find a seat.

    Remembering Kristopher¡¯s fastidious nature, she pulled out a tissue and meticulously wiped down the table and chairs, her movements precise and thoughtful.

    Kristopher watched her, captivated by her focused expression. His gaze lingered on her radiant profile before he joined her at the table.

    The fish congee arrived, a visual symphony of white porridge adorned with vibrant green vegetables and orange carrots. Carrie¡¯s appetite awakened instantly. She took a spoonful, her eyes closing in pure delight. The rice melted effortlessly, its delicate vor intertwining with the sweet freshwater fish from Jade Lake. Her face transformed, pure happiness radiating from every feature.

    Kristopher observed her, lost in contemtion. Despite having showered her with millions in gifts, nothingpared to the joy she now experienced over a simple bowl of congee. A seasoned businessman who prided himself on understanding people, Kristopher had to concede that his wife of two years remained an enigma. She was like an intricate book¡ªseemingly simple at first nce, but revealing profoundplexities with each revisit.

    The barbecue arrived in charming bamboo baskets, the air rich with the intoxicating aroma of chili and cumin. The scene mirrored their previous visit¡ªa rare moment of shared intimacy. A glimmer of nostalgia softened Carrie¡¯s mood. She savored the fish porridge, feeling her stomach settle, and eagerly prepared to grab a prawn skewer.

    Before her hand could reach forward, Kristopher intercepted, cing the bamboo skewer before himself. Just as she was about to protest, his gaze fell on her hand. Her typically in nails now boasted an borate design, long and decorated with silver cat-eye polish, intricate butterfly rhinestones catching the light.

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 Chapter 146

    ?<strong>Chapter 146:</strong>

    ¡°You¡¯re going to peel prawns with those?¡± Kristopher snorted. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about ingesting nail polish and getting cancer?¡±

    Carrie waved her hand dramatically. ¡°These are eco-friendly, non-toxic materials! Aren¡¯t they beautiful?¡±

    He leaned back, eyeing her nails with thinly veiled disdain. ¡°I¡¯ve poured so much money into you, and this is the result? What¡¯s wrong with clean, natural nails? Why clutter them up with all these cheap-looking decorations?¡±

    Carrie bit back a sigh and casually retorted, ¡°Well, back then, I didn¡¯t bother with manicures because I was too busy being a housekeeper. Now that I¡¯m free, I want to pamper myself a little.¡±

    The words were a defense, nothing more. She didn¡¯t mention that the nails were for a character she was portraying¡ªnot that it mattered.

    He ced the first piece of prawn meat into her bowl, his voice calm and even. ¡°You¡¯re the one who said you didn¡¯t want a housekeeper around, that it felt like a hassle having strangers in the house. I didn¡¯t marry you to turn you into one.¡±

    Carrie lowered her eyes, her silence heavy. Everypromise she had made in the name of being amodating seemed, in hindsight, unnecessary.

    Perhaps it was no one¡¯s fault. Their lives had always been worlds apart, their ipatibility like oil and water¡ªinevitable from the start.

    Kristopher continued peeling, and soon a small mountain of prawn meat umted in her bowl, a silent offering that pulled her back to another time. Thest time they sat at this stall, she had been the one peeling prawns. She hadn¡¯t eaten a single one, content instead to watch him¡ªthe clean lines of his face, the way his brows furrowed slightly as he worked.

    Gripping her fork, she mechanically consumed the prawns. This felt like experiencing a fleeting moment of being Mrs. Norris before their impending divorce. The prawns were sweet and tender, yet tasted remarkably nd at the moment. These final moments of intimacy couldn¡¯t resurrect their lost connection.

    ¡°I¡¯m full,¡± she whispered, setting down her fork.

    Kristopher consumed the final prawn. ¡°Still tastes the same as it did over a decade ago,¡± he remarked casually.

    Carrie froze. Theirst visit was barely a year ago. Was he referencing someone else? Lise?

    The name was a phantom that hovered between them, a presence Carrie had never truly confronted. What little she knew of Lise came from whispered gossip spun by those around them and the information she found online.

    Forcing a smile, she looked up.

    Kristopher reached for a wet wipe, leisurely cleaning his fingers. Sensing her gaze, he looked up. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, his tone neutral, almost detached.

    Had he brought Lise here before? Was it Lise¡¯s memory that guided him to this hidden corner of Foxfire County? Had he once peeled prawns for her, his movements just as deliberate, just as gentle?

    Carrie¡¯s mind swirled with questions she didn¡¯t dare voice. The irony hit her like a cold wind. For so long, she had med Lise for the void in their marriage, believing that her shadow loomed over every corner of their lives. But now, she saw the truth: it wasn¡¯t Lise who had shattered her happiness. It was Lise who had paved the way for her two fleeting years as Mrs. Norris. Without Lise, there would have been no marriage at all. The thought wed at her, leaving an ache she couldn¡¯t name.

    Kristopher returned from settling the bill, his demeanor casual but intent. ¡°The weather¡¯s clear tonight,¡± he said, his voice measured. ¡°There¡¯s Jade Lake near the night market. We could take a look at the night view.¡±

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 Chapter 147

    ?<strong>Chapter 147:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s mind flickered to thest time they had done this¡ªgazing at the seaside under the stars. That night, she had fallen asleep during the drive, only to be awoken at dawn to a sight that took her breath away. The sun, a molten gold orb, rose from the horizon, merging sea and sky in a seamless expanse of warmth and light.

    Those moments, she realized, must have been ones he shared countless times with Lise, woven into the fabric of his habits. Repeated with her. Perfected with her. What moved Carrie might have been routine for him, echoes of a love he had given someone else.

    Carrie brushed past him without meeting his gaze and walked toward the car. Her voice was cool, clipped. ¡°I have a script to write and lines to memorize for tomorrow. I don¡¯t have your kind of leisure, Mr. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher followed without a word, his own expression hardening. His strides were deliberate, closing the distance between them before she could move away. His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before his hand reached out. Gently, yet uninvited, he wiped the corner of her mouth, lingering a second too long.

    ¡°You just finished eating the shrimp I peeled for you,¡± he said, his tone low and maic, though his words carried an edge. ¡°And now you¡¯re turning your back on me? You¡¯re really like a pet biting the hand that feeds it.¡± His voice was a smooth hum, but it wrapped around her like a vice.

    Carrie¡¯s stomach tightened, the intimacy in his proximity soured by the memory of past humiliations. She met his gaze with a cold, brittle smile. ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris. In your eyes, I¡¯m just a dog. You pay, and I wag my tail. Isn¡¯t there a friend of yours who spent millions of dors on a dog? Birds of a feather, right? Same circle, same mindset.¡±

    Kristopher froze. The faintest flicker of confusion passed through his eyes, but he masked it quickly. Twice now, someone had alluded to this story. He made a mental note¡ªonce back in Orkset, he would find out who had spent a fortune on a dog.

    The streetlights cast their glow over her face, entuating her lifted chin and defiant re. Her beauty was striking in that moment¡ªcold yet exquisite, like a rose bathed in moonlight. Something primal stirred within him, a need so sudden and overwhelming it eclipsed his better judgment. Without warning, Kristopher leaned down, his lips capturing hers in a forceful kiss.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales

    Carrie froze, her breath catching in shock. This was no tender reconciliation. The moment, already heavy with tension, now felt suffocating. Her mind spiraled, unbidden thoughts flooding in. Did he kiss Lise like this? Was this yet another habit carried over, another memory she would never live up to?

    The thought churned her stomach. Images of his devotion to Lise surfaced unbidden, memories of how he had resisted every temptation Aspyn threw at him and remained faithful. A painful rity settled in her chest: she was nothing more than a substitute in his story.

    Revulsion bloomed within her, swift and unrelenting. Carrie braced her hands against his chest, pushing with all her strength. He responded by pulling her closer, his arm firm around her waist, leaving no room to escape. Fury surged within her. She tilted her head and bit down hard on his lower lip. The coppery taste of blood spilled into her mouth as he hissed, jerking back. He almost cursed her, but he stopped himself at thest second.

    Kristopher touched his lip, his fingersing away stained red. He stared at the blood for a moment before letting out a low, bitterugh. ¡°You¡¯re heartless,¡± he muttered, his voice icy.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes zed as she met his gaze. ¡°And you?¡± she shot back, her tone colder still. ¡°You¡¯re no different.¡± The tension between them was unbearable now, thick enough to choke.

    Carrie nced at the car waiting behind him, then made her decision. Staying would feel like surrender.

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 Chapter 148

    ?<strong>Chapter 148:</strong>

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll save you the trouble, Mr. Norris. I¡¯ll walk back.¡± Without waiting for a response, she turned and strode away in the opposite direction, her steps brisk and resolute.

    Foxfire County¡¯s winters often began with rain, but tonight the chill carried a cruel rity. The cold night air bit at her skin, sharp and unrelenting. It sliced through her coat, through her resolve, making her remember that other night¡ªthe one she had left Bayview Vi. The same cold, the same ache, the same endless road.

    Carrie walked a while longer, her footsteps slowing almost imperceptibly before she instinctively nced back. Kristopher¡¯s car had already exited through another path, vanishing into the night without so much as a pause. The corner of her lips curved slightly in a faint smile, but it was fleeting. As quickly as it appeared, it dissolved, leaving her expression heavy, her gaze falling to the ground to mask the quiet ache pooling in her eyes.

    She couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªthe flicker of hope that had sparked deep within her, no matter how irrational. But what was she expecting? How could she even entertain the thought that Kristopher might turn back for her? This was the reality she had been avoiding for years.

    She had always been the one to bow her head, to offer apologies before tensions could brew into storms. It had created an illusion of harmony, of stability. Now, standing her ground, she realized how fragile that illusion had been.

    The moonlight bathed the world in a silver glow, soft and dreamlike, but Carrie found no sce in it. Forcing her thoughts away from the hollowness in her chest, she focused instead on the scenery. Her gaze flitted from one shadowed tree to another, but her mind began weaving back into the familiar threads of her script.

    Thepany¡¯s story outline was riddled with logical inconsistencies. Though she hadn¡¯t used the name Katrina, and it was just a script for amercial drama, she still strived for perfection. She was determined to refine every detail.

    Absorbed in her professional musings, Carriepletely forgot her intended route back to the inn. When she finally looked up, an unfamiliarndscape surrounded her. Realizing her disorientation in Foxfire County, she reached for her phone¡ªonly to find her pocket empty.

    Step into a new journey on galnovels .con

    She had left it in Kristopher¡¯s car. A dimly lit store caught her eye at the street¡¯s corner. Moving quickly, she approached, hoping to find someone who could guide her back.

    Meanwhile, at the Campbell family home, a different scene unfolded. Yara reclined on a newly purchased elegant sofa, her luxurious pajamas contrasting with her rapid typing on the phone. Tristan sat beside her, half-watching economic news that reflected the challenging financial climate. Recent years had been harsh on businesses in Orkset. Small and medium-sized enterprises were either transitioning or copsing. Tristan¡¯s own business, once buoyed by economic boom and luck, now struggled significantly.

    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± Tristan addressed Yara, pausing the television, ¡°how is your n progressing? Our family¡¯s hopes rest on the Crawfords. If this doesn¡¯t seed¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it,¡± Cindy interrupted as she swept into the room, her face glistening under a meticulously applied beauty mask. She settled beside Yara with a casual confidence, brushing off Tristan¡¯s concerns. ¡°Yara has everything under control. You¡¯re worrying for nothing.¡±

    ¡°Mom always believes in me,¡± Yara cooed, leaning into Cindy with exaggerated affection. She held up her phone, a triumphant smile ying on her lips. ¡°Nate¡¯s already in Foxfire County. In a backwater like that, whatever the Crawford family wants will be child¡¯s y.¡±

    Tristan exhaled, some of the tension easing from his shoulders, though his expression remained cautious. ¡°Good. But remember, Yara, you¡¯re not getting any younger. It¡¯s time to think seriously about marriage. If you¡¯re close to Nate, why not look at his circle? Surely, there¡¯s someone suitable among his friends. A woman¡¯s charm is her best weapon.¡±

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 Chapter 149

    ?<strong>Chapter 149:</strong>

    Yara¡¯s lips curled into a pout, her irritation barely concealed. ¡°Do you want me to marry one of those spoiled brats? No thanks. I have standards.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Cindy chimed in, her tone dripping with disdain. ¡°Our Yara deserves someone exceptional.¡±

    Tristan nced between mother and daughter, his brow furrowing in suspicion. ¡°You¡¯re hiding something from me. Do you already have someone in mind?¡±

    Yara simply winked, maintaining her air of mystery. ¡°That¡¯s a secret for now!¡±

    Outside the bar, two men stumbled toward the roadside, their arms draped over each other¡¯s shoulders like drunkenrades braving a stormy sea. After several rounds of beer, their stomachs felt like overinted balloons. With the restroom queue stretching longer than their patience, they dashed outside, finding sce in the shadow of an old oak tree.

    In Foxfire County, a small town where gossip traveled faster than good sense, this kind of behavior wasn¡¯t unusual after a night of heavy drinking. The shorter man had just zipped up when his eyesnded on a figure in the distance. He froze, his hand lingering at his waistband, and jabbed hispanion with an elbow.

    ¡°Hey, check her out! Ain¡¯t she somethin¡¯?¡±

    The taller man, his speech already slow from the booze, started to brush it off. ¡°In the middle of the night? You¡¯re seeing things again¡­¡± But his voice trailed off as his gaze followed.

    His eyes widened. ¡°Damn! She¡¯s a real head-turner. When did Foxfire start hosting models?¡±

    Carrie stood under the hazy glow of a streemp, her silhouette effortlessly captivating. Her long legs seemed to stretch into infinity, and her sharp features gained an almost ethereal quality under the dim, flickering light¡ªequal parts mystery and maism.

    The two men, barely able to believe their luck, hastily adjusted their clothing and sauntered toward her, their grins dripping with ill intent.

    ¡°Evenin¡¯, gorgeous,¡± one slurred, his tone as oily as his grin. ¡°Ain¡¯t it a little lonely to be wanderin¡¯ out here all by yourself? How about we buy you a drink? Anything you want, sweetheart, it¡¯s on us.¡±

    Carrie, catching the unmistakable glint in their eyes, acted as if she hadn¡¯t heard a word. She turned on her heel and walked briskly. She didn¡¯t get far before the pair, propelled by liquid courage and lechery, caught up to her. They stepped in front of her, cutting off her path.

    ¡°Hold on there, darling.¡±

    ¡°Where are you runnin¡¯ off to? We¡¯re just tryin¡¯ to be friendly,¡± one sneered, his breath reeking of beer and cheap cigarettes.

    Suppressing the instinct to gag, Carrie lifted her chin. ¡°My husband¡¯s waiting for me just up ahead.¡±

    The taller man scanned the dark street, his smirk widening. ¡°Oh, yeah? This stretch is nothing but construction sites and abandoned lots. You¡¯re dressed too fine for a fe swinging a hammer. Who¡¯s he, the phantom foreman?¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, they each grabbed an arm, theirughter slithering into the night like poison. ¡°Come on now,¡± one said. ¡°We¡¯re big deals around here. A little time with us, and you¡¯ll be counting your lucky stars.¡±

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 Chapter 150

    ?<strong>Chapter 150:</strong>

    Meanwhile, Kristopher drove back to the inn, his jaw tight and his temper barely leashed. The tension in his expression could have shattered ss. When he reached his room, he swung the door open, only to be ambushed by a memory¡ªAspyn sitting at his bedside, her words needling at his nerves. His scowl deepened.

    With a growl of frustration, he closed the door and marched back to the front desk. Tapping the counter with enough force to catch the receptionist¡¯s startled attention, he said, ¡°I need a different room.¡±

    The receptionist, fresh into her shift, quicklyposed herself. She recognized him immediately¡ªKristopher Norris, the guest the staff had been instructed to treat like royalty.

    ¡°Of course, Mr. Norris,¡± she replied, her cheeks tinged pink as she caught sight of his perfectly sculpted features. Even with his sour expression, he was devastatingly handsome. Rumor had it there was a celebrity staying at the inn, but she couldn¡¯t imagine anyone more striking than Kristopher.

    She swiftly located the best avable room and gestured for him to follow.

    As they headed down the hallway, the heavens opened up, unleashing a sudden downpour.

    The receptionistughed lightly. ¡°Looks like your timing¡¯s spot-on, Mr. Norris. A secondter, and you¡¯d have been soaked to the bone.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t reply, his gaze fixed on the rain as if it held answers to questions he hadn¡¯t asked. His thoughts drifted, unbidden, to Carrie. She¡¯d been wearing just a shirt earlier¡ªwhat if she got caught in this storm? She¡¯d get sick again¡­

    ¡°Here we are, Mr. Norris,¡± the receptionist said, stopping at a door. ¡°This is your room.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flicked to the door across the hall. He kept his voice casual, though his heart was far from it. ¡°Has the person in that room returned yet?¡±

    Without looking up, she replied, ¡°I¡¯ve been here for two hours, and you¡¯re the only one I¡¯ve seene in.¡± She opened his door and began to ask, ¡°Mr. Norris, does this room meet your¡ª¡±

    But before she could finish, Kristopher turned on his heel and walked away, his long strides taking him toward the rain-drenched street without another word.

    ¡°Damn it!¡±

    As the skies abruptly unleashed a torrential downpour, one of the men at the bar entrance cursed loudly. His fingers tightened around Carrie¡¯s arm, pulling her along with a forceful tug.

    Foxfire County was a remote area, its economy sputtering and stagnant, trailing Orkset by a good two decades in infrastructure and development.

    This bar, a decrepit shell, was emblematic of the county¡¯s neglect,cking even the most basic security measures like surveince cameras.

    The vicinity was a perpetual construction site, a jumble of half-torn buildings and skeletal new structures, frequented by a transient and unpredictable crowd.

    Any attempt to report tonight¡¯s events to the police would likely be an exercise in futility, unlikely to lead to any arrests.

    Carrie felt a pang of despair as her attempts to break free proved futile.

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 Chapter 151

    ?<strong>Chapter 151:</strong>

    With desperationcing her voice, she screamed for help, clinging to a fading hope.

    Her plea, however, was swiftly smothered by the seasoned hands of the two men. One of the men quickly subdued her protests with a swift spray to her face. The strange, acrid scent clouded her senses, rendering her weak, her limbs unresponsive, and her voice reduced to a hoarse whisper.

    Dragged along helplessly, she could feel their hands roaming over her, each touch igniting a wave of disgust and fear within her.

    ¡°You really think a nice girl should be out walking alone at night?¡± one of the men taunted, his voice dripping with scorn as they continued to pull her along. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re out looking for some fun. y your cards right, and we might even pay you handsomely.¡±

    ¡°Dressed to draw eyes, aren¡¯t you? Enough with your charade,¡± the other mocked cruelly, a grim smile ying on his lips. ¡°After we have our fun, you¡¯lle around.¡±

    As they hurled insults, they dragged her towards a nondescript van parked in the shadow of the dpidated buildings.

    One of the men flung open the door and hurled Carrie inside with little regard for her safety.

    Her drenched shirt clung tightly to her, outlining her silhouette provocatively, igniting a raw desire in the men. Despite the chilly rain that soaked through their clothes, a fiery lust zed within them,pelling them to lick their lips in anticipation of possessing such a captivating woman at no cost.

    Carrie¡¯s head collided violently with the far door, causing a burst of stars to explode across her vision and her mind to reel in confusion.

    Fearing she might lose consciousness, she bit down hard on her tongue. The sharp pain snapped her back to reality just as one of the men, eyes gleaming with malice, advanced toward her.

    In a desperate reflex, sheshed out with her foot, striking him directly in the groin.

    The man screamed in agony, his hands clutching his injured crotch as he staggered backward.

    The other man, momentarily sobered by hispanion¡¯s scream, seized Carrie¡¯s ankle and yanked her toward him. He pped her fiercely across the face, snarling, ¡°Don¡¯t y tough, bitch. You¡¯re mine tonight!¡±

    The blow knocked Carrie sideways onto the seat, her cheek burning from the impact.

    As her eyes adjusted, she noticed two beer bottles hidden under the cushion.

    Before the man could grab her cor and haul her up again, she pushed the burning pain in her face aside, grabbed a bottle, and swung it at his head in a frantic attempt to defend herself.

    There was no triumphant moment of victory or clever escape, and even the chance to snatch a shard of ss to make a stand eluded her¡ªbecause the bottle did not shatter as she had hoped.

    Her efforts were too feeble to make a significant impact, and the man easily wrested it from her grasp, leaving her defenseless once more.

    In such circumstances, one must either overpower the adversary with a decisive strike or disy such ferocity that it frightens them away, ensuring a chance to flee.

    Carrie¡¯s weak efforts only infuriated them more.

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 Chapter 152

    ?<strong>Chapter 152:</strong>

    Confronted by the two menacing men, herplexion turned ghostly pale.

    What horrors awaited her at their hands?

    Overwhelmed by fear, only one thought pierced her panic: Kristopher.

    She clung to the slim hope that he would rescue her.

    Would Kristopher realize she was missing? Would he arrive in time to save her?

    She felt like she was being pulled under, with Kristopher as herst glimmer of hope.

    ¡°Bitch!¡± The men¡¯s patience had snapped.

    One lunged forward into the van, ruthlessly ripping at her blouse.

    Bang!

    Suddenly, a bottle crashed onto the man¡¯s head from behind, sending a cascade of blood and ss shards sttering inside the van.

    ¡°Are you alright, Miss?¡± A steady voice pierced through the rain, with aforting tone that felt almost unreal amid the chaos.

    The viin was swiftly pulled back by the cor, and a familiar face came into Carrie¡¯s blurred vision.

    Nate adjusted his gold-rimmed sses, the polished elegance of his appearance juxtaposed with the surprise on his face. ¡°Carrie? Is that really you?¡± he eximed, his refined features showing a mix of shock and concern.

    Without hesitation, he slipped off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.

    His gaze faltered momentarily, catching on the damp fabric of her nearly transparent blouse, lingering for a second at the curves faintly outlined beneath.

    Quickly, he looked away, his manners reigning in any impropriety.

    Holding out a hand, he helped her sit up, his touch firm yet cautious.

    The moment she was upright, Carrie withdrew her hand as if his touch burned her, clutching the coat tightly around herself like armor.

    Nate, however, remainedposed, his gentle smile devoid of any ulterior motives.

    His poised demeanor shed sharply with the whispers of scandal that clung to his name like a shadow.

    Unable to suppress her curiosity, Carrie asked, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°I was passing through,¡± Nate exined evenly. ¡°I saw two men skulking around suspiciously. Thought they might be up to no good¡ªmaybe thieves or something. I didn¡¯t expect to run into you of all people.¡±

    Meeting him in a remote corner of Foxfire County, far from the familiar streets of Orkset where their paths never crossed, struck Carrie as more than a coincidence.

    Suspicion crept in.

    Was this an orchestrated rescue? Or had Nate been lying in wait, only for his ns to derail?

    Either way, Carrie¡¯s vulnerability was all too real.

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 Chapter 153

    ?<strong>Chapter 153:</strong>

    Whatever drug was coursing through her veins left her limbs weak and her mind spinning.

    She was cornered, her pulse racing with fear at the thought of being alone with him.

    Struggling to regain control, Carrie steadied her voice. ¡°Thank you for helping me. I got turned around while looking for something to eat. Could I borrow your phone to call the film crew?¡±

    Nate shook his head gently. ¡°No need. I¡¯ve already called the police. They¡¯ll be here any minute. You¡¯ll need to give them a statement before you go anywhere.¡±

    As if on cue, the wail of sirens broke the stillness of the night, the shing red and blue lights announcing the arrival of thew.

    Nate stepped back, gesturing for Carrie to step out of the car. Behind him, a line of bodyguards stood like statues, holding umbres that barely kept the rain at bay.

    On the ground nearby, two men writhed in defeat, subdued and soaked, their faces a picture of drunken regret.

    Carrie blinked at the scene, taken aback by the fact that Nate had actually called the authorities.

    Her guard loosened, but suspicion still flickered at the edges of her thoughts. Was this really an ident, or had he somehow orchestrated everything?

    Looking at Nate, Carrie¡¯s initial animosity wavered. Until now, they had been strangers despite sharing the same high-society circles.

    Her dislike for him had always been fueled by Tristan¡¯s incessant pressure to marry for business interests and the unsavory rumors surrounding Nate.

    But as she reflected, she realized that Nate had never wronged her directly. The Crawford family¡¯s involvement in the arranged marriage had been more of a pawn move by her stepmother and Tristan than anything orchestrated by Nate himself.

    Perhaps, like her, he was merely a victim of someone else¡¯s machinations.

    The police officers, having taken stock of the situation, turned to the men sprawled on the ground. ¡°You two again?¡± one officer barked, exasperation clear in his voice. ¡°Attempted assault this time? That¡¯s not a p-on-the-wrist offense.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re looking at some serious time.¡±

    During the statement process, Carrie pieced together the full story.

    The officers exined that the two men were unemployed locals who had recentlye into a windfall from a demolition payout. They¡¯d squandered it on booze and gambling, bing familiar faces at the station for their petty crimes.

    Tonight, it seemed, was just another misstep in their downhill spiral.

    ¡°Looks like they slipped you some kind of knockout drug,¡± one officer said, his tone softening. ¡°You¡¯ll feel off for a bit, but it won¡¯t do anysting harm. We¡¯ll take you to the hospital for an IV, and you should be back to normal by tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Would you like us to notify your family?¡± the officer asked.

    With the immediate danger gone and the police¡¯s presence reassuring, Carrie felt her earlier desperation ebb.

    The fleeting wish for Kristopher to appear had evaporated¡ªafter all, when had he evere through for her in moments like this?

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 Chapter 154

    ?<strong>Chapter 154:</strong>

    As for the film crew, they were colleagues, not friends. Disturbing them over this felt unnecessary.

    ¡°No, that¡¯s alright,¡± Carrie replied softly. ¡°Since it¡¯s not serious, I¡¯ll just grab a cab home after the IV.¡±

    Before she could make her exit, Nate approached again, his voice calm and steady. ¡°Allow me to apany you to the hospital. It¡¯s no trouble.¡±

    Though she appreciated his help, Carrie had no intention of deepening their acquaintance.

    She shook her head. ¡°There¡¯s no need, Mr. Crawford. Thank you for everything tonight.¡±

    Unfazed by her polite rejection, Nate smiled faintly. ¡°My bodyguards got soaked tonight and seem to be catching colds. They¡¯ll need IVs too.¡±

    I may as well stick around. ¡± Nearby, a female officer who had been watching their interaction chimed in cheerfully, ¡°1t¡¯s always better to have someone with you. A friend can make these situations a lot easier.¡± Caught in a corner, Carrie forced a small smile. ¡°Alright then. Thank you, Mr. Crawford.¡±

    In the hospital, Carrie felt as though her body was no longer her own. Her legs trembled with every step, and she barely managed to get into the hospital bed with the support of two police officers. The medication coursing through her veins left her drowsy, but fear kept her wide awake.

    Fumbling with her thoughts, she borrowed a phone from one of the officers. Ruby wasn¡¯t in Foxfire County, and aside from Asher, the only other person she trusted even slightly in the crew was Beverly Estrada, the makeup artist. Beverly was a notorious night owl, often up scrolling through short videos until dawn.

    The phone barely rang once before Beverly¡¯s voice chimed on the other end. ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Beverly, it¡¯s Carrie,¡± she said, her voice barely audible. ¡°Can youe to the hospital? I¡­ I could really use some help.¡±

    Beverly¡¯s tone shifted instantly, worrycing her words. ¡°What happened? Are you okay? Hold on, I¡¯ll call Asher.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Carrie interrupted, panic surging through her. ¡°Please don¡¯t rm everyone. It¡¯s not serious. I just¡­ don¡¯t want to be alone right now.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Beverly said, her voice soft but determined. ¡°Send me the address. I¡¯ll be there as soon as I can.¡±

    Carrie quickly texted the address before returning the phone to the officer. She leaned back, letting the nurse dab her hand with alcohol in preparation for the IV. Her skin was paper-thin, the blue veins beneath almost painfully visible. The nurse was just about to insert the needle when the door opened, and Nate stepped in, holding a in stic bag.

    ¡°I noticed you were in wet clothes,¡± Nate said, his tone kind and unhurried. ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to catch a cold, so I picked up something for you to change into.¡±

    Most shops were closed at this hour, so I hope hospital pajamas will do.¡± His tailored dark blue suit entuated his refined appearance, and every move he made exuded quiet confidence.

    The simple gesture earned Nate admiring nces from the nurses and police officers. They whispered softly among themselves.

    Nate¡¯s lips curved into a subtle, self-assured smile. He was clearly enjoying their reactions, but his attention remained fixed on Carrie.

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 Chapter 155

    ?<strong>Chapter 155:</strong>

    The nurse spoke warmly, ¡°That¡¯s very thoughtful of you. There aren¡¯t many options around here at this hour.¡±

    Carrie forced a weak smile. Refusing would seem ungrateful, so she murmured, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Crawford.¡±

    Nate nodded graciously and turned to the nurse. ¡°Could you help her change?¡±

    But before the nurse could take the bag, the air in the room shifted. A tall figure strode in, his presencemanding and unyielding.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Crawford, for your help today. It¡¯ste, and my wife isn¡¯t feeling well. We¡¯ll repay your kindness another time.¡± Kristopher¡¯s tone was cold and distant. Though polite on the surface, his words carried an unmistakable dismissal.

    Carrie¡¯s breath caught as she looked up at him. His sudden arrival startled her, but a strange sense of relief washed over her.

    He still wore the light-colored jacket from earlier that night, his posture radiating authority. His outfit had little to do with the authority his presencemanded.

    Without needing embellishment or words, Kristopher¡¯s presence filled the room, leaving Nate in his shadow.

    Nate¡¯s confident smile wavered for a moment before he regained hisposure. ¡°Of course,¡± he said smoothly, extending the bag toward Kristopher. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you, then. Please take care of Ms. Campbell.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t move to take the bag, his gaze hard and unyielding. Standing taller than Nate, he looked down at him with subtle but unmistakable disdain.

    This made Nate ufortable, but he maintained a calm demeanor.

    The tension was interrupted by Oliver rushing in, carrying several bags. He nced around, quickly piecing together the scene.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris¡¯s clothes have arrived,¡± Oliver announced, walking over to Kristopher. ¡°The options here are limited, but I¡¯ve brought the best I could find. I hope they¡¯ll suffice,¡± Oliver exined to Carrie in an apologetic tone.

    Oliver presented the clothes¡ªlesser-known luxury brands but impably chosen. His efficiency and attention to detail made Nate¡¯s simple bag of hospital pajamas look pitiful inparison.

    The room grew quiet. Nate¡¯s earlier gesture, once thoughtful, now seemed like a feeble afterthought. His words and actions no longer measured up. The difference in their capabilities and attentiveness was immediately apparent.

    Nate¡¯s smile faltered. He ced the bag on a chair, masking his difort with a casual air. ¡°I¡¯ll check on you tomorrow, Carrie,¡± he said lightly.

    Carrie, however, had made up her mind. Her voice was firm and clear. ¡°No need, Mr. Crawford. I¡¯ll be going home with my husband after the injection.¡±

    The word ¡°husband¡± slipped from Carrie¡¯s lips like the whisper of a spring breeze, delicate and fleeting. Yet to Kristopher, it was like the first ray of sunlight breaking through a storm¡ªwarm and soothing. A rare contentment filled him, smoothing the sharp edges of his normally guarded demeanor.

    He reached for a bag Oliver handed him, settling into the chair by the bed. His lips curled into a soft smile, one that could disarm even the coldest of hearts. ¡°Let me help you change,¡± he said tenderly, his voice low and intimate, the very picture of a devoted husband.

    Carrie twitched her lips in silent derision. If this man ever stepped onto a movie set, he¡¯d sweep the Oscars with performances like these, she thought wryly.

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 Chapter 156

    ?<strong>Chapter 156:</strong>

    Kristopher reached to unbutton her clothes but paused, ncing over his shoulder. ¡°Excuse me, my wife needs to change,¡± he said softly, the words directed at Nate. Yet his gaze, filled with a tenderness Carrie found nearly unbearable, never left her face.

    Nate¡¯s lips curved into a practiced smile, but the glint in his eyes was sharp and unyielding. His tone, honeyed with venom, broke the quiet tension. ¡°Mr. Norris, you truly live up to your reputation. Even when standing at the edge of divorce, you manage to y the doting husband.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s hand moved with deliberate gentleness as he tucked a stray strand of Carrie¡¯s hair behind her ear. ¡°Honey,¡± he murmured, ¡°when did we decide to get divorced?¡±

    Suppressing the storm brewing within, Carrie forced a faint smile and turned to Nate. ¡°Mr. Crawford,¡± she said, her voice even, ¡°don¡¯t let baseless rumors mislead you.¡± Despite herposed words, Carrie¡¯s pallor was undeniable.

    Her hair clung to her damp forehead, and her usually spirited eyes shimmered with a quiet mncholy. Nate¡¯s mind betrayed him, conjuring an image of her vulnerability¡ªher whispered ¡°no,¡± the softness of her trembling lips, her futile resistance. A flush of heat prickled beneath his cor, and he tugged at it ufortably.

    ¡°Ah, so they¡¯re just rumors,¡± he said, his tone measured. ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave then.¡± His gaze lingered on Carrie, carrying a weight of unspoken desire. He had been too impulsive before, his eagerness driving her into Kristopher¡¯s arms. But two years had only stoked his obsession, sharpening his hunger to possess her. This time, he could wait.

    Without another word, he turned and walked away, his steps decisive, leaving the room heavy with his unspoken intentions.

    The moment Nate disappeared through the door, the forced warmth in Carrie¡¯s expression vanished, reced by icy detachment. Kristopher misinterpreted the change, his concern immediately shifting to the red mark on her face. His eyes darkened, the tenderness now reced with a simmering anger. Her skin, so delicate, bore the evidence of violence that should have never touched her.

    When he first heard what had happened, he had ordered a thorough investigation, unearthing every misdeed those two thugs had evermitted. He made sure they wouldn¡¯t see freedom for at least a decade. But even that couldn¡¯t extinguish the fire of his rage. The thought of those menying their filthy hands on her filled him with an unrelenting fury.

    His frustration spilled over as he shoved a set of clean clothes into her arms. ¡°You¡¯re not a child, Carrie,¡± he scolded, his voice sharp. ¡°Yet you act like one, running off recklessly the moment you get upset. If something had happened¡­¡± He stopped, his words trailing off into an unspoken abyss of fear and anger.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. Tears brimmed, though she fought to keep them from falling.

    When she had been at her most vulnerable, staring into the abyss of something unspeakable, Kristopher hadn¡¯t been there. Yet now, when the danger had passed, he returned, not tofort her but to reprimand. The weight of his words crushed something inside her. She wanted to cry, to scream, but exhaustion¡ªboth of her body and her heart¡ªsapped her strength.

    Turning her face away, her voice was low and cold. ¡°If something had happened, I would have just died.¡± The words hung in the air, a stark deration of her profound loneliness.

    The room¡¯s atmosphere turned cial. Nearby police and nurses exchanged bewildered nces, unable to reconcile the couple¡¯s previous facade of affection with their current hostility.

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 Chapter 157

    ?<strong>Chapter 157:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie?¡± Beverly¡¯s voice wavered with concern, but as her gaze settled on Kristopher sitting intimately beside Carrie, her worry was overtaken by shock. Whatever words she had intended to say were swallowed by the awkward tension in the room.

    ¡°Perhaps you should take a short rest. We might need your further inputter on for additional details.¡± The officer, spotting an approaching figure, quickly imparted this advice to Carrie with a note of urgency before stepping away briskly.

    The nurse, poking her head back through the doorway, mentioned in a clipped tone, ¡°I¡¯ll return to administer your injection once you get changed.¡± With a swift nod, she disappeared down the hallway.

    Now, the hospital room felt more intimate with only Carrie, Kristopher, Oliver, and Beverly remaining.

    Stumbling over her words, Beverly managed a tense chuckle as she addressed Kristopher. ¡°M-Mr. Norris, fancy seeing you here. What a surprise.¡±

    Kristopher coldly dismissed her attempt at conversation with a mere flick of his eyes, his focus elsewhere.

    Beverly, however, hardly seemed to notice as her eyes danced with unspoken stories, flitting from Carrie to Kristopher with a mischievous glint. Clutching her clothes close, Carrie turned towards Beverly, her voice gentle but firm. ¡°Beverly, mind helping me get changed?¡±

    She then directed a pointed look at Kristopher, adding, ¡°Mr. Norris, would you mind stepping out? It¡¯s a bit awkward to change with you here.¡±

    Thinking back to how he had just dealt with Nate, Kristopher felt his annoyance intensify. With exhaustion etched into his features, he thought back to the lengths he had gone to, pulling strings and searching tirelessly through the night to find her. Not even a whisper of thanks escaped her lips before she coldly demanded that he leave.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where imagination thrives

    His lips twisted into a wry, mocking smile as he responded, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it all before.¡±

    ¡°Really, what¡¯s the issue?¡± The revtion erupted like an explosive shockwave, instantly unsettling Beverly.

    Beverly¡¯s eyes red with surprise, her breath caught by the scandalous discovery. It emerged that Carrie had cunningly usurped Lise¡¯s wealthy patron! This exined the deep-seated enmity between Lise and Carrie; they were entangled in a fierce romantic rivalry!

    Carrie faced him, her expression unreadable as stone. ¡°If my disgrace provides you with entertainment, Mr. Norris, I invite you to revel in it.¡±

    Her response painted her as nothing more than an object for amusement.

    Kristopher let out a derisive scoff and rose abruptly. ¡°Your words fail to offend me; instead, they reveal you as trivial and sorelycking in self-worth.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind lingered on the cruel words of those thugs, using her of indiscretions and roaming the streetste at night alone. Their usations smacked of victim-ming. Now, the man she once cherished was mirroring the harsh judgments of those who had threatened her safety.

    Carrie¡¯s smile was tinged with irony. ¡°No need to waste your worry on me, Mr. Norris. After all, Lise is the one who can do no wrong in your heart.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face hardened as he strode determinedly towards the door.

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 Chapter 158

    ?<strong>Chapter 158:</strong>

    ¡°Mrs¡­.¡± After a brief nce at Beverly, Oliver chose his words carefully, skipping over ¡°Mrs. Norris¡± entirely. Facing Carrie, he exined, ¡°Mr. Norris didn¡¯t mean toe across that way. He spent the entire night searching for you and specifically directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation. His concern for you might have sharpened his words¡­¡±

    Kristopher had barely left the room when his voice, brimming with dissatisfaction, echoed from the doorway. ¡°Oliver, if you¡¯re nning to stay in the hospital, don¡¯t bother returning.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Norris has a hard time putting his feelings into words. Don¡¯t focus on what he says¡ªpay attention to his actions,¡± Oliver chimed in quickly, setting down another bag. He darted off, rushing to catch up with Kristopher.

    Carrie, reclining against her pillow, didn¡¯t take Oliver¡¯s words seriously. As Kristopher¡¯s closest ally, Oliver was always inclined to present him in a favorable light. Even though they were still technically married, and Kristopher was only doing what was expected of him, Carrie found herself detached and unswayed by these gestures.

    Beverly approached to assist Carrie with changing her clothes. As she did, Carrie opened up about the night¡¯s turmoil. ¡°I had no one else to turn to here, so I had to burden you. It¡¯s a rather undignified situation, so I¡¯d appreciate it if you kept this confidential.¡±

    Beverly nodded enthusiastically, her three fingers raised beside her cheek as a pledge. ¡°I swear on my life, not a word about today will pass my lips!¡±

    After her vow, she paused, her gaze lingering on Carrie, filled with curiosity. Carrie offered a subdued smile and said, ¡°If you¡¯re curious about anything, feel free to ask.¡±

    Beverly edged closer and murmured softly, ¡°Are you and Mr. Norris romantically involved?¡±

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, your fiction escape

    Carrie paused for a moment before replying, ¡°No, it¡¯s quiteplicated with us, but I expect it will all be resolved soon.¡±

    Observing Carrie¡¯s earlier aloof interactions with Kristopher, Beverly hastily concluded that he had sought to keep Carrie on the side, a proposition Carrie had evidently rebuffed. Beverly¡¯s admiration for Carrie deepened significantly at this thought.

    She nodded earnestly, her voice firm yet gentle. ¡°I understand. Don¡¯t worry, your secret¡¯s safe with me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression turned pensive, a slight crease forming between her brows.

    She considered rifying the misunderstanding but was interrupted when the nurse reappeared. Overwhelmed and drained, Carrie resigned herself to the nurse¡¯s care, allowing the IV to be administered. Soon, she sumbed to a troubled sleep.

    Her dreams were tumultuous, clouded with the shadows of recent ordeals. She saw the stoic visage of Kristopher¡¯s cold look and Lise¡¯s smug smirk.

    When Carrie awoke, the IV had already been removed, and she found Beverly sleeping soundly in the adjacent bed. The stark, barren room amplified the coldness enveloping her, and a profound sadness washed over Carrie, leaving her feeling more isted than ever.

    The next day, Carrie finally stirred from her restless sleep at noon. After returning from the hospital, she had texted the director to request a leave of absence and then copsed onto her bed, cocooned in nkets.

    The knock on her door pulled her from her slumber, sharp and insistent. She groaned softly, pressing a hand to her temple as she blinked at her phone. Noon already.

    ¡°Carrie? Are you there?¡± Asher¡¯s familiar voice carried through the door, tinged with concern. ¡°I brought you lunch. Pumpkin millet porridge and chicken soup¡ªfree-range chicken, naturally tasty, no seasoning. It¡¯s good for your recovery.¡±

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 Chapter 159

    ?<strong>Chapter 159:</strong>

    Earlier that morning, he¡¯d arrived on set to find out she was ill. Unable to focus, he had fumbled through takes he would usually perfect in one shot. By lunchtime, he hadn¡¯t eaten himself but had rushed to pack something light and nourishing for her.

    She stretched, intending to open the door, but a nce in the mirror stopped her cold. Her face¡ªonce delicately sculpted¡ªwas swollen, the faint imprint of a p still visible. It felt like an emblem of humiliation, and the thought of Asher seeing her this way made her chest tighten.

    Her fingers hovered over the nket before she retreated, pulling it back over herself. Instead, she sent him a quick message: ¡°I¡¯m fine, just weak and not up for seeing anyone. You should head back.¡±

    Outside, Asher frowned at the reply. The curt tone only made him worry more.

    He stared at the door, debating whether to insist, when a voice broke his concentration.

    He turned to see Beverly at the top of the stairs, her cheeks flushed from the climb. She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, her jacket sleeves haphazardly rolled up, and walked over to him.

    ¡°You¡¯re just in time!¡± he eximed, relief softening his features. ¡°I brought lunch for Carrie, but she says she¡¯s too weak to get up. Can you take it in for me?¡±

    Beverly hesitated, a faint blush rising on her cheeks before she nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±

    Asher handed her the bag with a grateful smile before heading back to his room, his mood visibly lighter.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s has your next chapter

    Beverly steadied herself and knocked softly. ¡°Carrie, it¡¯s Beverly.¡±

    Before the door could open, Oliver appeared from the opposite direction, carrying several bags.

    Beverly greeted him with a smile. ¡°You¡¯re Mr. Norris¡¯s assistant, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s correct. Oliver Brooks,¡± he replied, nodding politely.

    ¡°I¡¯m Beverly Estrada.¡± She smiled awkwardly, recalling the whispers from the night before.

    Carrie opened the door just as the two exchanged introductions. Her eyes flicked between them, taking in the scene.

    Oliver, who had been Kristopher¡¯s assistant for years, was like a shadow¡ªbarely noticeable. Now, under closer scrutiny, he appeared to be a schrly, handsome man with clear features.

    Beverly, on the other hand, had a strikingly bold appearance, her long hair tied neatly in a high ponytail, and sparkling eyes.

    Beverly¡¯s sharp, expressive features shed with Oliver¡¯sposed, schrly aura.

    Beverly held up the lunch bag Asher had given her, shaking it lightly. ¡°Asher sent this for you.¡±

    ¡°This is from Mr. Norris, along with some ointment.¡± Oliver stepped forward, presenting his own bag.

    Before Carrie could respond, he added with practiced precision, ¡°The ointment was shipped overnight to reduce swelling quickly. Mr. Norris is concerned about your on-camera appearance. He cares deeply about your career.¡±

    Oliver felt a twinge of guilt as he remembered Kristopher¡¯s instructions to simply deliver the package without borating.

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 Chapter 160

    ?<strong>Chapter 160:</strong>

    Carrie hesitated before epting the bag, muttering a soft ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Oliver seemed relieved, nodding in approval, and offering a few words offort before he turned to leave.

    ¡°What do you think of Oliver?¡± Carrie asked casually, eyeing Beverly with curiosity.

    ¡°He seems nice enough,¡± Beverly replied with a shrug.

    ¡°Just nice?¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow but let it go, her attention shifting to the food Oliver had brought.

    Beverly, however, seemed more interested in inspecting the contents. The ceramic jar holding the soup was elegant and sturdy, exuding a quiet luxury.

    ¡°This definitely isn¡¯t from the local restaurant!¡± Beverly eximed, her face lighting up. ¡°Carrie, Mr. Norris is really nice to you. A wealthy, handsome CEO doting on you? That¡¯s the dream.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curled into a faint, wry smile. ¡°These things are easy for someone with money. For people like him, it¡¯s the simplest gesture.¡±

    Beverly paused, considering her words. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°Still, I heard he once carried Lise to the hospital and stayed by her side the whole time when she was sick. Even with everything he did for her, though, he couldn¡¯t avoid being¡­ well, a man.¡±

    She had intended to generalize, but as a certain face shed in her mind, her words faltered.

    Looking at Carrie with a sudden burst of admiration, Beverly added, ¡°You¡¯re so sensible. No wonder Asher respects you so much.¡±

    Carrie forced a smile, shifting the subject. ¡°Have you eaten? There¡¯s too much food for me alone. Join me?¡±

    Was she truly sensible? If she were, she wouldn¡¯t have let herself stay in such a precarious, humiliating position. If she were, she wouldn¡¯t have hesitated when their one-year agreement ended.

    After lunch, Beverly headed off to work, leaving Carrie alone in the quiet room. Luckily, the knockout drug she had been subjected to was mild, leaving nosting effects. A mix of hydration, rest, and a hearty meal had her back to her usual self in no time.

    After a refreshing shower, she slipped into a clean, modest long-sleeved nightgown. Settling against the headboard, she retrieved the script for Agarwood and began rehearsing her lines with quiet determination. Seeing the story she had penned through an actress¡¯s lens brought fresh revtions, as though she were peeling back theyers of her own work to uncover hidden truths.

    Time, as it often does when one is immersed in creativity, flew by. Before she realized it, the sun had bowed out for the day, ceding the stage to the deep hues of twilight. The pitter-patter of heavy rain began outside, shrouding the room in a cocoon of solitude, making it feel like an isted ind adrift in a stormy sea.

    Her musings were interrupted by a knock at the door. Assuming it was Beverly or perhaps Asher bringing dinner, she padded to the door with the script still in hand, her thoughts elsewhere. But when she opened it, she was met with an entirely unexpected sight.

    Kristopher stood there, rain-soaked and brooding. Her brow furrowed as she lowered the script, blurting out, ¡°Why is it you?¡±

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 Chapter 161

    ?<strong>Chapter 161:</strong>

    Kristopher, d in nothing but a damp white shirt that clung to him like a second skin, revealing the sculpted contours of his muscles, raised a sharp brow. His voice carried an edge of annoyance. ¡°Who were you expecting?¡±

    Before the tension could escte, Oliver stepped forward, filling the doorway like an unwee referee. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris was struck by a falling branch and needed ointment for his injuries.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze flicked to the traces of mud smeared on Kristopher¡¯s shoulder, her lips pressing into a thin line. Without a word, she turned and went to retrieve the ointment, her movements clipped and purposeful. Kristopher followed her inside uninvited.

    Her steps faltered briefly as she nced back at him. Since he was already inside, there was little point in protesting further. She just wanted him patched up and gone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll fetch the report from Mr. Gray,¡± Oliver announced from the doorway. Kristopher acknowledged him with a slight nod. Turning to Carrie, Oliver added, ¡°Mrs. Norris, please attend to Mr. Norris,¡± before closing the door, leaving no room for her objection.

    Kristopher settled on the bed¡¯s edge, his posture radiating an entitled expectation of service. His legs sprawled casually, suggesting he felt entirely at home in her space. Carrie refused to indulge his presumption.

    With deliberate precision, she tossed the ointment toward him. ¡°You can reach your shoulder yourself,¡± she said curtly. Pulling up a chair, she positioned herself at a calcted distance, resuming her script review. She pretended he didn¡¯t exist, her gaze fixed resolutely on the pages before her.

    A flicker of dissatisfaction crossed Kristopher¡¯s prating eyes. His stern gaze remained locked on her as he slowly, methodically began unbuttoning his shirt ¡ª each movement calcted, each button a quiet statement of intent. Removing the shirt, he applied the ointment independently, his expression a canvas of barely concealed frustration.

    Peripherally, Carrie noticed his exposed shoulders and the lean muscture of his waist and arms. She quickly averted her gaze, privately chastising herself. There were countless attractive men in the world, she reminded herself.

    Allowing herself to be captivated by her soon-to-be ex-husband would be pathetically weak. Whether triggered by the relentless rain or Kristopher¡¯s presence, an underlying irritation gnawed at her. She had left Bayview Vi intending to disentangle herself swiftly fromplicated rtionships, yet here she was, seemingly trapped in another intricate emotional web.

    ¡°I can¡¯t reach my back,¡± Kristopher announced abruptly, jolting Carrie from her thoughts. His cold expression challenged her, daring her to respond.

    Her gaze shifted, noting the injury extending from his shoulder down his back. Mixed with mud and previous ointment applications, the wound looked potentially problematic.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t clean it first?¡± she criticized. ¡°With mud embedded like that, you¡¯re risking infection rather than healing.¡±

    He opened his mouth, likely to argue, but her brisk movements silenced him. She was already fetching water from the dispenser, her irritation apparent at every step. The room fell silent, save for the rain outside.

    Carrie knelt by the bed, her hands moving deftly as she dabbed at his shoulder with gauze soaked in clean water. Her touch was light, almost clinical, yet it left a faint warmth trailing in its wake.

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 Chapter 162

    ?<strong>Chapter 162:</strong>

    Kristopher turned his gaze away, fixing it instead on her leg resting against the bed. From this vantage point, the scars she once bore were barely visible. A flicker of relief passed through him, prompting him toment, ¡°The scars are hardly noticeable now.¡±

    She didn¡¯t respond, her focus unwavering as she applied the ointment with precision. Finally, she stood, handing the tube back to him like a dismissal. ¡°It¡¯s done. Take this and have Oliver help you next time.¡±

    Before she could retreat, Kristopher¡¯s hand shot out, pulling her into his arms with a swiftness that left her breathless.

    His voice, low and maic, sent shivers down her spine. ¡°Why are you so desperate to push me away?¡±

    Carrie found herself unexpectedly enveloped in Kristopher¡¯s arms, her cold cheek pressed against his broad, rain-dampened chest. The sudden warmth of his body sent a momentary surge of panic through her. She tilted her head upward, locking eyes with him. His gaze, sharp and unyielding, pierced through her like a de searching for weakness. That look¡ªshe had always dreaded it. It was a mirror reflecting her vulnerability, a look that used to dissolve her resolve and draw out yful coaxing words she didn¡¯t know she possessed. But not anymore.

    Love, once the anchor to her fear of upsetting him, had long since eroded. Now, only a brittle defiance remained.

    Her voice, now ice-cold, cut through the silence. ¡°Mr. Norris, your memory must be ying tricks on you. I¡¯ve told you plenty of times¡ªI have no interest in entangling myself with my almost ex-husband.¡±

    She squirmed in his arms, trying to break free, but his grip tightened as if she were sand slipping through his fingers. The scent of rain-soaked wood and a faint herbal aroma clung to him, stirring a pang of something she quickly suppressed. Her annoyance red as she realized how easily his presence unsettled her.

    Kristopher¡¯s hand steadied her shoulder and thigh, holding her in ce as he spoke, his tone calm yet unyielding. ¡°Divorce isn¡¯t a breakup, Carrie. As long as I don¡¯t agree, it¡¯s not happening.¡±

    She stilled, ring at him. ¡°Is this a game to you? Some twisted way of passing time?¡±

    Instead of answering, his eyes drifted around her room, taking in the scattered scripts and manuscripts that cluttered the space.

    A faint scoff escaped his lips. ¡°So, this is what you¡¯ve reduced yourself to? Burning the candle at both ends, treating yourself like some machine. Do you really think slogging away like this is what sess looks like?¡±

    Her jaw tightened. ¡°It¡¯s none of your business.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s my business, all right,¡± Kristopher retorted, his voiceced with irritation. ¡°That shady club incident, the chaos outside the bar the other night¡­ Since you left, every mess you¡¯vended in has needed my intervention. Grow up, Carrie. Life isn¡¯t a game of empty bravado.¡±

    His words sliced through her like shards of ice, and for a moment, she froze. Then, like a dam bursting, her anger spilled out. Her eyes burned as she turned on him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare bring upst night!¡± she snapped, her voice trembling with fury. ¡°Do you have any idea how terrified I was? They drugged me, and dragged me into that car like I was nothing! I fought to hit them with a beer bottle, fought to defend myself, and still, I couldn¡¯t escape!¡±

    Her voice broke, tears threatening to spill over. ¡°And where were you?¡± she demanded. ¡°The irony is, the person who saved me wasn¡¯t you, it was Nate. Do you know how humiliating that is? I married you to escape him, and now it¡¯s like the universe is mocking me. Maybe I should have just gone through with it and married him instead!¡±

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 Chapter 163

    ?<strong>Chapter 163:</strong>

    Her raw vulnerability hung in the air between them.

    Kristopher observed her, truly seeing her perhaps for the first time. Something within his carefully constructed emotional fortress began to shift. He, who had always remained detached, who struggled to empathize with emotional disys, felt something unfamiliar stirring.

    Slowly, he loosened his grip. His hand awkwardly patted her shoulder, reminiscent of how one mightfort a child. ¡°Continue with your acting, your scripts. I won¡¯t interfere.¡±

    Carrie seized her moment of freedom, stepping back decisively. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be Mrs. Norris. I just want to be myself.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes as he watched her. For a man who thrived on control, Carrie was the one thing he couldn¡¯t seem to manage. Negotiations with ruthless business titans felt like child¡¯s ypared to this.

    He had contemted divorce before. As Kristopher Norris, the world offered him countless potential partners. Marriage, for Kristopher, transcended mere emotional impulses. It represented a profound responsibility¡ªamitment he had sworn to honor, unlike his father¡¯s reckless approach to familial bonds. The pain his sister had endured due to their father¡¯s irresponsibility had etched a permanent resolve within him.

    Regaining hisposure, he stood and methodically dressed, pulling his shirt back on before moving toward the door.

    ¡°Wait.¡± Carrie¡¯s voice interrupted his departure.

    She approached, extending the ointment towards him. ¡°You can have Oliver apply thister.¡± Her tone carried an unspoken dismissal¡ªa clear message to stay away.

    Kristopher epted the ointment in silence, his expression darkening. He left without uttering a word.

    As Carrie moved to close the door, a fleeting shadow caught her peripheral vision. She stepped into the hallway, scanning the corridor, but found only emptiness. The shadow had passed by the rooms of Asher, the director, and two other minor actors. Perhaps someone was simply taking a moment to breathe, she thought.

    The incident barely registered as significant. She closed the door, returning to the quiet sanctuary of her room.

    The dawn broke clear the following day, casting a warm, golden hue across the sky. Carrie rose early, slipped into her outfit, and set off to join the film crew. Her long hair flowed freely down her back,plementing her long-sleeved dress. The soft morning light wrapped around her, casting her in a serene glow.

    Descending the ornate staircase, Carrie¡¯s gaze fell upon Oliver. He paced near the entrance, his eyes darting to his watch with a mix of impatience and concern. Seeing Carrie, his face lit up with relief, and he hastened over, a small, neatly wrapped package in his hands.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he began breathlessly, offering her the package. ¡°Mr. Norris has sent along some new ointment for you. And there¡¯s also a breakfast, freshly prepared, to start your day.¡±

    Carrie paused, letting the package hover in the air between them. ¡°Oliver, I¡¯d prefer it if you didn¡¯t call me Mrs. Norris anymore.¡± Her voice was firm yet gentle.

    Oliver, speaking swiftly, exined, ¡°Mrs. Norris, there¡¯s no need for concern¡ªI saw the crew members at the gate with my own eyes; nobody¡¯s around to overhear.¡±

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 Chapter 164

    ?<strong>Chapter 164:</strong>

    ¡°It¡¯s not about being overheard,¡± Carrie interrupted, her voice lowering further, a serious glint in her eyes. She brushed a rebellious curl from her face and continued softly, ¡°I¡¯ve already presented Kristopher with the divorce papers. I must insist, the title doesn¡¯t fit me any longer.¡±

    There was a moment of silence as Oliver processed her words, then raised the package again and remarked, ¡°Ms. Campbell, I apologize. Mr. Norris remains concerned about your well-being, though. He¡¯s even included some specialty desserts in there, thinking you might enjoy them during your breaks today.¡±

    Not wanting to trouble Oliver, Carrie epted the package with a small nod and asked nonchntly, ¡°So, where¡¯s Kristopher?¡±

    Oliver responded promptly, ¡°We¡¯re set to head back today.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Norris was up at dawn to visit the church in the town.¡±

    Every visit to Foxfire County found Kristopher at the church, always alone. Despite his skepticism andck of faith in anything beyond his own ability to shape his destiny, his church visits were never about worship or seeking divine favor.

    Carrie remembered a past discussion they¡¯d had over barbecue at a night fair; it had been over a decade since Kristopher¡¯s first trip to Foxfire County. She ventured cautiously, ¡°Has Kristopher ever brought Li¡­ or someone else here before?¡± Mid-sentence, she hesitated, catching herself before fully saying Lise¡¯s name.

    Although Carrie rephrased her inquiry, Oliver caught the drift and answered straightforwardly, ¡°No, Mr. Norris has never visited Foxfire County with Ms. Nash.¡±

    To reinforce his point, as though doubting Carrie¡¯s readiness to ept his word, Oliver added, ¡°Ms. Nash prefers the energy of big cities.¡±

    He implied that Lise was not fond of the tranquil, pastoral settings like Foxfire County. Considering it wasn¡¯t with Lise, Kristopher was likely just a boy on his earlier visits, probably apanied by friends or family.

    ¡°Thanks. I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡± Carrie said, clearly not intending to dwell on the subject any longer.

    Oliver remarked, ¡°Mr. Norris has been quite thorough with your case. The two men in custody are being denied bail and face at least ten years behind bars, so there¡¯s no need for concern on your end.¡±

    ¡°Would you mind expressing my thanks to your boss?¡± Carrie requested, leaving her message before hastening toward the gate.

    Watching her depart, Oliver paused in contemtion before texting, ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ve delivered the items to Mrs. Norris. She seems quite worried about you and was curious about your whereabouts.¡±

    She deeply appreciates your efforts.¡±

    Kristopher, notorious for hisck of interest in messages, broke his usual pattern by responding almost immediately with a curt ¡°Got it.¡±

    Oliver let out a relieved exhale, inwardly reflecting on the power of carefully chosen words.

    By the roadside at the inn entrance, the crew¡¯s car waited. Spotting them, Carrie quickened her pace, apologizing, ¡°Sorry for the dy!¡±

    As Carrie climbed into the car, an unexpected shiver raced down her spine, like a whisper of unseen eyes watching her from the shadows. She snapped her head around, her heart thumping loudly in the quiet, but the roady abandoned, devoid of any life.

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 Chapter 165

    ?<strong>Chapter 165:</strong>

    Doubt nagged at her as she scanned the area again. Only a solitary surveince camera loomed at the alley¡¯s entrance, its lens a silent guardian over the snaking, shadow-fillednes that offered perfect hiding spots.

    ¡°What¡¯s troubling you? You seem off today. Why not take a day off? I don¡¯t mind pulling a double shift tonight to ensure we stay on schedule.¡± Asher proposed, his voiceced with worry as he caught sight of her paleplexion.

    Carrie perched tensely beside him, her voice barely above a breath. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. I just had this unsettling feeling of being observed.¡±

    Leaning forward, Asher peered out into the fading light and remarked, ¡°I see no one. Perhaps it was merely the gaze of a curious viger.¡±

    Reassured, he settled back, gently squeezing her shoulder. ¡°Rx. We¡¯re under the government¡¯s roof here. Neither obsessive fans nor relentless paparazzi would dare disrupt our peace.¡±

    Carrie hummed a soft acknowledgment, her mind racing. If Oliver had confirmed that those notorious men were securely detained without bail, who could be lingering? Could it be Nate? His image briefly haunted her thoughts, yet she dismissed it as quickly as it came.

    After all, her filming schedule was no secret; Nate had every opportunity to visit openly, without resorting to these shadowy tactics. Despite her reasoning, a persistent unease clung to her, unsettling her further.

    Carrie spent a tense week waiting for the filming in Foxfire County to conclude. Only when the project wrapped up did she feel a sense of relief. Time moved swiftly, and soon, the day of Mny¡¯s birthday banquet arrived. Unlike previous years, the celebration wasn¡¯t hosted at avish hotel. Instead, it took ce at the Norris Mansion under the guise of simplicity, though the true intent was clear: to create opportunities for Kristopher and Carrie to grow closer.

    As the family¡¯s daughter-inw, Billie took charge of the arrangements. She personally managed every detail, from venue decorations to guest lists, program schedules, and catering. The effort required was monumental, but Billie embraced it with enthusiasm. For her, this was more than just a family celebration; it was an opportunity to showcase her abilities, solidify her standing among the Norris family elders, and establish her reputation within elite circles.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s has stories worth exploring

    By evening, guests began arriving. Billie greeted them warmly, directing early arrivals to the garden, where she served them tea as they mingled amidst the breathtaking floral disy. Hundreds of pots of exotic and rare orchids, specially imported for the asion, adorned thewn. While thepliments for her efforts flowed freely, Mny pulled Billie aside with a concerned look.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Kristopher?¡±

    Billie, basking in the praise, waved off the question lightly. ¡°He¡¯s probably at the office. Don¡¯t worry; he¡¯ll be here in time for your birthday.¡±

    Mny¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Why is he still at the office? I told him days ago to bring Carrie along.¡±

    Billie stiffened, her earlier pride giving way to irritation. Despite her hard work, Mny¡¯s first concern was Carrie.

    Annoyed, Billie replied, ¡°They¡¯re signing a major contract with a Europeanpany today. Isn¡¯t a hundred-million-dor project more important than Carrie?¡± Since thest family gathering, Billie had been waiting for the right moment to discuss Carrie¡¯s divorce from Kristopher. To her, Carrie was a constant thorn in her side¡ªa poor fit for the Norris family¡ªand she longed to see her reced with someone ¡°more suitable.¡±

    Mny, unwilling to argue further, sighed and waved dismissively. ¡°Fine. You continue hosting the guests. I¡¯ll call Kristopher myself.¡±

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 Chapter 166

    ?<strong>Chapter 166:</strong>

    At the design center, Carrie walked briskly down the hallway, Oliver trailing behind. ¡°Mr. Norris will join you once the contract is signed,¡± Oliver exined. ¡°For now, you should begin preparing.¡± Carrie nodded silently, her thoughts elsewhere. Deep down, she hoped Kristopher wouldn¡¯t show up at all.

    The director greeted her warmly as she arrived. ¡°Mrs. Norris, today¡¯s dress was specially designed for you by Mr. Norris. Hemissioned it a month ago, and it was just flown in from Paris. It¡¯s made from vintagece, adorned with Akoya baby pearls, all hand-sewn.¡±

    As they approached the main hall, Carrie spotted the dress hanging at the center. Its elegance was breathtaking¡ªan embodiment of luxury and grace.

    Before she could say anything, a voice rang out from the fitting room. ¡°That dress looks amazing! Why wasn¡¯t it brought out sooner? Let me try it on!¡± Emerging from the fitting room was Lise, looking as poised andmanding as ever.

    What a small world. It was a surprise for Carrie to see Lise there. Carrie raised an eyebrow and smirked faintly. ¡°Is Kristopher nning to take both of us to celebrate Mny¡¯s birthday?¡±

    Oliver paled instantly, breaking into a cold sweat. He stammered, ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯ve misunderstood! Mr Norris would never invite Ms. Nash to the banquet. This must be a coincidence!¡±

    The director quickly chimed in, ¡°Indeed, a coincidence. Ms. Nash is attending an award ceremony tonight. This dress wasn¡¯t intended for her.¡±

    Kristopher was a regr client, often spending exorbitant amounts at the store. He frequently brought friends along, which sometimes led to awkward situations like this one.

    Sensing the tension, the director made a swift decision. ¡°Mrs. Norris, this was our oversight. I¡¯ll handle it immediately.¡±

    He turned to Lise, his tone professional yet firm. ¡°Ms. Nash, this dress has already been reserved. Also, we¡¯ve heard that many guests at tonight¡¯s ceremony will be wearing white. To ensure you stand out, may I suggest a stunning red dress we just received? It¡¯s from the same designer and equally exquisite.¡±

    The stylist quickly brought out the red gown, its vibrant color and intricate design catching everyone¡¯s eye. Lise examined it briefly before shifting her gaze to Carrie. Her eyes gleamed with mischief as she asked the director, ¡°Is she the one who reserved the dress?¡±

    The director felt a storm brewing in his head as he hesitated, finally forcing the words out. ¡°It¡¯s for Mrs. Nor¡ªMs. Campbell.¡± He caught Lise¡¯s fleeting expression, one eyebrow arched like a silent question mark, and swallowed the name ¡°Mrs. Norris¡± before it could escape fully. Correcting himself wasn¡¯t just polite¡ªit was survival.

    As members of Kristopher¡¯s styling team, they had inevitably absorbed the surrounding gossip. Lise, ever the picture of audacious poise, pointed a manicured finger at the center gown. ¡°I want this one,¡± she dered, her words sharp as freshly honed scissors.

    Tilting her chin just so, her gaze slid toward Carrie, her eyes sparkling with a silent dare: What can you possibly do about it?

    The director broke into a nervous sweat. ¡°This gown¡ªum, it was tailored to Ms. Campbell¡¯s measurements,¡± he exined, his voice wobbling like a tightrope walker in a gust. ¡°The length is an issue. With only a few hours left, adjusting it would be next to impossible. It might¡­ hinder your movements on stage.¡±

    Unfazed, Lise gave a nonchnt shrug, her reply smooth as ss. ¡°Then find me a pair of higher heels.¡±

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 Chapter 167

    ?<strong>Chapter 167:</strong>

    ¡°Well¡­¡± The director floundered, his gaze flitting to Carrie like a drowning man reaching for a lifeboat.

    Lise¡¯s lips curled into a sly grin. ¡°Why don¡¯t we call Kristopher over? Since he¡¯s footing the bill, let¡¯s ask him who he¡¯d rather gift the dress to¡ªme or her.¡±

    The tension in the room grew as thick as fog.

    Finally, Carrie¡¯s soft voice broke through. ¡°If she likes it, let her have it. I¡¯ll choose something else.¡±

    Relief washed over the director¡¯s face as though he¡¯d been pardoned from a death sentence. ¡°Thank you,¡± he blurted, shing Carrie a grateful smile before signaling to an assistant. ¡°Quick, package this gown for Ms. Nash.¡±

    Lise shot Carrie a long, triumphant look, her satisfaction radiating like a rooster crowing at dawn.

    Even Oliver couldn¡¯t help feeling indignant on Carrie¡¯s behalf.

    He turned to her, his voice low with concern. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡ª¡± But when he looked, Carrie had already drifted away. He found her on the other side of the room, meticulously browsing through the disy of gowns, as serene as ake untouched by stormy winds. For a moment, Oliver didn¡¯t know whether to feel relieved or worried. It seemed she no longer cared about Mr. Norris at all.

    Carrie eventually selected two dresses: a green, modernized Victorian-style gown and a sleek silver piece adorned with delicate pearls. With Lise departed to her VIP room and only the director and Oliver remaining, Carrie held up her selections. ¡°Which do you think suits me better?¡±

    ¡°The one on the left,¡± they responded simultaneously, indicating the silver gown. The director borated, ¡°This one exudes elegance and grandeur, perfectly suited for Mrs. Mny Norris¡¯s birthday banquet.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s slight frown suggested disagreement. She recognized the older generation¡¯s traditional preferences, but liking both options, she found the choice inconsequential. ¡°Alright,¡± she nodded, handing the silver gown to the director.

    Two hourster, Carrie stepped out, transformed. The silver gown hugged her figure with the precision of a sculptor¡¯s masterpiece. Her natural beauty, highlighted by subtle makeup, made her cheeks bloom like spring flowers. Loose curls framed her face, lending a soft elegance that contrasted with her usual icyposure. The pearls on her gown shimmered faintly with every move as if catching whispers of light.

    Lise emerged around the same time, but theparison wasn¡¯t kind. Despite towering heels, her gown still dragged awkwardly, the fabric pooling around her like spilled ink. The strapless design betrayed her less-than-ample figure, while heavy makeup tried¡ªand failed¡ªto mask her inness. Her gaze flitted across the room, catching the subtle shift in reactions, each one a dagger of truth.

    The makeup artist tried to salvage the moment, his voice overly enthusiastic. ¡°This gown is worth over a million! Ms. Nash will surely be the star of tonight¡¯s ceremony.¡± Lise¡¯s lips quirked upward in a feigned smile. ¡°Indeed,¡± she said lightly, brushing off the tension. ¡°It¡¯s not quite my style, though.¡±

    Her gazended on Carrie, her smile sharpening into something more predatory. ¡°But when I want something, it¡¯s mine. Wouldn¡¯t you agree, Ms. Campbell?¡±

    ¡°At least the title of Mrs. Norris was never yours before, isn¡¯t yours now, and if I don¡¯t let go, it won¡¯t be yours in the future either.¡± Carrie turned back to face Lise, a faint smile curving her lips. The soft glow of the chandelier above cast a radiant sheen in her eyes, making her look both stunning andposed. Her voice wasn¡¯t loud, but the wordsnded with undeniable force, easily audible to everyone in the room.

    Just moments ago, she had silently allowed Lise to take the dress, letting everyone believe she was an easy target. But now, she spoke with such certainty that her words cut through the tension like a knife. They were grounded in confidence, in a quiet but unshakable moral high ground, unlike Lise¡¯s hollow words.

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 Chapter 168

    ?<strong>Chapter 168:</strong>

    Several of the younger women in the room exchanged nces, some of them on the verge of apuding, though they hesitated due to Lise¡¯s presence. Oliver, who had watched Carrie confront Kristopher time and again, remained rtively unflustered. But even he couldn¡¯t help but admire how easily Carrie had regained control of the situation.

    Lise¡¯s smile faltered, her grip tightening on the dress. She was momentarily thrown off by Carrie¡¯s sharp response, a reaction she wasn¡¯t ustomed to. Carrie, with slow precision, continued, ¡°If you still wish topete for this title in the future, I suggest you stay far away from my life¡­¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes briefly flickered over Lise¡¯s dress, her voice dropping just a bit, but her words were as cutting as ever. ¡°And as for that dress, I could¡¯ve bought it myself without relying on Kristopher. Spending millions just to indulge in petty rivalries isn¡¯t worth it¡ªfor you or for him.¡± With that, she turned away, walking toward Oliver. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Norris Mansion.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had enough of this ce.¡± Oliver quicklyposed himself, suppressing the grin tugging at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Understood, Mrs. Norris,¡± he said, following her brisk pace. As they walked away, he cast a brief nce back at Lise. She was standing there, still gripping the dress, her face pale and twisted with frustration. Her eyes burned with fury as she watched Carrie leave.

    Oliver quicklyposed himself and, with a knowing nce, texted Kristopher: ¡°Mrs. Norris is ready. We¡¯re heading to the mansion.¡±

    Meanwhile, Kristopher, who was on his way to pick Carrie up, frowned as he read the message. He immediately instructed his driver, ¡°Head straight to the mansion.¡±

    As the car approached the base of the hill leading to the Norris Mansion, Carrie noticed the silver Maybach parked by the roadside. It wasn¡¯t hard to spot; the sleek, polished car stood out in the dusk light. When Kristopher stepped out of the vehicle, it clicked in Carrie¡¯s mind that this was why everyone had chosen to wear silver-white for the event.

    Kristopher¡¯s bespoke ck suit, embroidered with subtle silver-white patterns,plemented her dress perfectly. The pearlescent threads glimmered as if designed to match, creating an understated yet harmonious couple¡¯s look. This understated coordination was more affectionate than matching colors.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m is a world of wonder

    Oliver parked the car as Kristopher approached, opening her door with practiced ease. ¡°Grandma specifically asked me to pick you up,¡± Kristopher said, his deep voice steady as he leaned in slightly.

    Carrie pursed her lips, silently cursing him for putting on a show. Kristopher¡¯s sharp eyes flicked over her dress, a frown appearing. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you wearing the one I ordered? Don¡¯t you like it?¡±

    Carrie turned to him, her tone biting. ¡°How could I not like such a beautiful dress? It¡¯s not every day that I get to see your first love so passionately invested in it.¡±

    ¡°Naturally, I had to be the bigger person and let her have it.¡±

    She paused, letting her words settle before adding, ¡°Besides, I wouldn¡¯t want to be responsible for her fainting from the stress ofpetition. Hospitals are busy enough without adding her theatrics to the mix. I wouldn¡¯t want to be responsible for causing anyone trouble.¡±

    Kristopher gave her a sidelong nce. ¡°I asked a question, not for an entire monologue.¡±

    Seeing that he wasn¡¯t putting up a fight, she relented. She took her phone out of her clutch, scrolling through WhatsApp absentmindedly. Camille had messaged her about a new durian shop near the Ripples Complex, asking her toe by. But Carrie had already declined, choosing to attend Mny¡¯s birthday banquet instead.

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 Chapter 169

    ?<strong>Chapter 169:</strong>

    Camille¡¯stest message made Carrie pause for a moment: ¡°Family dinners, birthday banquets, you attend them all under the title of Mrs. Norris. You¡¯ve fulfilled all the duties of this role, but haven¡¯t enjoyed any of the benefits. You might as well just sleep with him. Just in terms of looks, Kristopher is definitely better than the pretty guys at the club. You might as well get something out of it.¡±

    She was about to reply to Camille when she noticed Kristopher¡¯s gaze on her phone.

    Carrie¡¯s fingers trembled as she switched off her phone screen, a wave of mortification washing over her. The revtion felt utterly devastating. Kristopher remainedposed, his gaze deliberately averted, saying nothing. Tension coiled within her like a tightening spring, an unspoken anxiety threatening to detonate at any moment. She couldn¡¯t predict when or how it would finally break.

    His eyes wandered to the simple diamond ne adorning her neck. Abruptly changing the subject, he interjected, ¡°It doesn¡¯t quite suit you. Allow me to offer an alternative.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Carrie blinked, momentarily bewildered. Kristopher had already retrieved a velvet box from his suit pocket. With practiced elegance, he opened the container, revealing a breathtaking pink diamond ne. Even in the car¡¯s subdued lighting, the gem¡¯s meticulously cut facets captured and reflected an almost ethereal fire.

    She epted the ne without hesitation. Deep down, Carrie understood this was merely a performance¡ªmaintaining the Norris family¡¯s impable image. She wasn¡¯t nning to keep it, merely indulging in a fleeting moment of luxury. After all, their impending divorce would soon erase such opportunities.

    Attempting to fasten the ne, her fingers fumbled awkwardly behind her neck, struggling to connect the delicate sp. Unexpectedly, Kristopher leaned closer, gently taking the ne from her hands. His proximity was overwhelming¡ªhis distinctive woody cologne enveloped her, his breath warm against her neck. His fingers brushed her skin with unexpected tenderness, sending tremors through her body.

    The intimate moment dissolved as quickly as it emerged; Kristopher swiftly secured the ne and retreated to his original position. Flustered, Carrie turned toward the car window, hoping to conceal her rising blush. Internally, she chastised herself for such a visceral reaction. How pathetic! She rationalized her response, thinking to herself, ¡°I simplyck experience with men. With time, such reactions will surely diminish.¡±

    The car arrived at the Norris Mansion. Kristopher exited first, considerately shielding the car door¡¯s edge with his hand. Snapping herself out of her reverie, Carrie stepped out gracefully, her dress brushing against the cool evening air. As Carrie emerged, the gathered socialites momentarily froze. Their gazes flickered with aplex mixture of surprise, envy, and barely concealed jealousy.

    Throughout her marriage, she had rarely dressed up, prioritizingfort over style. Initially celebrated for her beauty, she had gradually been reduced to near invisibility, treated almost like a household servant. Now, with minimal effort, she radiated a luminous elegance¡ªlike a pearl meticulously polished to reveal its true, breathtaking luster.

    Kristopher¡¯s arm encircled her waist, and together they embodied the epitome of a picture-perfect couple¡ªso seamless they could have stepped directly from a high-fashion magazine¡¯s glossy pages. Even those who had previously scorned her background now grudgingly acknowledged their collective beauty. Among the assembled guests, Carrie and Kristopher were undeniably the most striking pair.

    Noticing how her dress perfectlyplemented the pattern of his suit, Kristopher leaned close, whispering softly, ¡°This dress looks remarkable.¡± Recognizing the performance required, Carrie responded with a sweetly calcted smile, her eyes brimming with seemingly genuine affection.

    The crowd joined in with lighthearted teasing. ¡°Ah, Mr. and Mrs. Norris are as inseparable as newlyweds! It¡¯s almost sickeningly sweet,¡± one quipped with augh.

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 Chapter 170

    ?<strong>Chapter 170:</strong>

    Mny beamed, basking in the attention. ¡°Of course! Our Carrie is a gem. Kristopher hit the jackpot marrying her.¡± Not far off, Billie and Kailee stood in a frosty silence, their faces tight with discontent.

    Kailee leaned closer to Billie, her voice low and venomous. ¡°Aunt Billie, you¡¯ve run yourself ragged for the family, and Mny hasn¡¯t spared a word of acknowledgment. Meanwhile, Carrie just bats hershes and gets showered with praise.¡±

    Billie¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, but she forced a serene expression. ¡°I¡¯m only doing what¡¯s expected. Recognition doesn¡¯t concern me,¡± she said, though the sharpness in her tone betrayed her.

    Kailee¡¯s eyes gleamed with malice. ¡°Still, Auntie, if Carrie keeps stealing the spotlight, people might start treating her as thedy of the house.¡± She simply couldn¡¯t bear watching Carrie steal the limelight like this.

    Billie¡¯s scoff was quiet but scornful. ¡°Thedy of the house? That role¡¯s a crown she¡¯ll never wear. Mark my words, her days as Kristopher¡¯s wife are numbered.¡± Kailee smirked and turned her attention back to Mny, ready to sow further discord.

    Meanwhile, Carrie had sped Mny¡¯s hands warmly, her voice soft but sincere. ¡°Mny, I wish you nothing but joy and good health for years toe.¡±

    Kailee¡¯s sharp gaze zeroed in on Carrie¡¯s hands, conspicuously empty. ¡°Carrie,¡± she called out, feigning surprise, ¡°don¡¯t tell me you didn¡¯t bring Mny a gift?¡± The surrounding guests turned, their gazes a mixture of disdain and barely concealed schadenfreude. They were eager¡ªalmost hungry¡ªto witness Carrie¡¯s potential embarrassment. After all, someone from such a humble background could hardly understand proper social etiquette, could they?

    Oliver quickly stepped forward, a gleaming jewelry box in hand. With a polite smile, he said, ¡°Happy birthday, Mrs. Mny Norris. This is a gift from Mr. Norris.¡±

    He opened the box to reveal an exquisite blue diamond ring, the size of a pigeon¡¯s egg, surrounded by smaller white diamonds. Its design was both opulent and elegant, catching the light in a way that made it look even more striking.

    Carrie took the ring and carefully slipped it onto Mny¡¯s finger, her face glowing with a smile as she admired the piece. ¡°It looks stunning on you,¡± she said warmly.

    Immediately, someone in the crowd, clearly familiar with high-end jewelry, piped up, ¡°This is a custom piecemissioned through Bulgari by an anonymous buyer. It was auctioned off not long ago for $26.45 million. I heard it¡¯s 11 carats!¡±

    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s 11.16 carats,¡± Oliver, ever the professional, politely corrected.

    The crowd gasped in astonishment. The guests, who hailed from Orkset¡¯s and even Mothor¡¯s most elite families¡ªeach with billions in worth¡ªcould not hide their surprise. It was rare for someone to spend such an astronomical sum of liquid cash on a single gift, especially at an event like this.

    ¡°The Norris family¡¯s wealth is truly gratifying,¡± one guest whispered, awed by the disy of generosity.

    ttery followed swiftly. ¡°Mr. Norris is such a good grandson!¡±

    ¡°What a grand gesture from Mr. Norris!¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Mny Norris, you¡¯re so fortunate to have such a capable grandson.¡±

    ¡°You live a life of leisure, unlike my husband and I, who are constantly cleaning up after our ungrateful grandson.¡±

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 Chapter 171

    ?<strong>Chapter 171:</strong>

    ¡°This diamond is so dignified and elegant¡ªitplements Mrs. Mny Norris perfectly.¡± Their voices ovepped, all eager to be heard.

    Just as the ttery reached its peak, Albin entered, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the lively scene.

    ¡°Mrs. Mny Norris, happy birthday! You look younger every year! When I first walked in, I thought you were one of Kristopher¡¯s distant aunts!¡± He approached Mny, bowing respectfully before handing his gift¡ªa beautifully crafted antique vase¡ªto one of the Norris family¡¯s servants. ¡°This is for your bedroom, to brighten it up.¡±

    Mny patted his hand affectionately, a smile on her face. ¡°You¡¯re always such a sweet talker, Albin. You¡¯ve got this olddy all flustered.¡±

    Kailee, noticing Albin¡¯s arrival, approached him, a soft blush creeping up her cheeks. ¡°Hi, Albin,¡± she greeted in a small voice.

    Albin barely nced at her, distracted by something else. ¡°Did none of you notice the real treasure around Carrie¡¯s neck?¡± he asked, his tone dripping with mischief.

    It was impolite to stare, so while many in the room had undoubtedly noticed Carrie¡¯s presence, no one had paid particr attention to her ne until Albin¡¯s remark.

    Now, all eyes turned to the pendant hanging around her neck.

    Albin smirked triumphantly, enjoying the attention he had garnered. ¡°That ne,¡± he continued, ¡°is a pink diamond that was auctioned off at the Steu Skua a few days ago for $10.73 million. It¡¯s thergest internally wless fancy vivid pink diamond ever sold at a public auction.¡±

    Albin had gone to great lengths to secure the piece¡ªensuring that while Mny¡¯s gift was grand, Carrie¡¯s would be a statement in its own right. Though the ne¡¯s price was slightly lower, its rarity made it truly exceptional.

    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away

    He looked at Carrie with a grin, clearly expecting praise for his efforts. ¡°Carrie, I personally flew to the Steu Skua to get this for you. Surely I deserve some credit for the effort?¡±

    Carrie gave him a polite but indifferent smile. ¡°Thank you, Albin. I¡¯ll treat you to a meal sometime,¡± she replied smoothly.

    The crowd gasped again. Carrie¡¯s ne, worn simply for the birthday banquet, was worth a fortune.

    Kailee¡¯s resentment simmered beneath the surface as she stared at Carrie. Why was everyone so focused on her? Even Albin, whom she had always admired, seemed to be acting like her errand boy.

    Unable to hold back, Kailee stepped forward, her voice dripping with usation. ¡°Carrie, we¡¯ve heard about everyone else¡¯s gifts, but you still haven¡¯t answered my question. Didn¡¯t you prepare a gift for Mny?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened as he spoke coldly. ¡°Any gift I give is also from Carrie.¡±

    Mny¡¯s expression flickered, and she quickly nodded. ¡°Kristopher and Carrie are a couple. One gift from both of them is perfectly fine. There¡¯s no need for separate gifts.¡±

    Kailee, unwilling to let go of this rare chance to embarrass Carrie, pressed on with a sweet, yet barbed tone. ¡°Mny, I¡¯m just concerned about you. You are so good to Carrie, yet she didn¡¯t make any effort for your birthday. Doesn¡¯t that seem a bit thoughtless?¡±

    Carrie smiled faintly, her gaze steady as she met Kailee¡¯s eyes. ¡°And how do you know I didn¡¯t make an effort?¡±

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 Chapter 172

    ?<strong>Chapter 172:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s smile was like the first rays of spring sunlight brushing away the frost, unveiling a hidden warmth and elegance that left Kristopher momentarily speechless.

    He had always been cautious of women who stirred trouble, especially within the intricate dynamics of his own family. In the past, Kailee had frequently lobbed passive-aggressive remarks at Carrie. Whenever Kristopher noticed, he would offer words of advice. Carrie would invariably respond with a soft smile, dismissing the tension as inconsequential. But he was a lion¡ªhow could his partner be a meek rabbit?

    The Carrie before him now awakened something inexplicable deep within his core.

    ¡°Kailee,¡± Carrie spoke, her voice a delicate instrument of precision. ¡°You¡¯ve been persistently hounding me about this gift. Those who understand you might interpret your actions as consideration. But to the uninitiated, it might appear you simply cannot bear to see me seeding.¡± Her tone danced between yfulness and surgical insight, effortlessly exposing Kailee¡¯s underlying motivations.

    Kailee¡¯s face soured, her exasperation evident. ¡°Since you¡¯ve prepared a gift, why not reveal it? Why keep us in suspense?¡±

    Carrie turned to Mny with genuine affection. ¡°The gift I¡¯ve prepared is a performance. I¡¯ll share it with you after dinner.¡±

    Kristopher adjusted his cuff, his eyebrows arching with surprise. He hadn¡¯t anticipated Carrie preparing such a gift, and curiosity bubbled within him. Though she remained the same person, something had fundamentally transformed¡ªshe continually defied his expectations.

    Kailee¡¯s sarcasticugh cut through the moment. ¡°A performance? Surely you¡¯re not nning some melodramatic spectacle for everyone¡¯s entertainment?¡±

    Carrie embodied calm dignity, while Kailee¡¯s exaggerated reactions seemed almost vulgar byparison.

    Mny¡¯s stern voice rang out. ¡°Enough!¡±

    Kailee froze, her defiance retreating as quickly as it had surfaced. In her eagerness to outwit Carrie, she¡¯d forgotten one crucial fact¡ªMny wasn¡¯t someone you crossed lightly. As a distant rtive of the Norris family, Kailee knew her ce; she wasn¡¯t in a position to scold Mny¡¯s granddaughter-inw.

    The tide shifted in the crowd, their earlier whispers about Carrie now turning into quiet criticisms of the Myers family. Remarks about their declining business and Kailee¡¯sck of decorum floated through the air like leaves carried on an unforgiving wind. Kailee felt the sting of their judgment. She nced around, searching for an ally, her eyesnding on Billie. Yet Billie¡¯s attention was elsewhere, her focus drawn to Albin, who was tapping away on his phone with a smile that spoke of secret amusement.

    Kailee¡¯s instincts kicked in, and she immediately sensed trouble. As Kristopher and Carrie nked Mny, guiding her gracefully into the vi, Kailee¡¯s gaze lingered on Carrie¡¯s retreating figure, venom pooling in her eyes. She hesitated, then steeled herself, pivoting toward Albin.

    Her voice turned sugary sweet as she called out, ¡°Albin.¡±

    Startled, Albin took an exaggerated step back. When his eyes met hers, he rxed, letting out a dramatic sigh as he patted his chest. ¡°Kailee! You move so quietly¡ªyou nearly gave me a heart attack sneaking up like that. What are you, a ghost?¡±

    Kailee blinked, caught off guard by theparison. A ghost? Was she not elegant, not gentle? Still, she decided to let it slide. This was a rare chance to get closer to Albin, and she wasn¡¯t about to squander it.

    Reining in her frustration, she asked with forced patience, ¡°Who are you texting? You seemed so engrossed.¡±

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 Chapter 173

    ?<strong>Chapter 173:</strong>

    Albin nced at his phone, the quirky profile picture on his screen bringing an unconscious smile to his face. Exiting WhatsApp with a casual flick, he replied, ¡°Just one of my cousins. She¡¯s looking to rent an apartment near her school, and apparently, one of her ssmates knows the area well.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly, recalling the quick wit and odd humor of the girl he¡¯d been chatting with. It had been a while since someone had caught his attention like this.

    Kailee¡¯s interest fizzled out at the mention of family. ¡°Oh, your cousin,¡± she muttered, her tone deted. Without missing a beat, she switched topics. ¡°Albin, why don¡¯t I take you inside to greet Kristopher¡¯s grandfather?¡±

    Albin surveyed the yard, noting the cluster of people admiring the flowers. He recognized he didn¡¯t quite belong in this refined gathering and nodded acquiescence, following Kailee inside.

    In a quiet corner of the living room, Billie sat at a small table by the window, brewing coffee with deliberate care. She had no intention of confronting Carrie directly¡ªit would only make things awkward for both of them. Nor did she wish to y the role of a magnanimous, loving mother-inw in front of others. So, she retreated to the quiet spot, seeking a little peace amidst the party¡¯s bustle.

    Shawn watched her skillful hands as she poured the coffee, then casuallyplimented her. ¡°Among the Norris family, your coffee is the best.¡±

    Billie gave him a graceful smile. ¡°Shawn, I¡¯m d you enjoy it, but too much coffee thiste isn¡¯t good for you. It might keep you up all night.¡±

    ¡°Billie, make coffee for me and Carrie, too.¡±

    Before she finished preparing the coffee, Mny entered with Carrie and Kristopher in tow. Carrie greeted them with polite warmth. ¡°Shawn, Billie.¡±

    Shawn, who was well aware of the couple¡¯s rocky marital rtionship thanks to Billie¡¯s insights, studied them carefully. With the wisdom of age, he offered advice. ¡°Marriage is never easy. Even the closest couples sh from time to time. The key is to understand one another and nurture the bond.¡±

    To Carrie¡¯s surprise, Kristopher responded without hesitation. Moving closer, he draped his arm around her slender shoulders in a show of intimacy. ¡°We¡¯ll do just that. With any luck, by this time next year, you¡¯ll be holding a great-grandchild.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes widened. For a man as cold and pragmatic as Kristopher, making such a statement¡ªespecially in front of family¡ªwas uncharacteristic. Her mind raced with questions.

    Had he truly thought this through? Where did he n to deliver a great-grandchild from? It couldn¡¯t be her¡ªhad he been thinking about Lise and her baby instead?

    Kristopher¡¯s sharp gaze caught her overthinking, her bright eyes darting with suspicion. He smirked faintly but said nothing.

    Shawn, however, was delighted by the notion. His face lit up with a broad smile. ¡°Wonderful, wonderful! Four generations under one roof would be a blessing.¡±

    Mny, however, wasn¡¯t so easily convinced. She knew the truth¡ªthat the couple had never even consummated their marriage. With a knowing smile, she added, ¡°Don¡¯t just say things to make us happy. If you¡¯re serious about having a baby, you need to take action. Cut back on drinking at those endless social events.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Grandma,¡± Kristopher nodded obediently.

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 Chapter 174

    ?<strong>Chapter 174:</strong>

    Billie, unwilling to engage in the conversation any further, stood up and gracefully handed Mny a cup of coffee. Her eyes momentarily flickered toward Carrie¡¯s ne¡ªa piece that seemed to attract attention wherever she went. The sight piqued her curiosity, but before she couldment, Kailee¡¯s voice rang out.

    ¡°Albin¡¯s here!¡± She was practically dragging him toward Shawn.

    ¡°Hello, Shawn,¡± Albin greeted respectfully, his trademark charm evident. ¡°You look as lively as ever.¡±

    Kailee quickly caught on to Billie¡¯s lingering gaze and jumped at the opportunity. ¡°Aunt Billie, that ne Carrie¡¯s wearing? It¡¯s a gift from Kristopher. Can you believe it? Today is Grandma¡¯s birthday, and yet Carrie still ended up with a gift.¡± She turned to Albin. ¡°Albin, isn¡¯t that ne worth $10.73 million?¡±

    Albin, clearly unprepared for the question, rubbed his nose awkwardly. His response was quick but evasive. ¡°Billie, you don¡¯t need diamonds to outshine everyone¡ªyou already do.¡±

    Before Billie could respond, Carrie spoke up softly. ¡°If you like it, Billie, I¡¯ll take it off and give it to you.¡±

    Billie¡¯sposure never wavered. She responded evenly, ¡°There¡¯s no need. Pink doesn¡¯t suit me.¡±

    Albin seized the moment to steer the conversation in a safer direction. ¡°Exactly! Billie is far better suited to rubies¡ªelegant and regal.¡±

    Kristopher, who had been observing silently, added coolly, ¡°Keep an eye out for any exceptional rubies on the market. If you find something suitable, purchase it and send it to the Norris Mansion.¡±

    galnovels.c¨®m is the source

    Billie sipped her coffee, her expression unchanged. ¡°I¡¯m getting older. I don¡¯t wear shy jewelry anymore.¡±

    Mny interjected with a sly smile, holding up her own diamond ring. ¡°If I can still wear jewelry at my age, you certainly can, Billie. You¡¯re not old.¡±

    ¡°Mny, what are you saying? It¡¯s your birthday¡ªof course you should dress up,¡± Billie replied quickly, subtly redirecting the attention.

    Kailee, however, wasn¡¯t ready to give up her attempt to undermine Carrie. But before she could speak again, Albin ced a firm hand on her shoulder. ¡°Kailee, I¡¯m feeling a bit hungry. Would you mind showing me where the snacks are?¡±

    As Kailee reluctantly went with Albin, Carrie couldn¡¯t help but notice how Albin, who had never shown her much respect before, had stepped in several times that evening to save her from potential embarrassment. It was a rare moment of kindness from him, and it didn¡¯t go unnoticed.

    Kailee¡¯s face fell as Albin ushered her away. Her resentment toward Carrie deepened even more.

    The birthday banquet was in full swing, and nearly all the guests had arrived. Billie knew she couldn¡¯t avoid her duties any longer. Reluctantly, she set aside her coffee set and returned to the gathering to host the guests.

    Mny, always observant and aware of the family dynamics, saw an opportunity to ease the tension between Carrie and Billie. ¡°Carrie,¡± she suggested warmly, ¡°your mother-inw could use some help managing the guests. Go lend her a hand.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Carrie replied without hesitation.

    Billie initially wanted to refuse. However, noticing Kristopher¡¯s indifferent and unwilling expression, irritation flickered in her eyes.

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 Chapter 175

    ?<strong>Chapter 175:</strong>

    ¡°Do you think I would embarrass Carrie in front of everyone?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Kristopher responded calmly.

    Carrie cast him a brief nce before she turned to follow Billie.

    Thete-arriving guests were individuals of higher status, those with closer ties to the Norris family. Many had heard whispers of Carrie¡¯s rumored divorce. In their eyes, a Cindere daring to divorce her wealthy husband was likely ying a calcted game to secure greater benefits.

    Earlier, some had overheard gossip about the pink diamond Carrie wore. Now, seeing her standing beside Billie, they couldn¡¯t help butpare. Billie¡¯s exquisite violet jade ne, while elegant, paled inparison to the brilliance of the diamond around Carrie¡¯s neck.

    Onedy, known to be on friendly terms with Billie, took the opportunity to approach. She gave Carrie a cursory nce before turning to Billie with a probing smile. ¡°I heard the young couple had a bit of a quarrel recently.¡± The fact that she brought up such gossip in front of Carrie showed how little regard she had for her.

    But her intention wasn¡¯t to create drama; rather, she wanted to gauge the situation. If Kristopher and Carrie divorced, it might open the door for someone from her own circle to step in.

    Billie sighed, her tone deliberate. ¡°Young people these days are bing more independent. I can¡¯t control their decisions. They got married without my consent, and whether they quarrel or divorce, it¡¯s beyond my influence. They have their own paths to follow.¡± Her words were clear¡ªshe did not support Carrie¡¯s ce in the Norris family, and she hinted that divorce was not just a possibility but an eventuality.

    Thedy, sensing Billie¡¯s disapproval, smiled knowingly. Feigning sincerity, she turned to Carrie and said, ¡°My dear, since you¡¯ve married into the Norris family despite your background, you should be sensible. Don¡¯t let greed blind you to reality.¡±

    Her gaze fell conspicuously on Carrie¡¯s pink diamond ne as she spoke.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s hosts captivating tales

    Carrie¡¯s fists clenched at her sides, her nails biting into her palms. Despite the sting of the veiled insult, she maintained herposure. This was Mny¡¯s birthday banquet; causing a scene here would only reflect poorly on her. She forced a smile and nodded as though she hadn¡¯t caught the implication.

    Not far away, Kristopher watched the interaction, his sharp eyes darkening. Mny, noticing his reaction, leaned in and whispered, ¡°Carrie has endured a lot since marrying into our family.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened, and he brushed off her concern with a cool tone. ¡°You haven¡¯t seen how quick-witted and articte she can be.¡±

    Mny pressed further, her voice tinged with reproach. ¡°No matter how sharp she is, she can¡¯t silence the relentless tide of gossip alone. She¡¯s your wife. Only if you love and respect her will others follow suit.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression shifted subtly, a flicker of something unreadable crossing his face.

    Seizing the moment, Mny nudged him gently. ¡°Go to her. Stop lingering here and being an eyesore. I have some old friends to greet.¡±

    Kristopher hesitated only for a moment before striding toward Carrie. Approaching the small circle ofdies, he nodded politely at them before turning his full attention to his wife.

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 Chapter 176

    ?<strong>Chapter 176:</strong>

    When his eyes met Carrie¡¯s, the usual coldness in his gaze melted away, reced by a tenderness that caught even Carrie off guard. ¡°Honey,¡± he said softly, ¡°are you tired? Let me take you somewhere to rest.¡±

    Thedy who had just chastised Carrie froze, her expression betraying her shock. Weren¡¯t they on the verge of divorce? Kristopher seemed more affectionate than ever, even more so than when they were newlyweds.

    Even Billie¡¯s face darkened slightly. She had hoped Carrie would tire of this charade and walk away willingly. Yet now, Kristopher¡¯s behavior suggested he had no intention of letting her go.

    Carrie, unsettled by his uncharacteristic disy, awkwardly replied, ¡°I¡¯m not tired. You don¡¯t need to worry about me.¡±

    To the onlookers, however, it seemed as though Carrie was being deliberately coy, basking in her husband¡¯s attention. They expected Kristopher to be displeased, but instead, he surprised them further.

    Pulling over a nearby chair, he sat down beside her. And to their astonishment, he gently pulled Carrie onto hisp. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he murmured, ¡°Then I¡¯ll stay by your side.¡±

    Carrie jolted upright from Kristopher¡¯sp, and the next second, she was startled by the icy weight of Billie¡¯s disapproving stare.

    Alright then. She was too slow. Again.

    Billie¡¯s gaze cut through her, an unspoken judgment hanging in the air. Carrie shrank back instinctively, dropping her eyes to the floor, willing herself to disappear.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s©q??§àm opens doors to fiction

    Nearby, Billie¡¯s friend, with a smug smile, broke the tension. ¡°Billie, your daughter-inw is so delicate, she can¡¯t even stand for a moment,¡± the woman said, her tone dripping with feigned concern. ¡°Unlike my youngest daughter, who¡¯s been sturdy since childhood and manages all the chores at home.¡±

    Carrie stiffened. Was this woman trying to sell her daughter?

    Oddly, she felt a flicker of relief. At least the spotlight had shifted.

    She stepped back, trying to blend into the wallpaper.

    Billie¡¯s lips curved slightly, her tone cordial but cool. ¡°Are you talking about Zaria? She¡¯s always been a delight. Why didn¡¯t she join us today?¡±

    The woman¡¯s chest swelled with pride. ¡°Oh, she¡¯s in France right now, attending a culinary program. Quite prestigious, you know.¡±

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Billie replied, her voice warm with interest. ¡°Do bring her by sometime. I¡¯d love to taste her cooking. Kristopher has always been fond of French cuisine.¡±

    The casual remark sent an unmistakable undercurrent through the room, as if Billie had drawn up a contract in midair.

    Kristopher, silent until now, adjusted his sleeve and rose smoothly to his feet. His tone was calm, cutting. ¡°There¡¯s no need to consider my preferences when selecting chefs or housekeepers for the Norris Mansion. After all, I¡¯m rarely home.¡±

    The room fell silent.

    What had begun as an attempt at matchmaking had swiftly turned into an impromptu job interview.

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 Chapter 177

    ?<strong>Chapter 177:</strong>

    Billie¡¯s eyes widened, and the woman beside her froze for a beat.

    He turned toward the woman, his lips curving into a faint, almost mischievous smile. ¡°Besides,¡± he continued, ¡°my wife is precious. And with a full staff at home, there¡¯s hardly much for her to do.¡± It was clear now. Even the most oblivious could see it. Kristopher was standing by Carrie.

    With her family¡¯s business tied to the Norris Group, she wasn¡¯t about to risk offense.

    ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± she said, forcing augh, ¡°you¡¯re not only sessful but also very protective of your wife.¡± A murmur rippled through the crowd. Someone muttered, ¡°She may not have the pedigree, but she¡¯s certainly lucky.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was immediate. ¡°You¡¯re right. I am lucky to have such a wonderful wife.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s chest tightened. His words sounded so perfect, but they twisted inside her. He wasn¡¯t shielding her; he was cing her on a pedestal, making her an even clearer target for disdain.

    Her fears proved true as Billie¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Carrie,¡± she snapped, her voice sharp with condescension. ¡°If you¡¯re going to act, focus on acting. Leave those unsavory habits from the entertainment industry behind. Show some respect to your elders. The Norris family has a reputation to uphold.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, Kristopher stepped forward, his voice cold and unwavering. ¡°Mom, that¡¯s enough.¡±

    Billie¡¯s eyes narrowed, but she waved him off dismissively. ¡°Fine. Take your wife to dinner if you¡¯re so concerned.¡±

    Kristopher reached for Carrie¡¯s hand, but she recoiled as if his touch burned. Her eyes, glinting with cold anger, locked onto his.

    Without a word, she spun on her heel and walked away, her steps brisk and determined.

    Carrie¡¯s heart raced, her chest tight with frustration. She was done being used as a tool, only to be insulted for her trouble.

    Kristopher¡¯s hand hovered in the air, fingers curling slightly before he slowly let it fall. His gaze followed her retreat, unreadable, but his jaw tightened.

    Carrie approached a servant. ¡°Move the piano to the gardenter,¡± she said in a soft but firm voice.

    Kailee, who had been quietly observing from a distance, couldn¡¯t help but smirk. A piano? So, Carrie¡¯s ¡°performance¡± would be a piano piece, then.

    Kailee¡¯s lips curled into a smug smile. Finally, a chance to watch Carrie humiliate herself. Fake was fake, after all. When the clock struck midnight, Cindere would return to her rags.

    The dishes served at Mny¡¯s birthday celebration were nothing short of spectacr. Despite this, each guest was lost in their own thoughts, and regrettably, the culinary delights wentrgely underappreciated.

    As the evening wore on, the servers brought in new tters, and a particr dish of golden fish immediately seized Carrie¡¯s interest. Billie, taking on the role of hostess, exined with a hint of pride, ¡°This was caught just after twilight, directly from the ocean.¡±

    Those gathered, well-versed in gourmet cuisine, recognized instantly the rarity of the fish before them. The wild yellow croaker, a delicacy thatmands thousands per pound, shimmered on the tter. Its value increased due to its unique golden hue, achieved by shielding it from light. Unlike its daytime-caught counterparts, which often needed artificial enhancement in freezers to attain a simr golden luster, this fish was naturally exquisite.

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 Chapter 178

    ?<strong>Chapter 178:</strong>

    With a ceremonial gesture, Billie filled a small bowl with the tender belly of the fish and presented it to Mny. ¡°Try this, Mny.¡±

    Mny, however, delicately passed the bowl to Carrie with a gracious smile. ¡°They say consuming fish blesses mothers with beauty and their children with wisdom. Carrie, perhaps it¡¯s time to bless the Norris family with a bright son.¡±

    Mny¡¯sment, elegant yet pointed, served more than one purpose. Not only did it touch upon the topic of motherhood, but it also tactfully quashed the whispers of a potential divorce circting among their circle, reinforcing her standing while subtly guiding the conversation away from scandal.

    Carrie clearly understood what Mny was hinting at, and with a gentle smile, she graciously epted the bowl with both hands, murmuring a heartfelt, ¡°Thank you, Mny.¡±

    Kailee, seemingly distracted, idly yed with her food, her gaze lingering on Carrie as thetter moved.

    No sooner had Carrie set down her cutlery than Kailee, seizing the moment, eagerly chimed in, ¡°Albin, there are fireworks tonight! Would you y the piano for us?¡±

    Albin, despite his modest career achievements, came from a distinguished family that had instilled in him a rich education in the arts from an early age. He had particrly excelled in music during his college years, securing numerous des at international pianopetitions.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Albin, caught off guard by the mention, quickly finished the shrimp he was eating and looked up, a trace of confusion in his voice. ¡°Why this sudden desire to hear me y?¡±

    With a sly smile, Kailee feigned innocence. ¡°It just hit me ¡ª I can¡¯t remember thest time I heard your music.¡±

    ¡°It really has been too long since we¡¯ve enjoyed your performance, Albin. Why not delight us with a piece?¡± Noticing that Kailee had shifted her focus away from Carrie, Mny decided to step in and speak up for her.

    Albin, never one to hesitate, beamed with enthusiasm and dered, ¡°Sure, I¡¯d love to!¡±

    After the dinner and the spectacr fireworks disy, the entire gathering converged around the piano to witness Albin¡¯s musical prowess. He selected an etude for his performance, renowned for itsplexity, requiring utmost delicacy, agility, and precision. Theposition featured swift, intricate sequences in the right hand while the left maintained the melody.

    Following a sinct prelude, the piano whispered its initial soft notes before soaring into a passionate cascade, deeply resonating with all who listened. Albin¡¯s slender fingers gracefully navigated the keyboard, weaving a mesmerizing tapestry of sound that captivated the onlookers.

    Kailee, wholly captivated by the auditory and visual feast before her, momentarily set aside her ns to provoke Carrie. Her admiration for Albin was understandable; he had always been a standout talent, even from a young age.

    As the final notes of the piece faded, Kailee burst into apuse, eximing, ¡°Albin, that was spectacr!¡± As she turned, her gazended on Carrie, who stood under a tree, slightly away from the crowd, looking as though she preferred to go unnoticed.

    Watching Albin¡¯s dazzling performance, Carrie couldn¡¯t help but feel a wave of hesitation about stepping forward herself.

    Kailee approached Carrie with a warm, inviting gesture, linking arms with her. ¡°Carrie, you had the piano brought out earlier. Are you nning to treat Mny to a piano piece as well?¡±

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 Chapter 179

    ?<strong>Chapter 179:</strong>

    Prompted by Kailee¡¯s inquiry, all eyes suddenly shifted towards Carrie, awaiting her response.

    Carrie pressed her lips into a thin line, hesitating for a moment.

    Kailee¡¯s chest swelled with triumph, misinterpreting Carrie¡¯s hesitation as a sign of retreat. Worried that Carrie might evade the moment, Kailee tightened her grip and tugged her toward the piano, offering mock encouragement. ¡°Carrie, since you¡¯ve prepared this gift, it must be something you¡¯re confident about. Take your time¡ªwe¡¯re all so eager to hear it.¡±

    Albin blinked in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected Kailee to press Carrie into performing so openly. He felt a twinge of guilt as he realized his earlier disy had inadvertently cornered Carrie into an awkward position. Running a hand through his hair, he scrambled for a way to defuse the situation. ¡°I had no idea Carrie and I prepared the same gift. How about I just present it for her?¡± he offered, hoping to shield her from the spotlight.

    Carrie remained silent, her expression unreadable, as though considering Albin¡¯s offer. Kailee¡¯s smile brightened. ¡°Present it for her? That would be a bit¡­ disrespectful, don¡¯t you think?¡± Her eyes gleamed as she cut off the chance of Carrie slipping away. ¡°Come on, Albin, be generous. I¡¯m sure you won¡¯t mind if Carrie steals your spotlight,¡± she teased.

    Turning to Carrie, she added with a sugary tone, ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Carrie?¡±

    Carrie finally spoke, slow and steady, betraying no emotion. ¡°Yes, the gift I prepared for Mrs. Norris is a piano piece.¡±

    Albin moved quickly, pulling out a chair for Carrie before slipping over to Kristopher¡¯s side. His voice dropped to a low murmur. ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to help Carrie out of this?¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t respond right away. Instead, he reached into his pocket, retrieved a cigarette, and lit it with deliberate calm.

    For a moment, Carrie hesitated, her fingers hovering above the keys as though reacquainting herself with an old friend.

    Kailee¡¯s grin stretched wide, barely able to contain her glee. She could already envision Carrie bing the punchline of every high-society gathering after tonight. Suppressing a snicker, Kailee pulled out her phone, switching to camera mode to document what she was certain would be Carrie¡¯s humiliation.

    The opening notes were soft and unassuming, a gentle melody that flowed effortlessly under Carrie¡¯s fingers. Kailee¡¯s ears caught nothing noteworthy, and the murmurs of the crowd mirrored her disinterest.

    ¡°She knows her way around a piano,¡± someone murmured. ¡°But after Mr. Murray¡¯s performance, this feels¡­ckluster.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t the disaster some had hoped for, but neither did it captivate the crowd. But Carrie remained unbothered, utterly engrossed in her performance. Her focus was unwavering, her posture refined¡ªher long neck and poised shoulders forming an elegant silhouette that carried down to her arms. Her fingers glided over the keys with a grace that resembled swans in motion, fluid and mesmerizing.

    No one could deny the sheer beauty of the image she created. Her poise alone dispelled any notion of her small-town upbringing, radiating a refinement that seemed almost innate. The graceful elegance she exuded felt more like the legacy of a family with generations of refinement.

    Mny¡¯s expression shifted, and she nced at Shawn. Their eyes locked, a shared look of surprise passing silently between them.

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 Chapter 180

    ?<strong>Chapter 180:</strong>

    The sudden shift in Mny¡¯s and Shawn¡¯s demeanor didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Conversations hushed as more guests turned their attention back to the piano, curiosity sparking. Confusion rippled through the crowd¡ªwhat had startled the Norris couple so deeply? Even Albin began to sense it, his eyes narrowing as realization dawned.

    He leaned forward, his voice breaking the silence. ¡°This¡­ this is Mr. Morrison¡¯s final masterpiece!¡±

    ¡°Mr. Morrison?¡± someone gasped.

    The room fell silent, every head snapping toward Albin in disbelief.

    The name carried weight, a legacy steeped in fame and reverence.

    The Morrison family of Isonridge was the crown jewel of the piano world. They didn¡¯t just y music¡ªthey defined it.

    Even more, the family patriarch served as the chairman of the Music Association, one of Isonridge¡¯s most influential organizations.

    Yet Albin wasn¡¯t speaking about the current head of the family. He was talking about Josh Morrison.

    Josh was the younger brother of the family head and had be the family¡¯s prodigy, a legend in his own right.

    Josh¡¯s story was etched into the annals of music history.

    A child genius, he had captured the world¡¯s heart at just ten years old, sweeping international pianopetitions and performing to sold-out audiences worldwide. Critics hailed him as the greatest pianist of his time, evenparing him to the masters of old.

    But destiny had other ns.

    At the age of twenty, just as he stood poised to ascend the heights of his career, a tragic car ident ended his life.

    The loss was felt deeply¡ªby his family, his fans, and the world of music itself.

    It was as if the heavens had imed him, unwilling to share such brilliance for too long.

    Josh had left behind one final masterpiece¡ªa piece he never finished.

    He had performed it only once, in fragments, during a private concert. With no recordings of the event, the piece became the stuff of legend. Musicians tried and failed to recreate it, their attempts only underscoring the unattainable genius of the original.

    Skepticism rippled through the audience.

    Someone muttered, ¡°How would Albin even know? That was forty years ago. He wasn¡¯t even born yet. How can he be so sure just from hearing a short prelude?¡±

    Albin¡¯s voice rose, steady and insistent. ¡°There¡¯s no mistake. My teacher was an ardent fan of Josh. While he couldn¡¯t y the entire piece, he practiced the opening countless times. I¡¯ve heard it a thousand times¡ªI¡¯d know it anywhere.¡±

    Mny stepped forward, her voice soft with nostalgia. ¡°He¡¯s right. I was there that night. I heard Josh y it myself.¡±

    Josh¡¯s music had shaped Mny¡¯s youth, and the memory of that unfinished piece had lingered in her heart like a bittersweet refrain.

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 Chapter 181

    ?<strong>Chapter 181:</strong>

    On herst birthday, Mny had barely nced at the mountain of gifts, instructing the staff to sort and log them for obligatory reciprocation. When Carrie had asked what she truly wanted, Mny had spoken offhandedly, longing aloud to hear Josh¡¯s unfinished melody once more. It was a fleeting wish, yet Carrie had held onto it for an entire year, making ite true this very night.

    Shawn, ever the devoted husband, sped Mny¡¯s hand and smiled warmly at Carrie. ¡°She¡¯s remarkable. With her beside Kristopher, I¡¯ll rest easy.¡±

    Kailee¡¯s chest tightened. She hadn¡¯t anticipated this twist. Albin¡¯s glowing praise had handed Carrie the moment she had so desperately craved for herself.

    Kailee¡¯sck of musical expertise left her fumbling for a response, her mind racing to regain control.

    Beside her, Billie¡¯s calm demeanor didn¡¯t waver. Years of piano training lent her confidence as she remarked coolly, ¡°The opening isn¡¯t exactly difficult.¡±

    Transcriptions are everywhere. It doesn¡¯t evenpare to what Albin yed earlier.¡±

    A few voices murmured in agreement, emboldened by Billie¡¯s remarks. Carrie, a small-town girl with limited resources, had cultivated a skill that outshone the polished education of the elite, making their privilege seem almost trivial.

    Carrie¡¯s hands stilled briefly on the keys, her head tilted as though gathering her focus. The audience shifted, assuming the performance had ended, but then¡ª

    Before they could exhale, the notes erupted again, freezing the dismissive smirks on their faces. Carrie¡¯s fingers flew across the keys, each movement fluid and precise, the ease of her touch speaking of a deep, unspoken connection with the piano.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??om has it all

    The music swelled with grandeur, each note resonating with the wisdom of someone who had seen life in its entirety, offering a truth that words could never capture. It was as though sunlight streamed through after a storm, filling the room with warmth and boundless vitality.

    Her ying defied expectations, carrying a boldness that transcended gender, daring the audience to look past convention. How could a small-town girl, now a seemingly ordinary housewife, summon such breathtaking grandeur?

    Carrie was lost in the music, her world narrowing to the keys beneath her fingers and the emotions they unleashed. Her features, serene moments ago, now seemed to glow, like a rose in full bloom under a sudden burst of sunlight.

    Kristopher sat motionless, his cigarette smoldering to ash between his fingers, forgotten in the spellbinding moment. A faint smile tugged at his lips, his gaze softening with unguarded admiration. He couldn¡¯t look away¡ªthis version of Carrie was utterly captivating.

    Albin, a lifelong music enthusiast with years of study under his belt, found himself spellbound. He had never conceded superiority to another pianist¡ªuntil now.

    But Carrie¡¯s performance transported him to the realm of his teacher¡¯s idol, leaving him awestruck and humbled.

    As the final note faded, Carrie rose gracefully from the bench. The guests sat frozen, their minds racing to grasp what they had just experienced. No one in the room had anticipated witnessing a performance of this caliber, least of all from Carrie.

    Carrie approached Mny with a soft smile, gently taking her hand. ¡°Happy birthday, Mny.¡±

    Mny¡¯s voice trembled with emotion. ¡°My dear, this is the finest gift I¡¯ve ever received.¡± Patting Carrie¡¯s hand, Mny said warmly, ¡°You must have worked so hard for this. With everything you¡¯ve had to do, you still found the time to master something so extraordinary.¡±

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 Chapter 182

    ?<strong>Chapter 182:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s smile grew faint. ¡°I¡¯m just d it brought you joy,¡± she said, skirting the sentiment.

    Guilt flickered in Carrie¡¯s chest. The melody wasn¡¯t entirely hers¡ªit had been Gracie¡¯s favorite tune to hum, her voice carrying it onzy afternoons. Back in her small town, with no means to afford proper lessons, Carrie had clung to this tune, repeating it endlessly until it was etched into her soul.

    She knew its contours more intimately than beginner staples like ¡°Fur Elise.¡± Who could have imagined that this simple melody, once a privatefort, would turn out to be Josh Morrison¡¯s final masterpiece?

    The crowd erupted into thunderous apuse, their cheers echoing throughout the venue. Even those who had harbored doubts about Carrie couldn¡¯t deny the undeniable maism of her performance, which theyuded with genuine admiration.

    One of the crowd, swept up in the moment, eximed with a knowing smile, ¡°Mr. Norris has truly outdone himself in hisvish disy of love for Mrs. Norris.¡± As they mulled over the evening, they unanimously attributed its sess to Kristopher¡¯s thoughtful orchestration. With his vast wealth and influential connections, particrly his bond with Albin, it was no feat for Kristopher to arrange for esteemed coaches to refine Carrie¡¯s performance.

    Yet, Kristopher responded with a humble shrug, his voice steady, ¡°It has nothing to do with me.¡±

    This modest im met skeptical smiles; the crowd felt he was simply safeguarding Carrie¡¯s honor. The event not only quelled the whispers of marital discord but also reshaped the social narratives, crowning Carrie as the undeniable matriarch of the Norris family, far removed from her Cindere beginnings.

    As the celebration drew to a close and the crowd thinned, Kailee, her voice tinged with disappointment, approached Albin. ¡°My dad couldn¡¯te tonight,¡± she murmured, touching his arm lightly. ¡°Could you give me a ride home?¡± Her eyes conveyed a silent plea forpanionship.

    Albin edged away discreetly, sidestepping her outstretched hand, and responded, ¡°I can¡¯t. I¡¯ve already had something to drink and shouldn¡¯t be driving.¡±

    Kailee had concocted a n to make a fool out of Carrie, manipting Albin as her unsuspecting tool. If not for the asion being Mny¡¯s birthday celebration, Albin could have openly confronted her.

    Kailee attempted to continue, stammering, ¡°I¡­¡±

    But Albin had already turned, striding away without looking back.

    Carrie lingered in conversation with the elderly couple, realizing onlyter that the courtyard had emptied of guests. She rose to her feet, bidding them farewell. ¡°Mny, Shawn, it¡¯s time for me to head back.¡±

    Mny offered a gentle smile. ¡°Kristopher has had quite a bit to drink and isn¡¯t feeling well. He¡¯s resting upstairs. Could you please check on him?¡±

    Carrie, unsuspecting of any underlying schemes, nodded and made her way upstairs. The Norris Mansion had set aside a room for Carrie and Kristopher on the second floor, the door left invitingly ajar.

    ¡°Kristopher?¡± she called out tenderly, tapping on the door.

    Receiving no answer, she nudged the door wider and stepped inside. The room opened into a spacious foyer that hid the rest of the space from immediate view. She moved forward and spotted Kristopher hunched over, rummaging through a cab.

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 Chapter 183

    ?<strong>Chapter 183:</strong>

    Startled by the unexpected sound, he straightened abruptly and inquired with a frown, ¡°Why are you here?¡± As he spoke, the finality of the door closing and locking reverberated ominously through the room.

    With a helpless smirk, Kristopher responded, ¡°It seems Grandma has her own ns¡­¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Carrie¡¯s expression was one of confusion.

    Before she could gather her thoughts, Mny¡¯s voice drifted in from beyond the door. ¡°Oliver has already departed, and Kristopher really isn¡¯t in any condition to drive after his drinks. You two should make yourselvesfortable here tonight and head home tomorrow. Rest up.¡±

    Defiantly, Carrie rushed to the door, rattling the handle and pounding urgently. ¡°Mny, are you out there? I just need to grab some water, that¡¯s all!¡±

    Her pleas were met with nothing but the hollow silence of the empty hallway. Sighing in resignation, Kristopher pushed the cab door shut with a gentle click and perched wearily on the bed¡¯s edge. ¡°Seems Grandma cleverly tricked me intoing up here under the guise of fetching something.¡±

    Feeling a mix of irritation and surrender, Carrie flopped down onto the couch facing him and admitted, ¡°She sent me up to keep an eye on you as well.¡±

    Their eyes locked for a moment, and they couldn¡¯t help but dissolve into heartyughter, fully aware of the extent of Mny¡¯s scheming.

    Carrie was the first to break the silence. ¡°I¡¯ll sleep on the sofa tonight.¡±

    The once rxed ambiance shifted abruptly to an uneasy stillness. Kristopher, with a careless gesture, flung his jacket onto a nearby chair. ¡°Do you ever wonder what might ur if we were to share the bed?¡± he asked with a raised eyebrow.

    Tight-lipped, Carrie responded with a heavy silence that filled the room. Given his recent odd behavior, his question felt distinctly out of ce.

    Sensing the tension thicken, Kristopher¡¯s face took on a somber expression. ¡°Even if, hypothetically, something were to happen, it falls within the bonds of matrimony,¡± he asserted firmly.

    ¡°Yet, coercion under any guise is still assault,¡± Carrie countered with a calm yet firm tone.

    ¡°Must you always meet my words with such hostility?¡± Kristopher challenged, frustration simmering behind his clenched teeth.

    He paused, a smirk recing his frown as he recalled the joke from her friend. ¡°Your best friend said you¡¯ve never really reaped the benefits of being married. Now that those benefits are within reach, what¡¯s holding you back?¡±

    He then casually leaned back against the headboard, propping himself up on his palms. His casual pose could not obscure the allure of his sharp jawline or the subtle bob of his Adam¡¯s apple¡ªa silent testament to his rugged charm.

    In that moment, Carrie realized with startling rity that allure was not bound by gender¡ªa tactic as potent for men as it had been for women throughout the ages.

    Carrie feltpletely overwhelmed, unable to ward off Kristopher¡¯s relentless advances. Her cheeks burned with a deep blush, undoubtedly fueled by Camille¡¯s musings on the virtues of wedlock. She gave up trying to argue with him and curled into a small ball on the couch, her knees drawn up as she lost herself in a stream of humorous clips.

    The exaggerated antics in the videos captured her attention entirely, pulling peals ofughter from her. She tried to muffle her chuckles with her hand, but theughter bubbled out uncontrobly.

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 Chapter 184

    ?<strong>Chapter 184:</strong>

    Meanwhile, Kristopher, relegated to the bed, watched her with a mix of annoyance and dismay, his features clouding over with frustration. The room fell silent briefly before a gentle knocking at the door broke the quiet.

    The soft sound was followed by Mny¡¯s voice. ¡°Carrie, are you guys still awake?¡± Her inquiry seemedced with anticipation, as if she were about to unearth some intimate secret about their evening.

    Carrie let out a weary sigh, her patience worn thin by Mny¡¯s persistent intrusiveness. Despite Mny¡¯s wishes for familial peace, Carrie resolved that this time she would not sacrifice her ownfort.

    ¡°Mny, we¡¯re up,¡± she called out with a resigned tone, setting aside her phone and rising from the sofa¡¯s embrace. As she approached the door, it swung open.

    Mny surveyed her with a fleeting nce. Spotting her fully clothed, Mny¡¯s expression fell to one of palpable disappointment, her hand pping dismissively in the air. A maid promptly emerged, bearing a tray.

    Mny forced a smile, presenting the offerings. ¡°I¡¯ve brought some honey milk for Kristopher and a bowl of milk with fish maw for you, Carrie. It¡¯s sure to ensure a restful night.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mny,¡± Carrie responded, epting the tray.

    Mny wasted no time in securing the door behind her, locking it swiftly as if to prevent any chance of Carrie slipping away.

    With a resigned chuckle, Carrie proceeded into the room, cing the honey milk on the bedside table beside Kristopher. ¡°Mny made this especially for you,¡± she remarked.

    She retreated to the couch, cradling her bowl of milk steeped with fish maw. The delicacy, a luxury far removed from her usual pantry staples, mingled perfectly with the fresh milk and a hint of rock sugar, devoid of any briny aftertaste. Soft and decadently smooth, it stood in stark contrast to the cheap instant versions she had stocked.

    The thrill of having money was intoxicating, and she made up her mind to hustle hard to achieve this independence once again.

    Kristopher eyed her curiously, extending his hand. ¡°Is it as delightful as it looks? May I try?¡± His usual indifference to culinary pleasures seemed to falter, piqued by her evident enjoyment.

    Carrie brushed off Kristopher¡¯s request. ¡°No way, drink your own.¡± She then promptly devoured thest bits of fish maw with hurried enthusiasm.

    Kristopher paused, absorbing the rebuff. Then, in a fluid motion, he gulped down the hangover soup next to him, cing the bowl back on the table with a faint tter that betrayed his irritation. ¡°If anyone saw how you guard your food, they might think the Norris family doesn¡¯t feed you well,¡± he remarked.

    His choice of words was deliberate; he had almost likened her actions to those of a dog guarding its meal but thought better of it at thest second.

    Full yet somehow restless, Carrie longed to take a shower and drift off to sleep, but Kristopher¡¯s presence in the room made that ufortable.

    Instead, she distracted herself by flicking through videos on her phone. However, focusing proved difficult. A strange warmth was spreading through her, distracting and intense.

    She hitched up her skirt to expose her legs to the cool evening air, hoping to alleviate the difort, but the heat only deepened.

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    .

 Chapter 185

    ?<strong>Chapter 185:</strong>

    Annoyed, she turned to Kristopher, her words trailing off mid-sentence. ¡°Do you want to shower¡­?¡±

    Her voice faded as she caught him watching her with a piercing, almost tangible intensity.

    Carrie typically loathed his advances without love, yet in that moment, a surprising warmth bloomed within her, stirring a deep, unexpected desire.

    Carrie shifted uneasily, heat flushing her cheeks as embarrassment crept over her. The sudden yearning left her baffled. Her mind willed her to stayposed, but her body betrayed her with its undeniable response. Avoiding his gaze, she cleared her throat. ¡°If you¡¯re not going to shower, then I will. It¡¯s too hot, and this sweat is unbearable.¡±

    Her lips parted slightly, her voice taking on an unintentional, soft lilt¡ªalmost like deliberate provocation. Without warning, Kristopher rose and closed the distance between them, bracing his hands on the sofa to trap her in his shadow. His breaths came slow and heavy, the faint scent of alcohol brushing her face and leaving her dizzy, as though she had taken a drink herself. His chiseled features, from the sharp lines of his jaw to the intense depth of his eyes, were almost painfully perfect.

    Her breathing hitched as she realized just how close their lips were¡ªone small movement and she could close the gap. shes of their past kisses flickered through her mind. None had been particrly gentle or memorable, yet now, the thought of his lips on hers sent a deep ache through her body. She couldn¡¯t exin it. Her rational mind screamed for her to stop, to pull away, but the primal, unrelenting pull she felt toward him consumed her. The tension swirled between them, electric and overwhelming. Her heart thundered in her chest, each beat so forceful it seemed to echo in her ears.

    Almost instinctively, she tilted her head, her lips drawing nearer to his. Kristopher suddenly straightened, his voice breaking the moment. ¡°Don¡¯t you think this is strange?¡±

    Carrie froze, his words cutting through her haze like a de.

    Heat rushed to her face as shame reced her desire. She shrank back into the sofa, willing herself to disappear, but the warmth coiled in her chest refused to subside.

    ¡°The drink,¡± Kristopher began, his voice low and rough. ¡°It was spiked with something.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Her wide eyes locked on his, surprise mixing with a lingering, undeniable desire in her expression. The unintentional allure in her gaze tugged at his resolve, testing hisst shred of restraint as a deep need surged within him.

    Clinging to hisst shred of self-restraint, he murmured, ¡°Grandma¡­ she added something to it.¡±

    Even in her haze, Carrie pieced it together. Her gaze shifted to the empty porcin bowl on the table, disbelief shing across her face. Of course. Someone like her, untouched by intimacy, wouldn¡¯t suddenly be consumed by such longing without a reason. The realization soothed some of her embarrassment.

    She pressed her palms against Kristopher¡¯s chest and murmured, ¡°I have an idea.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed, but he stepped back, allowing her space. He sighed, his thoughts spinning. Grandma wouldn¡¯t harm them¡ªhe knew that much. Whatever she¡¯d added was likely meant to bring them closer, perhaps even¡­ but it wasn¡¯t dangerous.

    Awkwardness settled over him. Was this what it hade to? Relying on a spiked drink just to bridge the gap with his own wife? Without another word, Carrie grabbed his wrist and tugged him toward the bathroom. Under his confused stare, she twisted the shower knob, releasing a stream of icy water that poured down instantly.

    .

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 Chapter 186

    ?<strong>Chapter 186:</strong>

    The water hit them both, soaking them in seconds.

    Kristopher shivered as the cold water drenched him, his teeth clenched. ¡°This is your idea of a solution?¡±

    Unbothered, Carrie moved to the tub, her fingers twisting the faucet to let cold water spill in.

    ¡°This is what they do in dramas,¡± she said matter-of-factly. ¡°Cold water fixes everything. Trust me¡ªI¡¯m a screenwriter. I¡¯ve researched this,¡± she added with a slight smirk.

    Water soaked through her dress, the fabric clinging to her body and outlining every curve with startling rity.

    As she bent over to adjust the faucet, her back to him, the elegant curve of her hips caught his attention, leaving him momentarily breathless.

    The sight,bined with the intoxicating pull of the drug still coursing through him, unraveled thest thread of his self-control.

    Kristopher¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard, his resolve crumbling as he stepped closer to her.

    His long fingers found her waist, his touch deliberate yet hesitant as they brushed against the damp fabric of her dress, the heat of his hand searing through the wet material.

    Leaning closer, his breath warm against her ear, he whispered in a low, gravelly voice, ¡°Carrie¡­ I want you.¡±

    A shiver coursed through Carrie¡¯s body, her legs trembling beneath her as weakness overtook her. She wriggled free from Kristopher¡¯s embrace, hurriedly kicked off her shoes, and stepped into the bathtub, sinking into the cold water with a quick, desperate motion.

    Curling up, she let the icy water rise to her shoulders, but it did little to douse the inferno raging inside her¡ªa disorienting blend of fire and ice.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze burned into her, predatory and unyielding, the intensity in his eyes threatening to consume her whole.

    Reason slipped from his grasp, overtaken by a searing passion. He no longer cared if it was the effects of the drug or something deeper¡ªall he knew was that he wanted her. She was his wife. Why should he hold back?

    With that resolve, he reached for her, gathering her into his arms. His voice was low, coaxing. ¡°Cold water won¡¯t help. You¡¯ll just make yourself sick.¡±

    His hands moved with purpose¡ªone arm secured her waist, while the other slid beneath the hem of her skirt, trailing upward to the curve of her hip.

    The familiar woody scent of his cologne, now mingled with something headier, clouded her senses.

    Just as she felt herself slipping into the moment, a thought surfaced.

    Her voice wavered with mockery and faint hurt. ¡°Grandma¡¯s drug must be amazing¡ªto make you want someone you¡¯re not even interested in.¡±

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 Chapter 187

    ?<strong>Chapter 187:</strong>

    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡± he shot back, his brows furrowing in annoyance.

    Though a flicker of irritation crossed his face, his hands continued their mission, finding the zipper of her dress with practiced ease.

    ¡°For two years, you¡¯ve barely looked at me,¡± she began, her voice thick with long-suppressed frustration. ¡°You even tossed the lingerie I bought!¡± she used, the hurt she¡¯d buried for years bubbling to the surface.

    Her eyes glistened with unshed tears, making her even more heartbreakingly beautiful.

    Kristopher paused, recalling the moment. His tone softened, tinged with helplessness. ¡°That day, Mom was searching through the closet. Did you want her to stumble across that?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s anger faltered, reced by shock. She stared at him. ¡°Two years of marriage, and nothing. If you¡¯re not uninterested, then¡­ is it because you can¡¯t?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression tightened, caught off guard. ¡°I thought you were just shy. We didn¡¯t have a romantic foundation, and I didn¡¯t want to reduce it to something mechanical,¡± he admitted, his voice low. ¡°But¡­¡±

    Carrie opened her mouth to argue further, but Kristopher¡¯s patience had run out. With a swift tug, he unzipped her dress and swept her into his arms. He leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss so deep and forceful it left no room for resistance.

    Carrie melted under his touch, powerless to resist the pull of his kiss, lost in its overwhelming intensity.

    Just as the kiss left her breathless, he pulled away, his lips curling into a teasing smile. ¡°We¡¯ll discuss the rest tomorrow. First, let¡¯s see if I¡¯m capable.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart thundered in her chest, the unfamiliarity of the moment making her both nervous and exhrated.

    Kristopher carried her effortlessly to the bed, lowering her onto the soft sheets with deliberate care.

    Her figure, framed by the delicate ckce of her lingerie, was wless.

    Her skin flushed a delicate pink, water droplets tracing slow, tantalizing paths over her curves.

    Under the weight of his intense gaze, Carrie flushed deeper, pulling a corner of the nket over her head in a shy attempt to hide.

    Kristopher shrugged off his soaked shirt with deliberate ease, leaning over her as his husky voice broke the silence. ¡°Carrie.¡±

    He kissed her again, this time slower, savoring every moment as if she were the rarest delicacy.

    His hands moved, unhooking her bra.

    He cast it aside, his fingers caressing her skin with a tenderness that left her breathless.

    Overwhelmed by the sensations he awakened in her, Carrie clung to his shoulders, her fingers digging into his skin.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze softened as he watched hershes flutter closed, casting delicate shadows over her cheeks.

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 Chapter 188

    ?<strong>Chapter 188:</strong>

    His voice dropped to a whisper, barely audible. ¡°Call me.¡± His words were muffled, and she barely registered them, murmuring a distracted, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    He tightened his grip slightly, a teasing reprimand, until her eyes fluttered open to meet his, glistening with emotion.

    He pressed a soft kiss to her lips, his eyes locking with hers as he repeated, ¡°Call me.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher,¡± she murmured, somewhat dazed.

    A small smile curved his lips as he guided her gently.

    ¡°Call me darling.¡±

    A Little Weak

    Carrie knew that resisting now would only seem overly dramatic.

    Carrie¡¯s voice was barely a whisper as she said, ¡°Darling,¡± the wordced with a shy vulnerability.

    She had said it countless times before¡ªsometimes in earnest, sometimes as part of a carefully crafted performance. Yet never had the word sounded so tender, so achingly beautiful, as it did now.

    He gazed down at her radiant face, droplets of water trickling from her damp hair to her temple. In her eyes, shimmering with emotion, he saw his own reflection.

    The room was steeped in silence, broken only by the soft cadence of their uneven breaths and the hammering of their hearts.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s£®c????, a world of tales

    Kristopher knew with certainty¡ªthis longing wasn¡¯t the drug¡¯s doing.

    The trace of aphrodisiac in the drinks had been negligible to him, barely worth a second thought.

    He recalled a far darker time, ambushed during a business trip abroad, where he¡¯d been subjected to interrogation-grade drugs potent enough to nearly shatter him. For seven harrowing hours, he had endured, using a de to carve into his thigh, the pain his only tether to consciousness.

    That ruthless grit had secured him a ce in foreign markets, earning him both respect and fear from corporate giants and shadowed underworld figures alike.

    His eyes smoldered as they met hers, his voice dropping to a low, fervent pitch. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re Kristopher,¡± Carrie murmured, her voice quivering, thick with unspoken desire. ¡°My husband.¡±

    Heat radiated through her, unbearable and all-consuming, and he was the only balm she craved.

    Her words sent a surge of satisfaction through Kristopher. In this moment, she knew¡ªthis closeness was theirs alone. And it could only ever be him, just as it could only ever be her.

    Kristopher¡¯s fingers softly swept the damp strands from her forehead, his touch lingering as he traced the curve of her cheek, before his lips imed hers once more.

    This kiss was deeper, urgent, as though he sought to drown in her.

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    .

 Chapter 189

    ?<strong>Chapter 189:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s breath hitched, a soft, involuntary moan slipping past her lips as she melted into him.

    His hands moved with purpose, slipping the delicate fabric away, lifting her leg as he finally entered her.

    A sharp sting pierced through her, and a cry escaped her before she could stifle it.

    Kristopher slowed, his lips covering hers, silencing her cries with the tenderness of his kiss.

    His restraint, his tenderness, touched something deep within her.

    Eager to give as much as she received, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, her legs circling his waist.

    Her response shattered thest remnants of his control.

    The air thickened with heat and desire as their bodies found a rhythm that was new to them.

    Kristopher was driven by a hunger that could not be satisfied, his movements frantic, as though he were tasting something forbidden, desperate for more.

    At first, Carrie was intoxicated by the pleasure, but soon it became overwhelming.

    By the end, shey there, exhausted and yielding, letting him take what he needed.

    Half-conscious, drifting in and out of sleep, she felt herself spiraling toward climax over and over again.

    When she awoke, the sky outside glowed with the soft warmth of sunset.

    Kristopher was gone, but the air still hummed with the memory of their intimacy.

    The room, however, had been meticulously cleaned.

    Disoriented, she turned over, thinking it was still morning, and tried to pull the covers back over her.

    ¡°Awake? Perfect timing,¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice broke through the haze. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready. Take a shower, and let¡¯s head downstairs.¡±

    He stepped out of the bathroom, his bathrobe hanging loosely, revealing the sculpted muscles of his chest.

    The sight of him sent a rush of memories flooding back, and Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed with heat.

    Carrie quickly looked away, flustered and eager to change the subject. ¡°Is it already evening? Why didn¡¯t you wake me?¡±

    ¡°No one came by. I only had a couple of cookies at noon,¡± he replied, ncing casually at the empty snack cab.

    Carrie raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. ¡°The cookies¡­?¡±

    ¡°I cleaned it,¡± he said with a casual shrug.

    Her gaze drifted to theptop on the bedside table, its screen frozen on a partiallypleted proposal¡ªmore than half finished.

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 Chapter 190

    ?<strong>Chapter 190:</strong>

    Her body ached from the previous night, and all she wanted was to sink back into thefort of the bed. Yet, there he was, moving through his day as if nothing had happened.

    She pouted, swinging her legs off the bed and throwing the covers aside. But as soon as her feet hit the floor, her legs buckled, and she stumbled.

    Kristopher¡¯s hands were around her in an instant, steadying her with ease.

    Flustered, Carrie murmured, ¡°My legs feel a little weak¡­¡±

    A faint, self-satisfied smile tugged at Kristopher¡¯s lips. Carrie met his smug expression, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

    Me As Your Driver

    Carrie forced a confident smirk, her tone sharp. ¡°You¡¯re not as skilled as you think. I wasn¡¯t feeling well.¡±

    Kristopher let out a dryugh, his voiceced with sarcasm. ¡°Your actionsst night said otherwise.¡±

    Refusing to back down, Carrie shot back, ¡°That was just the drug talking.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s smirk faltered.

    His expression turned cold as his mind sifted through the fragments of the previous night. With his razor-sharp memory and knack for analysis, he was rarely left questioning details. Yet in this uncharted territory, his confidence wavered, unsure if her words held any truth.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your storytelling haven

    For the first time, doubt clouded his certainty.

    Taking advantage of his hesitation, Carrie limped toward the bathroom. As she closed the door behind her, the memory ofst night flickered in her mind, stirring a pang of guilt over their argument.

    Thirty minutester, they descended the staircase in strained silence, one following the other.

    Shawn sat at the dining table, reading the news, while Mny greeted them with a warm smile. Billie was conspicuously absent.

    Mny¡¯s gaze softened as she gestured toward an empty chair. ¡°Carrie, dear,e sit by me.¡±

    With her sharp intuition, Mny didn¡¯t need confirmation to guess what had transpired between them.

    A servant appeared with a steaming bowl of soup, and Mny gestured toward Carrie. ¡°Put it in front of her. It¡¯s an old family recipe, perfect for restoring strength and vitality.¡±

    Carrie blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.

    The implication wasn¡¯t lost on Carrie¡ªMny was already anticipating a great-grandchild. Catching Kristopher¡¯s self-satisfied smirk, Carrie calmlydled another bowl and slid it toward him. ¡°Darling, you should have some too. Restoring your energy is important.¡±

    Kristopher reached for the bowl, but Carrie leaned closer, her voice a low murmur. ¡°We can¡¯t depend on shortcuts forever. Proper nourishment is key.¡±

    Not content with denying his abilities, she¡¯d now gone for his pride.

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 Chapter 191

    ?<strong>Chapter 191:</strong>

    ¡°Thank you, love,¡± Kristopher said, his smile tight and strained. Acimed for excelling in everything he attempted, Kristopher now found himself repeatedly undermined by his wife in the most personal field.

    Shawn and Mny exchanged amused nces, mistaking their charged exchange for tender banter. They ate in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

    As the meal wound down, Mny turned to them with a hopeful smile. ¡°Why don¡¯t you stay another night?¡±

    Carrie shook her head gently. ¡°I¡¯d love to, Mny, but I have work waiting for me.¡±

    Kristopher dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, his tone casual but firm. ¡°I¡¯ve got work to attend to as well. The project nning is under my direct oversight, and I need to brief my team.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s relentless undermining left Kristopher craving a moment of peace.

    Mny hesitated, her voice tinged with longing. ¡°Do visit more often, won¡¯t you? It¡¯s just Shawn and me here¡ªit gets awfully quiet.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, then nodded with a small, polite smile. ¡°Of course, Mny.¡±

    Mny motioned for a servant to bring over a bag of health supplements. ¡°I know you¡¯re busy, but take care of yourself. The help over there might not manage things properly. These are homemade¡ªjust keep them refrigerated. Let me know when they¡¯re finished, and I¡¯ll send another batch.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mny,¡± Carrie said, reaching out.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???§à?? opens doors to wonder

    But Mny sidestepped her gesture and handed the bag directly to Kristopher. ¡°You¡¯re driving Carrie to work, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Carrie opened her mouth to protest, but Kristopher had already taken the bag, his expression firm. ¡°Do you really want to walk in the rain and get sick all over again?¡± Pressing her lips together, Carrie swallowed her retort.

    After exchanging goodbyes with Mny and Shawn, they stepped outside and made their way to the car.

    Carrie reached for the backseat door handle, but Kristopher¡¯s sharp gaze stopped her. ¡°Do you seriously see me as your driver?¡±

    Carrie settled into the front passenger seat, her lips pressed into a tight line.

    Kristopher said nothing, simply sliding into the driver¡¯s seat and steering the car away from Norris Mansion. Halfway through their journey, Carrie suddenly pointed ahead. ¡°The courthouse,¡± she announced.

    Kristopher nced in the indicated direction. ¡°Yes, it is,¡± he replied casually, his mind drifting back to the day they had registered their marriage.

    In the swift passage of time, they had already been married for nearly three years.

    In Mothor, the third wedding anniversary was known as the ¡°Leather Anniversary,¡± a symbolic representation of a marriage that had weathered its initial challenges and gained resilience. Conversely, in Izrosa, it was called the ¡°Wheat Anniversary,¡± signifying the rewards reaped from three years of shared life.

    As Kristopher contemted potential anniversary celebrations, Carrie¡¯s cold voice shattered his thoughts. ¡°Stop the car. We¡¯re getting a divorce.¡±

    The vehicle jerked to an abrupt halt.

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 Chapter 192

    ?<strong>Chapter 192:</strong>

    Kristopher turned, his expression darkening. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± Carrie shouted.

    Her expression hardened, and she repeated with finality, ¡°I said we¡¯re passing the courthouse. Let¡¯s go ahead and get the divorce done. There¡¯s no sense in dragging this out.¡±

    Had it not been for her seatbelt, she would have pitched forward with the sudden stop.

    Kristopher¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, tension filling the car¡¯s interior. The idea of proposing a divorce the day after they had finally consummated their marriage seemed iprehensible to him.

    Noticing his silence, Carrie cast a mocking nce at him. ¡°What? Isn¡¯t this exactly what we agreed upon? Are you backing out now, Mr. Norris? Or was yesterday your first time?¡±

    ¡°Of course not.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t surprised. Knowing the depth of his feelings for Lise, it was hard to believe he hadn¡¯t crossed that bridge before. But now, none of it mattered¡ªnot anymore.

    ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing left to talk about,¡± she said coolly. ¡°Let¡¯s just get it over with. You¡¯re busy, after all. No need to waste time.¡±

    The tension hung heavy in the car as Kristopher stared straight ahead, his expression unreadable. Finally, he bit out, ¡°The courthouse is closed.¡±

    Carrie nced at her phone. ¡°It¡¯s only five. They¡¯re still open.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the marriage certificate,¡± he countered, his tone colder than frost on a December morning.

    She arched a brow. ¡°Do you even need the certificate to get a divorce?¡±

    Kristopher gave a short, humorlessugh. ¡°In a rush, are we?¡± His eyes flicked toward her phone. ¡°Look it up yourself.¡±

    Carrie checked the time again, undeterred. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ve got time. Let¡¯s swing by the house to grab it¡ªit¡¯s just five minutes away. Or better yet, call the housekeeper to bring it over¡­¡±

    Before she could finish, Kristopher¡¯s phone buzzed. He answered almost immediately, cutting off her words like an axe falling on a log.

    A soft, syrupy voice drifted through the receiver. ¡°Kristopher¡­¡±

    Carrie stiffened, her eyes narrowing at the sound of Lise¡¯s unmistakable lilt.

    Kristopher ignored her re, keeping his focus on the road. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lise replied with a yful lilt. ¡°I found a restaurant with the most breathtaking view. Come have dinner with me.¡±

    Without hesitation, he answered, ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon.¡± He hung up and turned to Carrie, his face a mask of indifference. ¡°I¡¯ve got something to take care of. You can grab a cab. I don¡¯t have time to chauffeur you.¡±

    For a moment, Carrie just stared at him, the silence stretching unbearably thin. Then, with a dryugh, she unbuckled her seatbelt and got out of the car. mming the door shut, she bent down and shot him a pointed remark through the window.

    .

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 Chapter 193

    ?<strong>Chapter 193:</strong>

    ¡°Mr. Norris, your appetite¡¯s quite something. Finished feasting at home and already heading out for seconds? Careful¡ªyou might bite off more than you can chew.¡±

    Her words carried the sting of a whip, sharp and cutting.

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened, but he didn¡¯t rise to the bait. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± he said icily, stepping on the gas and leaving her standing in a cloud of dust.

    As the car disappeared into the distance, Carrie realized, with a pang of irritation, that the health supplements Mny had gifted her were still in the back seat.

    Grabbing her phone, she dialed Kristopher. ¡°My supplements are in the car.¡±

    His voice came backced with sarcasm. ¡°You¡¯re so eager to leave empty-handed, but now you¡¯re clinging to those worthless things?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re none of your concern,¡± she snapped. ¡°Mny gave them to me. Hand them over.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time,¡± Kristopher said shortly before hanging up.

    Carrie let out an exasperated sigh, kicking at the gravel. That man was insufferable!

    A soft, amused voice came from behind her. ¡°Who dared upset such a beauty?¡±

    Carrie pivoted, catching sight of Nate standing nearby, a bottle of juice in his hand. The 7-Eleven convenience store loomed behind him.

    ¡°Mr. Crawford,¡± she greeted, her anger carefully veiled beneath a veneer of casualposure. ¡°Oh, nothing. Just a close encounter with a reckless driver who nearly struck me.¡±

    Her smile bloomed¡ªelegant and distant, a delicate flower of polite restraint. Despite the warmth, her eyes remained guarded.

    Nate yed along, feigning ignorance. ¡°Indeed, dangerous drivers seem to be everywhere these days.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Carrie nodded, her response perfunctory. ¡°What brings you here, Mr. Crawford?¡±

    After two seemingly chance encounters, suspicion was taking root. Was Nate following her?

    ¡°Just passing through,¡± he replied, jiggling the juice bottle. ¡°I was thinking about grabbing a bite but haven¡¯t settled on a ce. Stopped for a drink to quench my thirst.¡±

    Though their meeting appeared coincidental, Nate had lingered long enough to overhear Carrie¡¯s earlier outburst about Kristopher. The pieces were falling into ce¡ªtheir affectionate disy in Foxfire County was merely a performance.

    Carrie¡¯s reservations about him remained palpable. It made sense. If their rtionship were genuinely loving, why would she be alone on the street at night, vulnerable to potential trouble? Perhaps Yara¡¯s whispers about divorce held more truth than fiction.

    Before Carrie could respond, Nate pressed forward. ¡°Since we¡¯re here by chance, might I have the honor of inviting you to dinner, beautifuldy?¡±

    Carrie subtly retreated, increasing the space between them. ¡°I¡¯ve just dined at the Norris Mansion,¡± she declined, purposefully emphasizing the location.

    ¡°Norris Mansion?¡± Nate¡¯s eyes swept theatrically around them. ¡°This spot is at least ten miles from the mansion. Did you walk here alone? Where¡¯s Mr. Norris?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 194

    ?<strong>Chapter 194:</strong>

    Embarrassment flickered across her face as she tucked a wayward strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°Kristopher dropped me off before heading to the office. I thought I¡¯d take a walk, digest my meal, and perhaps find some nighttime inspiration.¡±

    Nate saw his opportunity. ¡°In that case, I know a ce at Orkset Tower with a breathtaking view and delightful sweet drinks. I saved you once¡ªsurely a dinner isn¡¯t too much to ask in return?¡±

    Refusing would make her appear ungrateful. Even if Nate wasn¡¯t stalking her, his persistent kindness suggested hidden motives. Perhaps this was a chance to probe his true intentions.

    Carrie¡¯s smile was light, calcted. ¡°Since you put it that way, this meal should be on me. Shall we take a cab?¡±

    ¡°My car¡¯s right over there,¡± Nate gestured, revealing a sleek teal Aston Martin.

    As Carrie settled into the passenger seat, an unsettling sensation of being watched crept over her. She scanned the bustling street through the window but saw nothing suspicious.

    Orkset Tower stood as a metropolitanndmark, its 160 stories piercing the city¡¯s skyline. Amercial behemoth, it housed everything from dining establishments to entertainment venues, with a crowning observation deck that promised panoramic views of the urbanndscape.

    Nate guided Carrie to the 150th floor, where astronomical rent allowed only a single French revolving restaurant to upy the entire level. The space breathed luxury, transforming mere dining into an experience of refined elegance.

    Crystal chandeliers hung like liquid starlight, their authenticity setting them apart from mere ss imitations. Delicatempshades cast rippling patterns across the room, evoking the sensation of an underwater pce. A young woman in an ivory gown yed a white grand piano, her melody floating through the space like a gossamer thread, weaving an atmosphere of ethereal sophistication.

    ¡°The same private room as before,¡± Nate instructed the waiter, his tone brooking no argument. ¡°I¡¯m here with a friend to enjoy the view.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    The waiter, ever professional, wore an apologetic smile. ¡°I¡¯m afraid that room has already been reserved, Mr. Crawford.¡±

    Embarrassment flickered across Nate¡¯s face. He nced at Carrie, then addressed the waiter with barely concealed impatience. ¡°Any other room with a view will do.¡±

    The waiter bowed slightly. ¡°Unfortunately, all the rooms with views are fully booked. Only the inner rooms or the main hall are currently avable.¡±

    Carrie, eager to avoid the intimacy of a private room, quickly chimed in. ¡°The main hall sounds perfect.¡±

    Nate nodded, conceding to her preference. ¡°Alright, the main hall it is.¡±

    ¡°Please, follow me,¡± the waiter said, gesturing gracefully toward their table.

    As they walked, Nate motioned toward the coveted private room, exining, ¡°That room has the same view as the observation deck. I¡¯ll bring you back another time when it¡¯s avable.¡±

    The waiter, maintaining his politeness, added, ¡°Today¡¯s guest is a celebrity. They made the reservation a day in advance.¡±

    Nate let out a derisive chuckle. ¡°A celebrity? What kind of star would waltz into a ce like Orkset Tower on a busy night? Don¡¯t they worry about being mobbed by their adoring fans?¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 195

    ?<strong>Chapter 195:</strong>

    The restaurant staff maintained strict confidentiality about their guests. He guided Nate and Carrie to a window-side table, offering a silent smile.

    Carrie¡¯s presence was maic, her elegance outshining even the sparkling crystal chandelier suspended above them.

    Nate studied her intently, noticing a transformation in her demeanor. His eyes traced her carefully. She wore a modest, long-sleeved outfit paired with loose-fitting pants. It left everything below her face hidden, yet her elegance was undiminished.

    As she tilted her head to scan the menu, Nate¡¯s gaze caught on a faint red mark just visible at the base of her neckline. His breath hitched.

    He recognized such marks all too well. It didn¡¯t take much to piece it together¡ªCarrie¡¯s earlier frustration with Kristopher now made perfect sense. She wasn¡¯t just speaking from anger; something had shifted within her. It was as though she had blossomed overnight, stepping more fully into womanhood.

    Unbidden, his imagination wandered, conjuring intimate scenarios between Carrie and Kristopher, wondering about the depths of her sensuality.

    Despite his extensive romantic history, Nate found Carrie iparable. Her allure remained constant¡ªfrom her previously pristine and aloof persona to her current state as a married woman. Even her most vulnerable moments, like her near-assault by thugs, had always stirred something profound within him.

    Since returning from Foxfire County, she had haunted his dreams relentlessly. His attempts to distract himself with other women proved futile, only intensifying his consuming desire for her.

    His throat constricted, a visceral longing overwhelming his senses.

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the sparkling water,¡± Carrie said, closing her menu.

    Nate returned to the present, quickly ordering a set meal apanied by an array of signature desserts. ¡°These are the restaurant¡¯s specialties. Would you like a rmendation?¡±

    Carrie politely declined. ¡°You¡¯ve ordered too much. I can¡¯t possibly finish all of this.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to finish everything,¡± Nate responded, his tone smooth. ¡°Just sample and enjoy. I enjoy treating women well.¡±

    His mind drifted to the hospital incident in Foxfire County when he had purchased clothes for her. The expense was irrelevant; he simply wanted to win her favor effortlessly. Kristopher¡¯s subsequent arrival and morevish clothing purchase had undermined Nate¡¯s efforts.

    ¡°I dislike wastefulness,¡± Carrie insisted. ¡°Besides, we agreed that I would treat you today.¡±

    Nate acquiesced with a smile. ¡°As you wish. There will be other opportunities.¡±

    After the waiter¡¯s departure, Carrie addressed him directly. ¡°Mr. Crawford, I¡¯m grateful for your help in Foxfire County. However, I believe we should maintain some professional distance.¡±

    Her statement hung in the air, its meaning crystal clear.

    Just as Nate prepared to respond, movement caught his eye. A private room¡¯s door briefly opened as a server entered. Kristopher sat near the entrance, apanied by an intimatepanion. Yet, the woman¡¯s face remained obscured by Kristopher¡¯s positioned body.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 196

    ?<strong>Chapter 196:</strong>

    Turning back to Carrie, Nate¡¯s lips curved into a subtle, enigmatic smile. ¡°Ms. Campbell, might you be harboring some misunderstanding about me? Or perhaps you suspect those thugs in Foxfire County were part of an borate rescue scheme I orchestrated?¡±

    Carrie kept herposure, her voice steady. ¡°Mr. Crawford, you¡¯re overthinking things. I¡¯m married, and my actions represent more than just myself.¡±

    Though she suspected the thugs might have been Nate¡¯s doing, she had no proof. Spection without evidence would onlyplicate matters, and the situation already felt like a web.

    The waiter began delivering their dishes, momentarily interrupting their conversation. Nate, ever the image of refinement, ced several desserts before Carrie. ¡°Let¡¯s not discuss unpleasant matters while dining,¡± he said with a gentle smile.

    Carrie turned her focus to the desserts. One souffl¨¦, shaped like a delicate camellia, caught her eye. Its cream petals transitioned seamlessly from pale pink to white, ented with droplets of maple sugar.

    As she took a bite, the elderflower strawberry filling provided a subtle tartness, perfectlyplementing the souffl¨¦¡¯s rich, creamy texture.

    She savored the treat, gazing out the window at the city¡¯s sparkling nightscape. The lights of Orkset, on its path to bing a first-tier metropolis, shimmered like stars. Much of the city¡¯s rise was owed to the Norris family, with Kristopher ying a pivotal role.

    As she admired the view, a reflection in the ss made her heart skip. Turning abruptly, she spotted Kristopher stepping out of a private room. A woman in a white dress clung to his sleeve¡ªa mask covering her face, a wide-brimmed hat concealing her hair.

    Yet there was no mistaking her identity. It was Lise.

    Lise¡¯s childlike mannerisms were painfully familiar as she leaned into Kristopher, her movements yful and intimate.

    Kristopher didn¡¯t pull away, his expression one of indulgent helplessness. They seemed to exist in a world of their own, oblivious to Carrie and Nate by the window.

    She averted her gaze quickly, unwilling to let Nate notice. But when she turned back, her heart sank. Nate¡¯s eyes, soft with sympathy, met hers.

    ¡°Why do you pretend to be so strong in front of me?¡± he asked, his tone kind yet piercing.

    He had seen everything.

    Carrie felt her chest tighten with humiliation. The man she had painstakingly escaped from now witnessed her husband¡¯s betrayal. She reached for her ss of juice, gripping it so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

    ¡°Carrie,¡± Nate began in a gentle voice. ¡°Why do you push me away for someone like him? You almost married me once, and now, after all this time, fate brings us together again. Isn¡¯t that a sign?¡± He reached for her hand as he spoke.

    Carrie pulled back violently, her chair screeching against the floor.

    The noise drew annoyed nces from other diners, but Nate simply smiled and said, ¡°Apologies, everyone. I upset my girlfriend.¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 197

    ?<strong>Chapter 197:</strong>

    They turned back to their tables with understanding looks.

    His casual words sent a chill through Carrie. Her voice dropped, sharp and cold. ¡°Thank you for your misced affection, Mr. Crawford. Regardless of my happiness, Kristopher and I are legally married. Surely, you wouldn¡¯t want to be the other man, would you?¡±

    Nate¡¯s smile remained in ce. ¡°If it¡¯s you,¡± he said smoothly, ¡°I might not mind.¡±

    Carrie felt her patience snap. Rising from her seat, she met his gaze with icy determination. ¡°Thank you again, Mr. Crawford. Crawford, for your help in the past, however, it¡¯s best if everything ends here. If rumors spread, it won¡¯t just embarrass me¡ªit¡¯ll reflect poorly on you. I hear your father¡¯spany is preparing for a public listing. Scandals wouldn¡¯t do well for your family at a time like this.¡±

    Her words were sharp and calcted, revealing she had done her homework. Carrie had long realized she couldn¡¯t rely on Kristopher. After returning from Foxfire County, she¡¯d looked into the Crawford family. She didn¡¯t have enough resources to dig up dirt, but she was able to find out some matters of importance.

    Nate¡¯s easy demeanor faltered. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. The mask of politeness slipped, revealing something darker. ¡°Are you threatening me, Carrie? Who can you rely on? Your father? Kristopher?¡± He sneered. ¡°The Norris family prioritizes their interests above all. Now that Kristopher¡¯s reunited with his true love, do you think he¡¯d jeopardize his standing to protect you? My family¡¯spany may not rival the Norris Group, but we¡¯re powerful enough to make him think twice before crossing us.¡±

    Carrie leaned forward, her hands braced on the table as she met his venomous gaze. ¡°I rely on no one. And those with nothing to lose fear nothing. In today¡¯s world, public opinion is a powerful weapon. Would your father really want you provoking a woman¡¯s scorn and risking the Crawford family¡¯s reputation?¡±

    Her words hung in the air like a challenge, thest bits of cordiality between them evaporating in the rising tension. Straightening, she smiled coolly. ¡°I¡¯ll settle the bill now. Goodbye, Mr. Crawford.¡±

    ¡°And forever this time,¡± she thought silently.

    Nate remained seated, his earlier charm twisted into something sinister.

    He didn¡¯t pursue her, but his expression darkened, his eyes gleaming with malice.

    At the counter, Carrie paid for the meal, her mind racing. It was only after she stepped outside that she realized she had left most of the desserts untouched.

    But returning to the table now would risk further confrontation. Some losses, she told herself, were necessary to avoid greater trouble.

    She shook her head, heart aching, and walked out of the restaurant.

    Nearby, a surprised gaze followed her retreating figure.

    Albin watched the restaurant entrance until Carrie¡¯s figure vanished into the night. He turned to his friends, disbelief etched on his face. ¡°Quick! Tell me¡ªam I seeing things? Was that woman just now Carrie, Kristopher¡¯s wife?¡±

    Kristopher and Lise had just left, and Albin and his friends entered shortly after through the side door.

    His friends nodded in affirmation.

    .

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 Chapter 198

    ?<strong>Chapter 198:</strong>

    ¡°Yeah, that was Carrie,¡± one said.

    ¡°And the man with her? That was Nate, the Crawford family yboy,¡± added another.

    Albin¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Damn! Did you hear him? That jerk actually called Carrie his girlfriend! What does that make Kristopher? If he¡¯s after my buddy¡¯s wife, he has me to deal with!¡± Albin mmed his fist onto the table, standing abruptly.

    But as his gaze swept the restaurant, Nate¡¯s seat was already empty. The waiters had cleared the table, leaving no trace of the man who had stirred his anger. Nate had totally vanished.

    His friends quickly intervened, pulling him back into his chair.

    ¡°Albin, don¡¯t do something rash,¡± one cautioned.

    ¡°Yeah, calm down. If you make a scene, people might think she¡¯s your girlfriend,¡± teased another, earning a sharp re.

    ¡°More importantly,¡± another friend chimed in, ¡°this isn¡¯t something you can act on impulsively. If you want to deal with Nate, it has to be on Kristopher¡¯s orders. Otherwise, it¡¯ll only make things worse.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± someone agreed. ¡°You should contact Kristopher first.¡±

    Albin paused in thought for a moment, then nodded, his expression resolute. ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªI¡¯ll call Kristopher.¡± He pulled out his phone and dialed Kristopher¡¯s number.

    The first call rang twice before being cut off. He tried again, but the second call ended the same way. By the third attempt, Albin¡¯s frustration was mounting.

    ??T€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ¨ªn galn?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    Fourth¡­

    Just as he was about to give up, Kristopher finally answered.

    Relieved but flustered, Albin rushed to speak. ¡°Kristopher, how could you not answer at this time? Something¡¯s wrong¡ª¡±

    ¡°Get to the point.¡± Kristopher¡¯s impatient voice cut through.

    Afraid Kristopher would hang up, Albin blurted, ¡°I saw Carrie having dinner with that idiot from the Crawford family. He even called her his girlfriend!¡±

    Albin barely finished speaking when he heard a soft, sweet voice in the background. ¡°Kristopher, have you seen my lingerie?¡±

    Albin froze, his mind racing. Not answering his calls, a woman¡¯s voice, the mention of lingerie, and the quiet environment¡ªit all added up. Kristopher and Lise had been together.

    Memories of their past interactions came flooding back. When they were dating, Lise and Kristopher had seemed almost tonic, closer to siblings than lovers. Albin had never seen Kristopher disy any physical affection toward her. It didn¡¯t seem like love.

    What man can control his physical desire for his lover? But now¡­ lingerie? The implications were impossible to ignore.

    He was at a loss for words.

    ¡°Kristopher,¡± Albin stammered, ¡°I¡ªI have something to do here. I have to go.¡± Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call.

    .

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 Chapter 199

    ?<strong>Chapter 199:</strong>

    Had he misjudged everything? Did Kristopher not care for Carrie at all?

    Meanwhile, in the car, Kristopher sifted through a pile of shopping bags and retrieved one containing lingerie. He handed it to Lise.

    ¡°Thank you, Kristopher,¡± she said sweetly. ¡°This lingerie is custom-made and can¡¯t be squished.¡±

    A fleeting glint crossed her eyes as she hugged the bag close. She had deliberately let Albin misunderstand, knowing his imagination would only serve her ns.

    Kristopher didn¡¯t spare her any thoughts as his mind swirled with what Albin had just told him. He thought for a moment, then pulled out his phone and dialed Carrie¡¯s number.

    When she answered, his voice was cold. ¡°Why did you meet Nate alone?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s response came sharp and unyielding. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s unfair how you have one rule for yourself and another for me! You left me stranded to have a romantic night with Lise. Did you expect me to sit by the roadside, waiting? I can be with whoever I so desire. We¡¯re getting a divorce. It¡¯s none of your business if I am with another man.¡±

    Her words stung, yet her tone was calm, as if she were speaking about someone else¡¯s affairs.

    Before Kristopher could respond, Lise interrupted, holding up a small bag. ¡°Kristopher, do you like eating fish maw?¡±

    Kristopher nced at it and replied casually, ¡°No. My grandma made it.¡±

    ¡°Coconut milk stewed!¡± Lise eximed, her eyes lighting up as she opened the bag. ¡°I love this! But the servant never makes it right. Can I have it?¡±

    She looked at him expectantly.

    Kristopher hesitated but then nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±

    The gentle exchange he was having with Lise pierced through Carrie like a knife. Without another word, she hung up the phone.

    Standing by the roadside, she tightened her coat against the biting night wind. The chill seeped through, cutting as sharply as the realization that Kristopher¡¯s tenderness was never meant for her. As the wind carried the grit of the city, her vision blurred.

    Inside one of the exclusive private rooms, men and women draped themselveszily over the plush sofas, theirughter mingling with the sound of clinking sses.

    Nate sat sprawled in a corner, his legs arrogantly propped up on the low table before him. On either side, two women in skimpy dresses hovered attentively¡ªone pouring his drink while the other lit his cigarette.

    He smirked and reached out, brushing his fingers lightly against one woman¡¯s cheek before abruptly dousing her with the wine she had just handed him.

    The girl froze, her surprise evident for only a fleeting second before she forced a coquettish smile. ¡°If you enjoy seeing me wet, Nate, why don¡¯t we take this to the rooftop pool? One ss isn¡¯t enough to be fun.¡±

    Nate chuckled darkly, patting her cheek again. ¡°Feisty. I like that.¡± He pulled out his phone and transferred her a small tip.

    He took out his frustration from his earlier encounter with Carrie on these hostesses.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 200

    ?<strong>Chapter 200:</strong>

    ¡°Go clean up. Don¡¯t let your mess ruin my suit,¡± he said, exhaling a puff of smoke as he waved her away.

    The girl left the room with a strained smile, but as soon as she was out of earshot, she muttered under her breath, ¡°Cheapskate.¡±

    In a club as upscale as this, tips like his wereughable.

    Her thoughts wandered to Kristopher¡ªunapproachable,posed, and disinterested in women like her¡ªbut always generous.

    Getting picked by Nate Crawford tonight was rotten luck.

    She looked at her alcohol-soaked dress, which had cost more than his stingy tip.

    Inside the room, the conversation shifted. A sleazy man with shifty eyes leaned forward, his arm slung casually around a girl as he sneered, ¡°Nate, you¡¯re a genius.¡±

    ¡°That knight-in-shining-armor act was pure brilliance!¡± His eyes were so small they were mere slits, giving him a shifty look.

    Nate leaned back, shrugging off his jacket with a smirk. ¡°Please. I don¡¯t waste time on borate schemes.¡±

    Another man chimed in, ¡°Still, you yed it perfectly. Hell, we even called the cops so she wouldn¡¯t think it was staged.¡±

    This man, Nate¡¯s childhood friend and head of his family¡¯s security team, chuckled knowingly. He had been in Foxfire County with Nate during the incident.

    ¡°I¡¯ll admit, I went there with other intentions,¡± Nate said, downing thest of his whiskey. ¡°Thought I¡¯d have my fun, leave her behind, and move on. Like I¡¯d ever marry someone like that.¡±

    He set his ss down with a sharp clink. ¡°But then I found her staying at a government-run inn, surrounded by people. No privacy. Then, by some twist of fate, I stumbled across her getting cornered by some thugs. Perfect opportunity to y hero. Thought maybe she¡¯d soften up.¡± His jaw clenched. ¡°Instead, she treated me like the enemy.¡±

    One of the men snickered. ¡°Still holding onto the Norris name, huh? Now that Lise is back, Carrie¡¯s just waiting to be thrown out.¡±

    Nate¡¯s gaze darkened. ¡°If she doesn¡¯t appreciate my kindness, she¡¯ll regret it. Sometimes, people need to learn the hard way.¡±

    The thought of forcing Carrie into submission made his blood simmer.

    Without warning, he turned toward the girl beside him, ripping her dress open as he dragged her onto the sofa.

    The others averted their eyes, unfazed by the scene. Conversations resumed as if nothing had happened, their voices and the pulsing background music drowning out the vulgar disy.

    The next day.

    Film set.

    At the film location, Carrie stepped out of her car and was immediately surrounded by her colleagues. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re finally here!¡±

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 Chapter 201

    ?<strong>Chapter 201:</strong>

    Amid the warm wee, Asher approached, holding a brown paper bag with a proud grin. ¡°My aunt made this beef jerky¡ªseveral vors! You have to try them and pick your favorite first.¡±

    During their time filming together, everyone had gotten to know her tastes a bit. ¡°Carrie, hurry and choose. We¡¯ve been drooling over it!¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise as Beverly added with mock exasperation, ¡°We¡¯ve been staring at it all morning! Asher wouldn¡¯t let us touch it until you had first dibs.¡± Chuckling, Carrie epted the bag.

    Inside were several containers, each sealed and neatlybeled. When Asher popped one open, a rich aroma of spices and beef filled the air, making her mouth water.

    Her stomach growled as she took a bite, savoring the tender texture and bold vor. She quickly chose the spicy jerky, her personal favorite, and passed the rest to the eager crowd.

    They all thanked Asher, and Carrie too. After all, without Carrie, how else could they taste homemade beef jerky from Asher?

    As theughter and chatter continued, Carrie¡¯s smile wavered as she caught a sh of light from the corner of her eye. The set was located in a bustling area, with no road closures¡ªjust a cordoned-off zone for filming. Nearby, fans and curious passersby lingered to watch.

    Her gaze swept over the crowd, her instincts prickling with unease. She had a nagging feeling something was amiss.

    After handing out his aunt¡¯s beef jerky, Asher joined in with the team, his easygoing demeanor lifting spirits. Beverly, armed with her brushes, paused mid-stroke while doing Carrie¡¯s makeup. ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful,¡± she said with genuine admiration.

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    Carrie¡¯s striking features and wless skin always left Beverly in awe.

    Momentster, Asher approached with a script in hand. ¡°Carrie, I think we need to tweak this line a bit¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he noticed her leg propped up on a stool.

    A faint scar caught his attention. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± he asked, his brows knitting in concern.

    Carrie followed his gaze and shrugged. ¡°Nothing major. Just an old scar. I¡¯ll have Beverly cover it up with some concealerter. It doesn¡¯t look great on camera.¡±

    The scar, though mostly healed, stood out against her otherwise wlessplexion¡ªa faint pinkish mark.

    Without a word, Asher picked up the concealer and a brush, crouching to apply it himself.

    Carrie quickly stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t! If your fans see this, they¡¯ll tear me apart!¡±

    The moment the words left her mouth, a chill ran down her spine. That same eerie sensation of being watched crept over her again.

    Abruptly, she stood and headed toward the roadside, her gaze scanning the area.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher followed, his brows furrowing.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze darted across the street, her unease growing. ¡°I keep feeling like someone¡¯s taking pictures of me.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 202

    ?<strong>Chapter 202:</strong>

    Asher straightened, his height giving him a broader view of the area.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone suspicious. Maybe it¡¯s just fans trying to catch a glimpse,¡± he reassured her.

    Carrie nodded distractedly. ¡°Yeah, maybe.¡±

    The uneasy feeling lingered, shadowing her even after she left the setter that day. As Carrie settled into the taxi heading home, her phone buzzed. It was Asher.

    ¡°Where are you?¡± His tone was urgent.

    ¡°In a taxi,¡± Carrie replied, ncing at the passing road signs. ¡°Almost home. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°The trending topics on social media¡­ exploded,¡± Asher said, his words jumbled with panic. ¡°It¡¯s my fault¡­ Godwin¡¯s already contacted Ruby. She¡¯s on her way to handle it.¡±

    Asher¡¯s words tumbled over one another, and Carrie couldn¡¯t make sense of what was happening. Only one thing stood out: ¡°trending topics.¡±

    After briefly reassuring him, she ended the call and opened Twitter.

    Her name was stered across the trending list:

    ¡°Asher and Carrie Suspected Romance¡±

    ¡°Asher Kissing Carrie¡¯s Leg¡±

    ¡°Carrie Staging Fake Romance For Publicity¡±

    ¡°Top Star Caught In Scandal¡±

    Clicking on the headlines, she found photos flooding the posts. Some were from Foxfire County, others from Orkset. In every picture, she and Asher maintained a professional distance, their interactions entirely tonic.

    One particr photo stood out. It showed Carrie seated on a stool, regal and poised, while Asher crouched in front of her. The angle made it look as though he was kissing her leg.

    Such photos weren¡¯t substantial proof of any form of romance between her and Asher. It shouldn¡¯t cause much stir.

    Her confusion turned to rm as she scrolled through thements. The usations weren¡¯t just about romance; someone was deliberately smearing her, twisting the narrative to use her of exploiting Asher for publicity.

    Carrie had initially garnered goodwill from Asher¡¯s fans thanks to his support, but now that goodwill was crumbling into outrage. Those fans felt betrayed, convinced they¡¯d been manipted.

    Thements were brutal:

    ¡°These photos are absurd! Especially thest one. I was there, and nothing like this happened. Asher would never do something so bold in public!¡±

    ¡°I was there too! He was holding something, probably helping her with makeup. He didn¡¯t even touch her!¡±

    ¡°She probably hired someone to take these. Look at how staged they look!¡±

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 Chapter 203

    ?<strong>Chapter 203:</strong>

    ¡°I thought she was just a pretty face. Turns out she¡¯s a snake. Asher helped her, and now she¡¯s exploiting him for clout. Who would dare help anyone after this?¡±

    ¡°This whole thing is so fake. My gym buddy and I look closer in selfies!¡±

    ¡°Miss, we¡¯re here,¡± the taxi driver said, pulling her from her thoughts.

    Carrie looked up and immediately noticed a few figures lingering suspiciously near her apartment building. Her heart sank. Were the fans this good at ying detective? They had already tracked her down this quickly.

    ¡°Sir,¡± she said wearily, rubbing her temples, ¡°could you take me to the underground garage instead?¡±

    The taxi glided into the underground garage, and Carrie stepped out, walking briskly toward the elevator. Her steps faltered when two unfamiliar figures¡ªa man and a woman¡ªstepped into her path, blocking the way.

    Startled, Carrie looked up at the pair. They appeared to be in their early thirties, both wearing disarming smiles. The woman spoke first, her tone warm and reassuring.

    ¡°Hello, Ms. Campbell. Ruby sent us to pick you up. There are Asher¡¯s fans upstairs and downstairs. It¡¯s not safe for you to go home right now. Facing them directly could make things worse.¡±

    Carrie instinctively took a step back, her guard up. ¡°How did you know I wasing through the garage? Ruby knows I don¡¯t own a car.¡±

    The woman chuckled lightly, brushing off the question. ¡°We couldn¡¯t have predicted it. But Nathan Films provides cars for its stars, so we assumed you¡¯d use one of those.¡± She gestured toward a sleek ck Lexus parked nearby.

    Due to a previous coboration, Nathan Films had reced most of the stars¡¯ cars with this brand.

    The man stepped forward with a polite smile. ¡°Asher contacted Ruby. She¡¯s handling a PR crisis. We were sent to ensure your safety. We couldn¡¯t reach you on our way here. So one of us waited on the first floor, and the other near your apartment.¡±

    Hearing Asher¡¯s name eased some of Carrie¡¯s tension. She nodded slightly. ¡°Are we heading to thepany? What happens next?¡±

    The woman smiled again. ¡°We¡¯re not sure either.¡±

    ¡°Ruby will exin everything. We¡¯re just here to escort you.¡±

    As they walked toward the car, Carrie casually asked, ¡°What are your roles at thepany? How should I address you?¡±

    The woman opened the car door smoothly. ¡°I¡¯m Lise¡¯s manager, and he¡¯s with PR.¡±

    Lise?

    A chill ran down Carrie¡¯s spine. She stopped abruptly, taking a wary step back. ¡°Who are you really?¡±

    The woman blinked in feigned confusion. ¡°Ms. Campbell, what do you mean?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted to the driver¡ªa burly man with a face marred by scars and tattoos creeping up his neck.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Carrie replied, her voice steady despite her pounding heart. ¡°But I think I¡¯ll call Ruby to confirm.¡± She turned to walk away, but the man grabbed her arm forcefully, yanking her toward the car.

    .

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 Chapter 204

    ?<strong>Chapter 204:</strong>

    ¡°Why waste time talking?¡± he growled.

    ¡°Help!¡± Carrie screamed, her voice echoing in the garage.

    The woman¡¯s demeanor changed instantly. She snatched a towel from the car and stuffed it into Carrie¡¯s mouth, muffling her cries.

    In seconds, they bound her hands with rope and shoved her into the backseat. The man sat on one side of her, the woman on the other.

    The woman quickly found Carrie¡¯s phone and held onto it.

    ¡°Behave yourself, and you won¡¯t get hurt,¡± the man threatened.

    ¡°Rx,¡± the woman said, attempting a soothing tone. ¡°We¡¯re not bad people. Asher¡¯s fans are everywhere. You¡¯re actually safer with us.¡±

    They weren¡¯t die-hard fans of Asher. They had heard of Lise but didn¡¯t know about the conflict between her and Carrie, which was why the woman casually mentioned Lise.

    They weren¡¯t from the entertainment industry, nor were they associated with Lise¡­

    Carrie quickly analyzed the situation and came up with two possibilities.

    The car sped out of the garage just as Ruby¡¯s vehicle passed in the opposite direction. Bound and silenced, Carrie could only watch helplessly as they drove farther from safety.

    Meanwhile, Ruby exited the elevator and hurried to Carrie¡¯s apartment. She knocked firmly on the door.

    The silence stretched.

    No one answered.

    After a moment of hesitation, Ruby input the passcode. Carrie had given her the passcode long ago for emergencies, but she never used it.

    The door swung open to reveal an eerily untouched apartment. Slippers sat neatly by the entrance, and the space bore no signs of recent activity.

    Frowning deeply, Ruby pulled out her phone and dialed Carrie¡¯s number.

    A cold, mechanical voice greeted her: ¡°The number you have dialed is currently switched off.¡±

    Her chest tightened.

    She immediately called Asher. ¡°Did Carrie mention where she was going?¡± she asked as soon as Asher answered.

    ¡°Yeah, she told me she was heading home.¡± Asher checked his call log. ¡°That was about half an hour ago.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s expression turned serious. ¡°I¡¯m at her ce right now. She¡¯s not here,¡± Ruby said, pacing anxiously. ¡°Her phone¡¯s off. Something¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°Could it be fans?¡± Asher suggested. ¡°She might have avoided going home if some were staking out her building.¡±

    Something simr had happened before when a female celebrity had spoken badly about him, and some extreme fans found her address and waited outside her house to berate her.

    .

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 Chapter 205

    ?<strong>Chapter 205:</strong>

    Ruby¡¯s mind raced. ¡°Fans¡­¡± She remembered the group of suspicious people lingering outside the building when she arrived. As soon as she arrived, those people had left.

    Although she hadn¡¯t seen them do anything suspicious, something definitely felt off.

    Ruby¡¯s heart tightened. ¡°Something¡¯s definitely not right. I¡¯m going to check the surveince footage; Carrie might be in danger.¡±

    The car screeched to a halt at an abandoned dock, surrounded by tangled weeds and crumbling infrastructure. A rusted surveince camera, long defunct, hung crookedly from its post, its lens obscured by a massive wasp nest. In stark contrast to the decay, a brand-new yacht gleamed along the shore, pristine and out of ce.

    Carrie was yanked out of the car by her captors and dragged onto the yacht.

    Compared to the Norris family¡¯s opulent custom vessels, this yacht was modest¡ªsmall, functional, and likely priced at no more than a million. It could amodate ten people for an overnight stay, but itcked the grandeur she was ustomed to.

    Carrie had already ruled out one of her suspicions: that this was an act of revenge from the families of the Foxfire County thugs.

    As the yacht¡¯s engine roared to life and it began to glide away from the dock, Carrie¡¯s heart sank. The shoreline grew smaller, swallowed by the expanse of open water.

    Her mind raced. Would anyone even know where to find her? Her captors had nned meticulously. Out here in the vast ocean, rescue seemed like an impossible dream.

    She was hauled into the lounge, where Nate reclined casually on an ostentatious leather sofa. His bright floral shirt was a jarring contrast to the polished, gentlemanly appearance he¡¯d once presented.

    Nate¡¯s face lit up with a smug smile as he greeted her.

    ¡°Carrie, we meet again.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression was stoic, her eyes hard as steel.

    Unperturbed by her silence, Nate stood and sauntered toward her. ¡°Really? Not surprised to see me? You¡¯re more clever than I thought.¡±

    His gaze drifted over her sleeveless dress, lingering too long. He reached out to trace his fingers along her bare arm. ¡°Of course, without that clever little brain of yours, how could you have wormed your way into the Norris family?¡±

    Carrie shuddered involuntarily, repulsion wing at her insides.

    Noticing the faint marks left by the ropes on her arms, Nate chuckled darkly. ¡°So delicate. Even a loose tie leaves bruises.¡±

    His fingers pressed into the tender skin, as if reveling in the thought of leaving his mark.

    Carrie didn¡¯t struggle. She knew it would be futile against her captors¡¯ iron grip. Instead, she fixed Nate with a cial re, her silence more defiant than any words could have been.

    Nate tilted his head, amused. ¡°Ah, I forgot¡ªyou can¡¯t speak.¡± He yanked the towel from her mouth, letting it fall to the floor.

    He leaned closer, brushing his thumb over her dry, cracked lips. ¡°Such a small mouth. I wonder how you¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    Carrie jerked her head to the side, dodging his touch with a sharp re.

    .

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 Chapter 206

    ?<strong>Chapter 206:</strong>

    Nate chuckled, lowering his hand. ¡°Still full of fire, I see.¡± His tone shifted, bing mocking. ¡°You¡¯re not holding out hope that Kristopher will save you, are you?¡±

    Carrie said nothing, her eyes narrowing.

    Nate smirked. ¡°If Kristopher truly cared, don¡¯t you think he would¡¯ve sent someone to protect you the moment your name hit the headlines? The Norris family has no shortage of resources¡ªbodyguards, detectives, you name it.¡±

    ¡°Even if he doesn¡¯t care about me, for the sake of the Norris family¡¯s reputation and thepany¡¯s stock price, he will send someone to rescue me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind reeled. Nate¡¯s words stung, but she steeled herself.

    Even if Kristopher didn¡¯t care about her, the Norris family¡¯s reputation and financial stakes were at risk. Surely, they¡¯d act to preserve those.

    Nate chuckled softly.

    He turned to his henchmen, pulling two thick bundles of cash from his pocket and handing them to them. ¡°Good work. You can leave now. Take the lifeboat to Byburn and catch a ride from there.¡±

    The duo epted the money with gratitude, their expressions alight with relief.

    Once they were gone, Nate turned back to Carrie, his smile darkening.

    ¡°Do you believe in luck, Carrie?¡± he began. ¡°Because mine seems incredible. First, you stumble into trouble with those thugs in Foxfire County. Now, Asher¡¯s fanatics have made you a target online. Everyone knows his fans have been doxxing you. Even if Kristopher finds you, how can he prove I had anything to do with this?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s blood ran cold.

    Nate¡¯s words carried an unspoken implication that twisted her stomach.

    Dead men tell no tales.

    Her heart pounded, terror wing at her insides. Nate¡¯s sinister smile left no doubt¡ªhe had no intention of letting her leave this yacht alive.

    Inside Asher¡¯s lounge, the atmosphere was tense. Most of the crew had stayed back, crowding the once-spacious room, anxiously waiting for updates on Carrie¡¯s situation. Soren was unavable, attending a luxury show in Izrosa, leaving the group feeling rudderless.

    Asher ended his call with Ruby, his face grave. ¡°Ruby says Carrie hasn¡¯t returned home. She¡¯s going to check the surveince footage now. What should we do? Should we call the police?¡±

    He grabbed his coat, ready to leave, when Godwin blocked his way.

    ¡°Carrie¡¯s an adult, and it¡¯s been less than an hour since she went missing. Do you think the police station is your personal hotline? If you go there and the paparazzi spot you, imagine the rumors they¡¯ll spin.¡±

    Godwin¡¯s practical tone silenced the room.

    Beverly nodded in agreement. ¡°If Carrie¡¯s been kidnapped, reporting it too soon might alert the kidnappers and put her in greater danger.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 207

    ?<strong>Chapter 207:</strong>

    Godwin reinforced the point. ¡°You¡¯ve got to tread carefully, Asher. You¡¯re a top celebrity. Every move you make is magnified. Think this through before acting rashly.¡±

    Asher slumped onto the sofa, his frustration palpable. ¡°What¡¯s the point of all this fame? I can¡¯t even protect the people I care about?¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t the time for regrets,¡± Beverly said softly. ¡°If only we knew someone influential in both legal and underground circles in Orkset, it would make this so much easier.¡±

    Godwin stroked his chin thoughtfully. ¡°If Mr. Rodgers were here, the Rodgers family¡¯s influence in Orkset could have solved this quickly.¡±

    Someone added, ¡°Ruby¡¯s family is wealthy. Maybe she can handle it.¡±

    But Godwin shook his head. ¡°Ruby¡¯s family is new money, and their strength lies in financial resources, not deep connections. If Carrie¡¯s really been kidnapped, throwing money at the problem won¡¯t be enough.¡±

    Asher clenched his fists, punching the sofa in frustration. For the first time, he regretted not building stronger ties with the powerful elite. He¡¯d always prided himself on relying solely on his own merit, refusing to bow to wealth or influence.

    Seeing his anguish, Beverly¡¯s mind raced. Suddenly, an idea struck her¡ªa name, a person who could help. Someone with unparalleled power, influence, and connections.

    ¡°I just thought of someone!¡± Beverly eximed.

    ¡°Who?¡± Godwin asked, raising an eyebrow. He looked at Beverly skeptically, recalling her humble background. How could someone like her know anyone influential?

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    Beverly bit her lip. ¡°I can¡¯t say. It¡¯s one of Carrie¡¯s friends.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face lit up with recognition. ¡°Her best friend? I¡¯ve seen her twice. She¡¯s the little princess of the Nixon family, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°The Nixon family?¡± Godwin¡¯s skepticism wavered. ¡°You mean the same Nixon family you once endorsed?¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°Yes. I think so. I saw her photo on Mr. Nixon¡¯s phone once¡ªhis wallpaper. She¡¯s been studying abroad.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s the Nixon family, this could work,¡± Godwin said with relief. ¡°You should go quickly, Beverly.¡±

    Beverly hesitated for a moment, then nodded and rushed out.

    Norris Group

    Beverly stepped out of the taxi and stood at the entrance of the towering Norris Group building. The sleek facade loomed over her, exuding power and wealth.

    Her confidence wavered. She thought to herself, ¡°What if Kristopher doesn¡¯t help? What if he doesn¡¯t believe me or thinks I¡¯m lying?¡±

    She had never interacted with someone of his stature. Now, she was about to barge into his world, begging for assistance.

    Her mind felt like a tug-of-war, filled with uncertainty. But the memory of Carrie¡¯s kindness and Asher¡¯s defeated expression shed through her mind, strengthening her resolve.

    Gritting her teeth, she pushed open the ss doors and stepped inside.

    .

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 Chapter 208

    ?<strong>Chapter 208:</strong>

    She approached the reception desk, her voice steady despite her nerves. ¡°Hello, I¡¯m here to see Mr. Kristopher Norris.¡±

    The receptionist, a well-dressed woman, looked up, her gaze assessing Beverly¡¯s casual outfit¡ªa cheap, cartoon-printed T-shirt and faded jeans. Women often came to see Kristopher, but Beverly¡¯s appearance was far from what she expected.

    ¡°Do you have an appointment?¡± the receptionist asked politely, though her tone carried a hint of skepticism.

    ¡°Appointment?¡± Beverly faltered. ¡°No, but Mr. Norris¡¯s friend is in danger. I need his help.¡±

    The receptionist¡¯s smile was polite but dismissive. ¡°Miss, if your friend is in danger, I rmend calling the police. Or, if your friend knows Mr. Norris, perhaps their family or friends can give you his contact information.¡±

    ¡°Friend? Family?¡± Beverly muttered, her mind racing. She didn¡¯t know anyone in Carrie¡¯s family who could connect her to Kristopher.

    ¡°Miss, who are you? What do you need from Mr. Norris?¡± A gentle voice interrupted from behind Beverly.

    Beverly turned toward the voice and saw an elegant woman in sunsses. Her outfit, paired with a designer bag worth millions, radiated wealth.

    Before Beverly could process who she was, the receptionist hurried forward with a respectful nod. ¡°Ms. Nash, the CEO is in his office. You can take the private elevator directly upstairs.¡±

    The woman¡ªLise Nash¡ªremoved her sunsses, her sharp eyesnding on Beverly. A flicker of recognition crossed her face. ¡°Oh, I know you. You¡¯re Carrie¡¯s makeup artist.¡±

    Beverly had appeared in some of the candid photos of Carrie.

    Beverly shrank back instinctively, clutching her shirt as if it might shield her from Lise¡¯s scrutiny. She stayed silent, unsure how to respond.

    The receptionist piped up to exin, ¡°Ms. Nash, this youngdy says her friend is a friend of Mr. Norris and that her friend is in danger. She came here asking for his help.¡±

    Carrie in danger? Lise¡¯s brows furrowed. The news about Carrie trending online had only just begun, yet it was possible that Asher¡¯s obsessive fans might already have made a move. Or perhaps Elva had orchestrated something? The idea pleased her. If those crazed fans ruined Carrie¡¯s face, she¡¯d be forced out of the entertainment industry for good.

    Feigning impatience, Lise scoffed, ¡°Look at her. Does she seem like someone whose friend would know Kristopher? You¡¯re letting just anyone in now? If you keep this up, Kristopher might as well quit being CEO and be a superhero instead!¡±

    ¡°Yes, Ms. Nash. I¡¯ll make sure this doesn¡¯t happen again. I¡¯ll have her leave immediately.¡± The receptionist flushed with embarrassment.

    At that moment, the elevator doors opened. Camille emerged, followed by a girl.

    Camille was ranting, ¡°I told you not to apply here, but you wouldn¡¯t listen! The CEO¡¯s crazy, so how could his staff be normal? Did you hear what HR said? If you could meet those requirements, you wouldn¡¯t need to be an intern¡ªyou¡¯d be running your ownpany!¡±

    Camille looked up, noticing Lise berating the receptionist, with Beverly standing awkwardly nearby. Her sharp heels clicked as she walked over.

    Camille smirked. ¡°A mistress acting like she owns the ce? Hrious, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 209

    ?<strong>Chapter 209:</strong>

    Camille¡¯s expression turned colder. ¡°Thest I checked, Kristopher has a wife, a mother, and a grandmother. When did it be your ce to give orders?¡±

    Lise stiffened as Camille¡¯s face registered. Worried Camille might give away Carrie¡¯s identity, Lise turned to the receptionist. ¡°What are you waiting for? Call security and get her out of here!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it right away.¡± The receptionist signaled to security.

    Lise, feeling triumphant, put her sunsses back on. ¡°This better not repeat itself,¡± she said as she walked with exaggerated grace toward the elevator.

    Security arrived quickly, but the receptionist, taking in the status of Camille and herpany, knew she had to tread carefully.

    She turned to Camille courteously. ¡°Miss, please don¡¯t make things harder for us employees. Finding a job isn¡¯t easy these days.¡±

    She then turned to Beverly. ¡°If your friend is really in danger, it¡¯s best to contact the police quickly.¡±

    ¡°Sorry for the trouble,¡± Beverly said dejectedly, then turned to Camille. ¡°Thank you for standing up for me.¡±

    Camille studied Beverly, recognition dawning on her. ¡°Wait¡ªyou¡¯re Carrie¡¯s makeup artist! What are you doing here?¡±

    Beverly looked up at Camille, her eyes lighting up as she recognized her. ¡°Ms. Nixon?¡± Finally, someone who could help! She didn¡¯t know Camille¡¯s name, but she¡¯d heard Asher mention she was from the Nixon family.

    Thinking of the power the Nixon family held, Beverlytched onto the hope. ¡°Ms. Nixon, please! You have to help. It¡¯s Carrie.¡±

    Beverly¡¯s gaze darted between the security and the receptionist, then focused on Camille again. ¡°Can we discuss this outside?¡±

    Camille followed her outside without objection, her forehead creasing with worry.

    ¡°Carrie¡¯s been kidnapped,¡± Beverly informed Camille once they were outside.

    Camille¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What?¡±

    The younger girl who had been with Camille earlier spoke up. ¡°Camille, you go ahead. I¡¯ll head home on my own.¡± She gave Beverly a quick, reassuring nce. ¡°Don¡¯t worry¡ªI won¡¯t say a word.¡±

    After sending the girl on her way, Camille motioned for Beverly to get into her car. ¡°We¡¯ll talk more on the way. Tell me everything.¡±

    Beverly quickly exined everything, her voice trembling with urgency. Camille listened intently, her face growing more serious with every word.

    At Norris Group

    In the CEO¡¯s office, a group of men lounged on the leather sofas, discussing their ns for the evening.

    ¡°How about we hit Oasis Club tonight?¡± one suggested.

    Anotherughed. ¡°You¡¯re brave to go there after what happened the other day! Acting indifferent after robbing the girl of her virginity? That¡¯s cold. Didn¡¯t shee to the club to take you away yesterday?¡±

    .

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    .

 Chapter 210

    ?<strong>Chapter 210:</strong>

    ¡°Robbing the girl of her virginity¡­¡±

    ¡°Acting indifferent¡­¡±

    Though the men weren¡¯t talking about him, their words struck a nerve with Kristopher. A shadow crossed his face as he sat silently at his desk.

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened, and he pulled a cigarette from his pack. His voice was icy. ¡°You just signed a major deal, and you¡¯re already nning parties? Seems like you don¡¯t care about this contract.¡±

    The group froze, theirughter dying instantly.

    One of them stammered, ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s just¡­ we thought we could bnce work with a little rxation.¡±

    Kristopher lit his cigarette with a gold lighter encrusted with diamonds¡ªa statement of his wealth and power. He tossed the lighter onto the coffee table, where itnded with a thud.

    His voice was calm but menacing. ¡°Bnce work? Go do the preliminary research today and send the presentation to Oliver by tomorrow. Or don¡¯t bother showing up again.¡±

    The men scrambled to gather their things, stammering apologies. ¡°Understood, Mr. Norris! We¡¯ll get to work immediately!¡±

    Kristopher stood abruptly, his booted foot kicking over the coffee table. The sharp sound echoed through the office as the men bolted for the door.

    On board the yacht, the distant shoreline was just a faint outline. Carrie gazed through the ss as her captors descended into a lifeboat, setting a course for arger vessel nearby.

    As they reached the ship, the endless expanse of the ocean enveloped them, punctuated only by the sporadic cries of seabirds that pierced the quiet.

    Nate leaned forward, his breath warm against Carrie¡¯s neck. ¡°You smell delightful,¡± he murmured.

    Carrie instinctively recoiled.

    Hindered by her bound legs, she stumbled and fell onto the cold floor.

    Nate, frustration coloring his tone, crouched beside her and gripped her cheeks tightly. ¡°Carrie, are you still not grasping the gravity of your situation?¡± he hissed. ¡°Everyone here is loyal to me. Where could you possibly¡ª¡±

    His fury was palpable, his fingers pressing into her skin with such force that it left her cheeks tinged with red.

    Yet, this sharp pain brought a moment of rity. If her fate was sealed, perhaps she couldn¡¯t find a way to survive¡ªbut she could decide how to face her end with grace.

    Embracing the inevitable, she no longer felt the weight of fear.

    Through gritted teeth, she forced out the words, ¡°I¡­ I understand.¡±

    Nate stepped back, his brow furrowing in confusion. ¡°What do you really understand?¡±

    Her response was cool andposed. ¡°You¡¯re just trying to sleep with me, aren¡¯t you? It seems like you¡¯re putting yourself through an awful lot of trouble just to sleep with me.¡±

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 Chapter 211

    ?<strong>Chapter 211:</strong>

    Nate¡¯s reaction was not one of satisfaction. Rather, he studied her intently, a wry half-smile forming on his lips. ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. Even if you somehow manage to escape from this yacht, remember, we¡¯re surrounded by nothing but ocean.¡±

    ¡°The nearestnd is miles away. You wouldn¡¯t make it.¡±

    Carrie let out a soft, mockingugh. ¡°Why is it that I¡¯m not the one who¡¯s scared, but you seem to be, Mr. Crawford?¡±

    She gazed up at him defiantly, her eyes sparkling with a mix of irony and allure.

    Nate, surprisingly, didn¡¯t show any anger. Instead, he chuckled, ¡°How can I possibly trust you, Carrie? Years ago, I offered your family wealth, power, and a prestigious standing, but you turned down my proposal. The other day, I saved your life, yet you wouldn¡¯t even dine with me. And now, here you are, seeminglypliant. Do you take me for a fool?¡±

    With a calm demeanor and a faint shrug, Carrie looked him in the eye. ¡°Whether I hesitated to marry you or stayed away, it wasn¡¯t because of you.¡±

    She paused for a moment, then continued with fiery conviction, ¡°I never wanted to be just a pawn for my family. My strained rtionship with them is well-known. I resent my father for his infidelity, which led to my mother¡¯s demise, and I loathe my stepmother and stepsister for usurping what was rightfully mine. They kicked me out, and I was brought up by my grandmother alone. These aren¡¯t well-guarded secrets. Anyone who¡¯s curious enough can easily uncover the truth.¡±

    Nate was visibly shocked. He had always admired Carrie¡¯s independence and pride, never suspecting that he had misjudged the situation so gravely.

    If only he had been bolder, pursuing Carrie directly¡ªperhaps then, this remarkable woman wouldn¡¯t have been cornered by such sorrowful circumstances.

    Each misguided decision had onlypounded his regrets.

    A shadow of remorse briefly crossed Nate¡¯s eyes, a detail that didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Carrie.

    Seizing the opportunity, she made her plea. ¡°Can you untie me, please?¡±

    Before Nate could respond, a brilliant sh of lightning tore through the sky, heralding a sudden, violent storm. The sea roared to life, whipped into a turbulent chaos by the fierce tempest.

    As the day turned to dusk, ominous clouds rolled in, heavy with rain that soon began to pour down in torrents.

    Inside the car, Camille absorbed Beverly¡¯s words while making a series of calls in an attempt to contact the marketing firms responsible for the ounts, but to no avail. They insisted that the information hadn¡¯t been collected by them but had been sent anonymously via direct messages on Twitter.

    Now, theplexity of Carrie¡¯s predicament had eclipsed Camille¡¯s capacity to manage on her own, leaving her with no alternative but to turn to her family for assistance.

    With a sigh, she drew a cigarette from a pack she hadn¡¯t touched in a long time and lit it.

    Beverly pressed Camille, her voice tinged with urgency. ¡°Miss Camille, you must intervene for Carrie¡¯s sake. She¡¯s encountered danger before in Foxfire County. Though I¡¯m unclear on the specifics, the sight of her in the hospital was harrowing¡ªso frail that dressing herself was beyond her strength. It was truly frightening!¡±

    The truth about the perils Carrie faced in Foxfire County had been kept from Camille. Carrie had concealed the details to spare her any worry.

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 Chapter 212

    ?<strong>Chapter 212:</strong>

    Squinting, Camille pondered Beverly¡¯s implications. ¡°From what you¡¯re saying, it seems this may not merely be the act of an obsessive fan¡ªperhaps it¡¯s retaliation from those she crossed paths with in Foxfire County!¡±

    Resolved, Camille extinguished her cigarette with a decisive flick. She knew it was time to reconnect with her family, regardless of the personal costs. She was resolute in her mission to save Carrie.

    Just as her hand reached for the gas pedal, poised to set off, a familiar silhouette emerged through the curtain of rain, capturing her attention.

    Albin had barely made it halfway through his walk when a burst of rain poured down unexpectedly. Without a second thought, he raced toward the closest Norris Group building for cover.

    ¡°Albin!¡± a voice shouted, slicing through the downpour. He swiveled, scanning for the source. The voice called out again, more urgent this time.

    Locking his eyes on the direction, Albin caught sight of a blue car¡¯s window rolling down, with Camille waving wildly to draw his attention.

    Without hesitation, he sprinted toward her, noticing that the passenger seat was already upied. Deciding quickly, he swung open the back door and settled into the seat.

    Camille, who his cousin always praised as a senior, had been invaluable in helping his cousin find an apartment and navigate theplexities of studying overseas. His cousin had nned a thank-you dinner for her, dragging Albin along as the financier. That evening had sparked a friendship between him and Camille, leading to an exchange of WhatsApp contacts.

    Camille handed him a clean towel, which he grabbed and used to dry off his rain-soaked hair. The towel was lightly scented with what he recognized as Camille¡¯s signature perfume.

    With a yful smirk, he inquired, ¡°What brings you here? It¡¯s quite the coincidence, seeing as I didn¡¯t drive today. Mind giving me a ride home?¡±

    ¡°Cut the smile, Albin! My friend¡¯s in trouble¡ªwe¡¯re heading to the police station!¡± Camille replied, her tone shedding its usual levity for ayer of gravity as she filled him in on her friend¡¯s predicament.

    With quick precision, she exined the pressing situation involving Carrie.

    Though Beverly, sitting in the front, didn¡¯t know Albin, she caught the urgency in Camille¡¯s voice and added, ¡°We¡¯ve wasted enough time already! Carrie could really be in danger!¡±

    Someone named Carrie¡­ Working with Asher on a film¡­

    The pieces fit together so well that it left no room to think it could be someone else with the same name.

    ¡°What?¡± Albin sat still, frozen in ce. His eyes widened in disbelief as he turned to Camille, clinging desperately to a fading glimmer of hope. ¡°Who did you say your friend was?¡±

    ¡°Carrie! What¡¯s the matter?¡± She pointed toward the imposing Norris Group building visible through the window. ¡°She¡¯s the wife of that ruthless Kristopher from the notorious Norris family. Doesn¡¯t your family have a strong connection with the Norris family? Weren¡¯t you aware that he got married?¡±

    Beverly¡¯s eyes grew evenrger than Albin¡¯s. ¡°What? Kristopher Norris is married to Carrie?¡± she stammered, disbelief dripping from her voice.

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 Chapter 213

    ?<strong>Chapter 213:</strong>

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Camille¡¯s frown deepened as she eyed her in confusion. ¡°Then what brought you to the Norris Group to seek him out?¡±

    Beverly stuttered, her mind racing, ¡°Well, when Carrie found herself in trouble back in Foxfire County, Mr. Norris also showed up at the hospital. I only thought they were merely¡­¡±

    She paused, searching for the right word. ¡°Acquaintances.¡±

    Albin couldn¡¯t afford to be astonished by the serendipity of their connections. With a grave tone, he dered, ¡°This is serious. We need to track down Kristopher!¡±

    Camille rolled her eyes with clear annoyance. ¡°Beverly just tried to reach him and ended up getting thrown out because of his so-called perfect love! He¡¯s just biding his time until Carrie is out of the picture, so that two-faced bitch, Lise, can slither into her ce!¡±

    Albin quickly countered, his tone incredulous, ¡°No way! If Kristopher truly desired that, he would¡¯ve epted the divorce papers from Carrie without hesitation. Why would he prolong the inevitable?¡±

    With a scoff, Camille retorted, a hint of mockery in herughter, ¡°Oh, really? And how do you exin Beverly being ousted? She was forced out of the Norris Group!¡±

    ¡°That can¡¯t be right! There¡¯s got to be some mistake,¡± Albin argued, his disbelief evident.

    He pulled out his phone and hurriedly dialed Kristopher¡¯s number. ¡°Kristopher, Carrie¡­¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice, cold as frost, cut him short. ¡°Since when did you start meddling in her affairs?¡±

    Before Albin could flounder, Lise chimed in, seemingly offering a lifeline. ¡°Albin was just bringing up the hot gossip.¡±

    Seizing the lifeline, Albin quickly agreed, ¡°Yes, exactly that! It¡¯s about Carrie, she¡¯s¡ª¡±

    Kristopher interrupted him again, his toneced with irritation. ¡°If she¡¯s so capable, why involve me? Don¡¯t drag her issues to my doorstep ever again.¡± With a sharp click, the call ended.

    Thepact car amplified every word of the conversation, making it impossible for anyone to miss.

    Camille, her voice icy and expectant of the disappointing news, fixed Albin with a stern look. ¡°Well, are you going to help me, or should you just leave my car now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll help you! Did I ever say I wouldn¡¯t?¡± Albin gazed at his phone, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion and frustration over Kristopher¡¯s apparent disregard for Carrie¡¯s dire situation.

    Pausing to collect his thoughts, he suggested determinedly, ¡°Let¡¯s head to the police station and file a report immediately.¡±

    Upon arriving at the police station, theyid out the details of Carrie¡¯s disappearance to the officer on duty.

    The officer paused in his note-taking and looked up at the clock. ¡°It¡¯s only been a few hours since she went missing. Youck concrete evidence of a kidnapping. Maybe her phone¡¯s just dead. Why don¡¯t you head home, try to get in touch with her, and if you hear anything from the alleged kidnappers,e back and we¡¯ll take it from there.¡±

    The result was exactly as Godwin had anticipated.

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 Chapter 214

    ?<strong>Chapter 214:</strong>

    Just then, a middle-aged man emerged from an office and noticed Albin. ¡°Mr. Murray, to what do we owe the pleasure?¡±

    Albin¡¯s demeanor brightened upon seeing the familiar face. He approached swiftly, urgency in his voice. ¡°We need your help. It¡¯s about Kristopher¡¯s wife¡ªshe¡¯s missing. If anything were to happen to the young mistress of the Norris family¡­¡±

    ¡°Mr. Norris¡¯s wife? And where might Mr. Norris be?¡± the man inquired, his expression turning serious.

    Fidgeting slightly, Albin touched his nose and lied smoothly. ¡°Kristopher was caught up in an urgent situation, so he sent me in his stead.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite unusual,¡± the man responded with a hint of concern. ¡°I suggest contacting either the Norris or his wife¡¯s family to coordinate with us on this report.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll get in touch with them immediately,¡± Albin replied, already dialing the number to the Norris Mansion as he turned away, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation.

    As Billie and Kailee were on the verge of leaving, the housekeeper intercepted them with thendline phone held out in both hands. ¡°Mrs. Norris, there¡¯s a call for you from Mr. Murray.¡±

    Billie hesitated before epting the phone, her brow creasing in mild confusion. ¡°Albin? Why would he be calling here?¡±

    The housekeeper merely shrugged, conveying her own uncertainty. ¡°He didn¡¯t specify, just insisted on talking to you directly.¡±

    ¡°Talking to me?¡± Billie¡¯s confusion deepened with each passing second.

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    Kailee, ever the yful niece, gently tugged at Billie¡¯s arm. ¡°Auntie Billie, it sounds serious. Maybe you should find out what Albin wants directly?¡±

    Reluctantly, Billie took the phone and inquired cautiously, ¡°Albin, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Albin¡¯s voice crackled with urgency on the other end. ¡°Billie, it¡¯s Carrie. She¡¯s missing. Apparently, she¡¯s gotten tangled up in some rumors with a co-actor, and it¡¯s blown up all over the trending news¡­¡±

    Before Albin could borate further, Billie interrupted him, her voice tinged with anger. ¡°What? Engaged in a scandal with some actor, and now it¡¯s all over the media? How utterly disgraceful¡ªpoor Kristopher must be mortified!¡±

    Albin, struggling to keep hisposure, corrected her gently, ¡°No, Billie, you¡¯ve got it wrong. It¡¯s merely a rumor, nothing factual. But we¡¯re actually more concerned because she seems to have vanished. We think a fan who¡¯s lost their grip on reality might have taken her.¡±

    Billie¡¯s patience wore thin, her toneced with irritation. ¡°She¡¯s always at the center of some drama¡ªfirst a scandal and now a kidnapping? What next? And where in the world is Kristopher during all this?¡±

    ¡°Kristopher is tied up with priormitments and asked me to oversee things.¡±

    However, the police need a family member to report her missing, so¡­¡± Albin repeated the fabricated story he¡¯d concocted, hoping it would spur Billie to action.

    Billie let out a sigh, muttering, ¡°I¡­¡±

    She was on the verge of dering she would handle the matter herself.

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 Chapter 215

    ?<strong>Chapter 215:</strong>

    Kailee hastily pressed her hand over the phone¡¯s mouthpiece. ¡°Auntie Billie, don¡¯t you see? This is our chance.¡±

    ¡°What chance?¡± Billie¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion.

    Leaning closer, Kailee¡¯s voice dropped to a hush. ¡°This is the best time to make Carrie disappear.¡±

    Kailee noticed even Albin was overly concerned for Carrie, which only fueled her growing resentment. ¡°If Kristopher finds out¡­¡± Billie¡¯s voice trailed off, uncertainty clouding her tone.

    Kailee reassured her with a dismissive wave. ¡°It¡¯s irrelevant to us. Albin has no solid evidence of her abduction. If things escte, we¡¯ll simply im ignorance of the severity. Besides, should the situation require a family intervention, her father is still around. Surely, he¡¯s better suited than you?¡±

    Billie paused, wrestling with her thoughts, then reluctantly agreed.

    Kailee removed her hand from the phone. ¡°Albin, if this is truly a family matter, her father is avable. It¡¯s not my ce to step in. You might want to contact the Campbell family instead.¡±

    Billie¡¯s gaze drifted to the window, watching as the rain hammered relentlessly against the pane, her hand tightening around the phone.

    Elsewhere, the sea was a fury of its own, the fierce gales cutting through the air.

    Aboard the mid-sized yacht, Nate staggered and crashed to the deck.

    A crew member burst in, his face etched with urgency. ¡°Mr. Crawford, we must turn back.¡±

    Despite all their preparations, it seemed the weather had its own mocking ns.

    Nate, visibly annoyed, tugged at his cor and queried, ¡°What if we just keep going?¡±

    The crew member responded firmly, shaking his head. ¡°No. Beyond this point lies international waters. Without the correct documentation, we¡¯d find ourselves in far deeper trouble.¡±

    Nate, still sprawled on the floor, shifted his gaze to the woman before him. The ropes bound tightly around her limbs, carving deep red marks into her skin, entuating her voluptuous figure. Her response was a piercing, cold stare; her lips cracked, her cheeks bruised, adding a vulnerable, yet hauntingly beautiful aura to her appearance.

    A sense of possession washed over him; she was a gem he was determined not to lose. ¡°Veer around for the port,¡± he dered, pushing himself to his feet with a wobbly effort.

    After a brief silence, he ordered, ¡°Take her to the bedroom.¡± Leaning on the wall for support as he exited, two burly men promptly grasped Carrie, guiding her to another room.

    The room was bare, its only features a in bed and a tiny bathroom tucked away in the corner. They threw her onto the bed and exited swiftly.

    Nate sat on the edge of the bed, removing his clothing with eager hands. As he moved closer, he reached for her dress. Swallowing her revulsion, Carrie forced a sweet smile. ¡°Untie me, and I¡¯ll handle it myself,¡± she murmured softly.

    Nate paused, locking eyes with her briefly before a sly smirk formed on his face. ¡°Darling, this is my one and only chance. I can¡¯t afford anything going wrong.¡± As he spoke, his hands moved to her dress, tugging it aside and slipping toward her undergarments.

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 Chapter 216

    ?<strong>Chapter 216:</strong>

    At that moment, a thunderous p echoed, and a giant wave rocked the yacht sharply. The sudden movement flung them both across the bed. Simultaneously, the storm ripped the window next to the bed open, allowing the fierce wind and rain to surge into the room.

    Seeing the open window, Carrie¡¯s eyes sparkled with a glimmer of hope. She quickly began maneuvering her body toward the escape it offered.

    Nate faltered, a wave of dizziness washing over him. As he regained his focus, he noticed Carrie at the window, half of her body already outside, leaning forward with the intent to jump.

    ¡°Carrie!¡± Nate eximed, his eyes widening in rm as he surged forward in an attempt to catch her.

    Carrie made a swift, determined leap, her form disappearing through the window frame. Nate reached out frantically, his fingers brushing against her ankle a moment toote.

    The ship lurched beneath him, thwarting his efforts to steady himself or pull her back. Powerless, he watched in despair as Carrie¡¯s figure slipped from his grasp and vanished into the night.

    ¡°Where the hell are you all?!¡± Nate roared, his voice raw as he mmed the emergency button with furious urgency. ¡°For fuck¡¯s sake. Get your asses in here now!¡±

    Secondster, a group of bodyguards burst into the room, staggering as the ship rocked violently. Rain and seawater swirled in through the now-open window, drenching the interior.

    The bodyguards hastened to Nate¡¯s side, attempting to draw him away from the chaos. ¡°Mr. Crawford, staying here is too dangerous. We need to move now. A safer room has been prepared for you.¡±

    Nate, furious, swung his hand, striking two of them sharply across the face. ¡°Move? Are you fucking insane? Didn¡¯t you see Carrie jump out? Go after her, now! Do you realize how much effort it took to bring her here? And she¡¯s just gone, after a few words?¡±

    Despite the raw sting on their cheeks, the bodyguardsposed themselves and tried to reason with him. One of the bodyguards said, ¡°Mr. Crawford, we¡¯re close to the propellers here. It¡¯s probable she¡¯s been torn apart already. And even if, by some stroke of luck, she wasn¡¯t sliced by the des, remember she was bound when she fell overboard. Swimming was out of the question. She would have sunk in minutes.¡±

    Another bodyguard added, ¡°The sea¡¯s churning fiercely, and a storm¡¯s brewing. Within moments, the currents would have dragged her miles from here. It¡¯s futile to attempt a rescue now. Moreover, with the yacht pitching like this, we¡¯re jeopardizing your safety by remaining. Our duty is to protect you.¡±

    A third bodyguard remarked, ¡°Mr. Crawford, it¡¯s merely one life. If she¡¯s lost, that¡¯s how it must be. If word gets out, the bacsh from the shareholders will be relentless.¡±

    Nate clenched Carrie¡¯s shoe so tightly his knuckles turned pale. He was agonizingly close. He berated himself for his earlier indecision. Had he just knocked those two thugs out instead of sending them away, he could have had her right there and then, uninterrupted.

    After a tense moment, Nate¡¯s resolve wavered. With a guttural snarl of frustration, he mmed the shoe down. ¡°Give me my coat.¡±

    Quick to react, one astute bodyguard snatched up the shoe and flung it out the window, erasing thest trace of Carrie from the yacht.

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 Chapter 217

    ?<strong>Chapter 217:</strong>

    Carrie herself was engulfed by the ocean, the massive waves devouring her as effortlessly as they would a stray leaf adrift at sea. The icy seawater bit into her skin, pulling her down relentlessly. Despite her mental rehearsals, a suffocating terror overwhelmed her as the shadow of death crept closer.

    Instinctively, her survival instincts red, sparking a fierce determination to live.

    She had mentally prepared for the worst yet harbored no true desire to meet her end.

    Holding her breath tightly, Carrie battled the ropes that ensnared her. Even a faint glimmer of hope was enough to fuel her resolve.

    Surrender was not an option.

    Her new life was barely underway. Agarwood was still a work in progress. She could not allow her story to end in these cold depths.

    Her unfinished script needed her. People who believed in her were still out there, waiting.

    But her strength was fading fast.

    She had hit her breaking point, her lungs screaming in agony as her body began to betray her.

    A forced gasp broke her resolve, and the harsh, salty seawater rushed in, filling her lungs.

    Her body grew limp, sumbing to the pull of the ocean¡¯s depths.

    The dim light from above slowly faded, leaving her enveloped in an unfathomable darkness.

    As her consciousness slipped away, the ropes binding her seemed to loosen slightly.

    Yet, with no strength left, she remained motionless.

    Her final thought was of Gracie. In the end, shemented she couldn¡¯t care for Gracie anymore.

    In a hospital room, Lisey reclined on the examination table, her body connected to a series of high-tech apparatuses that sent real-time data directly into the nearbyputer system. The doctor, his focus intense, studied the digital readouts before raising his eyes to meet Kristopher¡¯s.

    ¡°Ms. Nash is making excellent progress in her recovery,¡± the doctor said. ¡°Her heart is functioning exceptionally well¡ªthere are no significant concerns to report. However, since it¡¯s a transnt, it may not perform as fluidly as her original heart did. A bit of difort here and there is to be expected, but it¡¯s nothing rming.¡±

    Kristopher nodded firmly, his voice steady. ¡°Understood. Please continue with the same supplements as before. They seem to be effective.¡±

    Lise offered a frail smile, the kind that suggested more strength than her tone conveyed, as she slowly sat up from the machinery. ¡°As long as my heart is working, I can handle a little difort,¡± she said, her words light but tinged with something harder to read.

    Oliver, who had been silently observing, furrowed his brow. Her words struck him as oddly detached, almost as though Lise saw herself merely as a vessel for the new heart, rather than its recipient. The essence of a heart transnt, after all, was to improve her quality of life, wasn¡¯t it?

    His thoughts swirled in confusion, trying to make sense of the cryptic sentiment behind her statement.

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 Chapter 218

    ?<strong>Chapter 218:</strong>

    Kristopher crossed the room to Lise¡¯s side, his actions tender. He tousled her hair affectionately and draped a coat over her shoulders, his voice warm and reassuring. ¡°Don¡¯t dwell on those thoughts too much. Whatever it takes, I¡¯m here to ensure you have a healthy, joyful life.¡±

    Just as the moment seemed to settle, Oliver¡¯s phone vibrated urgently. He nced at Kristopher, hesitated for a beat, then excused himself and stepped into the corridor for more privacy.

    Only when he was alone in the dimly lit corridor did Oliver press the phone to his ear. ¡°Hello, Mr. Murray.¡± The echo of Kristopher¡¯s earlier heated call with Albin hung heavily in the air, a prelude to more trouble, perhaps. What had Albin stirred up this time?

    A raspy voice crackled through the speaker,den with urgency. ¡°It¡¯s serious¡ªCarrie¡¯s gone missing! You need to speak with Kristopher now. We can¡¯t afford any dys or standoffs!¡±

    Albin¡¯s voice was frantic, the words tumbling out in a rush of pent-up anxiety and exhaustion. ¡°We¡¯ve been looking for hours, and I even tried to file a missing person¡¯s report, but the police need us to wait 24 hours.¡± Desperation seeped into his tone. ¡°I reached out to Mrs. Norris, but she just bounced me over to the Campbell family. They¡¯re no help¡ªjust bloodsuckers, really. I was out of my mind to think they¡¯d lift a finger.¡±

    Albin paused, a deep sigh filtering through the line. ¡°In the end, I had to call a few friends to join the search.¡± He omitted the part where he sought assistance from the Murray family. Hisint about Billie¡¯s and Kristopher¡¯sck of concern had backfired, leading them to practically shut him out, refusing even the simplest aid since Carriecked any notable social standing. For the first time, Albin felt the sting of seeing his social world through the eyes of an outsider¡ªharsh, cold, and indifferent.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been at it for five or six hours now. I¡¯ve checked four or five different spots, and there¡¯s no trace of her. Carrie¡¯s phone is off, and now Kristopher isn¡¯t picking up his phone either. You have to talk to him!¡±

    The harsh reality dawned on Albin. Without the Murray family¡¯s influential backing, his own power was frustratingly minimal.

    ¡°Wait, Mr. Murray,¡± Oliver interjected sharply, sensing the urgency of the matter.

    He quickly retraced his steps back to the room, his phone clutched tightly in his grasp. As he burst through the door, Oliver fixed his gaze on Kristopher and dered with urgency, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris has vanished!¡±

    ¡°What do you mean she¡¯s vanished?¡± Kristopher¡¯s brows furrowed deeply, his irritation giving way to a mix of disbelief and growing concern. Meanwhile, Lise¡¯s eyes sparkled with a mischievous satisfaction. She hadn¡¯t anticipated such a swift reaction from the fans.

    ¡°I¡¯ll speak to Kristopher myself!¡± Albin called out over the phone. Oliver passed the phone to Kristopher, allowing Albin to ry the details once more.

    Lise blinked, her demeanor innocent, her voice delicate and seemingly sincere. ¡°I just looked at the trending topics online. There¡¯s nothing too scandalous. It¡¯s not being taken seriously, really. At most, people are just chatting about it online.¡±

    She then continued in a lower tone, ¡°Besides, it isn¡¯t the first time Carrie hasn¡¯t picked up her phone. It would be absurd to report her missing every time, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Kristopher paused for a moment, his expression turning somber and contemtive. Lise approached and gently tugged at his arm. ¡°Kristopher, we still have a few tests to go¡ªand a blood draw. I¡¯m really frightened to do it alone.¡±

    Kristopher gently pushed her hand away, shifting his eyes away from her. ¡°Oliver, stay here and make a call to Elva. Both of you should stay with Lise during her tests.¡±

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 Chapter 219

    ?<strong>Chapter 219:</strong>

    Lise¡¯s expression morphed into one of surprise, her face etched with distress. ¡°Kristopher, I really don¡¯t want to be alone! I absolutely can¡¯t stand needles and all these tests,¡± she whimpered, her voice trembling as it threatened to break into tears.

    ¡°Please, Lise, try to be brave,¡± Kristopher implored in a tender voice, turning away from her. With these words, he exited the room, leaving a heavy silence in his wake. Lise watched his departing silhouette, her eyes brimming with tears, hands balled into tight fists. In her heart, a silent wish echoed for Carrie to vanish forever.

    Carrie¡¯s eyelids fluttered open. Above her, the crystal chandelier swayed gently, casting a harsh light that made her squint and raise a hand to shield her eyes. As her surroundings came into focus, realization dawned on her¡ªthis was not a dream. Confusion swirled within her. Was she still alive? Had she been rescued and brought back to the yacht? Had Nate been her savior?

    Peering down, she noticed her attire¡ªshe was dressed in pristine athletic wear and covered with a silky, soft quilt. Remarkably, she felt no pain or vition of any sort. She sat up, scanning the room, which was notablyrger than the one on Nate¡¯s yacht that she had previously been in. Even the stark white walls radiated an air of opulence reminiscent of the Norris family¡¯s yacht.

    Her thoughts were interrupted as the door swung open, and a man dressed in a crisp white shirt entered. His features were refined, his eyes reflecting the light of the chandelier with a serene gentleness, as if he were gazing at someone cherished.

    ¡°Carrie, it¡¯s been far too long,¡± he said, his voice smooth and calming, like a soothing stream, tempering the storm of anxiety that had gued her throughout the night.

    Carrie¡¯s tightly wound nerves finally gave way, and tears streamed down her cheeks, unstoppable and unrelenting. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was fear, relief, or heartbreak, but the dam inside her had burst, and no matter how much she tried to hold it in, the tears kepting.

    Daxton Garcia sat down beside her, his hand hovering for a moment before he gently rested it on her shoulder. His voice was soft,forting. ¡°It¡¯s okay now. I¡¯m here.¡± Those simple words broke her even more, and her sobs turned louder, rawer. Hugging her knees tightly to her chest, Carrie buried her face and cried, her body trembling with the weight of emotions she had held back for far too long.

    She had always been lucky¡ªsomeone had alwayse to save her when she needed it most. But it had never been Kristopher. No matter how much she told herself not to expect anything from him, in moments of danger, his face was the one she instinctively thought of. And every time, she was left disappointed. Eventually, the faint spark of hope she harbored deep in her heart dimmed, then died entirely, leaving only darkness in its wake.

    As Carrie cried, Daxton sat silently by her side, his presence steady and unyielding, like an anchor in a storm. After what felt like an eternity, her sobs quieted. Embarrassed, she wiped her face and looked up at him. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for making such a scene.¡±

    Daxton handed her a tissue, his smile kind and unassuming. ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    Daxton had been a junior in college when she was a freshman. One day, he caught a girl stealing something. Carrie had been passing by and saw the scene, and she mistook him for a pervert harassing a girl.

    Without hesitation, she hurled the stack of heavy hardcover dictionaries she was carrying straight at him. The books hit their mark, leaving him with a bleeding nose. Despite the misunderstanding, he patiently exined the situation to her instead of getting angry. That bizarre encounter was the start of an unexpected friendship.

    Over time, they discovered a shared love for books and an uncanny ability to challenge each other intellectually. However, not long after they became friends, Daxton graduated early and earned a schrship to study in Janfort. Life happened. Carrie, pressured by her family and weighed down by her own troubles, lost touch with him over the years.

    .

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 Chapter 220

    ?<strong>Chapter 220:</strong>

    Now, Daxton didn¡¯t ask her what had happened to bring her to this point. Instead, he simply said, ¡°What a coincidence. A friend invited me on a yacht trip, but the weather turned bad, so we had to dock here at Orkset¡¯s port.¡±

    Carrie knew that trips like those often involved gambling in international waters, a yground for the rich and powerful. She¡¯d never known Daxton to be particrly wealthy. As far as she had been aware, he came from modest means and had relied on schrships for his education.

    After a while, she regained her calm. Her stomach growled, breaking the silence. She flushed, mortified.

    Daxton stood up, a small smile tugging at his lips. ¡°It¡¯s already past mealtime, but I can whip up a te of spaghetti for you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Carrie murmured.

    He chuckled softly. ¡°I told you¡ªthere¡¯s no need to be polite with me.¡± He paused at the door, ncing back. ¡°By the way, a female staff member changed your clothes earlier.¡±

    Daxton was still as kind and generous as she remembered him to be. Carrie nodded, appreciating his thoughtfulness.

    As he left, she walked over to the window. Outside, the storm raged on, the wind and waves battering the sea. Yet, the luxury yacht held steady, with the only sign of the turbulence outside being the swaying chandelier above her. It truly was a luxury yacht.

    Her relief at surviving was short-lived. She knew that once they docked, her troubles would only multiply. Alone, she had no chance of standing against the powerful Crawford family. But surrendering to their demands would only embolden Nate further.

    The trending news incident nagged at her mind. It felt too calcted, too deliberate to be mere tabloid gossip. She had a strong feeling it was all set up.

    As her thoughts spiraled, Daxton pushed the door open. He carried a te of freshly made spaghetti. Carrie¡¯s mind shed back to a time when Kristopher had made her a te of spaghetti.

    ¡°Try it,¡± Daxton said, offering her a piece with a hopeful expression.

    She snapped back to reality, quickly pushing the memory away, and took a bite. ¡°It¡¯s delicious,¡± she said, meaning it. She hadn¡¯t realized how hungry she was until now, and before she knew it, the spaghetti was gone.

    Warmth spread through her, and she felt more awake and refreshed.

    ¡°Are you full?¡± Daxton asked, watching her closely.

    Carrie hesitated, her hunger not entirely gone, but she didn¡¯t want to trouble him further. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m full,¡± she lied, forcing a smile.

    Seeing that he didn¡¯t believe her, she repeated, more firmly, ¡°Really, I¡¯m full!¡±

    Daxton¡¯s skeptical look lingered for a moment, but he let it go, taking the empty te and setting it aside. ¡°Do you remember the coffee shop behind our school?¡±

    Grateful for the lighter topic, Carrie smiled.

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 Chapter 221

    ?<strong>Chapter 221:</strong>

    They fell into reminiscing about their college days.

    Before long, the warmth of his presence and her exhaustion lulled her into a peaceful sleep.

    Daxton gently pulled a nket over her, his gaze lingering on her serene face. Leaning in, he pressed a feather-light kiss to her forehead and whispered softly, ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m back.¡±

    Carrie endured a night tormented by haunting dreams. She found herself iling in the depths of the ocean, the choking tightness so vivid she could almost swear she was submerged once more. Through her haze, she glimpsed Kristopher on the distant shore, his gaze icy as he watched her struggle. Beside him stood Lise, her grin wide and triumphant.

    ¡°Knock, knock, knock.¡± The sharp rapping at the door snapped her from her nightmare. ¡°Carrie, are you awake?¡± Daxton¡¯s voice called out, filled with concern.

    Startled, Carrie¡¯s eyes flew open. She massaged her forehead and propped herself up, her gaze drifting towards the window. The storm had relented, and now the setting sun draped the sea in a nket of golden hues. For a fleeting second, the boundary between reality and her dream blurred.

    ¡°I¡¯m awake,¡± she called back, her voice steadier than she felt.

    Daxton¡¯s voice took on a gentle edge as he spoke. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the dock. Feel free to freshen up whenever you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Carrie responded, her movements brisk as she tossed aside the covers and swung her legs out of bed. The tempest from the previous evening had disabled the yacht¡¯smunications. She had been cut off, unable to reach out. She knew Asher and Ruby were probably worried sick.

    Carrie emerged from the room, stepping onto the yacht¡¯s deck, which now seemed hauntingly deserted. Except for Daxton and a handful of attendants, the vessel was empty, as everyone else had disembarked. She leaned against the railing, her eyes scanning the dock where a crowd had assembled. There, a distinct figure dressed in ck sharply contrasted with the others. It was Kristopher, unmistakable at the center, encircled by police officers.

    Despite the situation, his aura of authority was as potent as ever. He was there for her¡ªwhether out of obligation or summoned by the authorities, she wasn¡¯t sure. And honestly, it mattered little to her. Had Daxton not crossed her path just in time, she would have met a grim fate, swallowed by the vast sea. And where had Kristopher been when she was battling for survival?

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted away from him, sweeping across the crowd. There, somewhat removed from the center, stood Camille and Ruby, with Albin unexpectedly beside them, not with Kristopher. Carrie pondered this briefly but chose not to linger on the thought. She followed Daxton off the yacht.

    ¡°The air¡¯s chilly today,¡± Daxton noted softly, cing his coat over her shoulders with a protective gesture. ¡°I activated the yacht¡¯s emergency signal the moment I realized what had happened. I can¡¯t be certain, but falling overboard wasn¡¯t by chance. Since everyone else had already left the boat, the gathering down there must certainly be for you.¡±

    Carrie offered him a look brimming with gratitude. Daxton¡¯s careful attention had safeguarded her in every aspect.

    At that moment, Camille caught sight of her amidst the crowd. ¡°Carrie!¡± she called out, her voice slicing through the noise as she darted over and clutched Carrie¡¯s arm. Camille scrutinized her carefully, searching for any signs of harm. Although the bruises from the ropes were concealed under her clothing, and the scratch on the corner of her mouth was healing nicely thanks to Daxton¡¯s care from the previous night, her concern was palpable.

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 Chapter 222

    ?<strong>Chapter 222:</strong>

    Tears cascaded down Camille¡¯s cheeks as she embraced Carrie tightly. ¡°I was terrified! I feared those obsessive fans might have kidnapped you, or something even worse!¡± she eximed, her voice choked with emotion.

    Carrie allowed Camille¡¯s embrace, soaking in thefort, before her eyes sought Ruby. ¡°Ruby, I¡¯m sorry for causing you worry.¡±

    There was no signal out on the boat¡­ ¡°As long as you¡¯re safe, that¡¯s what matters,¡± Ruby replied with a gentle smile, her demeanorposed and reassuring. She retrieved her phone from her purse, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll call Asher to let him know you¡¯re okay. He¡¯s been up all night, worried sick.¡±

    With a nod, Ruby moved away to make the call. Meanwhile, Kristopher observed the scene silently, his piercing gaze never leaving Carrie. Even though she had stepped off the boat, her gaze never once met his, treating him as though he werepletely invisible. It stung, especially since he was the one she was expected to notice first upon stepping off the boat.

    Even the seasoned police officers present could sense the palpable tension and silence enveloping them. Kristopher took in her appearance: her attire was immacte, and her stance poised. Even the slight fatigue marking her features suggested she had recently woken from a deep sleep. She appeared far from the fragile, vulnerable person he had envisioned she would be in such a crisis.

    After the harrowing events involving a fire and violent assants, Kristopher had made a solemn vow never to let her confront danger alone. At the slightest hint of trouble, he had promised himself to be there for her. He had spent the night tirelessly coordinating with every contact and police unit avable, desperate to locate her. To the outside observer, it might have seemed like a major criminal investigation was underway.

    When a call about a potential homicide hade through at dawn, he had raced to the scene, standing by the shore for what felt like an eternity. Yet, when he finally did find her, there she was, unharmed and alongside another man.

    Kristopher¡¯s sharp eyes immediately noticed the faint bruising at the corner of Carrie¡¯s lips. She must have been hurt. For a fleeting moment, sympathy rose in his chest, but it vanished the instant he saw Daxton.

    Dressed in a crisp white sweater and jeans, Daxton stood effortlessly poised, the sunlight casting a warm glow over his figure. He seemed almost ethereal, exuding an easy confidence that grated on Kristopher. When their eyes met, Daxton offered a polite, serene smile, but beneath it was an unmistakable frost.

    The two men locked gazes, the tension between them palpable¡ªlike two predators circling, vying for dominance over the same territory. Though Daxton¡¯s demeanorcked the lethal edge honed by Kristopher¡¯s years in high-stakes battles, it carried a quiet, unshakable resolve.

    ¡°Alright, everyone¡¯s watching,¡± Carrie said softly, patting Camille on the shoulder. She was entirely oblivious to the silent war raging behind her. Camille straightened, wiping away her tears.

    Kristopher strode towards Carrie with measured purpose. He took the jacket draped over Oliver¡¯s arm and, in a few swift steps, reached Carrie. Without a word, he pulled off the jacket loosely hanging on her shoulders, tossed it toward Daxton, and reced it with his own.

    His dark eyes bore into hers, his voice cold andmanding. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re an adult. Start acting like one. A mere online gossip, and you can¡¯t handle it? You turn off your phone and vanish without a word? Do you have any idea how many resources, how much manpower and police effort, I wasted searching for you all night?¡±

    There were so many things Kristopher wanted to say¡ªwords of worry, offort¡ªbut seeing Daxton by her side twisted those thoughts into harsh, unkind usations.

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 Chapter 223

    ?<strong>Chapter 223:</strong>

    ¡°Kristopher, do you even hear yourself? What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Camille snapped, rolling up her sleeves, looking ready to confront him.

    Before she could act, Albin stepped in, holding her back. ¡°Take it easy, Camille. Kristopher¡¯s upset because he cares. If he didn¡¯t, would he have searched for her all night? Cut him some ck, okay?¡±

    Though still fuming, Camille recalled how upset Kristopher was the previous night. She begrudgingly allowed Albin to lead her away, grumbling under her breath.

    Carrie, however, stood in stunned silence, her thoughts spinning. Kristopher thought she¡¯d disappeared because she couldn¡¯t handle some online gossip? What exactly did he think of her?

    Her voice trembled with frustration and despair. ¡°Kristopher, do you even know what I went throughst night?¡± Her chest heaved with unspoken grievances, but the ache of his mistrust hurt even more.

    Before Kristopher could respond, Daxton stepped forward, cing himself protectively between Carrie and him.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know the full story,¡± Daxton began, his tone calm yet firm, ¡°but when I found Carriest night, she was unconscious, floating in the ocean. If it weren¡¯t for the two experienced sailors on my yacht, she could¡¯ve drowned.¡±

    He turned to the officers nearby, his expression serious. ¡°I suspect this was an attempted murder. I urge you to investigate thoroughly.¡±

    Carrie felt a wave of warmth rise in her chest at Daxton¡¯s words. His steady presence and support soothed her frayed nerves. The contrast between the two men couldn¡¯t have been starker¡ªone dismissive, the other protective.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened as he red at Daxton, his anger simmering beneath the surface.

    He felt that for the first time, he understood what a true maniptor, pretending to be pure and innocent, was like, which most women hated.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the police station to give your statement,¡± Kristopher said coldly, reaching for Carrie¡¯s hand.

    But she stepped back, evading his touch.

    With deliberate movements, she removed his jacket and handed it back to him. ¡°Daxton, since you¡¯re a witness, would you minding with me to the station?¡±

    Kristopher stood frozen, refusing to take the jacket, and itnded on the muddy ground. The designer piece, worth tens of thousands, was smeared with dirt, but he didn¡¯t even nce at it. His gaze remained fixed on Carrie, his chest tightening painfully.

    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Daxton replied softly. His tone was steady yet carried a subtle hint of challenge. To Kristopher, it was a tant provocation.

    Before they could leave, Kristopher stepped in front of them, his voice like ice. ¡°I said, I¡¯ll take you to the police station.¡±

    Carrie ignored him and moved to step around him. He blocked her path again, his voice sharper this time. ¡°Carrie!¡±

    ¡°Stop pushing her. She¡¯s been through enough,¡± Daxton interjected, his tone firm, though his frown betrayed his growing annoyance.

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 Chapter 224

    ?<strong>Chapter 224:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze snapped to Daxton, his eyes zing. ¡°Daxton, is this how you address your elders?¡±

    Everyone assumed Kristopher was subtly mocking Daxton by implying he was practically a son to him, given their simr ages.

    Carrie believed it too.

    Her eyes narrowed with a flicker of disdain as she nced at Kristopher and deliberately stepped on his foot. ¡°Don¡¯t stand in my way.¡±

    Her casual shoes made the action gentle yet audacious,den with silent contempt.

    Daxton, meanwhile, subtly lowered his eyes to conceal the hint of amusement twinkling in them.

    It was clear¡ªshe was standing up for him.

    A sudden, ragged inhale escaped Albin.

    Defying Kristopher was a rarity no one dared, but Carrie unflinchingly did so¡ªfor another man.

    Enraged, Kristopher barked, ¡°Carrie!¡±

    Unfazed, she continued, tugging Daxton by the sleeve toward the waiting police car.

    Daxton paused to give Kristopher a courteous nod, then held the car door open for Carrie.

    Together, they slipped inside.

    The police officers, spectators to this bold disy, wished they could vanish.

    One seasoned officer finally mustered the courage to approach Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, we¡¯ll head back to file the report now.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze was fixed on Carrie, his expression unreadable and silent.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to head back and will keep you posted on any new developments,¡± the officer announced.

    Interpreting Kristopher¡¯s silence as consent, the officer gestured decisively andmanded, ¡°Everyone, back to the station!¡±

    ¡°Ruby, let¡¯s follow the police car,¡± Camille suggested, ushering Ruby toward her vehicle.

    Albin looked from Camille to Kristopher, hesitating for a brief moment before he bit back the words, ¡°I¡¯lle too,¡± his eyes lingering on the departing cars with a sense of longing.

    Before long, only Kristopher and Albin remained beside the deste dock.

    Breaking the silence, Albin ventured cautiously, ¡°Kristopher¡­¡±

    At that, Kristopher gave him a sharp, icy re, causing Albin to abruptly fall silent.

    In Ripples Complex¡­

    After providing their statements, Camille and Ruby escorted Carrie to the hospital to ensure she was alright. Thankfully, she only suffered some minor scrapes and bruises.

    Back in their apartment, Carrie flung off her shoes and slumped onto the couch.

    Camille dropped down next to her, feigning annoyance as she nudged her friend. ¡°Do you even consider me your best friend anymore? You didn¡¯t breathe a word to me about what went down in Foxfire County!¡±

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 Chapter 225

    ?<strong>Chapter 225:</strong>

    Ruby stepped out of the kitchen, bncing a steaming mug of coffee, which she handed to Carrie before sinking into a beanbag across from her.

    She locked eyes with Carrie, her expression grave. ¡°Camille¡¯s right, you know. You can¡¯t take all of this on yourself.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I understand. I was wrong,¡± Carrie admitted, her fingers curling around the warm mug, the heat seepingfort into her bones.

    Camille rose, retrieving the first aid kit from the cupboard.

    She pulled out the ointment that Mny had supplied for Carrie¡¯s injuries.

    As she noticed the angry red welts marring Carrie¡¯s skin, her eyes brimmed with tears, and she spat out bitterly, ¡°That bastard Nate! He should pay dearly for what he¡¯s done!¡±

    Ruby pondered for a moment before suggesting, ¡°Maybe I should ask Mr. Rodgers if you can take some time off during this period?¡±

    ¡°No way.¡±

    ¡°That would just throw the entire production schedule off track,¡± Carrie objected, shaking her head. ¡°The doctor assured me I¡¯m okay. A little ointment, and these marks will fade in a couple of days.¡±

    She tried to reassure Ruby, adding, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the police will catch Nate soon enough. I¡¯m safe.¡±

    Ruby crossed her legs and lit a cigarette, her mind racing as she remarked, ¡°Considering everything we know, the Foxfire County thug incident and the buzz on social media weren¡¯t Nate¡¯s doing. The thugs were a fluke, but the media frenzy? That seems orchestrated.¡±

    Their eyes met, and a moment of realization passed between them.

    They eximed, ¡°Lise!¡±

    In the plush confines of a luxurious hotel suite, Nate found himself engulfed by insomnia, surrounded by chaos¡ªempty bottles and an overflowing ashtray brimming with cigarette remains.

    His mind was haunted by thoughts of Carrie, whom he had yearned for over two years. She was now on the brink of bing a permanent scar in his life¡¯s narrative.

    As dawn crept closer, the shrill ring of his phone sliced through the silence.

    Nate nced at the caller ID¡ªit was Yara.

    She likely wanted an update on theirtest scheme.

    Yara had orchestrated the n to kidnap Carrie with chilling efficiency, acting as the brains of their covert operation.

    Nate, gripped by a fleeting impulse of annoyance, was about to dismiss the call when his chief bodyguard intervened with a swift gesture.

    The bodyguard¡¯s words caught Nate off guard. ¡°Considering she¡¯s Carrie¡¯s sister, isn¡¯t she a suitable alternative? Plus, Yara isn¡¯t tangled up with the Norris family¡¯s influential connections.¡±

    A spark of realization ignited in Nate¡¯s eyes, dissipating his previous frustration.

    A sly smile spread across his face as he epted the call, his tone smooth andposed. ¡°It¡¯s all over. She¡¯s gone for good.¡±

    ¡°As a token of my appreciation, I¡¯ve secured a rare, high-end designer bag for you. I¡¯ll arrange for you to be brought over for a celebratory dinner tonight.¡±

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 Chapter 226

    ?<strong>Chapter 226:</strong>

    ¡°Fantastic!¡± Yara responded, her voice tinged with triumph.

    With Carrie no longer standing in her way, Kristopher was now within her grasp¡ªthe prize she had yearned for.

    In Ripples Complex¡­

    Camille and Ruby had beenbing through their connections, trying to trace any evidence linking Lise to the trending scandals targeting Carrie.

    Despite their efforts, progress was painstakingly slow.

    So far, all they had uncovered were marketing ounts fishing for clicks¡ªno hard proof pointing directly to Lise.

    Camille sighed, propping her head up with one hand as she scrolled through her WhatsApp contacts for the hundredth time, hoping for a breakthrough that refused toe.

    Finally, she put her phone down in frustration. ¡°I¡¯m moving in with you for now,¡± she said, turning to Carrie. ¡°Lise is unhinged. Who knows what she¡¯ll pull next?¡±

    Ruby, unfazed, stubbed out her cigarette and said calmly, ¡°Maybe we should ask Mr. Norris for help.¡±

    Camille rolled her eyes dramatically. ¡°Like he¡¯d ever help us.¡±

    Ruby had heard a brief summary of Carrie and Kristopher¡¯s situation from Camille the previous night.

    While Camille dismissed Kristopher¡¯s actions as shallow, Ruby wasn¡¯t convinced.

    ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.???

    She had seen the urgency in his eyes firsthand.

    If Kristopher didn¡¯t care, he could have delegated the search for Carrie to his team, fulfilling his obligations without personal involvement.

    Instead, he had been hands-on, which spoke volumes to Ruby.

    However, matters of the heart were rarely straightforward, and outsiders had no ce meddling in them.

    Before Carrie could respond to Camille¡¯s deration, the doorbell rang, startling everyone.

    ¡°Who else knows you live here?¡± Camille asked warily.

    ¡°Probably just a delivery,¡± Carrie replied, rising to answer the door.

    But when she opened the door, she found Kristopher standing there, still wearing the ck shirt from the night before.

    Up close, she noticed faint stubble shadowing his jawline, a subtle sign of his exhaustion.

    His deep voice, though tired, carried amanding note. ¡°Come back with me,¡± he said simply.

    Carrie barely nced at him before moving to close the door.

    Oliver, standing just behind Kristopher, stepped forward to block it. ¡°Mr. Norris just came from the police station,¡± he exined. ¡°They still haven¡¯t found Nate, and this apartmentplex has too many peopleing and going. It¡¯s not safe for you to stay here alone.¡±

    Ruby and Camille joined them at the door.

    Ruby was quick to back Kristopher. ¡°Carrie, you should go back with Mr. Norris,¡± she said, her tone coaxing.

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 Chapter 227

    ?<strong>Chapter 227:</strong>

    Camille folded her arms, clearly reluctant, but begrudgingly added, ¡°For once, he¡¯s actually doing something useful. Might as well make the most of it¡ªa built-in bodyguard isn¡¯t the worst thing.¡±

    Carrie hesitated for a moment, weighing her options, before nodding. ¡°Fine. Give me a moment to pack.¡±

    Though her own safety wasn¡¯t her main concern, she couldn¡¯t afford to jeopardize the filming schedule over her personal matters.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was low but firm. ¡°I¡¯ll buy whatever you need.¡±

    Carrie ignored him and walked back into the apartment.

    Camille followed her inside, leaving Ruby to manage the men.

    She turned to Kristopher with a polite smile. ¡°Mr. Norris, pleasee in and have a seat.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kristopher didn¡¯t need to be asked twice.

    He walked into the living room and sank onto the sofa with an air of casual authority.

    Stretching his long legs, he instructed Oliver to get him iced tea from the fridge.

    Upstairs, Camille leaned in close to Carrie and whispered, ¡°If you¡¯re moving back in with Kristopher, y the part of the perfect, loving wife.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll drive that two-faced witch mad. Imagine her tossing and turning all night in frustration when she realizes her schemes only brought you back to Bayview Vi.¡±

    Carrie nodded, her expression thoughtful but resolute.

    Her n wasn¡¯t about petty revenge.

    She intended to create the illusion of reconciliation with Kristopher to unnerve Lise, pushing her into making a critical mistake.

    If Lise¡¯s schemes were exposed, Carrie would finally have the evidence she needed.

    Whether or not Kristopher chose to ignore it, Carrie would use thew to defend herself and clear her name.

    She wouldn¡¯t just stay and watch while someone tried to ruin her reputation and her life.

    In under five minutes, Carrie came downstairs with a beige backpack slung over one shoulder, carrying only herptop and the Agarwood script.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said calmly.

    ¡°Alright.¡± Kristopher immediately stood, his gaze steady as he followed her lead.

    Ruby watched them closely, her belief in Kristopher¡¯s feelings growing stronger.

    For all his aloofness, a billionaire CEO dropping everything to personally pick someone up wasn¡¯t exactly standard behavior.

    Ruby leaned toward Carrie as they headed out. ¡°Mr. Norris hasn¡¯t had any rest in thest twenty-four hours. Go back with him and get some proper sleep.¡±

    Oliver nodded in agreement. ¡°He was at the hospital yesterday, but the moment he heard about your ident, he left everything behind to look for you.¡±

    Though Oliver¡¯s words were carefully neutral, their implication was clear: Kristopher had chosen Carrie over Lise.

    Camille, however, remained unimpressed. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Lise throwing Beverly out that night, maybe we would¡¯ve found Carrie sooner. She wouldn¡¯t have fallen into the sea and almost died. And now you¡¯re here trying to act like some hero? Spare me.¡±

    Carrie maintained a faint smile, her expression calm as she silently waited for Kristopher to defend Lise.

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 Chapter 228

    ?<strong>Chapter 228:</strong>

    Instead, Kristopher pressed his lips into a tight line and said, ¡°I¡¯ve fired the receptionist already.¡±

    Camille scoffed, rolling her eyes dramatically. ¡°Oh, so you¡¯re just passing the me now.¡±

    Ruby quickly pulled Camille aside, giving her a warning nce. ¡°Camille, let it go. Don¡¯t say too much.¡±

    Despite Kristopher¡¯s attempt to shift ountability, it was clear to everyone that he was still protecting Lise.

    Carrie¡¯s voice was calm, yet her words carried a sharp edge. ¡°After all, if I, the temporary Mrs. Norris, were to leave, the stock price of Norris Group would take a hit. Whether it¡¯s your beloved¡¯s medical bills or her investments in the entertainment industry, it¡¯s a bottomless pit, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Her gaze was steady, her tone devoid of emotion, but her pointed remark made Kristopher flinch.

    As she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her sleeve slipped back, revealing the ring red marks on her wrist.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes lingered on the marks for a moment, his throat tightening as if the words he wanted to say wouldn¡¯te out.

    The atmosphere grew tense, with an awkward silence hanging in the air.

    Finally, Oliver stepped forward, taking Carrie¡¯s backpack and slinging it over his shoulder. ¡°Mrs. Norris, let me carry this for you.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    He hadn¡¯t expected that trying to earn credit for his boss would backfire.

    Life already was tough, but being Kristopher¡¯s assistant was harder.

    Bayview Vi.

    Inside Bayview Vi, Willow was pacing back and forth, restless and anxious.

    Two hours ago, Oliver had called to inform her that Kristopher was bringing Carrie back to stay.

    He¡¯d asked her to prepare for their arrival.

    When Carrie had gone missing, Willow had secretly hoped she would disappear for good.

    She hadn¡¯t expected things to backfire so spectacrly.

    Now, not only was Carrie safe, but she was returning to the vi.

    Willow was so anxious that she couldn¡¯t sit still.

    The doorbell rang, pulling Willow out of her spiraling thoughts.

    When she opened the door and saw Carrie¡¯s stunning face, her heart sank.

    Despite her dismay, Willow quicklyposed herself, forcing a polite smile.

    She respectfully weed Carrie inside and set out a new pair of slippers for her.

    Trying to sound sincerely excited, she said, ¡°I¡¯ve been praying for your safe return, Mrs. Norris. It looks like my prayers were answered. Now that you¡¯re back, everything will be fine.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was t but carried a weight of authority. ¡°An extra two thousand a month in your sry.¡±

    Willow¡¯s eyes lit up instantly, her smile bing genuine. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Norris! Thank you, Mrs. Norris!¡±

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 Chapter 229

    ?<strong>Chapter 229:</strong>

    A few insincere words had earned her a substantial raise.

    Willow felt like she¡¯d hit the jackpot.

    Carrie nced around the vi.

    Everything looked the same as when she¡¯d left.

    She turned to Willow and said casually, ¡°Go prepare a guest room¡ª¡±

    Kristopher cut her off in a clipped tone. ¡°I won¡¯t be back for a while, so there¡¯s no need.¡±

    Carrie remainedposed. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for a separate room. I need a study.¡±

    She wasying the foundation for arger n.

    If they were going to y the part of a reconciled couple, they needed to be convincing.

    Pushing Lise to the edge would force her to act rashly, revealing her hand.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Convert the guest room with the best lighting on the second floor into a study. Order a new set of furniture and have it delivered by tomorrow.¡±

    He turned to Carrie, his voice unexpectedly calm. ¡°Is there anything else you need?¡±

    Carrie thought for a moment, then replied, ¡°A desktopputer with arge monitor.¡±

    Writing scripts on herptop had been a strain on her neck and back.

    ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.???

    If it weren¡¯t for Lise¡¯s interference, they would have been divorced long ago.

    If she was being forced into this situation, she might as well make the most of it.

    Kristopher nodded toward Oliver, who immediately took note. ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris. I¡¯ll handle it right away.¡±

    He handed Carrie¡¯s backpack to Willow.

    Willow, holding Carrie¡¯s backpack, was shocked.

    The sudden shift in their dynamic left her rattled.

    Unable to stop herself, she blurted out incredulously, ¡°You two are going to share a room?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be sharing a room?¡± she asked in a clipped tone.

    Willow quickly replied, her voice bright with feigned cheer, ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯ve misunderstood me! I only meant to ask if you and Mr. Norris are reconciling. I¡¯m genuinely happy for you both!¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curved in a faint smile, her response calm but firm. ¡°Seeing that I¡¯m back, of course, we¡¯ve reconciled.¡±

    Taking the backpack from Willow¡¯s hands, she added, ¡°I¡¯ll take this upstairs myself. I¡¯m a bit tired and want to catch up on some sleep, so don¡¯t call me for dinner.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, she turned and made her way upstairs.

    ¡°Heat up the milk in the fridge and bring it to the master bedroom,¡± Kristopher instructed Willow as he followed Carrie.

    Upstairs, Carrie closed the bedroom door and locked it.

    Momentster, the sound of the door unlocking startled her.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 230

    ?<strong>Chapter 230:</strong>

    She turned around to see Kristopher standing there, a key in hand, staring at her.

    Caught off guard and half-dressed, Carrie hastily pulled on her pajamas.

    Her back was smooth and graceful, her waist slender and delicate, with firm, curved hips.

    Kristopher didn¡¯t respond immediately.

    Instead, his eyes scanned her exposed back, noting the red marks scattered across her delicate skin.

    His jaw tightened as anger and guilt welled up inside him.

    Those marks were evidence of the suffering she had endured¡ªsuffering he hadn¡¯t been able to prevent.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you make any noise beforeing in?¡± she asked in an usatory tone.

    Without a word, he approached her and gently pulled her to sit on the bed.

    ¡°What do you want now?¡± Carrie asked impatiently, her tone irritated. ¡°I¡¯m really tired and just want to sleep.¡± She copsed onto the bed, exhaustion overwhelming her.

    Kristopher sighed softly, his gaze softening with a mix of helplessness and affection.

    He reached out to adjust her disheveled clothes, but the moment his fingers brushed the fabric, Carrie grabbed his hand tightly.

    Her eyes shed with anger. ¡°Are all men just controlled by hormones? Is your mind filled with nothing but indecent thoughts? Look at my state! Do you want to push me into PTSD to satiate your desire?¡±

    Stunned by her outburst, Kristopher withdrew his other hand from the bedside drawer and pulled out a first aid kit. ¡°I¡¯m only here to help you apply ointment, not whatever you¡¯re imagining.¡± He took out some iodine from the kit, grumbling, ¡°You¡¯re such an ingrate.¡±

    Carrie froze, realization dawning on her face.

    Flustered, she grabbed the oversized custom-made bunny from the bed and buried her face in it, avoiding his gaze.

    ¡°Do you know what you look like right now?¡± Kristopher chuckled softly, dipping a cotton swab in iodine and dabbing her wounds.

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond, her head still buried in the plush toy.

    He continued, his voiceced with teasing amusement, ¡°When an ostrich encounters danger, it buries its head in the sand, thinking it¡¯s invisible to the threat.¡±

    Carrie turned her head slightly, her tone defensive. ¡°That¡¯s nonsense! Ostriches bury their heads in the sand to aid digestion and incubation, not to hide!¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that so, little ostrich?¡± Kristopher teased, his tone yful.

    He was implying that she was like an ostrich. Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed.

    She turned to hit him but identally bumped her injured arm against the first aid kit.

    She winced in pain, drawing a sharp breath.

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Kristopher said firmly, his tone gentle butmanding.

    Carrie obeyed, lying still.

    He applied ointment to the more severe red marks on her body.

    Some areas were inmed, and others showed signs of swelling.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 231

    ?<strong>Chapter 231:</strong>

    ¡°Did they tie you up with ropes?¡± he asked, his voice colder now, his anger barely restrained.

    Carrie replied nonchntly, ¡°The two who kidnapped me in the underground garage tied me up. If the seawater hadn¡¯t loosened the ropes, I¡¯d probably be at the bottom of the sea by now.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened, a murderous glint shing in them.

    His voice dropped to a menacing calm. ¡°I¡¯ve already contacted the police in Byburn. There¡¯s also a bounty on their heads¡ª¡±

    The bounty was specifically for the underworld.

    ¡°They won¡¯t leave the country alive.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond, her exhaustion catching up to her. Her breathing evened out, and she drifted into a deep sleep.

    Kristopher looked at her peaceful expression, her longshes casting shadows on her cheeks.

    He gently adjusted her position on the bed, covering her with a nket before settling onto the sofa nearby.

    A soft knock sounded at the door.

    Kristopher stood up, opening it before the sound could disturb Carrie.

    Willow stood there with a ss of milk.

    Kristopher took it from her and said in a low voice, ¡°When dinner is ready, don¡¯t call me. I¡¯lle down myself. Carrie is asleep, so make sure no one disturbs her.¡±

    With that, he shut the door and returned to the bedside.

    cing the milk on the nightstand, he looked at her serene face.

    The night stretched on, its silence broken only by the soft glow of the moon, casting intricate shadows across the room.

    Carrie stirred, her eyes fluttering open to find the bed empty.

    Kristopher was gone.

    She hadn¡¯t expected him to stay anyway.

    She stretched, her bodynguid after hours of undisturbed rest.

    Her fingers reached for her phone on the nightstand, and the screen illuminated her face¡ªit was already past eleven.

    A small yawn escaped her lips as she swung her legs off the bed, the carpet¡¯s plush fibers cushioning her bare feet.

    She reached for her robe, slipping it on with practiced ease, and made her way to the door.

    The hallway greeted her with silence, save for the faint tap of her steps on the hardwood floor.

    Willow stood a few feet away, her attention fixed on the glow of her phone screen.

    Her thumbs moved swiftly, typing out a message.

    Carrie¡¯s brows knitted together. ¡°Willow, what are you doing here?¡±

    The question startled Willow, and she jerked her hand, nearly dropping the device.

    She turned, her face painted with a forced smile.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 232

    ?<strong>Chapter 232:</strong>

    ¡°Oh, Mrs. Norris,¡± she stammered, tucking the phone into her apron pocket. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. My son just sent me a message. I thought I¡¯d check if you needed anything.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly but shifted focus. ¡°What do we have to eat?¡± she asked, her tone casual.

    ¡°We had fresh prawns delivered today.¡± A hint of regret shed across Willow¡¯s face, as she had identally mentioned the prawns she nned to keep for herself.

    ¡°Prawns will do.¡±

    ¡°Bring them to my room when they¡¯re ready,¡± she instructed, her voice leaving no room for discussion.

    Willow¡¯s smile returned, though it barely reached her eyes. ¡°Of course, Mrs. Norris,¡± she said, bowing her head slightly.

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond, simply closing the door.

    She wasn¡¯t one for unnecessary pleasantries, especially not with someone she instinctively distrusted.

    The moment the door clicked shut, Willow¡¯s polite facade crumbled.

    She scowled at the door, her lips twisting into a sneer. ¡°Arrogant snob,¡± she muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with venom.

    The warm steam from her shower clung to her skin, soothing away the fatigue of the day.

    Wrapped in a soft robe, Carrie sat on the sofa and opened herptop.

    Out of curiosity, she checked Twitter.

    The trending topics that had once centered on her name were gone.

    Kristopher must have stepped in to clean up the mess.

    Despite the absence of headlines, her notifications told a different story.

    Angry fans filled her mentions, using her of exploiting Asher¡¯s fame.

    Some even warned him to stay away from her, calling her maniptive.

    Her lips pressed into a thin line, her temples throbbing with frustration.

    She closed the app with a sharp tap and turned her attention to WhatsApp instead.

    To her surprise, her inbox was flooded.

    Messages ranged from concerned inquiries about her disappearance to warm greetings for her safe return.

    A rare smile softened her features as she scrolled through the texts.

    The thought of so many people reaching out to her eased some of the tension in her chest.

    Soren¡¯s message stood out among the rest.

    ¡°You need to rest for a week before returning to set!¡± it read. ¡°That¡¯s an order! If youe back early, I¡¯ll dock two hundred thousand from your contract!¡±

    Her grin widened as she replied with a broken-heart emoji.

    Soren¡¯s concern was evident, though the mention of money stung a little.

    After a few more exchanges, they agreed she would rest for three days, no more, no less.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 233

    ?<strong>Chapter 233:</strong>

    Feeling a sense of calm, she pulled herptop from her bag and opened the script she¡¯d been working on.

    The coboration was nearingpletion, with only a few revisions left to finalize.

    A knock at the door broke her concentration.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s ready,¡± Willow called from outside.

    ¡°Bring it in,¡± Carrie said, setting herptop aside.

    The door creaked open, and Willow entered, carrying a tray.

    She ced it gently on the table beside Carrie, her movements careful and precise.

    ¡°I just made these, Mrs. Norris,¡± Willow said, stepping back to let Carrie inspect the meal.

    The prawns glistened under the soft light, their aroma tantalizing.

    Carrie picked one up, its vor bursting across her tongue¡ªsweet, tender, and well-seasoned.

    ¡°It tastes good,¡± she said. ¡°You can go. I¡¯ll leave the tray by the door when I¡¯m done.¡±

    Willow nodded. ¡°Understood, Mrs. Norris,¡± she replied, her voice smooth.

    As she turned to leave, her eyes flickered toward the openptop screen on the sofa.

    Curiosity sparked, and she hesitated just long enough to pull her phone from her pocket.

    With a swift, silent motion, she snapped a photo of the screen, her lips curling in satisfaction.

    She slipped out of the room, closing the door quietly behind her.

    At Lise¡¯s home, the air was thick with tension.

    Lise sat on the sofa, her nails digging into the cushions as hatred burned in her chest.

    Everything had been perfect. Nate had made it easy to cover her tracks.

    The storm, the ropes that bound her¡ªbut Carrie still survived.

    Somehow, she always survived.

    Elva moved around her, directing the maids with a sharp tone, but Lise barely noticed.

    The floor was a mess, with various expensive porcin and crystal ornaments reduced to shards.

    In that moment, Lise¡¯s phone buzzed.

    It was a text message.

    Irritation flickered in her eyes as she reached for her phone.

    Opening the message and seeing the content, her eyes widened in shock and outrage.

    The script she had paid for was actually written by Carrie?

    Phone Two days had passed.

    Back on the bustling film set, Carrie found herself unable to stay away, returning to work sooner than nned.

    During a brief lunch break, Daxton made an unexpected appearance, d in a pristine white sports ensemble that lent him an effortlessly cool aura.

    His hair, tousled just so, enhanced his youthful, fresh-faced charm, reminiscent of a heartthrob from a teen drama.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 234

    ?<strong>Chapter 234:</strong>

    As Carrie noticed him, she rose to greet him, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Daxton, what brings you here?¡±

    ¡°I thought I¡¯d drop by and bring you all some goodies,¡± Daxton responded with a casual wave, signaling to his assistants who approached, armsden with several hefty bags.

    With a slightly elevated tone, Daxton turned to the assembled crew, his voice carrying warmly over the set. ¡°I appreciate how well you¡¯ve all looked after Carrie.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mr. Garcia! It¡¯s a special day with treats, courtesy of Carrie!¡± Beverly chimed in, her enthusiasm echoed by a few others as they began setting up a makeshift dining area.

    The assistants meticulously arranged an inviting spread of roast chicken, crisp sds, and beverages including milk tea and coffee on the table.

    The crew, eager and grateful, gathered around, each person retrieving their boxed lunch as they took their seats.

    Positioned directly across from Carrie, Daxton was about to reach for a bowl when his eye caught a glimpse of a phone beside him.

    The screen, still glowing, disyed an active Twitter feed.

    Pointing towards the device, he queried, ¡°Whose phone might this be?¡±

    A quick, collective phone check ensued among the group.

    Beverly patted her pocket, a sh of realization crossing her face as she found it empty.

    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .

    She hastened over, a sheepish smile ying on her lips. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s mine. I must¡¯ve set it down while we were getting everything ready.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Daxton nodded slightly, his lips curling into a gentle smile. ¡°Never mind,¡± he said casually.

    Nearby, a group of youthful actors and actresses observed the pair with yful curiosity.

    One called out, grinning, ¡°Hey Carrie, is he your new boyfriend?¡±

    Only Beverly was privy to the truth of Kristopher and Carrie¡¯s rtionship, leaving the others to specte wildly about Carrie¡¯s romantic life.

    With a lightugh, Carrie waved off the insinuation. ¡°Oh, he¡¯s not my boyfriend. We went to the same school. He was quite the heartthrob back then¡ªevery girl¡¯s dream.¡±

    Her words trailed off as she realized it had been years since they¡¯dst spoken, leaving Daxton¡¯s current romantic entanglements a mystery to her.

    With a sly grin, she nudged his side lightly. ¡°So, Daxton, are you married or what?¡±

    Resting a chicken leg neatly into her lunchbox, Daxton chuckled. ¡°Nope, still single.¡±

    Carrie grinned at her colleagues, her voice tinged with mischief. ¡°Well,dies and gents, he¡¯s avable! And trust me, he¡¯s as chivalrous as theye¡ªa real catch!¡±

    An actress from the supporting cast perked up, her eyes twinkling with recognition. ¡°That ensemble, is it Dior¡¯stest haute couture, Mr. Garcia? I swear I saw something simr on Twitter.¡±

    Daxton nced down at his attire, his smile modest. ¡°It might be. I don¡¯t pay much attention to brands. I only chose it because the pattern was crisp and simple.¡±

    His soft-spoken words carried an effortless charm, underlined by gracefulposure.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 235

    ?<strong>Chapter 235:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s thoughts drifted to the opulent yacht they had been on earlier, piecing together the likelihood of Daxton¡¯s affluent background.

    Meanwhile, Asher peered at the nearly empty coffee pot, disappointment flickering across his face. ¡°Looks like the caramel mhiato¡¯s all gone, huh?¡±

    Beverly extended the caramel mhiato she hadn¡¯t yet sipped. ¡°I have a caramel mhiato here, haven¡¯t touched it yet,¡± she said, offering the coffee to him.

    Asher hesitated. ¡°You¡¯re not going to have it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I just picked it up without thinking. I¡¯m really not fussy about what I drink,¡± Beverly responded with a shrug.

    ¡°Let¡¯s swap,¡± Asher insisted, exchanging her coffee for his milk tea.

    From the corner, Daxton watched the exchange briefly before redirecting his attention to Carrie. ¡°Have you managed to sort out that trending topic mess?¡±

    Carrie sighed heavily, toying with the chicken leg on her te. ¡°It¡¯s more or less handled, but at a cost. My reputation has taken a hit,beled as a woman who¡¯s chasing fame by fabricating a romance with Asher.¡±

    At that, Asher mmed his drink down, his face clouded with anger. ¡°The nerve of those people¡ªthey¡¯re not even real fans! I¡¯ve looked at their profiles; tons of them are fakes. It¡¯s just trolls and haters fanning the mes! Maybe I should just call them out on Twitter or get awyer to handle it.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Carrie cut in sharply. ¡°Remember what I told you on WhatsApp? It¡¯s better to stay quiet. Even if these fake ounts seem to be defending you, your real fans might get caught in the crossfire if yoush out.¡±

    Godwin, wiping sweat from his brow, interjected with a weary tone. ¡°You¡¯re only going to make things worse for your idol, Asher. The more you try to shield Carrie, the more your fans will resent her. Trust me, managing a star like you is as tough as overseeing a bunch of toddlers in a nursery.¡±

    Daxton meticulously filled his bowl with apples from a sd bowl. ¡°Maybe the crew could tweet about your genuine moments,¡± he suggested, looking around the table.

    Shaking his head dismissively, Godwin replied, ¡°The crew¡¯s words might not carry much weight. Fans could suspect they¡¯re just covering for Carrie.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point,¡± Carrie chimed in, stabbing a chunk of cantaloupe with her fork.

    She eyed Daxton¡¯s assortment of apples and asked nonchntly, ¡°You like apples, huh? I¡¯m not really into them.¡±

    Crunching on an apple, Daxton posed another idea. ¡°What about a crew member who¡¯s actually a fan of Asher? Someone who witnesses your interactions daily could be quite persuasive.¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± the trio¡ªCarrie, Asher, and Godwin¡ªeximed together.

    Carrie took a moment to exin. ¡°Daxton, you might not get it. It¡¯s pretty rare for our crew to attract die-hard fans.¡±

    Asher contributed his own experience. ¡°We had an incident with a staff member who was overly enthusiastic, covertly recording me. It nearly led to leaks before the film even premiered. That¡¯s why Silver Elephant Media has a strict policy against employing fans now.¡±

    Tilting his head slightly, Daxton raised an inquisitive eyebrow. ¡°But what if one did manage to slip by?¡±

    Carrie responded, her voiceced with realism, ¡°A true fan would be actively involved in fan rankings, voting, and concerts. With today¡¯s online identity verification, it¡¯s tough to stay under the radar. And if they¡¯re merely casual fans, their testimonials wouldn¡¯t hold much sway.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 236

    ?<strong>Chapter 236:</strong>

    Daxton set a fruit tea in front of Carrie, his tone spective. ¡°Nothing¡¯s absolute, though. Perhaps there¡¯s one exception?¡±

    His eyes inadvertently drifted towards Beverly, who was now quietly biting her lip, her fingers clenched around her phone.

    Everyone perceived Daxton as an incurable idealist.

    Yet, out of respect for his genuine kindness, they refrained from challenging him too forcefully.

    Instead, they exchanged knowing smiles and deftly redirected the conversation.

    Carrie, her fingers greasy from a half-eaten chicken leg, turned to Daxton. ¡°Want to watch us film?¡±

    ¡°Not today,¡± Daxton replied, a hint of regret softening his expression. ¡°I have an interview this afternoon.¡±

    Carrie paused, her curiosity piqued. ¡°nning to stay in Orkset for work?¡±

    ¡°Absolutely.¡± Daxton¡¯s smile was warm and resolute. ¡°My family, my friends¡­¡± He hesitated, leaving an unspoken sentiment hanging in the air. ¡°Everything I cherish is here. I definitely want to return.¡±

    ncing at his watch, he added, ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll visit the set another time.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze lingered on the timepiece¡ªa luxury watch worth seven million dors.

    Kristopher owned a simr one, valued at over twelve million.

    She recalled the day a sales associate had disyed various watches, and she had joked about their nearly identical appearances, while their price tags differed by millions.

    It had felt like an borate scheme targeting the gullible.

    Kristopher had once meticulously exined the subtle distinctions between the watches¡ªa lesson she still remembered vividly.

    She also recalled that two other watches from this collection had been purchased by members of the Norris family.

    However, Daxton¡¯s watch wasn¡¯t a limited edition, suggesting he might have acquired it from an overseas boutique.

    After the afternoon shoot concluded, the crew¡¯s attention was immediately captured by a mint green luxury car parked nearby.

    ¡°What an incredible color! It¡¯s absolutely stunning!¡±

    ¡°A luxury car in such a remote location? Could it belong to Asher?¡±

    Godwin quickly dismissed the spection. ¡°Asher only drives ck vehicles.¡±

    Realizing she couldn¡¯t avoid the scrutiny, Carrie stepped forward sheepishly. ¡°It¡¯s my family¡¯s car.¡±

    The crew, well aware of Carrie¡¯s identity as Katrina, showed no surprise at her ability to afford such an extravagant vehicle.

    After a brief moment of gossip, they dispersed.

    As Carrie approached, Oliver emerged and opened the back door. ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he announced formally.

    Inside the car, Carrie¡¯s first instinct was to question Kristopher. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t I sit in my own car?¡± Kristopher¡¯s eyebrow arched, his tone icily detached.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 237

    ?<strong>Chapter 237:</strong>

    Carrie settled into her seat, a sardonic retort ready. ¡°You despised this color when I chose it and haven¡¯t driven it since. Did you only just appreciate its beauty after hearing my colleagues praise it?¡±

    ¡°You instructed me to maintain a low profile,¡± Kristopher responded, regarding her with a look of patronizing exasperation. ¡°This is the most economical option.¡±

    Momentarily speechless, Carrie turned to Oliver. ¡°This car is still too conspicuous. Bring your junk car next time.¡±

    Oliver, feeling awkward, replied dutifully, ¡°Yes, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    His beloved car, which he had saved a year to purchase, was worth millions.

    How could it be dismissed as junk? Previously, Albin had scorned it, and now Mrs. Norris echoed that sentiment.

    Poor Oliver.

    Just as Oliver reached for the ignition, his phone buzzed.

    Turning to Kristopher, he announced, ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s a call from the police station.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s fingers tightened into fists, her face paling. ¡°Did they find Nate?¡±

    Kristopher ced a reassuring hand over hers, his touch steady and warm. ¡°Let¡¯s hear the call first,¡± he said calmly, gesturing for Oliver to answer.

    The warmth of his hand steadied her, a rock in a stormy sea.

    After a brief conversation, Oliver expressed gratitude. ¡°Yes, thank you. We really appreciate it.¡±

    Hanging up, he turned back to them, his expression grave. ¡°Nate has escaped¡­¡±

    He paused, then looked directly at Carrie. ¡°Yara was sexually assaulted by him. She¡¯s in the hospital, undergoing emergency treatment.¡±

    In a hospital¡­

    Yaray on the hospital bed, her eyes closed tightly, a mask pumping oxygen to her.

    Her face, swollen and disfigured by bruises and cuts, was almost unrecognizable, and one of her arms was encased in ster and bandages.

    At her bedside, one might notice the slight tremble of her eyshes or see her uninjured hand clutching the bedsheet with intensity.

    She had been conscious for some time but was avoiding confronting the police or anyone else.

    Nate, in his cruelty, had not only sexually assaulted her but had also forced her to endure his men as well.

    The previous days had unfolded like a relentless, horrifying dream.

    In this nightmare, those men had subjected her to every imaginable form of brutality and degradation.

    To endure, she had been forced to submit and appease them, enduring humiliation and mistreatment in front of others.

    They had beaten and tormented her, showing no mercy.

    Her life felt destroyed.

    She believed that not just Kristopher, but no ordinary family would now ept a woman so marred by violence.

    Consumed by hatred, her nails pressed into her palms.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 238

    ?<strong>Chapter 238:</strong>

    She med Carrie for her misfortune! How had Carrie managed to avoid such a fate?

    Yara couldn¡¯t understand why she suffered in ce of Carrie.

    If only Carrie had been raped and lost at sea, Yara wouldn¡¯t be engulfed in this tragic ordeal.

    Now, driven by a fierce desire for vengeance, Yara¡¯s sole motivation was to seek retribution against Carrie, determined to drag her into despair.

    At the entrance to Yara¡¯s hospital room, police officers were questioning Tristan, whose expression bore signs of profound embarrassment.

    Next to him, Cindy¡¯s usual elegance was nowhere to be seen.

    Her hair was hastily tied back, and her face, devoid of makeup, looked noticeably older and tired.

    Tristan protested, ¡°My daughter has been assaulted. Why are we being questioned as if we¡¯re the culprits instead of you actively solving this?¡±

    Looking directly at him, the officer interrupted, ¡°We are deeply concerned about Miss Campbell¡¯s traumatic experience. Nevertheless, Nate Crawford, identified as the ringleader, is implicated in another abduction¡­¡± His gaze shifted between Tristan and Cindy, gauging their reactions.

    Upon hearing this, Cindy, who had been crying, suddenly stopped and shifted her gaze away.

    Tristan frowned. ¡°Yara has mostly stayed at home. How could she be mixed up in a kidnapping?¡±

    The officer looked away and said more firmly, ¡°It appears the other abduction victim is Carrie Campbell, who is also your daughter.¡±

    ¡°Carrie?¡± Tristan, clearly shocked, turned to Cindy and demanded, ¡°What is going on?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know anything about this. My daughter is a victim too. How am I supposed to focus on anything else?¡± Cindy muttered, turning aside as if to dab at her tears with a tissue.

    Just as Tristan was about to continue, he noticed a group approaching.

    Carrie and Kristopher were advancing towards them, with Oliver trailing behind, exuding a sense of authority that seemed to exceed even that of the interviewing officers.

    Cindy noticed them as well and stood abruptly. ¡°Why are you here? Are you here to taunt Yara?¡±

    Carrie approached with a calm demeanor. ¡°I don¡¯t waste my time keeping track of others.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, I only have interest in those who are ahead of me, not thosegging behind. Why bother with anyone beneath me?¡±

    Tristan, already on edge, immediately adopted a fatherly tone and scolded her, ¡°Carrie, this is crossing the line! How can you address Cindy in such a manner? Don¡¯t you have any respect or proper upbringing?¡±

    Carrie held her head high, her face calm. ¡°I don¡¯t see why I should extend courtesies to someone who attempted to murder me.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? Who are you calling a murderer?¡± Tristan lifted his hand as if to strike her.

    Kristopher stepped in swiftly, catching Tristan¡¯s hand. ¡°You think you can hit my wife right in front of me? Do you really want to antagonize the Norris family?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 239

    ?<strong>Chapter 239:</strong>

    Regaining hisposure, Tristan¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. ¡°Mr. Norris, Carrie is still my daughter. As her father, I im the right to¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, Kristopher let go of his hand. ¡°Father, are you truly worthy of that title?¡±

    Tristan stumbled back and copsed onto a bench in the corridor.

    Cindy joined him, concerned, and after checking that he was okay, she looked up defiantly. ¡°The police are still present. Do you think your actions are above thew, Mr. Norris?¡±

    Kristopher wiped his hand with a wet wipe, as if disgusted by the contact.

    He disposed of the wipe casually, his tone deliberate. ¡°He was about to hit my wife. I was simply protecting her. Of course¡­¡±

    He paused, his gaze shifting to Cindy. ¡°If you¡¯re implying that I act without restraint, well, that could be arranged.¡± His eyes conveyed a cold, daunting calm.

    Cindy¡¯s color drained from her face, her lips quivered, and she found herself speechless.

    A police officer broke the silence and exined, ¡°I informed Mr. and Mrs. Norris. As the victim, Carrie not only deserves to be updated on the investigation, but she is also required to cooperate with us in solving the case.¡±

    The officers disapproved of Tristan.

    Observing Kristopher¡¯s self-control, they didn¡¯t intervene.

    Cindy, dabbing at her tears, retorted, ¡°What victim? She¡¯s more likely the criminal. Nate was her fianc¨¦ once, everyone here knows that. A few years ago, Carrie was set to join the Crawford family through marriage. It¡¯s a mystery how she ended up married into the Norris family instead. Just recently, she was seen in Foxfire County, rekindling ties with Nate. It¡¯s possible she¡¯s been deceitful all along, cheating and plotting against my children! My poor daughter lies here, unconscious.¡±

    Cindy brazenly cast the me onto Carrie.

    Tristan not onlycked anypassion for Carrie but also regarded her with visible hatred.

    Those around could not help but feel their sympathies grow for Carrie.

    With a stepmother in the mix, even a father by blood seemed to drift away. His favoritism knew no bounds.

    Kristopher drew Carrie closer, his arm around her shoulders providing a firm,forting squeeze, trying to fortify her with his support.

    Carrie faced Cindy calmly and queried, ¡°We haven¡¯t spoken in so long. How would you know I went to Foxfire County? And how could you know I¡¯ve been in contact with Nate?¡±

    Kristopher, observing her assertive stance, reminisced about the time two years ago when she first sought his help, so vulnerable and desperate.

    How did the girl who once depended on him for protection be so self-sufficient?

    Cindy diverted her gaze, exining, ¡°A child of a friend from Foxfire County saw everything. He told us what happened.¡±

    Carrie gave a subtle smile. ¡°You and Dad haven¡¯t stayed in touch with any old acquaintances from our hometown, and you only move in high society circles, yet now you¡¯re iming to have close friends in a destitute area like Foxfire County?¡±

    Under Carrie¡¯s sharp questioning, Cindy began to sweat, her difort more pronounced than during any police interrogation.

    .

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 Chapter 240

    ?<strong>Chapter 240:</strong>

    Tristan pulled Cindy closer, confronting Carrie with a stern look. ¡°Am I supposed to report my friendships to you?¡±

    Carrie gave a slight shrug and then spoke to the police. ¡°I encountered some trouble while shooting in Foxfire County, and Nate was there to help me out.¡± She turned to Kristopher. ¡°It seems too much like a setup, doesn¡¯t it, darling?¡±

    She linked her arm through his and gazed up at him.

    ¡°This does seem overly coincidental. We should look into this supposed friend more closely.¡± Kristopher nced down at her, his expression softening into a quiet, proud smile.

    The officer nodded in agreement. ¡°Can you provide the contact details for this friend so we can investigate further?¡±

    Cindy hesitated, then nced at Yara, still unconscious on the hospital bed, and quickly revised her story. ¡°Actually, it was Yara whomunicated with this friend. You¡¯ll have to wait to ask her.¡± Cindy assumed the police could do nothing while Yara remained unconscious.

    Seeing right through Cindy¡¯s fabrications, the officer sternly warned, ¡°Intentionally lying to obstruct the investigation will lead to legal consequences.¡±

    A flicker of fear passed through Cindy¡¯s eyes, yet she firmly insisted, ¡°I¡¯m not lying.¡±

    Faced with her insistence and no way to verify her statement at the moment, the police decided to move on and briefly recapped the situation involving Yara and Nate.

    Oliver nced at his phone as it buzzed.

    After reading the message, he stepped up and said, ¡°The two persons implicated in Mrs. Norris¡¯s case¡­¡±

    ¡°Norris¡¯s abduction suspects have been apprehended in Byburn. They admitted Nate was behind the kidnapping and have formally confessed.¡±

    The police officers let out a sigh of relief. ¡°We will coordinate with the Byburn authorities for their extradition.¡±

    Oliver shook his head. ¡°Unfortunately, they fell ill while detained and have passed away, so extradition won¡¯t be possible.¡±

    His emphasis on ¡°passed away¡± was apanied by a significant look towards Cindy.

    Cindy¡¯s eyes widened in terror as she clung to Tristan¡¯s arm.

    The realization dawned on her that this was no coincidence.

    She now clearly saw the truth in Kristopher¡¯s earlier words¡ªthe Norris family indeed wielded enough influence to orchestrate such oues!

    On the hospital bed, Lise, feigning unconsciousness, had overheard everything.

    Initially, she was taken aback, but slowly, eptance settled in.

    She mused over her situation¡ªwhat did it matter now? If she were to die, she was determined to drag Carrie down with her to whatever came next.

    Bayview Vi.

    After departing the hospital, Carrie and Kristopher made their way back to their residence.

    Settling onto the couch, Carrie nced over at Kristopher, busy on hisptop next to her, and raised an eyebrow. ¡°You¡¯ve been at home a lot more these days. Why is that?¡±

    It was unusual for her to see him so frequently, as he seemed to have be a constant presence at home.

    .

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 Chapter 241

    ?<strong>Chapter 241:</strong>

    Had it not been for the certainty that any change at Norris Group would hit the headlines, she might have thought he was being pushed out of the office.

    Kristopher stopped typing, looked up at her with a cool expression, and replied, ¡°I belong here too.¡±

    Carrie was taken aback, at a loss for words for a moment.

    During their conversation, Willow approached with a bowl of soup, elegantly presented in a crystal bowl and topped with fresh papaya, making it appear both delicate and appealing.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, please enjoy this. It¡¯s a fresh batch of papaya coconut milk fish maw soup,¡± Willow said, cing it before Carrie with a hopeful expression.

    Carrie tasted the soup and said, ¡°It¡¯s not quite as good as the one at Norris Mansion.¡±

    Her mind drifted to the fish maw Mny had once prepared, which unfortunately Lise had taken away instead.

    A shadow of annoyance flickered across Willow¡¯s face, but she maintained herposure and said, ¡°Mrs. Norris, please give it another chance. It was prepared by a distinguished chef from a five-star hotel.¡±

    This chef, endorsed by her son to curry favor with Kristopher, had been sending numerous gifts to Willow.

    While the soup wasn¡¯t as exquisite as the one from Norris Mansion, it was still ptable.

    Yet, Carrie set the bowl down dismissively after hearing Willow¡¯s persistentmendation.

    Kristopher intervened, ¡°If it¡¯s not to Mrs. Norris¡¯s liking, we shouldn¡¯t bother having more sent.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris,¡± Willow muttered, her head bowed, her expression tinged with bitterness.

    Ever since Carrie¡¯s return, Willow seemed intent on undermining her, cutting off her profitable opportunities.

    Carrie was about toy down some ground rules for Willow when her phone rang.

    It was Ruby on the line.

    ¡°You can go now,¡± she said to Willow, gesturing for her to leave, then answered the call. ¡°Ruby, what¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Carrie, did you see what¡¯s happening on Twitter? Beverly has defended you, and it¡¯s calmed Asher¡¯s fans,¡± Ruby said with evident excitement.

    Carrie was puzzled and asked, ¡°What did Beverly say?¡±

    Before Carrie could react further, Kristopher had already grabbed his tablet and pulled up Twitter to show her.

    Instead of just handing her the tablet, he drew her close into his side, sharing the viewfortably in his embrace.

    Carrie was so engrossed in the screen that she barely registered his tender gesture.

    Beverly¡¯s post was detailed, portraying Carrie¡¯s interactions with Asher as nurturing and brotherly, highlighting her positive influence on him, devoid of any selfish intentions.

    She disclosed that Carrie and Asher shared a history that would be exined by Asher himself after the show due to a confidentiality use.

    The post stressed that their bond was centered around mutual redemption and warmth, not romantic or exploitative.

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 Chapter 242

    ?<strong>Chapter 242:</strong>

    Beverly included candid photos and a screenshot from a Twitter page managed by a known Asher superfan.

    Beverly concluded her post with heartfelt words, saying, ¡°Asher was the brightness in my world, and Carrie is the one who lights up his.¡± She continued, ¡°Even if this job slips away, I will do everything to protect his light. I may fall back into shadows, but I want my own light to forever shine under the warmth of his sun.¡±

    This superfan was renowned for actively supporting Asher and had financed numerous projects in his favor.

    Fans rallied around her testimony, trusting her insights and Asher¡¯s judgment, turning away from baseless rumors.

    Carrie was taken aback. ¡°So Beverly is an Asher enthusiast! That exins her shift from acting to being a makeup artist¡ªto remain close to him! Revealing her role like this might cause the production to let her go¡­¡±

    Carrie quickly told Ruby over the phone, ¡°Ruby, Beverly has stood up for me. I must reach out to Mr. Rodgers to advocate for her. Even though she¡¯s a huge fan of Asher, her professionalism remains untarnished, and she¡¯s always acted in his best interest.¡±

    Rubyughed and responded, ¡°There¡¯s no need to be concerned, Carrie. Asher has already ensured her staying. Mr. Rodgers confirmed that her position is secure. Dismissing her over this incident would only demoralize the entire crew.¡±

    Then Ruby added, admiringly, ¡°You always manage to be at the center of it all. This flurry of media attention is just boosting the show¡¯s profile naturally.¡±

    They concluded their conversation shortly thereafter.

    Only then did Carrie notice Kristopher¡¯s arm, which he had draped around her shoulders.

    She was thinking about moving his arm away when he inquired, ¡°Why did this normally shy makeup artist choose now to step forward after being so reserved?¡± He remembered Beverly as a gentle and reserved person, not one to take such a public stand.

    ¡°Da¡­ a friend brought it up during a visit to the set. He mentioned that if there were any hardcore fans of Asher among the crew, having one of them speak out would carry more weight.¡±

    As Carrie exined, she gently removed his arm from her shoulders, subtly shifting to put a bit of distance between them.

    ¡°A friend? You¡¯re talking about Daxton, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Kristopher looked towards the space she had just vacated, feeling the residual warmth from her body. His eyes then lowered to her feet, noticing the delicate, vein-lined structure.

    Carrie quietly confirmed his suspicion with a tight press of her lips.

    Leaning back, Kristopher casually asked, ¡°I was under the impression that Silver Elephant Media strictly avoids hiring avid fans of lead actors. How did he suggest such a thing?¡±

    Carrie dismissed the query with a shrug. ¡°It¡¯s probably just a coincidence. He might not even know about the policy.¡±

    ¡°How likely is it really? He just happens to make such a suggestion, and there just happens to be someone fitting that description in the crew?¡±

    Carrie thought back to that moment.

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 Chapter 243

    ?<strong>Chapter 243:</strong>

    Daxton had briefly looked at Beverly¡¯s phone. Could he have seen something indicating Beverly¡¯s fondness for Asher? Was he intentionally nting seeds with hisment?

    She quickly shook off the suspicion.

    Daxton wasn¡¯t the type to orchestrate such intricate plots. After all, who could infer so much from a mere glimpse at a phone?

    Kristopher, observing her contemtive look, advised with a tone of concern, ¡°You might want to keep your distance from him, or you could find yourself in unexpected trouble.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes sparked with annoyance. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to manage my rtionships!¡±

    She straightened her posture, crossed her legs, and tilted her chin up defiantly, her silhouette more pronounced.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed, taking in her form.

    He had to admit, her beauty was the type that drew people in, capable of garnering attention from men willing to go to great lengths just to be near her.

    The fact that she was married didn¡¯t deter an endless stream of admirers from gravitating toward her.

    After giving him the divorce papers, hereback to the entertainment world only amplified her brilliance, as though a hidden treasure had been polished to perfection.

    Carrie caught the intensity of his stare and straightened up, her voice tinged with pride. ¡°Caught your eye, have I? Noticed how perfect my figure is now? I could rival any supermodel with my shape, and don¡¯t overlook my cleavage either!¡±

    She remembered thements he had made about her body before, and the sting of those words still lingered.

    ¡°You¡¯re bing quite the narcissist. Who else would sing their own praises so boldly?¡± Kristopher averted his gaze.

    ¡°Don¡¯t twist my words! This isn¡¯t narcissism; it¡¯s confidence,¡± Carrie retorted, giving him a sharp look. ¡°You were the one staring, and now you¡¯re pretending you didn¡¯t. How stubborn can you get?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, then leaned in with a mischievous grin. ¡°Not necessarily. You can dictate my actions, you know.¡±

    Kristopher continued, ¡°Especially in the bedroom.¡± The yful banter now held a flirtatious undertone due to their recent closeness.

    Carrie was torn, unsure if she should dispel the charged atmosphere or let it build.

    The sudden buzzing of Kristopher¡¯s phone on the couch shattered the moment.

    Carrie saw her chance to create some space. ¡°Your phone¡¯s ringing.¡±

    Her eyes caught the caller ID¡ªLise¡¯s name illuminated the screen.

    Her demeanor turned cold as she recalled Lise¡¯s involvement in her recent brush with danger.

    With a t tone, she said, ¡°Rather than scrutinizing my friendships, perhaps attend to your own acquaintances.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate it if Lise stayed out of my harm¡¯s way. Or better yet, ask her about her real intentions. I might step down as Mrs. Norris, but her marrying into the Norris family is beyond my control. She shouldn¡¯t me me for her own challenges, should she?¡±

    Kristopher, taken aback, stared at her, his phone forgotten in his hand.

    Moments before, they had been light-hearted and flirtatious. Now, Carrie was discussing distancing herself again.

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 Chapter 244

    ?<strong>Chapter 244:</strong>

    He paused before asking directly, ¡°Are you feeling jealous?¡±

    Carrie quickly responded, ¡°I¡¯m being practical. The recent scandal? That was her orchestration! Nate got wind of obsessive fans knowing my whereabouts, and that sparked his kidnapping plot.¡±

    The phone kept vibrating.

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Do you have proof?¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Carrie replied, her tone now gentler. ¡°But I intend to uncover it.¡±

    With those words, she turned and ascended the stairs.

    Kristopher looked at his phone, a first for him.

    He chose to ignore the call, sending a text instead, saying, ¡°In a meeting. What¡¯s up?¡±

    On the second floor, the guest room had been transformed into a meticulously designed study.

    A spacious desk was strategically positioned in front of floor-to-ceiling windows, offering a breathtaking view of the surroundingndscape.

    Beside the desk, a plush lounge chair and apact coffee table nestled next to the bookshelf¡ªcarefully arranged to amodate her creative process.

    The setup allowed her to effortlessly capture fleeting moments of inspiration while immersed in reading.

    Her previous anger had gradually dissolved, leaving behind a profound sense of mncholy.

    Returning to the desk, she settled into her chair, facing a monitor as expansive as a television screen, providing an extraordinarilyfortable viewing experience.

    The moment she logged into WhatsApp on herputer, Daxton¡¯s profile picture began to pulse with a gentle rhythm.

    The image was a self-captured photograph¡ªa delicate teacup set against a backdrop of misty mountains and lush forests.

    Theposition embodied the essence of a reclusive poet, perfectly aligning with Daxton¡¯s reputation as a gentle and refined individual.

    Daxton¡¯s message cut directly to the point. ¡°I visited a friend¡¯spany today and learned that your best friend is investigating the trending topic for you. My friend mentioned your suspicion about Lise¡¯s involvement. While I¡¯m aware of the conflicts between you two, since your drama hasn¡¯t aired, she doesn¡¯t currently pose a significant threat.¡±

    Carrie recognized the ¡°best friend¡± as Camille.

    Her initial encounter with Daxton had urred at the pier, where proper introductions were never made.

    She responded candidly, ¡°I married two years ago. My husband is Kristopher Norris.¡±

    ¡°Lise is Kristopher¡¯s ex-partner, and numerous online rumors circte about them, though tabloid photographers carefully avoid explicitly revealing Kristopher¡¯s identity.¡±

    Unsure of Daxton¡¯s prior knowledge about her marriage, she decided to provide a clear, upfront exnation.

    Daxton didn¡¯t dwell on the revtion.

    His response was swift and to the point: ¡°I¡¯ll help you look into it.¡±

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 Chapter 245

    ?<strong>Chapter 245:</strong>

    Carrie stared at the words on the screen, and for a fleeting moment, she caught a faint echo of Kristopher¡¯smanding tone in Daxton¡¯s decisive message.

    Shaking her head, she dismissed the thought.

    Daxton was the picture of gentleness, nothing like Kristopher¡¯s stormy intensity.

    Her imagination must be running wild¡ªa professional hazard of being a screenwriter.

    Politely, she typed back: ¡°Thank you, Daxton, but I don¡¯t want to burden you. You¡¯ve just returned to the city, and I¡¯m sure you¡¯re busy. I can manage this on my own.¡±

    But Daxton was persistent: ¡°We¡¯re friends, aren¡¯t we? It¡¯s no trouble at all. Besides, I know people in the entertainment world who could help.¡±

    He had left her no graceful way to refuse without seeming aloof.

    With a sigh, Carrie sent a bunny emoji, its paws folded in gratitude.

    At that moment, another message popped up¡ªthis one from Camille: ¡°Guess who I bumped into today?¡±

    Carrie wasn¡¯t in the mood for guessing games and cut straight to the chase: ¡°Daxton.¡±

    Camille¡¯s reaction was almost audible through the screen:

    ¡°Wait, what? How¡¯d you know?¡±

    ¡°He told me. Said he¡¯d help investigate,¡± Carrie replied.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub

    Camille¡¯s reply came in a flurry of rapid-fire messages, her excitement palpable.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s way too invested in your life? Especially that moment at the pier when he and Kristopher locked eyes¡ªit was straight out of a rivalry scene!¡±

    ¡°Look, after you divorce Kristopher, you should really give Daxton a chance.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s as good-looking as Kristopher, but he¡¯s kind and respectful. Kristopher¡¯s too domineering. Gentlemen are the way to go!¡±

    ¡°And remember, you once said Daxton wasn¡¯t into women?¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because he¡¯s been into you this whole time! What if he¡¯s back now because he¡¯s ready to confess? Fate works in mysterious ways. You¡¯ve always yed second fiddle to Lise, but to him, you¡¯re center stage.¡±

    Carrie stared at the cascade of messages, utterly speechless.

    Finally, she sighed and typed: ¡°You know, I should hand you the keyboard and let you write scripts. Stop spinning wild tales. I told him I¡¯m married.¡±

    Camille was undeterred: ¡°So what? Marriage isn¡¯t a life sentence. Can¡¯t you get divorced? You¡¯re practically on the brink anyway. It¡¯s perfect timing!¡±

    Carrie pressed her fingers to her temples, trying to ward off the budding headache.

    To change the subject, she asked, ¡°Want toe over for dinner?¡±

    After a pause, Camille replied, ¡°Can¡¯t. I¡¯m with Albin. He¡¯s booked a table at this insanely exclusive restaurant. No way I¡¯m missing this!¡±

    The mention of Albin made Carrie¡¯s mind drift to the pier incident, when Albin had seemed glued to Camille¡¯s side.

    What she had dismissed as coincidence now seemed like something more.

    ¡°When did you and Albin get so¡­ close?¡± Carrie asked, her curiosity piqued.

    Camille¡¯s reply came quickly, as if in defense: ¡°I swear, it¡¯s not what you think! I didn¡¯t betray you! I met him by chance, and I had no idea he was Kristopher¡¯s friend at the time!¡±

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 Chapter 246

    ?<strong>Chapter 246:</strong>

    She went on to exin how their paths had crossed.

    As the conversation meandered, it inevitably returned to Carrie¡¯s tangled rtionship with Kristopher.

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Camille typed, ¡°I feel like Kristopher¡¯s been acting differently. Now that you¡¯re back at Bayview Vi and seeing each other daily, tell me the truth¡ªdo you really still want a divorce?¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t hesitate as she told Camille, ¡°Of course, I want a divorce. But not just yet. I need to deal with the whole Lise situation first¡ªat the very least, I have to ensure my safety going forward. Besides, the divorce might give me some leverage when I negotiate with her.¡±

    Camille immediately replied with a thumbs-up emoji. ¡°Sweetie, ever since you got over that lovestruck phase, you¡¯ve be smarter.¡±

    With a smirk, Carrie closed the chat window.

    She spent the next hour organizing the part of the script she had been working on that week and sent it off to the productionpany.

    Thepany responded promptly: ¡°You can hold on for now. Our sponsor has concerns about the uing parts of the script. We¡¯ll get back to you.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t overthink it.

    Thepany had always been generous and flexible, so she figured it was a temporary dy.

    Logging out of her email, she stretched and decided to head downstairs for a snack.

    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads

    In the living room, Kristopher sat on the sofa, his expression unreadable.

    Oliver stood before him, several bags on the table nearby.

    When Oliver spotted Carrie, he immediately perked up, pulling a ss container from one of the bags. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris asked me to bring this fish maw soup from the Norris Mansion. It was freshly prepared and still warm. Please try some.¡±

    Carrie epted the container and took a few bites.

    Just as she finished, her phone buzzed.

    It was a call from Mny.

    ¡°Carrie, did you get the fish maw soup?¡± Mny¡¯s affectionate tone came through the line.

    Carrie smiled, dabbing at the corners of her mouth. ¡°Yes, I just finished it. It was delicious.¡±

    Mny¡¯s voice took on a scolding edge. ¡°It¡¯s good that you enjoyed the soup, but don¡¯t overdo it. Too many tonics can be harmful. Eating too much fish maw can lead to uterine fibroids.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mny. I didn¡¯t eat much. The ones you asked me to bring backst time¡ªI didn¡¯t even take a bite.¡± Carrie nced at Kristopher, her tone light but pointed. ¡°Kristopher fed them to a dog.¡±

    Without missing a beat, she turned on the speakerphone, ensuring Kristopher could hear.

    Mny¡¯s voice sharpened. ¡°What nonsense! Even dogs shouldn¡¯t eat too much! Their lives are precious too.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened, realizing the jab was directed at Lise.

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 Chapter 247

    ?<strong>Chapter 247:</strong>

    He hesitated before responding awkwardly, ¡°Got it, Grandma.¡±

    Mny paused, confused. ¡°Wait, when did Bayview Vi get a dog?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s tone was casual, almost yful. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s a stray Kristopher found. Maybe he¡¯ll bring it home someday.¡±

    Mny bought Carrie¡¯s story without further questions and hung up after offering a few more words of advice.

    After the call ended, the room fell silent.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze was fixed on Carrie, cold and inscrutable.

    Carrie, however, was unfazed.

    She met his gaze with calm defiance and said, ¡°I¡¯m a little hungry right now. If you want to scold me or argue, can we do it after I eat?¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t take the bait.

    Instead, his tone softened, though his words stung. ¡°Lise didn¡¯t have a great family growing up.¡±

    She might have some ws and act out sometimes, but she has a good heart. She would never hurt anyone.¡±

    The bitterness hit Carrie like a wave.

    So, he wasn¡¯t blind to Lise¡¯s behavior¡ªhe simply chose to overlook it, letting Carrie bear the brunt of the consequences.

    Did he ever stop to think about her own struggles? Her upbringing hadn¡¯t been perfect either¡ªa cold-hearted, greedy father, a life devoid of genuine affection¡ªyet she had chosen to rise above it.

    Family circumstances might shape someone, but they didn¡¯t define their character.

    Kristopher was pushing on her frayed nerves again.

    Suppressing her anger, Carrie retorted sharply, ¡°What kind of ridiculous logic is that? What do you mean by having a bad temperament but a good heart? A person¡¯s heart defines them¡ªhow do you separate the two? If my hand killed someone, would you say it¡¯s not my fault, and that just my hand should go to jail?¡±

    The room fell into an awkward silence.

    Kristopher¡¯s face twitched, as if he wanted to argue but couldn¡¯t find the words.

    Eventually, he sighed and changed the subject. ¡°Willow made your favorite dishes,¡± he said softly.

    Kristopher would concoct the most oundish excuses to defend Lise.

    Carrie simply replied, ¡°Understood,¡± and made her way toward the dining room.

    She had no desire to waste energy sparring over such futile arguments.

    The logic was crystal clear to everyone. Kristopher wasn¡¯t some naive dreamer; his achievements spoke volumes about his intellect.

    Yet when it came to Lise, his stubbornness defied all reason.

    Given this, Carrie could only bide her time, quietly gathering irrefutable proof of Lise¡¯s deceit.

    The day she presented it to Kristopher, she intended to shatter his illusions beyond repair.

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 Chapter 248

    ?<strong>Chapter 248:</strong>

    Not that she expected him to leap to her defense once the truth wasid bare.

    But every scrap of evidence she collected added weight to her position, strengthening her ability to keep his first love in check.

    Willow walked into the dining room, cing the dishes carefully on the table.

    Skirting past Carrie, she headed toward Kristopher, wiping her hands on a towel as she approached. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s Memorial Day this weekend. My hometown¡¯s quite a trek, and I was hoping to take a few extra days off.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s fork hovered mid-air.

    Her mother¡¯s memory flickered in her mind.

    She had been so consumed by work that she¡¯d neglected visiting her mother¡¯s grave.

    Without Willow¡¯s mention, Memorial Day might have slipped her mind entirely.

    Kristopher nced at Carrie. ¡°You¡¯re her caretaker. Consult her about such matters.¡±

    With a calm demeanor, Carrie spoke softly. ¡°Take a week off. Message me if you need to extend your leave.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Norris,¡± Willow said quickly.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze met Kristopher¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯m going to my hometown for Memorial Day to visit my mother. I won¡¯t be returning with you.¡±

    After Danna¡¯s passing, Tristan had been preupied with his new wife, leaving funeral arrangements to Gracie, who had taken Danna¡¯s ashes back to their hometown.

    ¡°I have a project there. I will apany¡­¡± Kristopher began, but he was interrupted by the ringing of his phone.

    He looked at Carrie, hesitation etched across his face.

    Carrie recognized Lise¡¯s call instantly. She turned away and continued eating, savoring the fresh, crisp food with minimal seasoning¡ªWillow¡¯s light cooking catered precisely to Kristopher¡¯s preferences.

    Kristopher hesitated before answering the call.

    Lise¡¯s voice spilled through the receiver, sweet and tinged with expectation. ¡°Kristopher, I have no work on Memorial Day. How about a trip to Ofrubert?¡±

    His response was measured, almost detached. ¡°Lise, the development in Foxfire County has spurred interest from neighboring areas. I need to evaluate their potential for renovations. I¡¯ll send you a card¡ªbuy whatever catches your eye. I¡¯ll arrange for someone to apany you.¡±

    Carrie stabbed at a shrimp with unnecessary force, biting into it as though it were Kristopher himself.

    As Willow passed by, she muttered just loud enough to be heard, ¡°Mr. Norris is always so generous with Ms. Nash. She must be swimming in money by now.¡±

    Carrie caught the subtle barb in Willow¡¯s tone, wondering if it was aimed at her.

    Not that it mattered.

    Money wasn¡¯t an issue; Kristopher had always beenvish with her too.

    What stung was the disparity in how he treated her and Lise.

    For Lise, he offered detailed exnations and reassurances; for Carrie, only nk checks and cold indifference.

    After two years of marriage, she remained in the dark about his business and movements.

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 Chapter 249

    ?<strong>Chapter 249:</strong>

    ¡°Kristopher, you don¡¯t care about me anymore,¡± Lise¡¯s voice whined through the phone. ¡°You skipped myst check-up, and now you¡¯re refusing to go to Ofrubert. What if I need heart transnt surgery again? Would you ignore me from then on?¡±

    His tone turned sharp, almost scolding. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that! You¡¯re not going to need another transnt.¡±

    Realizing her mistake, Lise¡¯s voice softened into a sugary pout. ¡°Kristopher, that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    Carrie froze mid-chew, Lise¡¯s words hitting her like a gust of icy wind.

    So, Lise had undergone a heart transnt.

    A vague memory stirred¡ªKristopher once mentioned Lise¡¯s ¡°good heart.¡± Could he have been referring to the literal organ?

    And if so, what was the connection?

    The pieces of the puzzle danced tantalizingly close, yet one crucial fragment remained missing.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice dropped, his earlier harshness reced with cating warmth. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. Transnts aren¡¯t something you go through lightly. It¡¯s not going to happen again. By the way, you liked that pink Porsche, didn¡¯t you? I¡¯ll have Oliver deliver it to you.¡±

    After a few more exchanges, Lise relented and hung up.

    Kristopher slipped his phone into his pocket and turned back to Carrie. ¡°I¡¯lle with you to visit the grave.¡±

    She blinked, his words pulling her back to the present.

    ¡°No need,¡± she replied curtly. ¡°I want to talk to my mom alone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you,¡± he said, his tone brooking no argument.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Carrie muttered, her thoughts still swirling around Lise¡¯s heart.

    Could Kristopher¡¯s relentless devotion to Lise be tied to something deeper?

    She cast a sideways nce at him, her lips parting as if to voice her thoughts.

    But in the end, she lowered her head and continued eating in silence.

    What was the point of knowing? Would it soften the edges of her anger, or would it simply serve as another excuse to forgive him?

    A single highway stretched from Orkset to Carrie¡¯s hometown, Esterhall, a ce notorious for its traffic jams during holiday seasons. Fortunately, with Asher scheduled to attend an award ceremony, the film crew granted an early leave. To avoid the traffic, Carrie suggested they set out a day earlier.

    After finishing her packing, she stashed some bread into her suitcase.

    ¡°No need for that,¡± Kristopher said. ¡°Esterhall has seen rapid development this year, faster than other counties. They even have a new hot springs hotel with a good restaurant.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not nning on staying at a hotel. I¡¯ll be at my grandmother¡¯s apartment,¡± Carrie retorted as she retrieved the bread and ced it back into her suitcase before securing it shut.

    Kristopher, caught off guard, asked, ¡°You hadn¡¯t mentioned that before.¡±

    Carrie gave a slight frown. ¡°Why should I? Traveling together was all I agreed to, not sharing the same roof.¡±

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 Chapter 250

    ?<strong>Chapter 250:</strong>

    Kristopher then turned to Oliver. ¡°Get a box of snacks ready.¡± Carrie, frustrated by Kristopher¡¯s tendency to make unteral decisions, stood up.

    ¡°I never invited you to stay with me,¡± she said, visibly annoyed.

    Anticipating her frustration, Kristopher remained calm. ¡°It¡¯s not a good idea for you to stay alone. The resort area might be developing, but the residential parts are still much the same as during your childhood, hardly more advanced than Foxfire County. If anything were to happen, I wouldn¡¯t be immediately aware. It¡¯s safer if we stick together.¡±

    Carrie was momentarily speechless.

    With a satisfied look, Kristopher instructed Oliver to prepare provisions, as though they were heading out for a leisurely spring trip.

    Carrie settled herself on the sofa, watching them prepare, her thoughts interrupted by the ring of her phone.

    It was Camille on the line. ¡°Sweetheart, what¡¯s on your agenda for the holiday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m off to Esterhall to visit my mom¡¯s grave,¡± Carrie replied.

    Without missing a beat, Camille responded, ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow. ¡°It¡¯s quite dull there¡ªnothing much to do or eat. You might end up bored.¡±

    But Camille, ever enthusiastic, quickly replied, ¡°Oh, that sounds lovely! I cherish the quiet. I¡¯ll grab my things and meet you at your ce so we can leave together.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re all packed in the car already.¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice unexpectedly chimed in behind her, causing Carrie to start.

    Camille, undeterred by a potential setback, adapted quickly. ¡°No issue! I¡¯ll arrange my own ride and meet you at the highway entrance.¡±

    Before Carrie could object, Camille had already ended the call.

    Looking at the array of luggage Oliver was handling, Carrie dryly said, ¡°Well, it looks like we¡¯re turning this into a convoy.¡±

    Kristopher selected a luxury car for their trip.

    Throughout the drive, Kristopher was absorbed in calls for work, discussingrge financial figures, while Carrie focused on herptop. Listening to him casually mention figures like ¡°800 million¡± or ¡°90 million,¡± Carrie found herself reflecting on her more modest earnings and the significant financial disparity between them.

    Yet, she reassured herself. Focusing on her career hadtely boosted her confidence and assertiveness in interactions with Kristopher. Hard work, she realized, wasn¡¯t just about rivaling the elite but about fostering her independence¡ªmoving away from relying on rtionships or romantic aspirations for fulfillment.

    As they pulled up to a florist, Oliver stepped out of the car. Noticing Carrie¡¯s intrigued look through the rearview mirror, he exined, ¡°Mr. Norris wanted me to pick up some perfume roses.¡±

    These roses, highly favored by Danna two decades earlier, had be rare, seldom found in local florist shops. Carrie typically purchased them in Orkset for such asions.

    She had originally nned to visit a florist before hitting the highway, but she discovered that Kristopher had preemptively made the arrangements.

    Oliver returned with the roses, arranged in a nostalgic, ssic style. He ced the bouquet of 99 roses and baby¡¯s breath in the front seat, filling the car with their sweet fragrance.

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 Chapter 251

    ?<strong>Chapter 251:</strong>

    Kristopher had evidently put more thought into this gesture than usual. Moved, Carrie murmured a soft, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Engrossed in his video call, Kristopher didn¡¯t respond. His intense focus, the deep lines of concentration on his brow, and the stern look in his eyes only heightened the distinguished allure of his profile.

    As they approached the highway, an unusual purple-gray SUV caught their attention, parked conspicuously among the more traditionally colored vehicles.

    Oliver maneuvered their car to pull up alongside it, and Camille immediately leaned out from the passenger window, calling out, ¡°Carrie!¡±

    Albin, seated at the wheel behind her, also leaned forward and said, ¡°Hey, Carrie. Kristopher.¡±

    Albin¡¯s presence surprised Carrie. She shut herptop and asked, ¡°Albin? What are you doing here?¡±

    Before Albin could exin, Camille interjected, ¡°He was free, so he decided to help out. Hiring a driver for such a long trip gets pricey, and I¡¯m trying to manage my expenses now that I¡¯m on my own.¡±

    Kristopher gave them a doubtful look, clearly skeptical of her rationale.

    Brushing off his scrutiny, Camille suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s skip that topic. Carrie, why don¡¯t you hop in here with us? You and I can squeeze into the back. I¡¯ve downloaded loads of movies. We can watch them together!¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± With enthusiasm, Carrie quickly exited their car. She had grown weary of overhearing Kristopher¡¯s discussions about multimillion-dor deals, finding them increasingly disheartening.

    She slid into the back seat of the SUV, and as she was about to close the door, she saw Kristopher stepping out of his car.

    Maintaining a neutral demeanor, he said, ¡°I need a break from work. I¡¯ll join you for the movie.¡±

    Camille promptly shut the door, blocking his entry. ¡°Sorry, no space left.¡±

    In the front, Albin tried to remain inconspicuous. As Kristopher approached, Albin discreetly pressed down on the gas pedal.

    Left standing alone, Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened with irritation.

    As they drew closer to Esterhall, Carrie¡¯s initial yfulness waned. Memories of her youth in that town, of her grandmother and mother, began to stir within her.

    Out of the blue, Kristopher called, and his voice came through her phone. ¡°Do you want to stop and see your mom before we head home?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted outwards, noticing that Kristopher had lowered the rear window of his car at some point. He was holding his phone, his eyes fixed on her.

    With her window still raised, it seemed impossible for him to see her clearly. However, his intense, steady stare gave her the unsettling feeling that he could look right through the barrier¡ª as if he could peer into her soul.

    Feeling a flutter in her heart, she responded gently, ¡°Okay.¡±

    After ending the call, she addressed Camille. ¡°I need to visit my mom¡¯s grave first. Why don¡¯t you and Albin grab something to eat?¡±

    Camille paused the movie on her tablet and looked up. ¡°No, we¡¯ll apany you.¡±

    Albin checked the rearview mirror and said, ¡°We aren¡¯t hungry anyway. It¡¯s more important to visit your mom since we¡¯re all here.¡±

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 Chapter 252

    ?<strong>Chapter 252:</strong>

    Upon reaching the cemetery, they found the area in disarray due to ongoing expansion work. The mess made it impossible for the car to proceed. They parked along the road and disembarked for a walk.

    Kristopher was holding a bouquet of roses in one hand while firmly sping Carrie¡¯s hand with the other. Hidden beneath a nket of dirt, the ancient stone steps caused Carrie to falter as she sought stable footing. Kristopher, on the other hand, stood unflinchingly by her side.

    During such instances, he consistently provided a sense of security, a sentiment she had deeply cherished in the past. Previously, she had been captivated by this feeling, relying on it fervently, even to the detriment of her selfesteem.

    However, as she now contemted distancing herself, the familiarity of this security unnerved her, fearing it might soften her resolve. While reflecting on these thoughts, she turned to Camille and said, ¡°Camille, let me give you a hand.¡±

    Camille, preupied and looking elsewhere, responded skeptically, ¡°Really? With your slender arms, how much can you actually help?¡± Instead, she grabbed Albin¡¯s arm and scolded, ¡°Can¡¯t you see I might need help? Why aren¡¯t you assisting me?¡±

    Albin quickly adjusted to support her better. ¡°You should have mentioned something.¡±

    ¡°Do I have to spell out everything?¡± Camille retorted, clearly irritated.

    Carrie¡¯s attempt to distance herself from Kristopher¡¯s support was unsessful. Disheartened, she turned to face him again. Wanting to divert from her internal conflict, she asked, ¡°Is it just me, or is something odd going on between Camille and Albin?¡±

    Kristopher cleared a branch from their path with a flick of his foot and smirked. ¡°Just catching on, are you?¡± His tone bore a teasing edge, implying her slow realization.

    She shot him a stern look. ¡°Camille is a decent person¡­¡±

    With a yful raise of his eyebrow, Kristopher responded, ¡°The type of ¡®decent¡¯ who introduces you to male escorts?¡± Carrie tensed. ¡°Don¡¯t bring that up. Just make sure he doesn¡¯tplicate things for Camille.¡±

    Kristopherughed softly. ¡°They¡¯re grown-ups. It¡¯s not my ce to dictate their dating choices.¡±

    Carrie found herself without rebuttal.

    ¡°Wait, who¡¯s that over there?¡± Kristopher suddenly paused, his focus shifting to a figure ahead.

    Carrie lifted her head and caught a fleeting glimpse of a figure in a gray hoodie. The mysterious person moved with gentle grace, hurrying away in the opposite direction before vanishing from sight within moments. The sudden movement startled her, causing her to miss a step and teeter precariously.

    Kristopher¡¯s firm grip caught her arm, pulling her back from the brink of falling. His frown deepened. ¡°You¡¯re always so careless.¡±

    Carrie shot back with a re that could have melted steel. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t startled me, do you think I¡¯d have tripped? It¡¯s perfectly normal for people toe here to pay their respects, you know.¡±

    Camille and Albin caught up to the pair. Camille pointed ahead, her expression shifting. ¡°Wait, Carrie, isn¡¯t that your mom¡¯s grave? Who left the flowers there? Do you know anyone else who¡¯d visit her?¡±

    Carrie followed Camille¡¯s outstretched finger. Before her mother¡¯s tombstone, a fresh bouquet of champagne roses rested, their delicate petals catching the faint light. Something stirred in her mind.

    She spun around instinctively, but the gray-hooded figure was long gone. In the distance, a sleek ck car slid past the cemetery gates. Her heart clenched with a curious unease, a fragment of familiarity wing its way to the surface. Could it be¡­? For a brief moment, she thought of Daxton.

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 Chapter 253

    ?<strong>Chapter 253:</strong>

    Her thoughts wandered to her first year of college¡ªthe rainy day she¡¯d missed her bus to Esterhall. Annoyed and stranded, she had stepped out of the station, only to cross paths with him. Without saying much, he had simply offered her a ride back. But that was years ago. Too many years. Surely, this was just a coincidence. Gracie and Danna had always been well-loved.

    It wasn¡¯t impossible for an old friend to drop by, was it? Brushing the thought aside, Carrie spoke with practiced nonchnce. ¡°Probably one of my mom¡¯s old friends.¡±

    Camille wrinkled her nose, skepticism written all over her face. ¡°He didn¡¯t look ¡®old friend¡¯ old to me. I¡¯d say he looked¡­ quite dashing!¡±

    ¡°From a blurry glimpse of his back? Come on,¡± Carrie replied, rolling her eyes.

    Albin snorted, crossing his arms. ¡°For all you know, he¡¯s just one of those ¡®looks-good-from-the-back¡¯ types. Turn him around, and he¡¯s probably some middle-aged guy losing a battle with his hairline.¡±

    Camille threw him a sidelong nce of pure disdain. ¡°A back-view charmer is still leagues better than you¡ªin from every single angle.¡±

    ¡°Me? in?!¡± Albin¡¯s voice jumped an octave in indignation.

    Kristopher¡¯s cold tone sliced through their squabble like a knife. ¡°If you¡¯re going to argue, take it somewhere else.¡±

    Usually the joker of the group, Albin shrank under Kristopher¡¯s re, hastily pasting on a sheepish grin as he mimed zipping his lips.

    For once, Camille didn¡¯t push back, her expression softening with respect. ¡°Show some decorum, Albin. This is a cemetery.¡±

    Albin made no retort, though he couldn¡¯t resist pulling a childish face behind Camille¡¯s back.

    The group approached Danna¡¯s tombstone. Kristopher set down a bouquet in front of the grave, bowing solemnly to the photograph etched into the stone. ¡°Danna, it¡¯s been a long time.¡±

    A wave of emotion swept through Carrie. Kristopher had only apanied her to visit once, shortly after they got married. Now, on the brink of divorce, this would likely be their final visit together.

    Camille and Albin took their turns bowing, each murmuring their introductions. As they straightened, Albin tugged Camille¡¯s sleeve, leaning in to whisper, ¡°I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s find somewhere to eat.¡±

    Camille gave him an exasperated look, but he exaggerated a series of winks. ¡°Carrie,¡± Camille said, taking the cue, ¡°we¡¯ll scout ahead for a ce to eat.¡±

    ¡°You stay here and talk to your mom.¡±

    Carrie nodded. ¡°Okay.¡± She turned to Kristopher. ¡°You should go with them.¡±

    Kristopher nced toward the horizon, his gaze distant. ¡°The view¡¯s better up here. I¡¯ll check out Esterhall¡¯syout from this spot.¡±

    Without protest, Carrie let him be. The others left, their figures retreating down the path, leaving her alone in front of the gravestone.

    She sank onto the stone steps, brushing off a fineyer of dust before unwrapping the other bouquet of roses. There was no card. No note.

    Hugging her knees, Carrie whispered into the quiet, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m getting a divorce. I¡¯ve learned the hard way that love isn¡¯t some equation where effort equals sess. Sometimes, you have to ept when to let go, even if it feels like giving up. Life¡¯s too long to only keep looking forward. Sometimes, you have to nce back, too. But no one ever taught me that. I had to figure it out the hard way¡ªby falling, over and over. I haven¡¯t taken good care of myself or Grandma. I¡¯m sorry, Mom.¡±

    She wiped away her tears, letting everything she had been holding back finally spill out.

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 Chapter 254

    ?<strong>Chapter 254:</strong>

    In front of her mother¡¯s tombstone, she felt like a child again¡ªsafe, free to vent, toin, to seekfort in the most vulnerable moments of her heart.

    Gradually, the sun set, and night began to consume thest traces of daylight. A gentle breeze rustled through the cemetery trees, creating an eerily quiet atmosphere.

    Carrie, who once feared ghosts, now understood that living people were far more terrifying.

    After narrowly escaping death twice, she knew the true meaning of fear. These silent graves, she thought, wouldn¡¯t harm or betray anyone. And besides, her mom was here. If any ghosts dared to approach, her mother would protect her.

    The air grew cooler, seeping into her skin. She shivered, drawing her jacket tighter around herself, and stood to leave. It was time to say goodbye.

    Just as she turned, something soft and warm draped over her shoulders. She spun around, startled, and found Kristopher standing there. Without a word, he settled the jacket snugly around her and slid an arm across her shoulders.

    Turning toward the gravestone, he spoke with quiet reverence. ¡°Danna, it¡¯s gettingte. We¡¯ll be here for a few more days and wille see you again soon.¡±

    Carrie hesitated but then followed his lead, murmuring her own goodbye. Slipping out from under his arm, she adjusted the jacket properly and gave him a quick nce.

    Kristopher reached for her hand, his voice low but teasing. ¡°If you trip again and end up in the hospital, how are you nning to keep up this tough act?¡±

    She shrugged, not meeting his gaze, but allowed him to take her hand as they started their way down the hill. Somehow, intentionally or not, their fingers ended up entwined. Her hand remained stiff in his grasp, her fingers refusing to curl around his.

    After leaving the cemetery, Carrie and Kristopher rejoined Albin and Camille. Camille had found a local barbecue spot hidden within a residential district, renowned for its long-standing presence and authentic taste. Back when Carrie was a student, she and her friends would scrape together their allowances to enjoy meals there.

    Despite his usual fondness for cleanliness, Kristopher rxed his standards at this humble county eatery. He discreetly cleaned the table and chairs with a wet wipe, making no fuss about it.

    Their strikingly parked cars attracted attention during the bustling dinner hour. Onlookers, on their way home from school or work, paused to observe, with some even taking pictures. Amid the murmurs, someonemented, ¡°That car looks like it was owned by a rich businessman, doesn¡¯t it? Why would someone so wealthye to our small county instead of staying inrger cities or traveling overseas?¡±

    Catching this, Carrie, while enjoying a piece of grilled eggnt, turned to Kristopher and yfully inquired, ¡°Mr. Norris, the locals are curious¡­ why do you visit these secluded rural ces?¡±

    Kristopher, dressed simply in a ck shirt, sat effortlessly elegant, his demeanor devoid of any shy adornments. His presence alone seemed to elevate the modest setting. As he dabbed at some sauce that had spilled near Carrie, he replied, ¡°Remember how you once shared about your simple beginnings here, and how much you wished to see it developed? You mentioned that if you had the means, you¡¯d support the growth of this ce and its surroundings.¡±

    He carefully left out part of her pastments to preserve her pride. Carrie had previously expressed, ¡°If only I had the resources, I¡¯d develop my hometown and the impoverished areas around it¡­ Unfortunately, I married young and have to focus on my family.¡±

    ¡°I hope someone capable wille along to uplift this area. I¡¯d be eternally thankful to such a person.¡±

    Surprised by his recollection, Carrie looked away, feeling a bit awkward. Meanwhile, Camille, who had been yfully jostling with Albin for a chicken wing, momentarily lost her grip on her fork, giving Albin the opportunity to scoop the wing into his bowl.

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 Chapter 255

    ?<strong>Chapter 255:</strong>

    Camille looked at Kristopher skeptically. ¡°You¡¯re saying you came all the way out here, inspired by something Carrie once mentioned, out of charity?¡±

    Kristopher paused for a moment, then added, ¡°There was another person who influenced my decision.¡±

    This revtion extinguished the faint warmth that had begun to grow in Carrie¡¯s heart. She foundfort in the idea; it was easier if Kristopher remained emotionally distant, preventing any feelings that might challenge her resolution to pursue a divorce.

    Camille mmed her fork down, her voiceced with irony. ¡°Oh, let me guess, it was that maniptor, right? Kristopher, why bring her up now, just to upset us?¡±

    Kristopher responded calmly, ¡°It¡¯s not about her.¡±

    Unconvinced, Camille scoffed, ¡°Sure, typical man, always lying.¡±

    Albin, who had been enjoying his chicken, hastily set it aside and covered Camille¡¯s mouth with his hand, scolding, ¡°Don¡¯t jump to conclusions, please.¡±

    Camille, annoyed, bit into Albin¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Ouch! What¡¯s with you biting me like a dog?¡± Albin eximed, flinching as he noticed the two teeth marks on his hand.

    Ignoring Camille¡¯s outburst, Kristopher took a leisurely sip of his water, his gaze casually falling on Carrie. Carrie, acting as if she hadn¡¯t noticed his gaze, quickly finished her meal. ¡°I¡¯ll go tidy up the apartment¡­ though it¡¯s quite small, just two rooms.¡±

    Oliver immediately interjected, ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡¯ll book a room at the nearby hotel.¡±

    Albin, tugging at Camille¡¯s sleeve, suggested, ¡°We should stay at the hotel too.¡±

    Camille retorted, ¡°Who said I wanted to stay in a hotel? You nning something sneaky?¡±

    In a flustered tone, Albin replied, ¡°Something sneaky? What are you talking about? Stop spouting nonsense. I¡¯ve booked two separate rooms!¡±

    He quickly steered the conversation back on track. ¡°After a whole day on the road, if you stay at Carrie¡¯s, she¡¯ll need to prepare an additional room.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll just book at the hotel,¡± Camille said.

    Kristopher remained quiet, and Carrie assumed he would choose the hotel as well. She turned to Oliver and said, ¡°Could I have the car keys? I need to get my things from the car.¡±

    Oliver nced at Kristopher before responding, ¡°Mrs. Norris, please go ahead. I¡¯ll bring your luggage to you in a moment.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Carrie responded, then addressed the group. ¡°I¡¯ll sort things out at the apartment tomorrow. Everyone else can n as they wish. Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ve got instant noodles, so I¡¯ll be fine on my own.¡±

    With a pout on her lips, Camille listened as Albin leaned in and whispered, ¡°She came back to visit her mom¡¯s grave. It¡¯s only natural for her to feel emotional at this time.¡±

    epting his exnation, Camille held back herints and simply said, ¡°Alright.¡±

    After this exchange, Carrie rose from her seat and left. Looking toward Kristopher, Albin inquired, ¡°Where are you nning to stay tonight, Kristopher?¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you,¡± Kristopher answered sharply, casting a stern nce at Albin before standing and walking out.

    Just a short walk from Gracie¡¯s apartmentplex, Carrie meandered along a narrow trail. Surrounded by decades of history, the neighborhood¡¯s structures were draped with creeping ivy. The air was filled with the scent of home-cooked delicacies, asionally punctuated by snippets of conversation emanating from open windows. In its quaintness, this locale offered a warmth that was missing in the relentless hustle ofrger cities.

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 Chapter 256

    ?<strong>Chapter 256:</strong>

    As she approached the gate, Carrie noticed several families lounging beneath the trees, engaged in after-dinner conversations. A plump, elderly woman with streaks of gray in her hair leisurely waved her fan, saying, ¡°It seems most of our longtime neighbors have left. The younger ones who¡¯ve taken their ce only returnte, weary from long work hours. Soon, the evenings will be too quiet for chats. After the news, it¡¯s straight to bed for everyone.¡±

    A woman in her forties, swatting at a mosquito on her leg, retorted, ¡°Oh, you¡¯re missing the joy of life. Your son in Orkset bought a spacious house for you, yet you choose to stay here. What pleasure do you find in these nightly chats? All I get are mosquito bites everywhere!¡±

    The elderly woman sighed and replied, ¡°When you¡¯re old, you yearn for your roots. Youth may enjoy the constant motion, but at my stage, I seek tranquility and steadiness.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s difficult for the elderly to settle into new environments,¡± another slender senior added, edging closer. ¡°Gracie from the third floor, always so strong, used to apany me on morning walks for groceries. But shortly after moving to Orkset with her granddaughter, she fell ill. Last I heard, she¡¯s been hospitalized. It¡¯s been a while since ourst conversation¡ªI do hope she¡¯s alright.¡±

    Gracie, the subject of their conversation, was none other than Carrie¡¯s grandmother. At the start, Carrie halted abruptly, feeling suddenly out of ce about entering.

    The woman in her forties ceased her battle with the mosquitoes, casting a meaningful nce around. ¡°It¡¯s not about adjusting to difficulties. Orkset and Esterhall are only a few miles apart, with hardly any difference in weather. To me, it¡¯s clear¡ªfamily issues are what¡¯s troubling her.¡± She paused, letting her words sink in.

    With the group hanging on her words, she continued, ¡°Her daughter died shortly after her wedding. Rumors swirled that her husband was unfaithful. All alone, she raised her granddaughter. That girl ended up in a wealthy family, yet she always came to visit her mother¡¯s grave by herself, year after year. Has anyone ever even seen her husband? Clearly, her inws and spouse don¡¯t appreciate her. Two generations facing simr misfortunes¡ªit¡¯s no surprise Gracie¡¯s distressed.¡±

    Thest time Kristopher joined Carrie for a visit to the cemetery, they chose not to stay at her childhood home, avoiding the attention of the neighbors. One after another, the neighbors began to specte.

    Newest chapters on galno¦Íels.c¨®m

    ¡°It¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it? Carrie¡¯s husband never apanies her home. It¡¯s obvious he has no regard for her. He can¡¯t even be bothered to join her for a visit to her mother¡¯s grave.¡±

    ¡°As men grow wealthy, their morals often diminish! A small-town girl like Carrie can¡¯t possibly keep a big-city boss under control.¡±

    ¡°Some might say they¡¯re already divorced, which could be what¡¯s troubling her grandmother.¡±

    ¡°I recall Carrie¡¯s father kept a mistress¡ªperhaps her husband follows in those footsteps.¡±

    ¡°Or perhaps he¡¯s too hideous to bring home. Wealthy men aren¡¯t known for their looks.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably as attractive as a pig.¡±

    Carrie, overhearing their wild conjectures, couldn¡¯t help but twitch her lips in amusement. They weren¡¯t entirely wrong¡ªexcept about his appearance.

    ¡°Why are you lingering out here instead of going inside?¡± a familiar voice suddenly interrupted.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 257

    ?<strong>Chapter 257:</strong>

    Startled, Carrie spun around. The courtyard¡¯s chatter ceased abruptly, and the women stared in surprise. Facing Kristopher¡¯s unexpected presence, Carrie managed a strained smile and approached the group. ¡°Long time no see, everyone. I¡¯ve just returned to pay respects at my mom¡¯s grave.¡±

    ¡°You look lovelier each time, Carrie,¡± they responded casually, their curiosity piqued by the neer. ¡°And who is this gentleman?¡±

    With a courteous demeanor, Kristopher introduced himself, saying, ¡°Good evening. I¡¯m Kristopher, Carrie¡¯s husband.¡±

    Behind him, Oliver appeared,den with thoughtful gifts. Wrapping an arm around Carrie, Kristopher¡¯s affection was evident. ¡°Carrie has always spoken highly of how supportive you¡¯ve been. We thought we¡¯d bring a few things to show our appreciation.¡±

    Oliver distributed the items: fine tobo, spirits, and health aidsvish yet sensible. The neighbors, epting the offerings, exchanged bewildered nces. Wasn¡¯t this the man who supposedly cared nothing for Carrie? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to resemble a pig?

    Every member of the crowd held generous gift bags, and their demeanor swiftly shifted. Grinning broadly, they moved closer, showering one another with ttery.

    ¡°How fortunate for Carrie to have married a man who ensures such a secure and affluent life for her! As women, securing a marriage into a reputable family is our ultimate sess. If only Carrie¡¯s mother were here to see her now, she would be at peace, knowing her daughter is in good hands.¡±

    ¡°Carrie has always been both beautiful and intelligent. She¡¯s truly fortunate!¡±

    ¡°Remember when Carrie entered college? Even the local news came to cover her story.¡±

    ¡°Your grandmother mentioned over the phone that her medical care costs a fortune each day. With such a devoted andpetent son-inw by her side, she doesn¡¯t have to fret about her health. There¡¯s surely a team looking after her.¡±

    ¡°This young man is really handsome. He and Carrie together could pass for a couple right out of a television show.¡±

    Carrie wasn¡¯t shocked by how quickly the neighbors¡¯ moods shifted. Known for their love of gossip and small exchanges, the neighbors had their quirks, but they also disyed genuine affection. They consistently supported her and Gracie, often bringing in discounted groceries.

    With a tender smile, Kristopher responded, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m the fortunate one here.¡±

    Gazing into his deep eyes, Carrie saw her own reflection shimmering back. For a fleeting moment, the illusion of genuine love between them seemed almost believable.

    His acting had reached new heights, and she was nearly convinced by his performance. It was no mystery why so many found themselves falling in love after spending so much time on set¡ªthe boundary between make-believe and reality had be almost nonexistent.

    Caught up in the ruse of their contractual rtionship, she wasn¡¯t immune to its effects.

    An elderlydy tucked away her gift and gently nudged the woman next to her. ¡°You know, it¡¯s high time your daughter settled down. Early marriage has clearly worked wonders for Carrie.¡±

    Pausing in her unpacking, the middle-aged woman responded with irritation. ¡°Please, don¡¯t start with that! It¡¯s enough to drive anyone mad. My daughter is too selective¡ªnothing seems to satisfy her. She¡¯s holding out for a fairy-tale prince, I suppose!¡±

    At that moment, an image sprang into Carrie¡¯s mind. She envisioned someone who walked with supreme confidence, her head always held high like a proud peacock, barely acknowledging others with a nce. Lettie, the middle-aged woman¡¯s daughter, shared Carrie¡¯s age. As children, they were the only two girls in their building, and Lettie had always engaged in a silent rivalry with Carrie.

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 Chapter 258

    ?<strong>Chapter 258:</strong>

    Lettie wasn¡¯t interested in academics; instead, she obsessed overparing their outfits, toys, and friends. Meanwhile, Carrie, who lived with Gracie, didn¡¯t have the means for many new clothes. Every time Lettie got a new dress, she made sure to show it off right in front of Carrie¡¯s residence.

    As time passed, Carrie pursued higher education, while Lettie remained in the town. Their lives took different paths, and they eventually drifted apart. Carrie had little interest in local rumors. After a brief exchange of polite small talk, she and Kristopher ascended the stairs.

    Shortly after they disappeared upstairs, Lettie returned on her electric scooter.

    Seeing her mother outside, she approached excitedly. ¡°Mom, did you notice that incrediblyvish car parked down the street? It looks like something straight out of a TV show, the kind driven by big-time CEOs. It must be worth tens of millions!¡±

    Her mother gave her a skeptical look. ¡°Dream on! A multimillion-dor car in our poor area? Do you even understand how much ten million is? If we sold our apartment and all the apartments around here, it still wouldn¡¯t add up to that much!¡±

    ¡°You just don¡¯t get it,¡± Lettie retorted with a flicker of annoyance, quickly recing it with a smile. She made up her mind to rise early the next day, hoping to witness what might be a real-life fairy tale romance.

    Her mother tapped Lettie on the forehead teasingly and said, ¡°You¡¯re exactly Carrie¡¯s age, and look at her¡ªmarried and happy. Her husband is not only tall and handsome, but also generous enough to bring us gifts. You¡¯ve always tried to outdo her. When you were kids, it wasn¡¯t about academics. Now, you¡¯re falling behind in the marriage department too. What are you actuallypeting for? You spend your days lost in fantasies. Aren¡¯t you worried about being single at thirty?¡±

    Catching sight of the gift box in her mother¡¯s hand, Lettie peeked inside with a mild look of surprise. The vision of the luxury car still lingered in her thoughts. She casually tossed the gift box back into the bag and waved her hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s just some food. Hardly valuable at all. When I marry a CEO who cruises around in a luxury car, I¡¯ll be handing out gold bracelets to the whole neighborhood.¡±

    ¡°Have you lost your mind, spouting such fantasies in broad daylight?¡± her mother scolded.

    Lettie paid no attention to her mother¡¯s words and wheeled her scooter towards the parking shed.

    Piano Upstairs.

    Carrie opened the door, her tone casual but brisk. ¡°Just leave the things in the living room.¡±

    Oliver set the bags down, ncing around the small apartment. He straightened, then hesitated before speaking.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, let me help you clean.¡±

    Carrie shook her head, already heading toward the dust-covered furniture. ¡°No need. I can manage. You should rest.¡±

    Oliver looked uncertain, his eyes briefly darting to Kristopher, who stood silently near the door.

    ¡°Meet me at the alley entrance at eight tomorrow,¡± Kristopher said, his voice calm but firm.

    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± Oliver gave a curt nod and headed for the door.

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 Chapter 259

    ?<strong>Chapter 259:</strong>

    Carrie paused and turned to Kristopher with a slight raise of her eyebrow. ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving?¡±

    ¡°Where would I go?¡± Kristopher replied, pulling off the dust cover from the sofa.

    There was a soft click as Oliver gently shut the door behind him.

    The apartment was modest¡ªmuch smaller than the master bedroom at Bayview Vi. Kristopher¡¯s broad shoulders seemed to crowd the narrow space.

    Carrie moved deftly across the room, tugging at the dust covers draped over the furniture. Each piece she uncovered seemed to bring up a memory, remnants of her childhood preserved in neat, orderly arrangements.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± she said, tossing a dust cover aside. She grabbed a bottle of water from the items Oliver had brought and held it out to him. ¡°Drink this.¡±

    Carrie nced at Kristopher. ¡°Don¡¯t get in my way. Tonight, you sleep in my room, and I¡¯ll take Grandma¡¯s room.¡±

    He said nothing, simply settling onto the sofa with the bottle unopened in his hand.

    The apartment faced south, catching the sunlight¡ªwarm in the winter and cool in the summer,fortable even without air conditioning.

    As Carrie continued cleaning, Kristopher opened hisptop. His fingers hovered idly over the keys, his attention drifting toward her.

    She had tied her hair up in a loose knot, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. Her movements were fluid and purposeful, her posture upright andposed, as if she were performing even in such a mundane task.

    He watched her, wondering if the same grace had once filled Bayview Vi when she took charge of the house.

    Eventually, Carrie uncovered thest piece of furniture: an upright piano. Its glossy ck finish reflected the sunlight, understated in design but unmistakable in presence.

    Kristopher leaned forward, his sharp gaze catching the embossed gold ¡°M¡± near the logo¡ªa bespoke Steinway from the Morrison family¡¯s collection, its value far exceeding the grand piano at Norris Mansion.

    The most striking feature was the gold-embossed ¡°M¡± next to the piano¡¯s logo, the exclusive mark of the Morrison family in Isonridge.

    ¡°That¡¯s my grandfather¡¯s piano,¡± Carrie said, her voice pulling him from his thoughts.

    She traced a finger along its polished surface, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ¡°I heard it¡¯s very expensive. A gift from someone who admired him.¡±

    She paused, her expression softening as memories surfaced. ¡°When I was little, I spilled a drink on it. Grandma punished me¡ªthe only time she ever did. She was so angry, I thought she might never forgive me.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. The Morrison family was known forvishing gifts on talented individuals in the arts.

    Yet, if her grandfather had such connections, how could they have stood by while Tristan mistreated Danna? He pushed the thought aside, focusing instead on her face.

    She was flushed, likely from the exertion of cleaning. Her cheeks glowed softly in the warm light, stirring something within him. A dryness settled in his throat, and he took a sip from the bottle.

    Before he could think better of it, Kristopher rose and crossed the room. He wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her against him.

    The sudden movement startled Carrie. Her hand shot out,nding on the piano keys, producing a jarring, discordant note. She stiffened, her breath quickening as she turned her face away. ¡°Stop it,¡± she said, her voice shaky.

    .

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 Chapter 260

    ?<strong>Chapter 260:</strong>

    Kristopher leaned down, his lips brushing lightly against her cheek before stopping at her ear. His breath was warm, carrying a faint, woody scentced with tobo. ¡°y for me,¡± he murmured, his tone husky, lingering in the small space between them.

    Carrie¡¯s pulse raced. Normally, she would have refused, but the intensity in his gaze left her flustered. She stepped back, cing a hand on his chest to create some distance. ¡°What do you want to hear? I¡¯m no virtuoso. I only know the beginner pieces¡­ and that song fromst time.¡±

    Her reference to Mny¡¯s birthday made his lips quirk in amusement. ¡°If someone had asked you for another song that night,¡± he teased, ¡°wouldn¡¯t your secret have been exposed?¡±

    ¡°Move aside.¡± She nudged his foot with hers.

    Kristopher stepped back, watching as she pulled out the piano bench and sat down. She looked up at him, her posture poised, but with a hint of defiance in her eyes. ¡°No one did,¡± she said simply.

    He chuckled softly, leaning casually against the wall beside her. ¡°Then y that one.¡±

    Carrie pressed a few test notes, her fingers tentative at first but quickly finding their rhythm. The melody flowed smoothly, her movements elegant and deliberate, as though she were performing for an invisible audience.

    The soft glow from the window seemed to highlight her features, her focus giving her an almost ethereal quality.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze wandered, his attention drawn to the slightly forward-leaning posture, which led his eyes downward. He froze briefly, a strange mix of guilt and intrigue washing over him.

    He quickly looked away, but his attention snapped back to her, as if drawn to her by some unseen force.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life

    The music ended, the final note lingering in the air. Before she could rise, Kristopher stepped forward. Without a word, he gently lifted her onto the piano.

    Carrie¡¯s breath hitched, her body stiff with panic as she tried to push Kristopher away. His lips pressed firmly against hers, his tongue parting her lips with determined fervor.

    Her resistance seemed only to fuel him.

    ¡°Not here,¡± she managed to say, her voice muffled against his insistent kiss.

    For Carrie, the piano wasn¡¯t just a piece of furniture; it was a connection to her grandfather¡ªa symbol of his passion and legacy. The thought of their intimacy defiling it made her stomach churn.

    Kristopher pulled back just enough to look at her, his eyes dark and smoldering. ¡°You agreed to make love with me?¡± His voice was low, husky,ced with desire.

    Before she could respond, he scooped her into his arms effortlessly, leaving no room for protest. He carried her to her bedroom.

    The room was modest but inviting, withic book posters lining the shelves and floral sheets on the bed that smelled faintly of freshundry.

    Kristopher set her down gently, his body leaning over hers. She stared up at him, her eyes wide with nervous energy, her lips slightly parted as she struggled to steady her breath.

    Her vulnerability shimmered in the soft light, a blend of fear and reluctant anticipation making her even more alluring.

    Her thoughts raced. How had they reached this point? How had things escted so quickly? Yet, the idea of stopping now felt strangely insincere.

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 Chapter 261

    ?<strong>Chapter 261:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s lips brushed against hers once more, slow and deliberate, before he whispered, ¡°Carrie¡­ are you scared?¡±

    Her breath faltered.

    Whether it happened once or a hundred times, did it really matter anymore? Her gaze traced his face¡ªevery sharp line, every perfect angle.

    He was handsome, infuriatingly so, and undeniably her type.

    Memories of thest time lingered in her mind, clouded by pain and exhaustion brought on by circumstance, not passion.

    After the divorce he would be with Lise.

    That much was certain.

    But the thought of leaving him spent and hollow, unable to give himself to another woman, felt like poetic revenge.

    Was that eptance or just an excuse? She didn¡¯t know, but she let go of her reservations, her mind surrendering to the moment even as her body led the way.

    Awkwardly, she lifted her arms to wrap around his neck, brushing her lips against his in shy, tentative movements.  Her kiss was inexperienced, hesitant, barely caressing his mouth.

    Kristopher made a soft sound of exasperation, cupping her chin with firm but gentle fingers. ¡°Open your mouth,¡± he murmured.

    She obeyed, her lips parting as he deepened the kiss.

    Their tongues tangled, the heat between them growing as the kiss continued, leaving her breathless.

    When he nipped at her tongue, she flinched, a small gasp escaping her.

    She looked up at him, her eyes full of vulnerability and confusion, but it only seemed to amuse him.

    His hands moved to her waist, tugging at her clothes with practiced ease.

    His lips traced a slow, deliberate path down her neck, each kiss igniting her skin like sparks on dry tinder.

    Her bra loosened under his touch and her breath caught as her bare skin was exposed to him.

    He lowered his head and took one of her breasts into his mouth, his tongue swirling in slow, teasing movements.

    Carrie¡¯s body arched involuntarily, a small moan escaping her lips despite her embarrassment.

    Her reactions spurred him on, his teeth brushing gently over her, leaving her trembling beneath him.

    By the time he stripped her naked, all that was left was a smallce undergarment.

    Shey vulnerable beneath him, her chest rising and falling rapidly as she tried to catch her breath.

    Kristopher, still fully clothed, straightened slightly.

    His gaze swept over her with a mixture of hunger and restraint.

    The contrast between them was stark.

    He was impably dressed, every button and fold of his shirt immacte.

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 Chapter 262

    ?<strong>Chapter 262:</strong>

    She, byparison, looked like a temptress ¨C naked, inviting andpletely at his mercy.

    He began to unbutton his shirt, deliberately slow, his smoldering gaze never leaving hers.

    Flustered, Carrie grabbed a soft toy from the bed, clutching it to her chest in a vain attempt to shield herself.

    He lifted her legs with both hands, his touch firm yet reverent.

    With one hand, he removed thest barrier < between them, letting the delicate fabric fall aside.  He paused, his eyes sweeping over her with an intensity that made her cheeks flush.

    She squirmed under his gaze, the vulnerable position making her feel exposed.

    Embarrassed, she reached for the toy again, using it as a shield.

    But when she looked at him from behind the plush barrier, she saw a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

    Her embarrassment turned to indignation.

    She dropped the toy and red at him.

    To Kristopher, however, her defiance only made her more irresistible.

    He leaned down, his breath warm against her ear, and whispered, "Call my name.

    ?¦Ál§Ú¦Òv???.c§àm has the newest content

    Carrie hesitated, her pride battling with the growing warmth spreading through her.

    Her body betrayed her, her pulse quickening as his lips brushed her neck.

    She swallowed hard, her voice barely audible. "Kristopher¡­

    A spark flickered in his eyes and in one smooth motion he lifted her hips and entered her, his movements slow and deliberate.

    Her body tensed at first, shy and uncertain, but the hesitation quickly melted away as he moved with precision and relentless energy.

    She felt every movement clearly, no longer numbed by outside influences.

    Each sensation built on thest, overwhelming her as she surrenderedpletely.

    Her voice grew hoarse, soft gasps giving way to unrestrained cries as he pushed her further and further, leaving no room for thought ¨C only feeling.

    He seemed tireless, relentless, drawing her into wave after wave of sensation.

    When it was over, shey back against the pillow, her body shaking with exhaustion.

    She barely noticed Kristopher pulling the sheets around her.

    Her heavy eyelids fluttered shut and she slipped into a deep sleep, her dreams vivid and intoxicating, filled with fleeting moments of passion that made her heart race.

    Hourster, still in the haze of sleep, Carrie felt a warm touch trace the curve of her hip.

    The sensation was faint, almost ghostly, and she whimpered softly, thinking it was a dream.

    But when his fingers slid between her legs, the touch was too real to ignore.

    Her eyes flew open and she gasped as she met Kristopher''s dark, smoldering gaze.

    Sunlight streamed through the window, bathing the room in a golden glow.

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 Chapter 263

    ?<strong>Chapter 263:</strong>

    Seeing her awake, he rolled over and pressed down on her.

    A soft knock came from the living room.

    Carrie pushed weakly against his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t you have somewhere to be?¡±

    Her voice was hoarse and strained from the night before.

    Her face burned as fragments ofst night¡¯s events flooded her memory.

    He chuckled, the deep, maic sound vibrating against her skin. ¡°Missing a deal won¡¯t change anything,¡± he murmured.

    Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed even deeper.

    She pressed against his hips, trying to put some distance between them.

    ¡°We¡¯ll¡­ continue when you get back,¡± she stammered.

    Kristopher tilted his head, studying her. ¡°Promise?¡±

    The knock came again, and Oliver¡¯s voice came through. ¡°Mister.

    Norris, Mrs.

    Norris, I brought breakfast.¡±

    Carrie froze, her eyes widening in rm.

    Taking advantage of Kristopher¡¯s momentary distraction, she quickly slipped away and grabbed a set of long-sleeved sportswear from the nearby chair.

    She pulled it on quickly, avoiding his gaze as she hurried towards the door.

    Kristopher watched her retreat with an amused chuckle, taking his time as he leaned back against the headboard.

    Slowly he began to dress, his movements unhurried.

    Oliver entered quietly, bncing several elegant insted bags in his hands. As soon as he stepped into the apartment, a shiver ran down his spine. He looked up and found himself meeting Kristopher¡¯s piercing gaze¡ª a look that was both unreadable and unnervingly sharp. His heart skipped a beat. Had he done something wrong? Frantically, he reyed the morning in his mind, searching for any mistake.

    cing the bags neatly on the table, Oliver nced discreetly at his watch. Eight o¡¯clock on the dot¡ªexactly the time Mr. Norris had instructed.

    Kristopher emerged from the bedroom, his sleeves casually rolled up. He exuded a rxed yetmanding presence as he remarked, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to wait for me at the alley entrance?¡±

    Oliver straightened, his tone respectful but hurried. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat dinnerst night, so I thought I¡¯d bring breakfast early today.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze shifted to Carrie, who had just stepped out of the bathroom. She was brushing her teeth in quick, almost frantic movements. Within a minute, she had rinsed and washed her face, her speed making it clear she was famished.

    Carrie wasted no time. She walked to the table, tore open one of the bags, and pulled out a freshly baked bun. Without ceremony, she took arge bite, chewing quickly.

    Kristopher leaned back against the wall, his arms crossed, watching her with faint amusement. Her cheeks puffed out as she stuffed another bite into her mouth, reminding him of a hamster storing food. Her single-minded focus on eating gave her an oddly endearing look.

    ¡°Mm.¡± He hummedzily in acknowledgment of Oliver¡¯s exnation, reaching out to touch Carrie¡¯s cheek. Carrie instinctively tried to dodge, but she was a beat too slow. His fingers grazed her skin before pinching her cheek lightly. Her brow furrowed as she red at him.

    Kristopher¡¯s fingers lingered in front of her face, now smudged with a trace of her facial cleanser. ¡°Cleanser,¡± he said casually.

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 Chapter 264

    ?<strong>Chapter 264:</strong>

    She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. Was this just an excuse to tease her? He was infuriatingly good at these small provocations.

    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± she muttered, too hungry to dwell on it. She returned her attention to the food. Afterst night¡¯s exhausting events, her body felt drained, and she was ravenous.

    Kristopher withdrew his hand, heading into the bathroom without another word. Watching the exchange, Oliver sighed quietly in relief. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ll wait for you at the alley entrance,¡± he offered, eager to escape.

    Carrie barely noticed. She rummaged through the bag, pulling out more food. She nced toward the bathroom, watching Kristopher brush his teeth meticulously, as if he had all the time in the world. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder about him. How was he not starving? He hadn¡¯t eaten a thing sincest night, yet he didn¡¯t look the least bit hungry.

    When Kristopher finally returned, he sat at the dining table, opened hisptop, and began typing as if nothing had happened. He sipped his coffee in between keystrokes, the rich aroma mingling with the scent of breakfast.

    Carrie tilted her head, unable to keep her curiosity in check. ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±

    Kristopher looked up, his expression neutral. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m not a robot.¡±

    She tilted her head, unimpressed. ¡°Then why are you drinking coffee instead of eating breakfast?¡±

    He paused, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. ¡°Are you concerned about me?¡±

    Carrie rolled her eyes. ¡°Eat or don¡¯t¡ªit¡¯s none of my business.¡±

    She stood abruptly, walking to the sofa to grab a small keychain. Removing a key from it, she returned and ced it on the table in front of him. ¡°Here¡¯s a spare key. I¡¯m heading to my alma mater. Not sure when I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Dinner tonight,¡± Kristopher said, not looking up from his screen as he typed out a response to an email.

    ¡°No need,¡± she replied without much thought.

    Turning toward the mirror, she caught sight of her neck and corbone. Her eyes widened slightly at the red marks still visible fromst night. She sighed, digging into her suitcase to pull out a turtleneck sweater. She slung her bag over her shoulder, slipping her phone inside as she headed for the door.

    Kristopher cleared his throat pointedly, the sound subtle yetmanding her attention. She turned briefly, meeting his gaze. His expression seemed to demand a proper goodbye. Instead, she gave him a fleeting nce before shutting the door without a word.

    For a moment, Kristopher sat there, staring at the closed door. His fingers drummed lightly against the table as his mind circled around a single thought: Acting like nothing happened. What did this woman take him for?

    Outside, Carrie descended the stairs just as Lettie arrived on her electric scooter. Lettie spotted her immediately and came to a stop, her eyes narrowing as they roved over Carrie¡¯s simple sportswear and bare face. Lettie had always prided herself on being the most fashionable woman in town.

    She loathed the small-town vibe and went out of her way to emte thetest trends from the big city. Today, she had taken extra care, applying delicate makeup and donning her most expensive outfit in hopes of running into the owner of the luxury car she had seen yesterday. Her finely tailored woolen suit, which had cost her an entire month¡¯s sry, was meant to impress. But standing side by side with Carrie, who wore nothing more than understated sportswear, Lettie¡¯s efforts felt futile.

    Carrie¡¯s natural beauty outshone her polished appearance, making Lettie¡¯s jealousy burn hotter. Lettie¡¯s eyes swept over Carrie again, and she sneered, her tone dripping with contempt. ¡°I heard you married a rich man and gave away stuff to the neighbors yesterday. But look at you¡ªstill no taste. Not a single designerbel in sight.¡±

    Carrie nced down at her clothes, which she¡¯d taken from Bayview Vi. The outfit was a custom-made piece, crafted forfort and understated elegance. Itcked a logo, but its price rivaled any luxury brand.

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 Chapter 265

    ?<strong>Chapter 265:</strong>

    Uninterested in a petty argument, Carrie replied calmly, ¡°I don¡¯t need designerbels to look good. My face does all the work.¡±

    Lettie scowled. She made to retort, but just then, a thought crossed her mind, causing a smirk to spread across her face.

    Lettie¡¯s eyes roved over Carrie, brimming with disdain. ¡°Carrie, you always act like you¡¯re above everyone else. Tell me, what sessful man would ever be interested in someone like you?¡±

    Carrie chuckled, unbothered. ¡°You say that as if you¡¯re an expert on sessful men.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am!¡± Lettie scoffed, flipping her hair dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve always been more popr than you¡ªsince we were kids. And mark my words, I¡¯ll marry better than you ever could.¡± Thest part carried an edge, almost as if Lettie needed to convince herself more than Carrie. A sh of determination lit her eyes, her insecurities masked by false confidence.

    Carrie smirked. ¡°Good luck with that.¡± Without another word, Carrie turned and walked away, her indifference stinging more than any insult could.

    Lettie¡¯s jaw tightened, her hands clenching into fists. She knew Carrie¡¯s words weren¡¯t sincere, but she couldn¡¯t find a w to attack. Frustrated, she stomped her foot like a child denied their way.

    At the alley entrance, Carrie spotted Oliver standing by the ck luxury car, a bottle of water in hand. Noticing her approach, Oliver set the bottle down on the driver¡¯s seat and stepped forward. ¡°Mrs. Norris, where are you headed? Would you like me to give you a lift?¡±

    Carrie shook her head, waving him off. ¡°No need. It¡¯s close. I¡¯ll walk.¡±

    Oliver paused, then opened the car door and grabbed a fresh bottle of water, extending it to her. ¡°The water from roadside stalls is often of inferior quality. It¡¯s best you go with yours, Mrs. Norris.¡±

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    Carrie nced at the bottle, her eyebrows lifting slightly.

    The sleek ss container glimmered in the sunlight, its design understated yet luxurious. She knew this particr brand¡ªit cost more than some people¡¯s daily meals. Her gaze flicked to the simpler stic bottle Oliver had been drinking from earlier. ¡°Get me a bottle of Evian instead.¡±

    Oliver nodded, retrieving one from the car and handing it to her. Carrie took it, twisted off the cap, and took a sip withoutment.

    Just as she stood sipping her water, Lettie emerged from the building and froze in her tracks. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she spotted Carrie by the luxury car, chatting casually with a handsome man in a ck suit. Lettie¡¯s mind raced. Was this the owner of the car she had been fantasizing about? Was this man¡­ Carrie¡¯s husband?

    Her shock quickly gave way to jealousy. She red at Carrie, the hatred in her eyes almost palpable. Why her? Carrie, of all people. The girl with no father and a deceased mother, raised by an aging grandmother. A girl who everyone in the neighborhood had pitied. Why would someone so pitiful suddenly rise to such heights?

    Lettie¡¯s parents were teachers, from a respected schrly family. She had been raised with love and care, her life filled with security. Sure, she wasn¡¯t as naturally beautiful as Carrie, but she made up for it with fashion and effort. She knew that with the right treatments and a little cosmetic work, she could be more stunning than Carrie.

    Yet here Carrie stood, casually chatting with a man Lettie had dreamt about¡ªan elegant figure who looked like he¡¯d stepped out of a ssic drama.

    Just as Lettie¡¯s bitterness reached its peak, she noticed something odd. Carrie didn¡¯t get into the car.

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 Chapter 266

    ?<strong>Chapter 266:</strong>

    Instead, she walked away, heading in the opposite direction. Confused, Lettie paused. Was Carrie not connected to this man after all?

    Her confusion grew as she watched Oliver retrieve the water bottle from the driver¡¯s seat and take a sip. The bottle looked identical to the one Carrie had just been drinking from. From her angle, she couldn¡¯t see that Carrie had taken the bottle with her. Since the bottles were identical, she instinctively assumed it was the same one. Her fleeting hope was extinguished once more.

    ¡°Excuse me,¡± a deep male voice sounded behind her.

    The rich timbre of the voice sent a shiver down her spine, like the low, velvety notes of a cello. Her heart raced as she turned her scooter forward, then nced back.

    The sight stole her breath. How could a man with such radiance exist in the world? The man was utterly striking¡ªtall and sharply defined, with an aura of authority and a face that belonged on the cover of magazines. He exuded power with every step, his presencemanding attention without effort.

    Lettie¡¯s knees nearly buckled as she realized this man was heading straight toward the car. Her jaw dropped as the man by the luxury car straightened and bowed slightly in respect. He opened the door for the stranger, whose every move seemed to radiate effortless confidence.

    Lettie stood frozen, watching as the man got into the car and drove away.

    When the car disappeared from sight, she finally snapped out of her daze, her heart still pounding. It hit her like a freight train¡ªthe true owner of the luxury car wasn¡¯t Carrie¡¯s husband. It was him.

    The man she had just seen¡ªthe man who embodied everything she dreamed of in a partner¡ªwas the boss. And Carrie¡¯s husband was just the chauffeur!

    The realization sent a wave of giddy excitement coursing through her. Sheughed out loud, unable to contain herself, ignoring the judgmental stares of strangers. If Carrie¡¯s husband was merely the chauffeur, then the path was clear for Lettie to pursue the boss herself. Once she married him, she¡¯d be the one calling the shots. Carrie and her driver husband wouldn¡¯t even dare look her in the eye.

    The thought filled her with joy and determination. Spurred by her ambition, Lettie turned her scooter and headed in the direction the luxury car had gone. ¡°Happiness doesn¡¯te to those who wait¡ªit¡¯s something you chase,¡± she thought to herself.

    Esterhall High School.

    Carrie revisited her old high school, and as she entered the office, a teacher recognized her instantly, breaking into a weing smile. ¡°Carrie, what a surprise!¡± It was a busy day with no breaks for the senior students, keeping the core subject teachers and their inquisitive students upied around the clock.

    A teacher quickly brought Carrie forward and proudly presented her to the students gathered around. ¡°Everyone, this is Carrie Campbell, someone you should all look up to.¡± Carrie had actuallypleted her high school education in Orkset, yet her legend lived on at Esterhall High.

    Her academic feats were well-known throughout Esterhall, and she was celebrated for her outstanding achievements. She had scored perfectly on standardized tests and ranked among the top in university entrance exams, with a record-breaking score in literature.

    Almost a decade had passed since she graduated, yet no one had managed to break her records.

    Upon noticing Carrie, several boys were visibly impressed. While they had heard of her beauty, seeing her in person was another story.

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 Chapter 267

    ?<strong>Chapter 267:</strong>

    Her old ID photo in the school disy case depicted her as a younger, more innocent version of herself, slightly more round-faced and dressed in a school uniform. Today, she looked absolutely stunning, possessing a radiant beauty that seemed almost celestial, as if she had leapt from the pages of a novel.

    Her eyes sparkled with a warmth and rity that was enchanting.

    The young boys, taken aback by seeing such an inspiring figure in person, bashfully looked away, too shy to make direct eye contact.

    ¡°Thank you for your donation, Mr. Garcia¡­¡± The principal entered, apanied by someone.

    Carrie looked up, and to her surprise, she recognized a familiar face. ¡°You?¡±

    Daxton was there, dressed neatly in a white shirt, his gentle smile making a light and positive impression on everyone present.

    Carrie recalled that Daxton had grown up in Orkset and wondered about his connection to the schools in Esterhall.

    The principal looked between them, puzzled, and asked, ¡°Carrie, Mr. Garcia, are you acquainted?¡±

    Daxton addressed Carrie. ¡°I apanied you to visit your mom¡¯s grave once and heard about the tough times you and your grandmother faced when you were young. It moved me to start donating to the schools here. It was toote to assist you directly, but I hope to ease the path for students who might be in simr situations as you were.¡±

    Warmth flooded Carrie¡¯s heart, as bright as the noon sun. Daxton had always been quietly phnthropic, known since their university days for his empathetic nature and discreet acts of kindness.

    Smiling, the principalmented, ¡°We owe a lot to Carrie for Mr. Garcia¡¯s ongoing support over the years.¡± The teachers chuckled and encouraged the students gathered around. ¡°Come on, show some appreciation to your role model.¡±

    Feeling an even deeper respect for Carrie, the students who had benefited from the financial aid collectively eximed, ¡°Thank you!¡±

    Moved by the gesture, Carrie humbly replied with a smile, ¡°All the kindness is really Mr. Garcia¡¯s doing. I¡¯m just the messenger.¡±

    The students then turned to Daxton and respectfully said, ¡°Thank you, sir.¡±

    ¡°Just doing what I can,¡± Daxton modestly replied. ¡°Seeing you allmitted to your studies is the best thank you I could receive.¡± He gave an encouraging pat on the shoulder of one of the students.

    As Carrie began to part ways with the teachers, Daxton chimed in, ¡°I can drive you.¡±

    Carrie was about to decline when Daxton leaned in and whispered, ¡°Would you mind helping me avoid a social drink with the principal and others? I really can¡¯t handle my liquor.¡±

    With no alternative, Carrie replied, ¡°Okay.¡±

    As they left the building and approached a sleek ck Bentley, Carrie remembered a recent visit to the cemetery. She asked, ¡°Did you go to the cemetery yesterday?¡±

    ¡°I usually manage my donations online, but since I was in Orkset and had some time, I thought I¡¯d visit your mom¡¯s grave and see how the students are progressing,¡± Daxton exined. Then he added humorously, ¡°I wanted to make sure my donations weren¡¯t going to waste.¡±

    Carrie bit back the polite reply she had prepared at his lightheartedment. Unaware of her contemtion, Daxton opened the car door for her, suggesting, ¡°Please, get in.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 268

    ?<strong>Chapter 268:</strong>

    ¡°No need, I live nearby and the car can¡¯t fit down the alley, so I¡¯ll walk¡­¡± Carrie¡¯s words were interrupted by her ringing phone, showing an unknown number. ¡°Hold on,¡± she said to Daxton, showing him the phone and stepping aside to take the call.

    ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±

    ¡°Carrie, you must help Lettie!¡± said a voice from the other end, a middle-aged woman¡¯s voice.

    Carrie listened intently, distilling the crucial details from the long-winded tale. Lettie had crashed into Kristopher¡¯s car, sparking a heated argument that had escted to both of them being detained at the police station. The woman¡¯s voice cracked, her words soaked in distress. ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m begging you, don¡¯t let your husband throw my daughter into jail!¡±

    ¡°Rx, it¡¯s not severe enough to warrant any jail time. It sounds like a simple misunderstanding. I¡¯m on my way,¡± Carrie assured her, ending the call.

    The schoolyard was eerily silent, punctuated only by the loud conversation Carrie had just had, which Daxton, standing not too far away, had inadvertently caught most of. He swung the passenger door open once more and urged, ¡°Hop in. The station is far off, you won¡¯t make it by foot.¡±

    Carrie hesitated for a moment, knowing another refusal could suggest she had a problem with him. Finally, she nodded, pocketed her phone, and climbed into the car.

    Upon reaching the police station, as Carrie and Daxton approached, Oliver was posted at the front, starting to greet her. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    But his words trailed off as his gaze shifted to Daxton, filling with wary suspicion. Carrie noticed and quickly exined, ¡°I bumped into an old friend at the school who offered me a lift here.¡±

    Oliver¡¯s unease remained palpable, his voice dripping with skepticism. ¡°Mr. Garcia went to Esterhall High School?¡±

    Carrie, barely containing her annoyance, finally let it erupt. ¡°Oliver, are you questioning me? Daxton had his own intentions visiting the school. Must I narrate every tiny detail about what my acquaintances do to you?¡±

    Oliver, quick to adapt, bowed his head in apology. ¡°I apologize, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    ¡°That was inappropriate of me.¡± A frosty voice cut in. ¡°He was just asking what I want to ask. As your husband, isn¡¯t it my right to inquire about your friends?¡±

    Kristopher sauntered from the doorway, his hands nonchntly tucked in his pockets. His eyes swept across Carrie¡¯s annoyed expression and then fixed on Daxton, who stood behind her. Their gazes locked momentarily. Daxton held the stare slightly longer before turning back to Carrie, his voice gentle. ¡°I should get going now. Let me know if you need anything.¡±

    ¡°Alright, thanks. Drive carefully,¡± Carrie responded, her toneden with concern.

    Kristopher lingered at the edge of the gathering, feeling like an outsider. His expression grew stormy. Stepping forward, he draped an arm around Carrie and remarked coldly, ¡°Honey, your neighbor is still waiting for you inside.¡±

    Though he spoke to Carrie, his eyes remained riveted on Daxton, his stare intense and territorial. Daxton returned Kristopher¡¯s look with a sharp, meaningful gaze, then quickly turned and strode decisively toward his car, leaving his thoughts unreadable.

    Kristopher, his fingers lingering on Carrie¡¯s shoulder, guided her forward with a dismissive chuckle. ¡°Bumped into an old friend, huh? You¡­¡±

    Carrie briskly shrugged off his touch and retreated, widening the gap between them. ¡°We¡¯re nearing the end of our marriage. Be mindful of your status¡ªyou¡¯re almost my ex, not my husband anymore. Even if I were deceived, I am an adult, fullypetent to make my own decisions. Spare me your concerns, Mr. Norris.¡±

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 Chapter 269

    ?<strong>Chapter 269:</strong>

    She had refrained from voicing these sentiments in Daxton¡¯s presence earlier, partly to preserve Kristopher¡¯s self-respect and partly to prevent any misunderstandings with Daxton.

    Daxton had been nothing but kind to her. She cherished their friendship and wished it tost indefinitely. Entertaining any deeper feelings was beyond what she felt she could endure. Turning on her heel, she made her way inside.

    Oliver watched as Kristopher¡¯s face clouded over, then cautiously suggested, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris tends to push back when pressured. A softer touch might allow you tomunicate your concerns more effectively.¡±

    Kristopher shot Oliver a chilly, sideways nce. ¡°I simply refuse to let her be exploited by those schemers.¡±

    Oliver watched the Bentley pull away and murmured, ¡°You might consider revealing the truth about the Garcia family to her.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see,¡± Kristopher replied, his voice tinged with hesitation. ¡°If I speak now, it¡¯ll just look like I¡¯m ndering her friend out of spite. Besides, Daxton came through for her not long ago. I can¡¯t afford to turn her against her savior. If the press catches wind, it¡¯ll ignite another scandal.¡±

    After a brief pause, Kristophermanded, ¡°Keep a close watch on Daxton. Ensure he understands his limits. Carrie is not someone he can simply toy with.¡±

    Oliver was left momentarily dumbfounded. Why did Mr. Norris have to be so frustratingly aloof? It was evident that Mr. Norris had painstakingly calcted every move for Mrs. Norris, yet his words carried an undertone of harshness.

    Oliver caught himself thinking that perhaps a divorce could not be the worst oue¡ªif Mr. Norris had to woo his wife back, it could just remedy his relentless pride. That idea made Oliver nce at Kristopher with a pang of guilt. He had to keep his inner thoughts concealed; this was for Kristopher¡¯s own good. Sometimes, the harshest cures are the most necessary.

    Norris a bottle earlier, but it was sealed! I offered her a Fillico first, but she wanted Evian instead, so I got one. The bottle I drank from is still in the car¡ªuntouched!¡±

    He spoke so quickly that it seemed he might pull out surveince footage at any moment just to exonerate himself. But Kristopher didn¡¯t even blink. He responded with a single, nonchnt, ¡°Hmm.¡±

    Seeing Kristopher¡¯s calm demeanor, Oliver breathed a sigh of relief. His boss wasn¡¯t one to fall for wild usations, especially not from an unhinged woman grasping at straws.

    Charis, meanwhile, grabbed Lettie¡¯s arm and pulled her aside, her voice a sharp whisper. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spewing? Everyone saw Carrie return with her husband yesterday! They¡¯re clearly happy together.¡± Hoping to shift the focus, Charis turned back to Carrie, adopting a more pleading tone. ¡°Carrie, you heard the young man¡ªit was just a moment of panic! The truck startled her. Besides, isn¡¯t the car insured? Surely insurance can cover some of it? A few million¡­ that¡¯s an amount we couldn¡¯t scrape together in a hundred years! If we¡¯re forced to pay, it¡¯ll ruin us!¡±

    Oliver hesitated, ncing toward Kristopher. ¡°Well¡­¡± But before he could finish, Kristopher¡¯s cold voice sliced through the tension like a de. ¡°This isn¡¯t about the money.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s sharp eyes locked onto Carrie. ¡°She did it because she has her eyes on your husband. She wanted to stage some dramatic encounter, hoping it would lead somewhere. If we let this go unpunished, what¡¯s stopping every other woman from trying the same trick? Do you think I have time to visit the police station every day to deal with nonsense like this?¡±

    Lettie¡¯s face turned pale. For someone used to being admired and doted on, having her ployid bare by the very man she fancied was a humiliation she could hardly bear. Her lips quivered, and she lowered her head, wishing she could sink into the floor and disappear.

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 Chapter 270

    ?<strong>Chapter 270:</strong>

    Care So Little About Me

    Carrie stepped into the corridor, her eyesnding on Lettie and Lettie¡¯s mother, Charis, perched on a bench like a pair of forlorn statues. Lettie, once poised and polished, now resembled a shattered porcin doll¡ªher hair a windswept mess and her once-crisp outfit caked in dust.

    Charis¡¯s eyes brightened when she saw Carrie. She rose quickly, her voice pleading. ¡°Carrie, please talk to your husband. Lettie didn¡¯t intend to cause trouble! These roads are treacherous, and idents happen constantly.¡±

    Kristopher and Oliver walked in. Oliver stepped forward, his tone precise. ¡°Mrs. Norris, this wasn¡¯t an ident. She deliberately drove into our vehicle. As a truck passed, she panicked and elerated, smashing our side mirror and leaving a meter-long scratch. The car¡¯s custom paint and interior can¡¯t be repaired locally¡ªit will need to be sent abroad for restoration.¡±

    Lettie¡¯s vacant eyes suddenly focused. She stood abruptly, interrupting Oliver with disbelief. ¡°Mrs. Norris? Isn¡¯t she your wife? Didn¡¯t you share a bottle of water with her?¡± Her words hung in the air, revealing her shock at discovering Carrie¡¯s rtionship with Kristopher.

    Lettie gazed at Kristopher, whose anger-darkened face remained devastatingly handsome¡ªalmost celestial in its beauty. How could such a man be married to Carrie?

    Oliver¡¯s face turned ghostly pale, and beads of sweat began to form on his forehead. ¡°Miss, you can¡¯t go around saying things like that!¡± he blurted, his words tripping over each other. ¡°I never shared a bottle of water with Mrs. Norris!¡±

    Turning to Kristopher, he hastened to rify. ¡°Sir, I did hand Mrs¡­

    Charis froze, the realization hitting her like a thunderp. Her mind shed back to that morning when Lettie had dressed with unusual care. She pped Lettie¡¯s arm repeatedly, her voice trembling with both anger and despair. ¡°How could you? Your father and I have always lived honest lives¡ªhow did we end up with a daughter who covets another woman¡¯s husband? Look at you! Why would Carrie¡¯s husband ever pick you over her?¡±

    M??? ??????s ?? ????????s.???

    Lettie, humiliated and cornered, finally snapped. Tears streaming down her face, she screamed, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me? Are you even my real mom? I¡¯ve had more admirers than Carrie since we were kids! Why am I not as good as her? Why can¡¯t he like me?¡±

    Charis, stunned by the outburst, took a step back before snapping, ¡°It¡¯s not about admirers! People didn¡¯t pursue Carrie because they were too intimidated by her! She¡¯s a top student, a living legend in academics! Who would dare to approach her? Who could possibly be good enough for her?¡±

    Lettie slumped onto the bench, the weight of Charis¡¯s words crushing her fragile defenses. The truth had been exposed, and it cut deeper than she had ever imagined.

    Charis, still shaken, tried to steady herself. But it was Carrie who broke the silence first. Her voice was measured and thoughtful. ¡°Let¡¯s let the insurance handle it,¡± she said, addressing Kristopher. ¡°It happened here in Esterhall¡ªno one outside this town will know, so there¡¯s no risk of copycats. And you have the means to keep it quiet, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Carrie then turned to Charis, her tone softening. ¡°Take Lettie home, Charis. It¡¯s over now.¡±

    Charis¡¯s shoulders sagged in relief as she thanked Carrie profusely. Grabbing Lettie by the arm, she dragged her away. Lettie cast onest nce at Kristopher, her heart twisting with bitterness. She had dreamed of standing by his side, eclipsing Carrie. Now, she was leaving in disgrace, the punchline of a cruel joke.

    Kristopher, however, didn¡¯t spare her a second nce.

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 Chapter 271

    ?<strong>Chapter 271:</strong>

    His cold gaze remained fixed on Carrie. ¡°Do you really care so little about me?¡± he asked, his voice low and deliberate.

    Kristopher regretted his words the instant they escaped his lips. It was as if he had opened a Pandora¡¯s box of awkwardness, and there was no closing it now. For someone who had always scorned jealousy-driven theatrics from women, he was baffled to realize that, deep down, he almost wanted Carrie to react with a sh of possessiveness.

    Carrie found his audacityughable. ¡°Oh, that¡¯s rich. When you and Lise pranced around in public like some royal parade, humiliating me every step of the way, you told me to ¡®be mature¡¯ and ¡®understanding.¡¯ Now, with Lettie¡ªwho¡¯s nothing more than a delusional fangirl¡ªyou let it slide, and you think it¡¯s because I don¡¯t care about you? Are you hearing yourself right now?¡±

    She had reached her limit. The days of biting her tongue were behind her. From now on, she vowed to speak her mind.

    Kristopher tugged at his cor, irritation bubbling to the surface. ¡°Why do you always bring up Lise?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t just her biting words that got under his skin; it was the reflection they forced him to confront. Control had always been his forte. Yet, their marriage was drifting further from reason with each passing day. Even he didn¡¯t recognize himself anymore.

    Carrie caught his gaze and smirked. Of course, the moment Lise¡¯s name entered the conversation, he leapt to her defense. Typical.

    As her thoughts drifted back to the night before, Carrie couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the paradox that was Kristopher. How could someone¡¯s emotions and actions be so fundamentally at odds?

    She had always believed intimacy should be an extension of love¡ªa me ignited by mutual respect and genuine connection. Without that, it was nothing more than raw instinct. And yet, despite everything, the feelings she harbored for him lingered. But at least she hadn¡¯t let her heart¡ªor her body¡ªcloud her judgment.

    Kristopher waited for her tosh out with one of her trademarkebacks, but it never came. When he finally nced at her, he found her watching him with an icy, piercing stare. Their eyes locked for a moment. Then, just as swiftly, she looked away.

    ¡°It¡¯s all sorted now. I¡¯ve got other things to handle.¡± She turned to Oliver, issued a brief instruction, and walked off without sparing Kristopher another nce.

    Frustration surged within Kristopher, and with a sharp kick, he sent a stool careening across the room. Oliver watched the scene unfold, his gaze flicking between Carrie¡¯s retreating figure and Kristopher¡¯s storm-cloud expression. He sighed inwardly. If Mr. Norris kept ying this game, it wouldn¡¯t be long before he lost her for good.

    In a vi district in Esterhall, Daxton sat on a sofa, his usual warmth reced by a chilling intensity. His fingers drummed an almost hypnotic rhythm on the armrest.

    ¡°Esterhall has a poption of a few hundred thousand,¡± he said. ¡°And yet, after all these years, you still haven¡¯t found him?¡±

    A middle-aged man with a bulging belly stood nearby, his forehead glistening with nervous sweat. He dabbed at his brow with a trembling hand, stammering, ¡°M-Mr. Garcia, we¡¯ve searched every piano teacher, every music shop owner, every bar pianist¡ªanyone remotely connected to pianos.¡±

    But none of them match the description¡­¡±

    Daxton¡¯s sharp gaze sliced through the man¡¯s excuses. In a single, fluid motion, he grabbed a porcin cup and hurled it at the man¡¯s head.

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 Chapter 272

    ?<strong>Chapter 272:</strong>

    ¡°Fool! Who said he¡¯d be making a living from ying the piano? You¡¯ve been using that pitiful excuse for logic all these years? Is that why you¡¯ve failed me over and over?¡±

    The man flinched but didn¡¯t move, taking the blow squarely. The cup shattered against his temple, sending shards scattering to the floor. Blood and coffee dripped down his face as he muttered something unintelligible, but his fear kept him from speaking clearly.

    Daxton leaned back, his hands steepled under his chin as he contemted his next move. ¡°Check every household that owns a piano! Dig into families who¡¯ve purchased second-hand ones¡ªfind out exactly where they came from.¡±

    The man¡¯s face brightened with sudden inspiration. ¡°Brilliant as always, Mr. Garcia!¡±

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he added tentatively, ¡°The hotel recently diverted hot spring water from the mountains. Perhaps you¡¯d like to stay and rx for a couple of days?¡±

    Daxton hesitated, a melodious female voice ringing in his memory. Against his better judgment, he found himself agreeing. ¡°Hmm.¡±

    The man smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll have your private room prepared immediately!¡±

    Daxton¡¯s eyes flicked to the blood still trickling down the man¡¯s face, and his expression twisted with disgust. ¡°Clean yourself up. You¡¯re an eyesore!¡±

    The man acted as though he¡¯d been absolved of all sins, bowing profusely as he retreated.

    Left alone, Daxton pulled out his phone. He opened WhatsApp, his eyes hovering over the chat box for a long time. Then, he exited the app without typing a single word.

    Carrie strolled through the streets, lost in thought, noticing how many of the familiar old shops from her past had either moved, been renovated, or were now under new ownership. She had always dreamed of bringing Kristopher here¡ªto walk the same streets she once did, see the familiar sights, and taste the foods that held a special ce in her heart.

    Such a simple wish had gone unfulfilled, despite two years of marriage. This time, with him by her side in Esterhall, she had hoped the trip might finally make ite true, offering a chance to make up for the regrets that had lingered in their rtionship. But everything had shifted, even their rtionship. Some changes were permanent, leaving nothing behind but regrets.

    Without realizing it, she ended up at her old elementary school. The childhood snacks she remembered so fondly were no longer sold, a casualty of the rising prices. She picked up a few fried skewers and, noticing that the school bell would ring soon and the sun was beginning to set, she remembered her time in Foxfire and decided it was time to head home.

    Carrie walked back into Gracie¡¯s apartment, greeted by the mouthwatering aromas of various dishes drifting up from downstairs. Someone was clearly cooking something spicy, the sharp scent of chili cutting through the other fragrances. Feeling the pang of hunger herself, Carrie nced at the fried skewers in her hand and considered whipping up some instant noodles to hold her over.

    When she opened the door, the rich smell of food filled the air. To her surprise, Kristopher stepped out of the kitchen, his face flushed from the spicy fumes, coughing as he tried to catch his breath. Carrie paused in the doorway, unsure of what to make of the situation. She had assumed, after their heated argument, that he would have gone to stay at a hotel.

    But here he was, not only home but cooking for her. Kristopher, still coughing, didn¡¯t seem to notice her at all. He was wearing an old apron from the apartment, and oddly enough, it suited him, giving off a casual, effortlessly stylish vibe. Sometimes, it¡¯s not the clothes that define the person; it¡¯s the person who makes the clothes work. Without the white shirt underneath, the apron alone would have been an irresistible temptation in the kitchen.

    After a moment, Kristopher managed to catch his breath and shot her a look of mild annoyance, his voice raspy. ¡°Can you pass me a bottle of water?¡±

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 Chapter 273

    ?<strong>Chapter 273:</strong>

    Snapping out of her thoughts, Carrie walked over to the box near the wall, grabbed a bottle of mineral water, and silently handed it to him.

    He didn¡¯t take the bottle. Instead, he nodded toward the ss bottle on the table. ¡°I prefer that brand.¡±

    ¡°Fine, suit yourself,¡± Carrie said with impatience, shoving the bottle into his arms before turning away to change into her slippers.

    Kristopher paused, unscrewed the bottle, and drank more than half of it in one go. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed, the curve of his throat oddly captivating.

    Carrie slipped on her slippers and walked straight into the bedroom.

    Kristopher watched her disappear into the bedroom, tightening the cap of the bottle with a sigh. He hade back early from a disappointing project inspection and had initially gone to a hotel. But for some reason, he couldn¡¯t shake the restlessness, his thoughts constantly drifting to Carrie.

    Before he knew it, he was standing outside Gracie¡¯s apartment. He took off the apron, ready to leave, but then hesitated. If he left now, it would make him seem like just a part-time cook.

    With a sullen look on his face, he set the apron aside and went back to the kitchen to bring the dishes to the table.

    Carrie changed into morefortable clothes in the bedroom and sat on the bed, not quite ready to head out. To her surprise, Kristopher opened the door and leaned casually against the frame. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready. Want me to bring it to you?¡±

    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll eat it in the dining room,¡± Carrie replied, pushing herself to get up and walk out.

    On the table sat three dishes and a soup: spicy beef strips, garlic mashed potatoes, a cold okra sd, and creamy mushroom soup. Carrie was taken aback. She had thought his cooking skills were maxed out with thatst attempt at spaghetti, not realizing it was theck of ingredients in her pantry that had restricted him. She hadn¡¯t expected Oliver to bring over so many supplies.

    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction

    Once she sat down, Kristopher pushed the spicy beef strips closer to her. ¡°Oliver brought a ton of chilies, so I just used them up. Took up too much space,¡± he said awkwardly.

    Carrie loved spicy beef strips, and she could tell these were made just for her. She took a piece to try. The timing and seasoning were perfect, the beef tender, and the chili full of vor.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± she said, praising him without hesitation.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flickered with pride as he sampled a spoonful of mashed potatoes. ¡°It¡¯s not fully seasoned, and the ingredients were frozen, not fresh.¡±

    Carrie picked up her fried skewers and, noticing the meal in front of her, offered him a fried sausage with a smile. ¡°Want one? I got it from the stall near my old school.¡±

    Kristopher frowned. ¡°Street food like that? It¡¯s not hygienic.¡±

    Carrie pulled her hand back, took a bite of the sausage, and shot back angrily, ¡°But you had street food in Foxfire. What¡¯s the problem now? Are you suddenly worried about cleanliness, or do you just think less of me?¡±

    Kristopher set his utensils down and took a brief pause. ¡°It¡¯s not the same.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s the difference?¡± Carrie finished off the grilled meat she¡¯d bought and shot him an annoyed look. Kristopher¡¯s face grew serious. ¡°It¡¯s a ce I used to go when I was a kid. It holds some meaning for me.¡±

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 Chapter 274

    ?<strong>Chapter 274:</strong>

    Carrie looked at the skewers in her hand, her mind drifting to her own childhood memories, the ties that connected her to those moments. She didn¡¯t feel like arguing. After all, they were getting divorced soon¡ªwhat he chose to eat would soon be Lise¡¯s problem.

    Changing the subject, she asked, ¡°How was the site visit? Is there anymercial potential in Esterhall?¡±

    If Kristopher decided to invest in Esterhall, his financial power and vision could elevate the local economy. Discussing work seemed to calm Kristopher. ¡°The main strength of Esterhall is its natural hot springs. But Fayedge Hot Spring already has a rtively strong name, and the other sites aren¡¯t in prime locations. Investing more wouldn¡¯t lead to significant returns.¡±

    While Esterhall had numerous hot springs, none of them were widely recognized. Back when Carrie was in college, a wealthy businessman had leased thergest mountain with hot springs, built a hotel, and transformed the ce into a hot spring resort, even earning the title of ¡°the finest hot spring in the country.¡± However, the businessman lost interest, and the resort¡¯s development came to a halt.

    ¡°Why not buy Fayedge Hot Spring?¡± Carrie suggested. ¡°It would definitely be a hit.¡±

    With the drama Agarwood airing¡ªfeaturing Katrina and Asher¡ªand the recent online hype, it was sure to be a huge sess. Jade Lake, where the main characters fell in love, had already sparked a rise in tourism in Foxfire County, and the surrounding areas were set to benefit from the poprity.

    Additionally, Soren intended to release it during Christmas, the perfect season for hot springs.

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it as well,¡± Kristopher said. ¡°I offered a price above market value, but they¡¯re still refusing to sell.¡±

    Carrie bit her lip. ¡°The owner clearly doesn¡¯t have much business acumen, yet they¡¯re holding onto the park. Perhaps they¡¯re waiting for a better offer.¡±

    Kristopher hesitated for a moment before saying, ¡°Oliver mentioned the executives believe the owner is seeking someone. They intend to stay put for now, so selling is off the table.¡±

    ¡°Esterhall only has a few hundred thousand people. If they haven¡¯t found this person after all these years, they¡¯re either long gone or were never here at all.¡± Carrie paused, letting her thoughts wander before adding, ¡°Now that I think about it, I¡¯ve never actually been to Fayedge.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never been?¡± Kristopher asked, clearly surprised.

    Carrie rested her chin in her hand, absentmindedly poking at her food with the other. ¡°Fayedge was built after I left for college. I only came back during the holidays and would leave the same day. Never had the chance to check it out.¡±

    Kristopher ced his utensils down, his eyes casually scanning her profile. ¡°I didn¡¯t seal the deal today, but the resort manager gave me some tickets to Fayedge Park, which includes amodation and full ess to the hot springs. Would you like to go?¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± Carrie eximed, pulling out her phone to call Camille.

    Before Carrie could say anything, Camille started grumbling. ¡°Carrie, this ce is so dull. I can¡¯t believe you grew up here¡ªthere¡¯s nothing to do. I was thinking of going to Fayedge tomorrow, but every hotel is booked.¡±

    After letting Camille finish venting, Carrie casually said, ¡°Kristopher has a few tickets to Fayedge. Want to join us?¡±

    A loud shriek came through the line. ¡°Oh my god, you¡¯re a lifesaver!¡±

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 Chapter 275

    ?<strong>Chapter 275:</strong>

    Carrie pulled the phone away from her ear. ¡°Okay, get ready. See you at the hotel tomorrow.¡±

    Kristopher was left speechless. All he could do was watch as she transformed what was meant to be their date into a group outing.

    Fayedge Hot Spring Hotel ¡ª The Next Day

    Nestled halfway up the mountain, the Fayedge Hot Spring Hotel was the epitome of tranquility. On one side, a bustling public hot spring park weed general visitors with its charm, while the other side offered an exclusive retreat. Here, five private courtyards housed standalone vis, each with its own secluded hot spring. Guests could soak in steaming pools without ever leaving thefort of their rooms¡ªa haven for those seeking solitude and luxury.

    Carrie and her friends were staying in one of these exclusive vis. By the time Carrie and Kristopher arrived, Albin and Camille were already waiting at the vi entrance, their anticipation evident in their pacing.

    As soon as Carrie stepped out of the car, Camille stormed over, her lips in a pout that could rival a child denied candy. ¡°I didn¡¯t bring a swimsuit when I left Orkset! I thought I could buy one here, but the ones in the lobby? Ugh! They¡¯re so gaudy and shy¡ªhonestly, I¡¯d rather hole up in the vi and y games than be caught dead wearing one of those!¡±

    Oliver was already unloading bags from the trunk. Carrie grabbed a few and handed them to Camille with a knowing smile. ¡°Oliver came prepared. These are all new swimsuits and toiletries¡ªtake your pick.¡±

    Camille peeked inside one of the bags, her eyes lighting up like sparklers. ¡°Oh my goodness, these are this year¡¯stest styles!¡± She hugged the bag like it was a treasure chest. ¡°You¡¯re the best, darling! I¡¯m going to change right now!¡±

    Before Carrie could say another word, Camille had already darted inside, her excitement trailing behind her.

    ¡°Women can be so particr,¡± Albin said with a helpless shrug, watching Camille disappear. Then he turned to Kristopher. ¡°Hey, Kristopher, did you bring extra swim trunks? Mind if I borrow a pair?¡±

    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)

    Kristopher¡¯s cold gaze flicked to Albin, as sharp as a winter wind. Without a word, he grabbed a bag from Oliver and tossed it into Albin¡¯s arms before striding into the vi, his silence louder than any rebuke.

    Albin blinked, momentarily stunned. ¡°What¡¯s his deal? Did I step on his tail or something?¡± he muttered to Carrie. Carrie gave a nonchnt shrug, her tone as light as a breeze. ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mind him¡ªhe¡¯s just in one of his moods.¡±

    She followed Kristopher inside, leaving Albin standing there, scratching his head. He turned to Oliver, searching for answers, but Oliver merely adjusted his gold-rimmed sses and said in a measured tone, ¡°Mr. Murray, hot springs are more of a couple¡¯s activity.¡±

    Albin scratched his head harder. ¡°But isn¡¯t it boring with just two people in such a big hot spring? It¡¯s way more fun with a group¡ªchatting, ying cards, you know?¡± Oliver sighed inwardly. ¡°Bless his heart, he¡¯s as sharp as a marble.¡±

    Without replying, he picked up the remaining bags and carried them inside. Albin stood there for a moment, feeling like the odd man out. ¡°Why¡¯s everyone in such a rush?¡± he grumbled, trailing after them.

    Once inside, the group wasted no time changing into their swimwear. Kristopher and Albin were the first to reappear in the living room, d in robes over their trunks. Minutester, Carrie and Camille emerged, also wrapped in robes, their hair pinned up.

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 Chapter 276

    ?<strong>Chapter 276:</strong>

    Albin, who had been nursing a half-smoked cigarette, stubbed it out and stood up. ¡°Finally! You two took so long to change!¡± Camille shot him a re sharp enough to cut ss. ¡°If you don¡¯t have anything nice to say, maybe zip it.¡±

    Oliver had stayed behind in the vi to catch up on work, leaving the remaining four to head out to the courtyard. Fayedge¡¯s private hot springs weren¡¯t just luxurious¡ªthey were downright decadent. One courtyard boasted seven or eight pools, each offering a unique experience: wine baths, herbal soaks, milk baths, and more.

    Camille grabbed Carrie¡¯s hand and dragged her toward the wine pool, her enthusiasm bubbling over. ¡°Let¡¯s start with this one!¡± Kristopher and Albin followed, loosening the belts of their robes.

    As they shed theiryers, both men revealed sculpted physiques¡ªbroad shoulders tapering to narrow waists, with abs so defined that a master sculptor could have carved them.

    Camille¡¯s eyes drifted to Kristopher¡¯s swim trunks, and she nudged Carrie with a sly grin. ¡°Girl, you hit the jackpot!¡±

    Albin caught the implication and hastily adjusted his own swim trunks, looking affronted. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m not too shabby myself, okay? These trunks are just too loose¡ªthey don¡¯t do me justice!¡±

    Hearing this, Kristopher cast a sidelong nce at Carrie, who, to his irritation, was actually looking at Albin. His reaction was immediate. Without a word, he kicked Albin straight into the pool.

    The ssh was spectacr, and Albin resurfaced momentster, spluttering and wiping water from his face. He opened his eyes just as Camille and Carrie were slipping off their robes.

    Camille had chosen a purple bikini thatplemented her headband perfectly. Normally known for her sultry charm, the swimsuit gave her an unexpected air of innocence, a captivating mix of sweetness and seduction.

    Albin was momentarily dumbstruck. But when he turned back, his gaze followed Kristopher¡¯s andnded on Carrie.

    Carrie wore a white one-piece with daring cutouts at the waist and back, oveid with a sheer cover that hinted at just enough to make hearts race. Her long, elegant legs were fully exposed, the scars from the fire now faint and almost ethereal, giving her an aura of resilience and beauty.

    The pool was situated right by the edge of the courtyard. As two men walked by outside, they couldn¡¯t help but nce through the gaps in the fence.

    Carrie and Camille were by the pool, snapping selfies together.

    One of the men ran a hand over his chin,ughing softly. ¡°These two are something else. The one in purple? She¡¯s got something about her.¡±

    The other man shook his head in disagreement. ¡°Nah, you¡¯re off. The one in the other swimsuit is even more stunning. Her curves, damn! She¡¯s practically spilling out of it.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing as they fixed on the two men beyond the fence.

    Albin stormed out of the pool, striding over to the fence with determination. ¡°Get out of here! You¡¯re not wee!¡± he shouted.

    The two men shifted their gaze to Albin, one raising an eyebrow. ¡°Who¡¯s this pretty boy? Don¡¯t you know who we are?¡±

    The second man let out a loud whistle, calling out to Carrie and Camille, ¡°Hey,e on, ditch these losers. Come with us, and we¡¯ll show you a good time.¡±

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 Chapter 277

    ?<strong>Chapter 277:</strong>

    Carrie shot them a look of pure disgust, grabbed the robes, handed one to Camille, and quickly slipped her own on. She noticed Kristopher walking purposefully toward the side gate, heading directly toward the two men.

    Before they could even blink, Kristopher delivered a swift kick to the man who had been whistling, sending him stumbling backward.

    Albin followed up with a punch to the other man¡¯s face, sending him crashing to the ground. Then, he kicked him several times while he was down.

    ¡°Who do you think you are? In front of Kristopher, you¡¯re nothing,¡± Albin spat.

    The men on the ground groaned in pain, their voicesced with weak threats. ¡°You think you can do this? Do you know who we are? We¡¯ll crush you like bugs!¡± Their words were slurred together, still dazed from the pain.

    Suddenly, their eyes flickered toward a portly figure approaching. Their faces lit up, and they quickly scrambled to their feet. ¡°Mr. Jenkins!¡± they yelled in unison.

    Rushing over to Mr. Jenkins, they pointed angrily at Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Jenkins, what kind of people do you have around here? They attacked us without any provocation!¡±

    Mr. Jenkins nced in the direction the men indicated. His eyes faltered for a moment as he saw Kristopher standing there. Kristopher had spoken with him the day before about a potential deal, showing interest in taking over the Fayedge hot spring. The Fayedge hot spring was well-known for being a highly profitable business. If managed properly, its revenue could easily grow.

    Mr. Jenkins was keen to finish his current task and focus on managing the hot spring more effectively. A few parties had expressed interest in taking over, but Kristopher¡¯s offer had been on the low side, and he didn¡¯t appear to be someone with vast financial resources. Seeing how young Kristopher was, Mr. Jenkins quickly assumed he was just a wealthy kid with too much time on his hands.

    Being a businessman, he valued smooth rtions, so he handed Kristopher a few tickets to enjoy the ce. The men who had been attacked were suppliers for the hotel, providing almost all of its goods. Given Esterhall¡¯s underdevelopment, resources were scarce.

    After a brief pause, Mr. Jenkins quickly made up his mind.

    He walked over to Kristopher and said, ¡°Mr. Norris, I gave you tickets to rx here for free, not to stir up trouble and hurt our guests.¡±

    The two men, still behind Mr. Jenkins, were rubbing their wounds¡ªone on his cheek, the other on his stomach. ¡°We won¡¯t let this go. We¡¯re calling the police and getting a medical exam.¡±

    Albin let out a disbelievingugh. ¡°Rx for free? If Kristopher wanted, he could buy the entire Fayedge hot spring.¡±

    Mr. Jenkins sneered. ¡°There are plenty in Orkset who could afford Fayedge hot spring. Mr. Norris did talk to me about it, but his offer wasn¡¯t impressive.¡±

    Kristopher shot him a cold nce from the side but remained silent. In business, Kristopher was all about making intelligent investments. The price he proposed was well thought out and fair. If every deal had to be about showing off wealth, the Norris Group¡¯s market value wouldn¡¯t have soared under his guidance.

    Mr. Jenkins felt a shiver run down his spine under Kristopher¡¯s piercing gaze. How could someone like Kristopher¡ªseemingly just a rich kid¡ªcarry such an undeniable presence, one that seemed to outshine even his boss?

    Carrie stepped forward, her voice frosty. ¡°Go ahead, call the police. We¡¯ll also report them for harassing and insulting women in public.¡±

    Camille, standing next to Carrie, folded her arms and added, ¡°Exactly! Two creepy old men. Have you even taken a look in the mirrortely?¡±

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 Chapter 278

    ?<strong>Chapter 278:</strong>

    A closer look revealed the two men¡¯s shifty, sleazy expressions, and the way they stared made the women feel uneasy. Both women were already in robes, fully covered.

    ¡°Carrie?¡± A soft voice called from behind her.

    Carrie spun around to find Daxton, dressed in white sportswear, jogging up to her with an easy stride.

    She arched an eyebrow, surprised. ¡°Daxton, what brings you here?¡±

    Daxton gave Camille a nod and exined calmly, ¡°I¡¯m the investor here. Whenever I¡¯m in Esterhall for business, I stay at this ce. The mountain air is refreshing, so I decided to go for a jog.¡±

    Carrie hesitated as she processed his words. The fact that Daxton was the secret owner of Fayedge hot spring took her by surprise.

    Carrie was torn. She wanted to confront those two thugs, but at the same time, she didn¡¯t want to put Daxton in an awkward spot. With social media being what it was these days, sending customers to the police could easily turn into a viral disaster, bing fodder for trolls.

    Without missing a beat, Camille spoke up. ¡°Daxton, those two disgusting guys were disrespectful to Carrie and me, and this Mr. Jenkins even tried to back them up by calling the police.¡±

    When Mr. Jenkins realized Daxton knew Carrie, his nerves kicked in. With Camille calling him out, his face drained of color. His eyes flickered nervously, calcting that if Daxton was acquainted with these women, he might also be displeased with the men they were with. He stuttered, trying to defend himself, ¡°It was these two men who provoked the fight and hurt our suppliers¡­¡±

    The two battered men limped over. One, his face swollen from Albin¡¯s punch, pointed at his injuries. ¡°Look what he did to my handsome face!¡±

    Camille couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°Honestly, for you, that¡¯s probably an upgrade.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s face hardened as he turned to Mr. Jenkins. ¡°Take these two to the police station.¡±

    Mr. Jenkins was about to agree when it hit him that Daxton wasn¡¯t talking about Kristopher and Albin, but the suppliers. He hesitated, approaching carefully. ¡°They¡¯re the biggest suppliers in Esterhall. Recing them might be difficult, and finding someone else on short notice¡­¡±

    Daxton¡¯s voice was devoid of warmth as he replied tly, ¡°If you can¡¯t find suppliers, I¡¯ll find someone who can.¡± It was as if he was discussing something insignificant.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll handle it right away!¡± Mr. Jenkins stammered, beads of sweat forming on his brow as he fumbled for his walkie-talkie. ¡°Security, get to the entrance of Courtyard No. 3!¡±

    The two men were taken aback. They had heard whispers about the influential figure behind Fayedge, someone rumored to be tied to the Norris family in Orkset. Realizing their mistake, they immediately dropped their haughty attitude and knelt, saying, ¡°Mr. Gracia, we didn¡¯t know thesedies were with you. Please, show mercy and let us go.¡±

    Carrie shot them a sharp nce, her voice frosty. ¡°So, women without connections are just targets for you, huh?¡± Camille¡¯s voice wasced with indignation as she added, ¡°You might want to check their criminal records. They sure look like repeat offenders to me!¡±

    Daxton turned to Mr. Jenkins, his gaze sharp. ¡°Did you hear what they just said?¡±

    Mr. Jenkins hurriedly nodded. ¡°Yes, yes, I heard. I¡¯ll make sure to investigate them thoroughly.¡±

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 Chapter 279

    ?<strong>Chapter 279:</strong>

    Realizing begging Daxton was futile, the two men shifted their focus to Mr. Jenkins. ¡°Mr. Jenkins, please, just let us go. We¡¯ve been more than generous with you all these years¡­¡±

    When they nearly brought up his kickbacks, Mr. Jenkins panicked and shoved them on the shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t say anything stupid and drag me into this.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, security appeared. Mr. Jenkins wasted no time, pointing at the men on the ground. ¡°Take them away.¡±

    The two men were swiftly escorted out, and Mr. Jenkins stood silently, sweat still beading on his forehead.

    Jenkins hurried after the two men, leaving Daxton standing with the rest of the group. Albin leaned toward Kristopher, whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t you think this guy¡¯s showing a little too much interest in your wife?¡±

    Camille stepped forward, her voice sincere. ¡°Daxton, thank you so much for your help today.¡±

    Albin, taking a step closer, pulled her behind him, speaking with a gruff tone. ¡°Seriously, what¡¯s with all the gratitude? If he hadn¡¯t shown up, Kristopher and I could¡¯ve handled those two idiots ourselves.¡±

    Camille rolled her eyes, exasperated. ¡°Why are you so petty? He helped us, so what¡¯s wrong with being polite and thanking him?¡±

    Kristopher said nothing, his eyes still fixed on Daxton with a cold stare. Daxton, sensing the intensity of Kristopher¡¯s re, met it with an equally steady look.

    Kristopher, his hands casually tucked into the pockets of his robe, spoke in a calm tone. ¡°How about we go have a word?¡±

    Carrie instinctively stepped in front of Daxton, her voice urgent. ¡°Kristopher, don¡¯t push it.¡± Turning to Daxton, she added, ¡°Daxton, don¡¯t pay him any mind. You should go.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s expression softened, and he gave Carrie¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°It¡¯s alright. Mr. Norris and I go way back. We¡¯re just going to have a quick chat and catch up.¡±

    Opportunity For¡­

    Daxton guided Kristopher to a quiet corner and stopped. Kristopher flicked open a pack of cigarettes, lighting one with ease, taking a long drag before speaking in a frosty tone. ¡°Keep your distance from Carrie.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s an individual. You can¡¯t control her, nor can you dictate who she can be friends with.¡± Daxton¡¯s usual warmth faded, reced by an icy detachment that mirrored Kristopher¡¯s own demeanor.

    ¡°Friends?¡± Kristopher blew out a cloud of smoke, his voice dry. ¡°She¡¯s just a distant rtive of yours.¡±

    Daxton, propped against the tree, smirked. ¡°Mr. Norris, have you forgotten? The moment you took over the Norris Group, you were eager to cut ties with my family.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice remained steady, but there was an edge of gravity now. ¡°You¡¯ve made choices that have taken your life out of your control. Hers is simple. If you really care about her¡ªeven a little¡ªyou¡¯d stay out of it.¡±

    ¡°I would give my life to keep her safe. And at least I don¡¯t have some maniptive dream girl. The emotional scars she¡¯s carrying because of you could take away half of her life.¡±

    Daxton pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth, his lips curling into a half-smile as he nced at Kristopher, his eyelids heavy. Their gazes met, both of them standing their ground.

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 Chapter 280

    ?<strong>Chapter 280:</strong>

    The mountain air was still, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the trees. After a long, tense silence, Kristopher looked away first, flicking his cigarette aside as it burned out. ¡°Stop entertaining those thoughts.¡±

    Daxton raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is that a reminder or a threat?¡±

    ¡°Take it however you want,¡± Kristopher replied and walked away without looking back.

    When Kristopher made his way back to the small courtyard, nning to suggest they leave, he found Carrie and Camille, both wrapped in bathrobes, yfully sshing water with their feet in the hot spring.

    He bit back the words on the tip of his tongue and entered without a sound.

    Carrie nced up at him, her curiosity evident. ¡°What did you talk about with Daxton?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Not much, just some business talk,¡± Kristopher responded nonchntly.

    Carrie, assuming Kristopher was simply discussing a deal with Daxton, didn¡¯t press the issue. Instead, she asked, ¡°How do you know him?¡±

    Inside, she was surprised. Kristopher had known Daxton for years, which only further confirmed that Daxton was indeed wealthy and well-connected. Yet, she realized there didn¡¯t seem to be anyone from the Norris family with thest name Garcia.

    Kristopher¡¯s usual aloof tone now carried a trace of impatience. ¡°I¡¯ve known him for a while, but we¡¯re not exactly friends.¡±

    Why did she care so much about Daxton? She even called him by his first name so casually, like they were old friends. There was a trace of jealousy in his voice, though he was unaware of it himself.

    Albin, sensing the growing tension, shot Kristopher a yful wink. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Kristopher? Are you jealous?¡±

    Camille gave him a sharp look before replying, ¡°What reason does he have to be jealous? They¡¯re about to split up.¡±

    Albin¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, and he discreetly tugged at Camille¡¯s sleeve. Camille yanked her sleeve away, giving him a scornful re. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Are you trying to stop me from speaking? Huh?¡±

    Kristopher ignored Camille and cast a frosty sideways nce at Albin. If stares were lethal, Albin would have been pierced with a thousand daggers by now.

    Albin let out a nervousugh. ¡°It¡¯s just a lover¡¯s spat. They wouldn¡¯t actually divorce, alright?¡±

    With her hands on her hips, Camille scoffed. ¡°His dream girl seems more like the real wife than Carrie.¡±

    ¡°If they don¡¯t divorce, are the three of them really going to live together in peace?¡±

    The air thickened with difort. Carrie, not wanting to drag Camille deeper into her personal affairs, was ready to steer the conversation elsewhere.

    At that moment, a waiter approached them with a polite bow. ¡°Mr. Jenkins has requested that the area be cleared, and all other guests have already left. So you can enjoy this resort in privacy.¡±

    Camille pursed her lips thoughtfully. ¡°In case any staff pass by, let¡¯s head back inside and rx in the smaller pool. Watching a movie while rxing in the water sounds perfect.¡±

    Everyone nodded in agreement, liking the idea.

    Elsewhere, Mr. Jenkins sat anxiously in the living room of his vi, worry etched on his face. The waiter, who had just delivered the message, returned and asked, ¡°Mr. Jenkins, what¡¯s troubling you?¡±

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 Chapter 281

    ?<strong>Chapter 281:</strong>

    He was Mr. Jenkins¡¯s trusted assistant, known for his sharp mind and valuable insights.

    Mr. Jenkins sighed deeply. ¡°I¡¯ve upset the wrong people today. Mr. Garcia might send me packing. I used to be like an errand boy in Orkset, but this job was a promotion of sorts. The pay was far better. I really misjudged today.¡±

    The waiter tried to reassure him. ¡°You¡¯ve cleared the area, and the families you sent away have considerable influence in Esterhall. Mr. Garcia is unlikely to hold this against you for long.¡±

    Mr. Jenkins shook his head in disbelief. ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen Mr¡­¡±

    ¡°Garcia care so much about a woman. I asked a few friends, and they said Mr. Garcia walked away from a billion-dor deal for her. Just like that.¡±

    The waiter¡¯s eyes sparkled with a sudden idea. ¡°Mr. Jenkins, maybe this is an opportunity?¡±

    ¡°What kind of opportunity?¡± Mr. Jenkins asked, his hope renewed.

    The waiter leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Since Mr. Garcia is so taken with this woman, why not just send her to his bed? You could turn this mistake into a chance for redemption and even earn a huge favor in return.¡±

    Inside the vi, Kristopher reclined in the hot spring pool, his eyes closed in rxation. Beside him, Albin gripped a handheld game console, his fingers moving across the controls with intense concentration. Each button press seemed to carry the weight of an epic battle.

    Camille quietly raised her phone, capturing a candid moment of Carrie leaning against the pool¡¯s edge. The subtle click of the camera made Kristopher¡¯s eyes flutter open momentarily.

    Carrie¡¯s skin glowed with a flush from the heat. Droplets of water traced a delicate path¡ªstarting from her hairline, down her cheek, along her neck, skimming her corbone before disappearing beneath the water¡¯s surface. The intimate journey of each droplet held a quiet sensuality.

    Memories flooded Kristopher¡¯s mind. He recalled her face during their most passionate moments, her eyes glistening with tears of pleasure. The recollection stirred something deep within him, a primal desire to possess her once more. He swallowed hard, forcing himself to shut his eyes and redirect his thoughts to more professional matters.

    Unaware of Kristopher¡¯s lingering gaze, Camille stashed her phone away. Her face flushed crimson as she scrambled out of the hot water. ¡°Nope, I¡¯m done! I can¡¯t handle this anymore. Seriously, I¡¯m out of breath!¡±

    Albin, having just conquered the final boss in his game, set down the console and shot her a mocking grin. ¡°Your stamina¡¯s pathetic. We¡¯ve barely been soaking for a few minutes, and you¡¯re already giving up?¡±

    Seeking solidarity, Camille turned to Carrie. ¡°Carrie, do you hear how he talks? Absolutely zero filter!¡±

    Albin leaned back smugly, his grin spreading like butter on hot toast. ¡°Hey, I¡¯m just being honest.¡±

    Four of us are sitting here, and you¡¯re the only one about to keel over. Face it¡ªyou¡¯re a lightweight.¡± With mock theatrics, Albin flexed his arms, his biceps gleaming under the soft lights. ¡°Unlike me, of course. These guns? They¡¯ve got Fayedge Mountain written all over them. I could sprint around that beast twice and still have energy to spare.¡±

    Camille rolled her eyes so hard it was a miracle they didn¡¯t roll straight out of her head. ¡°Congrattions. You¡¯ve officially be a walking fitness meme.¡±

    Carrie, her energy dipping, stood and stretchednguidly. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m starting to feel it too. This heat¡¯s no joke.¡±

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 Chapter 282

    ?<strong>Chapter 282:</strong>

    Kristopher, still leaning into his silence, kept his eyes closed, exuding an air of indifference.

    Sensing that pushing Carrie further might backfire, Albin wisely zipped his lips. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to go one against two, especially with Kristopher unlikely to back him up. Forget it. No point in arguing.

    Stepping out of the pool, he wrapped himself in a robe and moved to the sofa. ¡°I¡¯m starving. We¡¯ve got ingredients. How about we prepare something to eat?¡±

    Camille sprawled across the sofa and retorted sharply, ¡°Cook it yourself. When did I be your personal chef?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Before he could continue, the in-house phone interrupted their banter.

    Albin answered, and a staff member¡¯s courteous voice filled the line. ¡°Good evening, sir. We¡¯re offering a private buffet in the restaurant just below your vi. The space is exclusively reserved for your party. Our chef stands ready to prepare any dishes you desire.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Albin responded, a triumphant grin spreading across his face. ¡°We¡¯ll be down soon. Start with your best offerings.¡±

    As he hung up, he shot Camille a victorious look. ¡°See? Sometimes luck is on my side. Think about food, and dinner materializes.¡±

    In the restaurant

    The group arrived in the private dining room, freshly changed into clean attire. A pungent aroma of chili peppers saturated the air. The table wasden with fiery dishes¡ªspicy crawfish, chili-zed chicken, and an array of mouth-searing tes that promised to bring tears to one¡¯s eyes.

    ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates

    Albin confronted the chef with characteristic bluntness. ¡°Can we have some milder options? How are we supposed to eat this inferno?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze drifted momentarily,nding briefly on Carrie.

    Camille, impulsive as ever, eximed, ¡°Carrie, look! These are all your favorite dishes!¡±

    She linked her arm through Carrie¡¯s, a yful glint in her eye. ¡°Must have been arranged by that old friend of yours.¡±

    Albin, catching the storm brewing in Kristopher¡¯s darkening expression, quickly intervened. ¡°Stop hovering like statues! I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s eat and talk.¡±

    They settled around the table. Kristopher¡¯s silence hung heavy, dissatisfaction radiating from him.

    Carrie selected a fork and offered another to Camille. A te of spicy beef strips glistening with chili oil sat before her. She speared a piece, tasted it, and dered, ¡°It¡¯s good.¡±

    Kristopher reached for his fork, sampled a piece, and promptly deposited it in the trash with a dismissive gesture. ¡°Overcooked,¡± he stated tly. ¡°Tough. The seasoning hasn¡¯t prated at all.¡±

    Disdain dripped from every word.

    Only then did Carrie remember Kristopher¡¯s own exceptional version of this dish, prepared meticulously in their home kitchen. Sensing his prickliness, she chose to preserve the evening¡¯s harmony.

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she met his eyes and offered soft praise. ¡°Yours truly did taste better.¡± It wasn¡¯t mere ttery. Carrie knew Kristopher¡¯s excellence was genuine¡ªhe excelled at everything he undertook.

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 Chapter 283

    ?<strong>Chapter 283:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s expression softened marginally. He addressed the waiter. ¡°A bottle of mineral water.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher, how could you¡ª¡± Albin began, only to be silenced by Kristopher¡¯s cial stare.

    Camille raised her hand. ¡°Mango juice for me.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Albin chimed in.

    She rolled her eyes. ¡°Are you seriously copying me?¡±

    ¡°Copying? No way. I just like mango,¡± Albin countered.

    Carrie pressed her fingers to her temple. How did these two manage to transform every interaction into an argument?

    The waiter turned to her. ¡°What would you like, Miss?¡±

    ¡°Iced c,¡± she responded evenly.

    He cast her a subtle, unreadable nce before quietly departing to fulfill their orders.

    Carrie¡¯s phone buzzed, shattering the lull in the conversation. A nce revealed a message from the scriptpany: ¡°Are you avable at the moment?¡± The sender was typically no-nonsense, so this formality felt oddly out of ce. Carrie figured they were probably scrambling for the script, so she typed back quickly, ¡°It¡¯s a holiday, and I¡¯m back in my hometown. I¡¯ll send the script as soon as I return. It won¡¯t throw off the schedule.¡±

    ¡°There are some issues on our end. Put the rest of the script on hold for now.¡±

    ¡°What kind of issues?¡± Carrie asked, confident that as long as the instructions were clear, her scripts would hit the mark without fail. The vagueness of the response made her suspect something more troubling might be brewing behind the scenes.

    This time, the reply took an agonizingly long moment to arrive: ¡°We haven¡¯t finalized things with the client yet. We¡¯ll let you know when there¡¯s an update.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is full of thrilling adventures

    Carrie frowned, taken aback. Everything had been smooth sailing until the final stretch, and now the waters were choppy. It seemed the promise of easy money was as fleeting as a rainbow after a storm.

    Before she could dwell on it, Camille pped a hand over her phone. ¡°Why are you glued to your phone when we¡¯re out having fun? You¡¯re sucking all the joy out of the room!¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll stop,¡± Carrie said, switching off her screen and tucking the phone away. ¡°The client¡¯s unhappy about something. Hopefully, they won¡¯t ask for revisions. Besides filming, I¡¯ve got a few events lined up.¡± She sped her hands together in mock prayer.

    Camille threw a nce at Kristopher. ¡°You¡¯ve got more money than you¡¯ll ever spend, but you won¡¯t give Carrie a dime after the divorce? She¡¯s breaking her back with filming and still has to take side gigs to keep the lights on?¡±

    Albin, lounging with one leg draped over the other, almost toppled off his chair. He scrambled to sit upright, his forehead damp with sudden sweat. ¡°Eat your food,¡± Albin said hastily, shoveling more onto Camille¡¯s te with his fork.

    Camille pushed the te away, her face scrunched with annoyance. ¡°What am I, a pig? How am I supposed to eat with a mountain of food in front of me?¡± She shot Albin a re before swinging back to Kristopher. ¡°What¡¯s the deal? What are you hiding? Where am I wrong? He¡¯s been running around with Lise, which, if you ask me, is practically cheating! He¡¯s the one in the wrong here. It¡¯s already generous enough not to demand half of his assets. Why should Carrie walk away empty-handed? Carrie¡¯s keeping quiet because she¡¯s being gracious, but you¡¯re just taking advantage. Isn¡¯t that bullying?¡±

    Kristopher, who had just pulled out a cigarette, set it back down. Slowly, he replied, ¡°First, I never mentioned divorce, and I never agreed to it when she brought it up. Second, I¡¯ve never withheld anything from her. If she wants to make her own money, she has to deal with the headaches thate with it. Adults don¡¯t get to make choices without epting the consequences.¡±

    Familiar with his cold, calcted tone, Carrie didn¡¯t bat an eye. He spoke less like a husband and more like a detached executive dissecting a business deal¡ªhis words carried logic, stripped of any warmth. Her emotions had been drained long ago.

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 Chapter 284

    ?<strong>Chapter 284:</strong>

    Carrie replied with practiced calm, ¡°Mr. Norris is right. I made the choice, so I¡¯ll deal with the perks and the pitfalls thate with it.¡±

    Kristopher tapped his fingers rhythmically on the table, letting out a dry chuckle. When Carrie agreed with him, it felt more unsettling than when they argued.

    But her response was wless, leaving no room for him to retaliate. It was like throwing a punch at thin air¡ªhe was left with nothing but mounting frustration.

    As their tense conversation fizzled out, the waiter approached with a tray of drinks, carefully setting each one on the table. Finally, he ced a c before Carrie, pausing to look at her. ¡°Miss, this is freshly made c. It loses its fizz quickly, so you should drink it soon.¡±

    Carrie hadn¡¯t nned on drinking it immediately, but his words prompted her to take a sip. The waiter watched her swallow before adding, ¡°Make sure to finish the rest while it¡¯s still fresh.¡± With that, he turned and left, a sly glint in his eyes.

    Unbeknownst to him, Camille leaned over and grabbed Carrie¡¯s half-full ss. ¡°Let me try it. The way he hyped it up, it must be magical.¡± Parched from all the salty food, Camille gulped down the remaining c in one go.

    As the evening settled, the moonlight bathed the surroundings in a soft, luminous glow. Camille massaged her temples. ¡°Why am I feeling so drowsy? Was it the food, or did the hot spring lull me too much?¡±

    Her head felt weighed down, like she had sipped on too much wine. Carrie frowned in agreement. ¡°I feel the same. Maybe it¡¯s best if we call it a night.¡±

    Camille got to her feet, walked a few paces, and shrugged off her coat, letting it hang over her arm. ¡°Why does it feel so warm? Shouldn¡¯t it be chilly up here on the mountain at night?¡±

    Albin stepped out of the restaurant, pulling his coat tightly around him. He turned back with a puzzled look. ¡°Are you messing with me? It¡¯s freezing out here, and you¡¯re saying it¡¯s hot?¡±

    Camille ignored hisment and nced around. The forest, so vibrant and inviting during the day, now looked menacing under the shroud of night. The swaying branches cast ghostly shapes, adding to the unsettling atmosphere.

    Camilletched onto Carrie¡¯s arm, clinging tightly. ¡°Carrie, let¡¯s get moving. This ce is giving me the creeps.¡±

    Albin smirked. ¡°So much for being fearless. Looks like the mighty Camille is nothing but a tiger made of paper.¡±

    Camille swung a kick at him without hesitation. ¡°Nice try, but you missed!¡± Albin dodged with a yful twist, only to stumble backward into Kristopher, who had been trailing behind.

    Kristopher shoved him aside with visible irritation, as though brushing off something unpleasant. ¡°Move.¡±

    Camille¡¯s spirits lifted instantly, and she threw Albin a triumphant smirk before striding off after Carrie. The two men followed at a slower pace.

    The night sky sparkled with countless stars, while soft lights illuminated the stone steps below. The rhythmic chirping of cicadas echoed from the trees, mingling with the earthy scent of the forest. Carrie, however, barely noticed the serene beauty. Her head grew heavier with each step, and Camille leaning against her only added to her exhaustion. She wished she could just sink to the ground and drift into sleep.

    Kristopher noticed her struggle and stepped closer, his brow furrowing. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Probably just ate too much,¡± Carrie replied vaguely, brushing off his concern.

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 Chapter 285

    ?<strong>Chapter 285:</strong>

    Without waiting for a proper answer, Kristopher moved forward and scooped her into his arms, nudging Camille aside. She wobbled, nearly losing her bnce.

    ¡°Camille!¡± Carrie called out, stretching a hand toward her friend.

    Albin quickly stepped in, catching Camille before she fell. ¡°Watch it,¡± he said gently.

    Carrie pulled her hand back and shot Kristopher an annoyed look. ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have warned her? What if she¡¯d gotten hurt?¡±

    ¡°You can barely stand on your own, let alone look after someone else,¡± Kristopher replied curtly, carrying her effortlessly as he descended the steps.

    The sudden movement startled Carrie, and she instinctively clung to Kristopher¡¯s neck, fearing she might slip. He nced at her arms sped around his neck, and a faint, almost imperceptible smile yed at the corners of his lips.

    Picking up speed, he quickly left Camille and Albin trailing far behind.

    Camille let go of Albin¡¯s hand and dramatically sank to the ground. ¡°I¡¯m done. You¡¯ll have to carry me now.¡±

    Albin sighed, giving her a resigned look. ¡°If you were as light as Carrie, I might consider it¡­¡±

    ¡°Excuse me! I¡¯m not fat! My body is curvy and stunning!¡± Camille shot back, swatting his arm indignantly.

    A young woman in uniform approached them with a polite smile. ¡°Miss, we have a lovely women¡¯s spa here. Would you like to give it a try?¡±

    Camille¡¯s eyes sparkled with excitement as she sprang to her feet. ¡°Absolutely! Let¡¯s go!¡±

    The attendant hesitated briefly, her gaze sweeping the area. ¡°Is there anotherdy apanying you, Miss?¡±

    Camille let out an exaggerated hup and waved dismissively. ¡°Yeah, yeah, there¡¯s another one. She¡¯s back at the vi having some ¡®me time.¡¯ What¡¯s with all these hups?¡±

    Albin gave her a pointed look. ¡°You downed that massive ss of c earlier. No wonder you¡¯re hupping.¡±

    The attendant¡¯s expression shifted slightly, her eyes lighting up. ¡°C? Did you have some c, Miss?¡±

    Camille furrowed her brows suspiciously. ¡°What, is c against the spa rules or something?¡±

    ¡°Oh no, nothing like that,¡± the attendant reassured quickly. ¡°It¡¯s just that you¡¯re hupping. I¡¯ll bring you some hot water to help with that.¡± A strange glint passed through her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯lle along,¡± Albin offered, stepping in with a protective tone.

    The attendant maintained her polite demeanor as she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but this is a women-only area. I¡¯m afraid you can¡¯t apany her.¡±

    Albin hesitated, his concern evident. ¡°It¡¯s alreadyte. Why not wait until tomorrow? You¡¯re usually scared of the dark. Don¡¯t expect me toe back and get youter.¡±

    The attendant smiled, her tone soothing. ¡°Rest assured, sir. We¡¯ll make sure she gets safely back to your vi after the spa.¡±

    Camille wasted no time, linking her arm with the attendant¡¯s. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do this. Take me there now.¡±

    ¡°What about being sleepy?¡± Albin pressed, his concern lingering. He couldn¡¯t shake the unease of letting her go off with strangers.

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 Chapter 286

    ?<strong>Chapter 286:</strong>

    ¡°I¡¯ll get my beauty sleep while I¡¯m there!¡± Camille huffed, brushing off his worry with an impatient wave.

    With a decisive tug, she began leading the attendant away. ¡°So, what kind of treatments do you offer? Spill the details.¡±

    Albin stood there, watching her disappear into the distance. After a moment of hesitation, he let out a sigh and turned back toward the vi.

    He dropped to one knee on the sofa, his hands moving to undress her.

    She was momentarily swept away by the intensity of the moment.

    But a nce around the living room brought her back to reality. ¡°Stop!¡±

    Kristopher mistook her protest for nothing more than a teasing objection.

    His hand slipped beneath her waistband and he felt undeniable proof of her desire.

    His fingers skilfully teased her most sensitive spot as he leaned closer, his voice rough and low. ¡°Are you absolutely sure you don¡¯t want this?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s breathing became uneven, her chest rising and falling rapidly.

    She bit back a moan, her voice faltering as she whispered, ¡°Not here¡­

    This is the living room.

    Camille and Albin could walk in at any moment¡­¡±

    ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here

    Kristopher paused for a moment before pulling back.

    He reached over her and pressed the control to activate the electronic lock on the door.

    As the soft beep confirmed the lock, he spoke in a calm, low tone. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no one¡¯sing in now.¡± Carrie shifted and tried to sit up, her concern breaking through the haze for a moment.

    But in doing so, she found herself startlingly close to his belt, her lips only inches away.

    The proximity startled her, and she could smell his masculine scent, rich and slightly sweet, even through the fabric.

    Kristopher froze for a split second before quickly unbuckling his belt.

    Once it was undone, his body seemed to crave attention.

    His voice dropped to a low, gravelly tone. ¡°Use your mouth.¡±

    It was the first time Carrie had seen his dick so clearly, and the sheer size of it left her momentarily speechless.

    It made sense now why she always felt so overwhelmed afterwards ¨C it all made sense now, leaving her both surprised and slightly nervous.

    He let out a small sigh of impatience, his hand moving to rest lightly on the back of her head, urging her closer.

    Despite her nerves and inexperience, she didn¡¯t pull away.

    Inside the vi, Kristopher carried Carrie into the living room and carefully ced her on the plush sofa.

    But even after he¡¯d ced her there, he didn¡¯t step back or let go.

    Carrie looked up at him, her eyebrows knitted slightly in what looked like confusion.

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 Chapter 287

    ?<strong>Chapter 287:</strong>

    But her warm, inviting eyes sparkled, almost as if teasing him without a word.

    Her eyes wandered to his lips and before she could think twice, she leaned in and kissed him.

    The kiss was short and hesitant, barely a gentle brush of lips.

    She realised that she had gotten much better at knowing exactly how to tease him.

    Practice, it seemed, had indeed made her perfect at it.

    Though still new to moments like this, she¡¯d quickly be morefortable and shed her former hesitation.

    She was no longer the shy girl she had been.

    All thosete nights of heated kisses and intimacy had left their mark on her.

    Her body had developed its own kind of muscle memory, reacting instinctively to his every touch.

    Kristopher had been holding back his desire since that afternoon.

    But that soft, fleeting kiss was all it took to shatter his self-control.

    He cupped her chin and pulled her in for a deeper kiss, his tongue exploring her mouth with a daring intensity.

    She felt dizzy, her instincts telling her to pull away, but his grip was firm, holding her close.

    Opening her eyes briefly through the haze, she noticed the intense concentration on his face, his eyes closed as if savouring the moment.

    He seemed lost in the moment, savouring every second.

    Without thinking, she surrendered to his pace, transforming the once dominant kiss into a seamless, bnced exchange.

    After a while, Kristopher pulled away, desire written all over his face.

    Leaning forward, she parted her lips and took him in, eliciting a deep, satisfied moan that echoed through the quiet room.

    To her surprise, giving pleasure brought an excitement she hadn¡¯t expected.

    It was like a rush, something that made her feel eager.

    The more she got into it, the more memories of scenes from films she¡¯d seen came to mind, and she found herself trying to mimic what she¡¯d seen on the screen.

    But soon her energy began to wane and she found herself slowing down, feeling more drained than before.

    Noticing her exhaustion, Kristopher gently lifted her up and removed her trousers before guiding her to her knees against the sofa.

    Without hesitation he entered her, skipping any pretence of teasing.

    She was already ready for him, her body responding instinctively.

    The sight of her still dressed from the waist up, her bare legs exposed, sparked something deeper in him.

    Each thrust became more intense, his movements driven by an unrelenting desire.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes were heavy and only partially open, her gaze distant and clouded with a dreamy haze.

    The once tidy hairdo she had pinned up earlier had unravelled, damp strands clinging stubbornly to her flushed skin.

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 Chapter 288

    ?<strong>Chapter 288:</strong>

    Her cheeks burned a deep red, more vivid than the warmth left after a long hot bath, while soft, tantalising moans escaped her slightly parted lips.

    Kristopher felt another wave of temptation wash over him, even after they had just finished.

    He couldn¡¯t resist the maic pull to lose himself in her once more.

    She was slumped over the back of the sofa, her body limp and rxed,pletely at ease.

    With deliberate care, he reached out to adjust her position, easing her into a morefortable t position.

    Lowering himself in front of her, he let his gaze linger, taking in every detail of her.

    Her silky, wless skin bore the marks he had left, each one a testament to his presence.

    There was something strangely satisfying about it, as if he were an artist stepping back to admire a work of art he had poured himself into.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted to him and without hesitation she reached out.

    With her delicate hand wrapped around his cock, she began to move, her grip firm but careful, and it wasn¡¯t long before she felt it grow, bing harder and heavier under her palm.

    Kristopher reached for her legs and gently pulled her closer.

    She lifted her hips slightly, matching his movements.

    It felt like the gentle ebb and flow of waves, each carrying her higher before receding gently, again and again.

    After what seemed like endless cycles, Kristopher finally stood.

    Gathering up the clothes scattered on the floor, he lifted her rxed body from the sofa.

    He carried her upstairs and into the master bathroom.

    There he carefully ced her in the bath, turned on the water and began to wash her gently.

    He spread the shower gel over her skin, making sure to rinse it offpletely, leaving no part untouched.

    When he had finished bathing her, he gently lifted her out of the bath and carefully dried her with a soft towel.

    As he helped her into her underwear, his eyes caught the redness and swelling underneath.

    His eyes remained there for a brief moment before he quickly looked away.

    He stood up and went to get some ointment.

    Ever since she¡¯d started getting hurt more often, he¡¯d made sure to carry a variety of ointments with him at all times.

    He applied the ointment with steady hands, his touch both careful and tender.

    Even as she slept, her body < reacted instinctively, squeezing her legs together and trapping his hand.

    A soft whimper escaped her lips, and in that moment, the desire he''d just managed to repress began to resurface.

    Unable to resist, he gave her a light, yful p on her bottom, his voice teasing as he murmured, "You little temptress.

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 Chapter 289

    ?<strong>Chapter 289:</strong>

    Once the ointment was fully applied, he dressed her in a soft silk nightgown, the fabric gliding smoothly over her skin.

    He gently guided her to rest her head on hisp, his fingers running through her hair as she settled down.

    He reached for the hairdryer and began to dry her long, silky hair, each strand slipping through his fingers like ck silk, still carrying the faint scent of shampoo.

    Her breathing was steady and calm, a serene rhythm that matched the peaceful expression that now graced her face.

    The radiant glow she¡¯d had earlier had faded, giving way to a quiet stillness that made her vulnerability even more beautiful.

    Her lips, still tender from his passionate kisses, were slightly bruised and red, giving her an almost fragile, endearing quality.

    After tending to Carrie, Kristopher gently tucked her under the covers and nted a soft kiss on her forehead before heading for the bathroom.

    Albin made his way back to the vi, asionally ncing behind him. Lost in thought, he tried the door, only to find it locked. He paused, his hand still on the doorknob, but his mind was far from the door. It was consumed with thoughts of Camille.

    Without knocking, he released the doorknob and turned back, retracing his steps. Camille lingered in his thoughts. Normally, his female friends and even cousins would go out to clubs or visit spas on their own. It was just a typical way for adults to rx, something he had never really thought much about. But today, as he watched Camille leave, an uneasy feeling settled in his chest.

    He couldn¡¯t quite shake the nagging sense that something was looming on the horizon, something he couldn¡¯t yet grasp. His mind drifted back to the day Carrie had disappeared. He remembered how Kristopher had searched for her frantically all through the night, consumed by worry. Albin had never seen Kristopher so frantic.

    In all his memories, Kristopher had always been the picture of calm detachment. Back then, Albin had even believed that had Carrie not been found, Kristopher would have made everyone pay. He struggled to understand Kristopher¡¯s mindset at that time. Though he had epted Carrie, he had thought someone as dignified as Kristopher would never go to such lengths for anyone¡ªnot even for Lise.

    Yet, Kristopher had done just that for Carrie, the woman once seen by everyone¡ªincluding Kristopher¡ªas nothing more than a wife by title. In this moment, Albin began to understand Kristopher, even if just a little. After all, true empathy could only be felt by those who had lived through simr experiences themselves.

    The next morning, sunlight poured across Carrie¡¯s face, coaxing her awake with a gentle warmth. Her longshes fluttered as she reluctantly opened her eyes, the world pulling her from sleep¡¯s tender embrace.

    The first thing she saw was a broad, sculpted chest, firm as if chiseled from stone. Her hand, still resting there, betrayed her curiosity with a soft, unconscious squeeze. So solid, so perfect.

    Regret crept in, sharp as a thorn beneath her skin. If their marriage crumbled, this godlike physique would slip beyond her reach. The thought weighed on her, a peculiar pang of disappointment settling in her chest.

    Her musings shattered as her gaze drifted upward,nding on a wless face. Kristopher was awake, his smirk faint but undeniably amused as he observed her.

    Carrie met his gaze with unruffledposure. Not a trace of embarrassment marred her features as she withdrew her hand, pushed the covers aside, and climbed out of bed with measured ease.

    In the bathroom, the mirror reflected her tired image, faint bruises blooming across her skin like ghostly shadows of the night before. Some marks were fading, but new ones had taken their ce. She let out a long sigh, grabbed the tube of toothpaste, and started brushing her teeth, her reflection staring back at her in the mirror.

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 Chapter 290

    ?<strong>Chapter 290:</strong>

    ¡°What now? Just head home, p on some ointment, and hope for the best? How else am I supposed to show up for filming?¡± Carrie mused, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a restless breeze.

    Halfway through brushing, a sudden memory jolted her. She quickly rinsed her mouth, spun around, and nearly collided with Kristopher¡¯s chest, solid as a brick wall. With her toothbrush still in her lips, she stepped back, nced up at him, and muttered, ¡°Did Albin and Camillee backst night?¡±

    ¡°I locked the door,¡± he replied in a casual tone, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world. ¡°They probably couldn¡¯t get in.¡±

    Without skipping a beat, he plucked the toothbrush from her hand, squeezed a fresh dollop of toothpaste onto it, and began brushing his teeth with ease, as if they¡¯d done this routine a hundred times before.

    ¡°You locked the door?¡± Her eyes widened, disbelief etched across her face. ¡°So where did they sleep?¡±

    Kristopher finished brushing, spat into the sink, and shrugged. ¡°They¡¯re adults, not clueless kids. With all the vis around here, they were bound to find somewhere to crash.¡±

    Carrie opened her mouth to argue but stopped short. His logic, infuriatingly simple, left her without aeback.

    Once they were both dressed, they descended the stairs. Carrie unlocked the front door, pulling out her phone, only to freeze when she saw two familiar figures approaching from a distance. Camille and Albin were walking toward the vi, one trailing the other, their postures a mix of nonchnce and awkwardness.

    As Camille came closer, Carrie¡¯s gaze fell on a mark on her neck, a mark all too familiar. It mirrored the ones she¡¯d seen on herself earlier in the mirror. Her eyes darted between Camille and Albin, and the pieces of the puzzle fell into ce with a thud.

    ¡°So that¡¯s how it is,¡± she thought. ¡°A locked door and a long night¡ªKristopher¡¯s interference has, inadvertently, nudged their rtionship forward.¡±

    Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con

    Some truths, Carrie decided, were better left buried. She shifted her focus away, schooling her expression into its usual mask of calm indifference.

    Kristopher, standing beside her, spoke in a low voice. ¡°Let¡¯s pack up and grab breakfast. I want to visit my mother-inw¡¯s grave again before we leave.¡±

    Meanwhile, Camille sank onto the couch, throwing her arms over the back as sheunched into a rant. ¡°The service here is downright pathetic! Last night, I went for a spa treatment, and the staff just dumped me at some deserted vi and vanished.¡±

    Luckily, Daxton showed up and helped me out. Otherwise, who knows what would¡¯ve happened?¡±

    Kristopher, who had been calmly buttoning his cuffs, froze mid-motion. He turned to her, his eyes shadowed by a storm brewing beneath the surface. His voice, when it came, was cold enough to frost ss. ¡°You ran into Daxton?¡±

    The temperature in the room seemed to drop ten degrees, and Camille instinctively straightened her posture, as if drawn up by invisible strings. A momentter, her rebellious streak kicked in. Why on earth should she feel intimidated? She deliberately pouted and said, ¡°Yep! Daxton is the best¡ªkind, warm, and super helpful. Though, for some reason, he didn¡¯t seem too happy to see me¡­¡±

    Her exaggerated praise was a calcted move, and the darkening storm on Kristopher¡¯s face was the reward she¡¯d hoped for. It brought a smug, almost mischievous gleam to her eyes.

    Kristopher, however, had already tuned her out. His fingers, which had resumed adjusting his cufflinks, now paused again, tension radiating from him like heat waves off asphalt. It seemed Daxton hadn¡¯t taken his warning seriously.

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 Chapter 291

    ?<strong>Chapter 291:</strong>

    Good thing Carrie hadn¡¯t gone to the spast night. Who knew what kind of mess might have unfolded?

    One Hour Later

    The group packed up their belongings and departed from Fayedge Hot Spring. Typically carefree, Camille exhibited unusual behavior. Just as everyone prepared to enter their vehicles, she abruptly approached Kristopher¡¯s car. ¡°I¡¯ll ride with you guys,¡± she announced.

    Albin cast a brief nce her way but remained silent, walking to his own car and driving off. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m heading to the hotel to pack. I¡¯ll return to Orkset separately.¡±

    Camille appeared oblivious, only turning to watch Albin¡¯s car disappear. Carrie sensed the underlying tension but chose not to delve into their personal dynamics.

    The three of them stood in an awkward tableau beside the car. The additional passenger wasn¡¯t the issue¡ªdetermining seating arrangements proved moreplicated.

    Kristopher¡¯s cold gaze settled on Camille. ¡°Sit in the front.¡±

    Camille bristled at the directive. ¡°Why don¡¯t you sit up front? I want to talk with Carrie.¡±

    Carrie opened her mouth to intervene, but before she could get a word out, Kristopher ignored them both and slid into the car without another word.

    With a defeated sigh, Camille opened the passenger door and climbed in.

    As the car began to move, Kristopher busied himself with his phone, scrolling through news articles. He came across headlines about the Fed cutting interest rates and loosening real estate restrictions in several cities.

    His thoughts wandered momentarily to Carrie. Perhaps it was time to buy a few properties in her name.

    In the front seat, Camille fidgeted restlessly, turning her head every so often as if itching to spill her thoughts about Albin. Each time she caught sight of Kristopher¡¯s brooding face in the rearview mirror, though, she swallowed her words and sank back into her seat.

    Eventually, she gave up and pulled out her phone. Without headphones, the loud thrum of DJ music filled the car.

    Carrie leaned over, curious. ¡°What¡¯s so loud? What are you watching?¡±

    Camille tilted her phone to show the screen. ¡°Male dancers.¡±

    The video disyed a shirtless streamer twisting and gyrating under shing lights, his exaggerated chest and abs catching the camera¡¯s focus. The shadows on his physique made the whole performance seem more dramatic than it actually was.

    Carrie involuntarilypared the dancer to Kristopher¡¯s physique, feeling slightly disappointed. As she prepared to look away, Kristopher¡¯s cold gaze intercepted her.

    He snorted, his toneced with derision. ¡°You don¡¯t seem very discerning.¡±

    The condescension in his voice stung. Carrie sat up straighter, her chin tilting defiantly. ¡°You old-timers wouldn¡¯t understand the appeal of younger guys. They¡¯re sweet, obedient, and full of energy¡ª something you might not be familiar with.¡±

    Camille jumped in enthusiastically. ¡°Exactly! And the key is their stamina. Unlike some older men, who probably can¡¯t evenst¡ª¡±

    ¡°Enough,¡± Kristopher interrupted, his lips curling into a wry smile as his eyes settled on Carrie. There was a dangerous glint in his gaze, a challenge thinly veiled by amusement. ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re talking about the right person?¡±

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 Chapter 292

    ?<strong>Chapter 292:</strong>

    Caught off guard, Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed. She fidgeted with her phone, awkwardly deflecting. ¡°The inte really is something these days, isn¡¯t it? You can ess all kinds of things with just a tap.¡±

    Oblivious to the tension she¡¯d caused, Camille kept scrolling.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s so convenient! Clubs aren¡¯t always an option, but live-streamed male dancers? Anytime, anywhere. And they¡¯ll even take requests. Tip a few hundred bucks, and they¡¯ll dance their hearts out for you.¡±

    Carrie froze at the mention of spending money. Her inner rm bells rang loud and clear. Wasting money was uneptable.

    ¡°Spending money on that?¡± She leaned back in her seat, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°A few hundred bucks could get me a box of ck durian. Throwing cash at men? That¡¯s just asking for bad karma.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips twitched, a faint shadow of approval crossing his face. He returned his attention to his phone, scrolling through the news with a renewed sense of calm. Of course, he didn¡¯t count himself among the ¡°men¡± she had so casually dismissed. A man like him didn¡¯t need anyone¡¯s money¡ªor approval.

    Carrie, eager to escape the awkward air, opened her phone to check her notifications. A message from Daxton popped up: ¡°There¡¯s been progress on the earlier issue. The ount that paid the online trolls is under the name Emilio Reed.¡±

    She frowned, her mind racing. The name sounded familiar, but she couldn¡¯t immediately ce it. She searched her mental rolodex, unable to ce Emilio¡¯s identity.

    Carrie was about to ask Camille something, but her words caught in her throat when she noticed Kristopher still lingering nearby. She mped her lips shut, swallowing her thoughts.

    When it came to anything involving Lise, Kristopher was as partial as the sun favoring one side of the mountain. If she dared to dig for clues, he would likely bury any evidence that could expose Lise¡¯s wrongdoings. Carrie knew that if Kristopher got involved, her search for proof would be as futile as trying to catch the wind in her hands.

    Her mind whirred, calcting her next move, before she pulled out her phone to brainstorm a fresh story idea. As Katrina, the screenwriter, it felt like centuries since she hadst penned a script. Just as she was crafting the protagonist¡¯s traits, the car rolled to a halt.

    Before she had a chance to look up, Camille swiveled around, her voice loud and full of cheer. ¡°Sweetheart, we¡¯ve arrived! Out you go!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s sleek car stopped at the roadside, immediately drawing the curious eyes of passersby. As Carrie stepped out of the car, her door clicking shut behind her, she noticed the principal approaching, armsden with groceries. The moment his eyesnded on her, recognition lit his face. With a wide smile, he hurried over.

    ¡°Carrie! Where did you and Mr. Garcia head off to today for some fun?¡± Spotting the luxurious vehicle and recalling his previous encounter with Daxton at the school, he naturally assumed the two had been out together.

    Hearing this, Kristopher exited the car, his face a thundercloud waiting to erupt. He strode toward Carrie, his steps deliberate and his eyes zing, before asking in a tone sharp enough to cut ss, ¡°And who might this be?¡±

    With their divorce hovering like a storm cloud, Carrie had no intention of letting Kristopher get tangled up with the people in her life. She hesitated, scrambling for an excuse to steer the conversation elsewhere.

    The principal, however, seemed to have a lightbulb moment. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re Carrie¡¯s cousin, aren¡¯t you? I think I¡¯ve seen you before. Your family¡¯s genes are incredible; both the men and women are remarkably good-looking.¡±

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 Chapter 293

    ?<strong>Chapter 293:</strong>

    Camille, just climbing out of the car, let out a heartyugh. ¡°Carrie, isn¡¯t your cousin pushing forty by now?¡±

    The principal opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by the shrill ring of his phone. Answering it, he heard his wife¡¯s impatient voice. ¡°Why are you taking so long with the groceries? The other dishes are ready!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be home soon,¡± he assured her, then turned back to Carrie with a polite smile. ¡°Carrie, you should join us for dinner sometime.¡±

    Carrie responded with a warm smile of her own. ¡°You should hurry back and finish cooking. I¡¯ve got friends waiting here, so I won¡¯t impose, but I¡¯ll visit another time.¡±

    Nodding, the principal said a quick goodbye and headed off.

    Camille sidled up to Carrie, nudging her yfully. ¡°I told you to find someone younger. Men age like milk, and after thirty, it¡¯s all downhill from there.¡±

    She spoke with a tinge of guilt, avoiding Kristopher¡¯s piercing gaze and instead fixating on the uneven steps by the roadside.

    Kristopher, however, wasn¡¯t one to be overshadowed. Despite being three years older than Carrie, his appearance was nothing short of striking¡ªbetter even than most men his age. Yet his aura was heavy, as if he¡¯d weathered storms and conquered battles far beyond his years.

    The tension between them thickened. Kristopher¡¯s voice sliced through the air, grim and unyielding. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you rify?¡±

    Carrie met his re with cool indifference. ¡°What¡¯s the point? If I exin now, what happens next time? Should I tell him we¡¯re divorced then?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s deep-set eyes burned like a volcano on the brink of eruption. For a long moment, he stared at her before his lips curled into a frigid smile. ¡°Fine. We¡¯ll finalize the divorce as soon as you return to Orkset.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, he turned sharply, opened the car door, and barked at Oliver. ¡°Let¡¯s go back.¡±

    Oliver hesitated by the car, ncing nervously between Kristopher and Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    Kristopher cut him off, his tone biting. ¡°She¡¯s perfectly capable of managing on her own. You don¡¯t need to interfere.¡±

    ¡°But this is a small town. It might not be entirely safe¡­¡± Oliver began, only to falter under Kristopher¡¯s steely gaze.

    ¡°Are you nning to stay here with her, then?¡± Kristopher asked, his voiceced with ice.

    Without another word, Oliver cast Carrie an apologetic look and slid back into the driver¡¯s seat. The car engine roared, and in moments, it disappeared down the road.

    Camille, finally snapping out of her daze, let out a bitterugh. ¡°Men really do flip the script once they¡¯ve had their fun.¡±

    Her gaze flitted to the faint marks on Carrie¡¯s skin, mirrored on her own. Carrie brushed off the implication and redirected the conversation. ¡°What¡¯s going on with you and Albin?¡±

    At the mention of her own predicament, Camille deted like a balloon. She hung her head, her toneden with resignation. ¡°What do you think? You saw it. We slept together.¡±

    She rubbed her lower back with a wince. ¡°That guy acted like he¡¯d never seen a woman before. He was so rough, I¡¯m still sore.¡±

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 Chapter 294

    ?<strong>Chapter 294:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s eyes widened at Camille¡¯s bluntness, and she instinctively nced around to ensure no one else could hear. Thankfully, the street was deserted, sparing them from any wandering ears. While she wasn¡¯t exactly a prude, hashing out such personal matters in full volume on the open pavement felt like airingundry in the town square.

    Without missing a beat, shetched onto Camille¡¯s arm and steered her briskly toward Gracie¡¯s apartment. ¡°Lower your voice, will you? This is your personal business, not a town hall announcement.¡±

    ¡°Sex is as ordinary as having a meal or sipping water,¡± Camille shot back, her stubbornness clear.

    Even so, she grudgingly toned it down a notch.

    Carrie pressed forward, unwilling to let it drop. ¡°Alright, then¡ªspill it. Are you two an item now, or was this just a sh in the pan?¡±

    Camille let out a frustrated sigh, her fingers toying with the edge of her sleeve. ¡°He wants a rtionship. I don¡¯t.¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow, surprised. ¡°Really? A moment ago, you were passionately ranting about Kristopher being heartless. Now, you¡¯re pulling the same move!¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m a hypocrite,¡± Camille admitted with a half-smile, entirely unashamed. Her pout returned as she leaned back into the couch. ¡°The truth is, my family¡¯s already climbing the socialdder by associating with the Murray family. If Albin and I were to actually date, I can already see how my parents would react. They¡¯d practically roll out the red carpet for him and expect me to y the perfect little hostess.¡±

    Her voice hardened, her fingers tightening into fists. ¡°I¡¯ve been rebelling against my family¡¯s control since high school. I fought so hard to make my own choices, to keep my rtionships mine and mine alone¡ªnot tools for their ambitions. If, after all that effort, I still end up right back where I started, then what was the point of everything I¡¯ve done?¡±

    Camille continued, her tone softening. ¡°It¡¯s better this way. Rather than risking a messy falloutter, I¡¯d rather enjoy what we have while itsts. That way, years from now, I can look back on him fondly¡ªnot as someone I hurt or someone who hurt me.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°But¡­ what if it doesn¡¯t end the way you¡¯re imagining? What if things actually turn out better than you expect? Isn¡¯t this a bit too pessimistic?¡±

    Camille shook her head, firm and resolute. ¡°I¡¯m not willing to gamble on that. Right now, I still have rity, still have control. But if we were to take the next step, I¡¯d fall too deep. Love¡¯s like a runaway horse¡ªonce it starts, there¡¯s no stopping it.¡±

    Carrie admired her honesty, though it was tinged with sadness. ¡°What does Albin think about all this?¡±

    ¡°Oh, he probably thinks I¡¯m a ygirl,¡± Camille said with a dismissive shrug. Her lips curled into an ironic smile. ¡°It¡¯s funny, really. It was my first sexual experience, but if that¡¯s what he wants to believe, fine. Thest thing I need is for Albin to feel like he has to take responsibility. I don¡¯t need that. How can chastity define a woman¡¯s worth in this modern age?¡±

    Meanwhile, at a vi in Fayedge Hot Spring¡­

    Daxton lounged on the plush leather couch, his usual polished demeanor reced by something far more menacing. His left ankle rested casually on his right knee, and one arm drapedzily over the back of the couch. In his free hand, he spun a small pistol, the motion hypnotic and deliberate.

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 Chapter 295

    ?<strong>Chapter 295:</strong>

    A few feet away, Mr. Jenkins knelt on the marble floor, his body trembling like a leaf in the wind. Sweat poured down his round face as he stammered, ¡°M-Mr. Garcia, I¡ª¡±

    Daxton didn¡¯t look at him, his gaze fixed on the gun as he flipped the safety off with a quiet click. His voice was calm, but icy. ¡°Didn¡¯t I make myself clear thest time we spoke?¡±

    Terror widened Mr. Jenkins¡¯s eyes, and he scrambled for excuses. ¡°M-Mr. Garcia, it wasn¡¯t my idea! My people¡ªmy idiots¡ªthey thought you liked Ms. Campbell, so they¡­ they drugged her c. I had no idea someone else would show up instead¡ª¡±

    Daxton¡¯s cold gaze shifted to him, freezing Mr. Jenkins mid-sentence. ¡°So, in your understanding, liking someone equates to drugging them?¡± he said slowly, his toneced with disdain. ¡°Do I look that desperate to you?¡±

    ¡°N-No, of course not!¡± Mr. Jenkins stammered, his voice cracking. ¡°I¡ªI¡¯ll take care of those fools immediately. Please, Mr. Garcia, don¡¯t¡ª¡±

    ¡°Garcia, believe me!¡±

    Daxton didn¡¯t respond, instead, he toyed with the pistol in his hand. Mr. Jenkins watched him, hoping to catch a reaction, but seeing none, he gritted his teeth and pped himself hard across the face.

    Daxton continued spinning the gun, his indifference more terrifying than any anger. Panicked, Mr. Jenkins began pping himself again, harder this time. Blood welled at the corners of his mouth as he struck himself over and over. The sound of flesh meeting flesh echoed through the vi.

    After what felt like an eternity¡ªhis face swollen and unrecognizable¡ªDaxton finally stood. With an almostzy motion, he tossed the pistol to an aide. ¡°This model is garbage. Get a better supplier next time,¡± he said.

    The model?

    Mr. Jenkins¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief. The gun was fake?

    Relief flooded him, and he exhaled shakily. But just as he began to feel safe, Daxton¡¯s voice cut through the air like a de. ¡°Send him to that ce,¡± Daxton said coldly, his hands sliding into his pockets. ¡°He¡¯s banned from Mothor. And find someone suitable to take over Fayedge hot spring¡ªthen sell it. This ce has no purpose anymore.¡±

    Mr. Jenkins froze in sheer terror.

    That ce!

    The whispers of it alone were enough to strike fear into anyone. Awless, brutal hellhole¡ªonce you were sent there, you never returned.

    ¡°Mr. Garcia, I was wrong! Please, just one more chance!¡± Mr. Jenkins begged, his voice hoarse and desperate as blood dripped from his swollen lips.

    But Daxton didn¡¯t even nce at him. The mercenaries¡ªtall, foreign men who radiated silent authority¡ªdragged Mr. Jenkins away, ignoring his cries and struggles.

    The cemetery was solemn, the air thick with grief and whispered farewells. Carrie stood silently before Danna¡¯s grave, her gaze distant. After a quiet moment, she offered a simple goodbye and left without another word.

    Outside the cemetery gates, Camille was glued to her phone, scrolling furiously through her ride-hailing app. ¡°I¡¯ve refreshed this app a hundred times, and there¡¯s no way to get a car to Orkset from here,¡± she grumbled, visibly frustrated.

    Carrie, already anticipating the predicament, replied calmly, ¡°If there¡¯s no car, we¡¯ll just take the bus.¡±

    Camille let out a dramatic groan, the thought of public transportation visibly repelling her. ¡°A bus? With the mix of sweat, body odor, and that unique fragrance of desperation? I¡¯d rather face Albin again. At least that way, I wouldn¡¯t have to suffer through this.¡±

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 Chapter 296

    ?<strong>Chapter 296:</strong>

    Herints trailed off when she noticed Carrie wasn¡¯t responding. Frowning, she looked up¡ªand froze.

    Not far from them, a sleek Maybach was parked by the curb, Oliver standing by it in his usualposed, professional stance. The moment he saw them, Oliver stepped forward. ¡°Mrs. Norris, Ms. Nixon,¡± he greeted with a respectful nod. ¡°Mr. Norris sent me to pick you up.¡±

    Oliver hesitated briefly, as if weighing whether to say more. In the end, he decided to stay quiet.

    After all, he wished he could¡¯ve recorded Kristopher¡¯s behavior yesterday for Carrie to see. Yesterday, Oliver hadn¡¯t left Esterhall at all. As soon as the car drove out of Carrie¡¯s sight, Kristopher had called and summoned someone to pick him up.

    Carrie, already immune to Kristopher¡¯s fickle attitude, simply slid into the backseat without a word.

    Camille followed, muttering under her breath as she settled beside Carrie. ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll take the car. But let me make one thing clear¡ªthe divorce is still happening.¡±

    Oliver faltered, the tension in the car suddenly palpable. Camille really did have a way of making things awkward.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he began carefully, ¡°Mr. Norris can be stubborn, yes, but deep down, he¡¯s soft-hearted. He¡¯s decisive at work, but when ites to matters of the heart¡ª¡±

    Carrie cut him off, her tone sharp. ¡°If you¡¯re sitting by a fire, do you feel warmth or cold?¡±

    The question caught Oliver off guard, and he stumbled over his reply. ¡°W-warmth, I guess?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze was cool as she answered. ¡°Exactly. YOU don¡¯t have to analyze it. You just feel it. The same goes for love.¡±

    Before Oliver could respond, Camille leaned forward with a grin. ¡°So don¡¯t waste your time ying love counselor. Just focus on driving, alright? Unless you want me to take over.¡±

    Flustered, Oliver nodded quickly. ¡°Understood.¡± He closed the back door and climbed into the driver¡¯s seat.

    As the car began to move, Camille leaned toward Carrie, lowering her voice. ¡°You¡¯re not going soft again, are you?¡±

    Carrie shook her head firmly. ¡°No.¡± She turned to the window, watching the scenery blur by, her thoughts elsewhere.

    Back at Bayview Vi, Carrie stepped inside, the cool, familiar air greeting her. Willow appeared almost instantly, her smile wide and eager. ¡°Hi, Mrs. Norris!¡±

    Carrie gave her a polite nod before turning to Oliver. ¡°Has Kristopher returned yet?¡±

    Oliver hesitated, choosing his words carefully. ¡°Mr. Norris had a business meeting tonight.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in Steu Skua.¡± Had he not agreed to finalize the divorce? Why the sudden trip to Steu Skua? This couldn¡¯t be mere coincidence. Carrie¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°Steu Skua? Hasn¡¯t his recent project been in the nearby county?¡±

    Oliver smiled faintly, his tone measured. ¡°The Norris Group manages projects everywhere, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Carrie couldn¡¯t hide her irritation. ¡°Since when does every project of the Norris Group need its CEO to be personally involved?¡±

    Oliver kept hisposure. ¡°Mr. Norris is very hands-on. That¡¯s why thepany¡¯s grown so rapidly.¡±

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 Chapter 297

    ?<strong>Chapter 297:</strong>

    Carrie rolled her eyes, unimpressed. ¡°How very convenient.¡±

    Oliver wisely decided to say no more. Handing Carrie¡¯s suitcase to Willow, he added, ¡°If you need anything, Mrs. Norris, Willow will handle it. I need to return to the office.¡± With that, he left quickly, leaving Carrie and Willow alone in the entryway.

    Willow clutched the suitcase tightly, but instead of heading upstairs, she lingered, her curiosity apparent. She turned to Carrie, her voice cautious but probing. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­ did you and Mr. Norris have a fight?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes flicked to Willow, noting the unusual glint in her expression. It wasn¡¯t concern¡ªit was something closer to excitement. Her intuition told her to tread carefully.

    ¡°Do you want us to fight?¡± Carrie asked, her voice sharp and direct. Her intuition told her to keep the divorce n away from Willow.

    Willow faltered, her smile slipping for a brief moment before she forced it back. ¡°Of course not! I hope you and Mr. Norris stay in love forever.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curved into a faint, almost mocking smile. ¡°Exactly.¡±

    ¡°We will stay in love forever.¡± Leaning closer, she pulled the cor of her shirt slightly aside, revealing the faint mark on her neck. ¡°Who knows? Maybe we¡¯ll even have a child this year.¡±

    Willow¡¯s grip on the suitcase tightened, her knuckles turning pale as her gaze darted to the mark. Her mind raced. It seemed Kristopher and Carrie¡¯s rtionship was actually getting better.

    At that moment, Carrie¡¯s phone vibrated, breaking the silence. She pulled it out, her eyes scanning a message in her group chat. It was from Soren: ¡°Don¡¯t rush off after the shoot. I¡¯ming by to visit¡ªI have some good news to share.¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?

    While eating their packed lunches, the crew members mingled, sharing lighthearted banter. With his chair tilted back, Asher rested his feet on another chair and nonchntly slid his chicken leg into Carrie¡¯s lunchbox. Carrie bit into the chicken andmented, ¡°Mr. Rodgers should consider adding some more meat options. These meals feel a bit nd.¡±

    Right then, Soren made his entrance with a smile, bearing two bags filled with coffee cups. ¡°Sorry about that. I¡¯ll make sure we include more meat in tomorrow¡¯s lunches.¡±

    As he handed the coffee to the assistant, he said, ¡°Today¡¯s agenda includes nominating several of our team members to join the lineup for this week¡¯s episode of Weekend Party.¡± Known for its high ratings, Weekend Party was a staple in the variety show circuit, often hosted by top-tier celebrities and featuring a mix of prominent and up-anding stars. The show served as a main tform for celebrities aiming to boost visibility for theirtest projects, be it films, music, or television dramas.

    A hush settled over the room, anticipation building as everyone awaited his next words. It was evident from Soren¡¯s impromptu visit that his intentions extended beyond merely selecting show participants.

    Pausing to take a sip of his coffee, he said methodically, ¡°I intend to take this opportunity to unveil Carrie as the real Katrina.¡±

    Asher¡¯s expression turned contemtive. ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s somewhat premature? We had agreed to wait until after the production.¡±

    Soren set his coffee down, saying, ¡°By the broadcast, filming will be nearlyplete.¡± Convinced of the strategic advantage, Soren added, ¡°The timing will generate more buzz.¡±

    Prompted by Soren¡¯s reasoning, Asher nted his feet firmly on the floor, tallying considerations on his fingers. ¡°We¡¯re indeed close to wrapping up.¡±

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 Chapter 298

    ?<strong>Chapter 298:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie, your thoughts?¡± He raised his gaze to her, seeking her input.

    Carrie briefly lingered, straw to her mouth, before calmly saying, ¡°I¡¯m okay with the team¡¯s decision.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s decided,¡± Soren replied firmly. He specifically visited today to discuss this because the hype around Katrina¡¯s identity was immense. Revealing it on Weekend Party would capitalize on that momentum.

    Meanwhile, Lise rxed on a couch under a cashmere nket, casually tapping on her phone. Bart, the director, approached with a warm smile, saying, ¡°Lise, Weekend Party wants some of our cast for their next show. We thought you and Stewart would be perfect.¡±

    Lise continued her game without ncing up. ¡°No thanks, find someone else.¡±

    Her preupation with Carrie and Kristopher¡¯s growing closeness had left her too drained to think about work, let alone appear on a variety show.

    Bart was taken aback by her refusal, as it was a golden opportunity. Seeing a chance, Elva interjected, recognizing the promotional benefit. ¡°Lise, this is a fantastic opportunity. Appearing on Weekend Party could really boost our show¡¯s visibility.¡±

    Frustrated, Lise set her phone aside and frowned. ¡°I¡¯ve already declined. Do I have to be the sole promoter of our show? Kristopher funded this. Now I should promote it as well? What are the others here for¡ªif not merely as ornaments?¡±

    Her indifference to team coboration, despite her financial contribution, left Bart cold. ¡°Fine,¡± he replied casually. ¡°If you won¡¯t go, I¡¯ll send the second female lead with Stewart.¡±

    Elva continued to persuade her. ¡°You might be worried about Carrie, but remember, Mr. Norris invested a lot in you. It¡¯s important to show some results.¡±

    Lise dismissed the idea, saying, ¡°That doesn¡¯t concern him.¡±

    Hearing this, Elva couldn¡¯t help but question¡ªwhat did Kristopher see in Lise?

    Carrie finally agreed to reveal her secret identity, and Soren wasted no time. He immediately dialed Mr. Wright, the chief director of Weekend Party, to pass along the news. ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed that Asher and Carrie will be joining, Mr. Wright,¡± he said.

    Mr. Wright¡¯s response was casual, bordering on indifferent. ¡°Alright. Got it.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t wrap his mind around why the owner of Silver Elephant kept pushing for a neer. At first, the TV station had hesitated to include Carrie. As a neer without a track record, and with rumors swirling that she was faking a romance with Asher, the showrunners were wary. Even though the rumors had been debunked, some stubbornizens still clung to them.

    With both of them on the show together, viewers would inevitably think the producers were just chasing buzz. Weekend Party didn¡¯t need help in the poprity department, but it was more concerned with preserving its reputation and staying away from any controversies. Still, Soren pushed for Carrie, even going so far as to say that if they changed the cast, Asher would back out too. The station had no choice but to agree.

    Soren couldn¡¯t help but smirk, amused by Mr. Wright¡¯s nonchnt response. He was curious to see how Mr. Wright would react once he learned about Carrie¡¯s secret identity. With a sly grin, Soren casually added, ¡°By the way, Carrie isn¡¯t just the lead actress.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s also the famous screenwriter Katrina Spencer, and this drama is her creation.¡±

    ¡°Katrina¡­ What? Wait, Katrina Spencer?¡± Mr. Wright, mid-sip, was so stunned he nearly dropped his coffee, setting the mug down hastily. Oblivious to the hot coffee that sshed onto his hand, Mr. Wright¡¯s eyes went wide as he asked, ¡°Wait, are you telling me this actress is Katrina? Mr. Rodgers, this is a joke, right? Everyone says Katrina is a middle-aged person. How could she be a stunning young actress?¡±

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 Chapter 299

    ?<strong>Chapter 299:</strong>

    Soren stifled a chuckle, his voice steady. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t joke about something like this, Mr. Wright. I consider you a friend, which is why I¡¯m sharing this bombshell with you.¡±

    ¡°I really appreciate it,¡± Mr. Wright responded, gratitude in his voice, before hanging up. A feeling of disbelief settled over him. Stepping out of his office, Mr. Wright couldn¡¯t help but tell everyone he ran into that good would be rewarded with good. He attributed his newfound good fortune to his past generosity and was optimistic that the next episode would break records. Katrina¡¯s screen debut! She was starring in her own creation, ying the lead role alongside Asher. Any one of those facts could be enough to make headlines.

    After his excitement settled, Mr. Wright still felt it wasn¡¯t enough. He pulled out his phone and posted on social media, ¡°We¡¯ve got a heavyweight guest on Weekend Party. This time, the ratings are bound to skyrocket.¡±

    Elva opened Twitter and saw Mr. Wright¡¯s post.

    Recalling what Bart had mentioned earlier, shemented, ¡°Who¡¯sing?¡±

    Mr. Wright had worked with Lise on several other shows and had developed a strong personal rapport with her. So, he privately messaged Elva, ¡°Asher Burton¡¯s drama crew ising to my show. Both Asher and the lead actress, Carrie Campbell, will be there.¡± The show hadn¡¯t aired yet, so he kept Katrina¡¯s secret identity under wraps but couldn¡¯t help bringing up Carrie.

    Elva, assuming the major guest Mr. Wright had mentioned was Asher, didn¡¯t give it much thought. She simply handed her phone to Lise and said, ¡°Carrie will take part in Weekend Party.¡±

    ¡°Carrie?¡± Lise paused, then took the phone from her. She squinted at the screen, her voice sharp as she said, ¡°I want to go too.¡±

    Elva was momentarily stunned. Lise¡¯s sudden change of heart meant she had to patch things up with Bart, who she had just rejected. Before Elva could react, Lise handed her the phone and walked briskly toward the door, calling out to Bart as she hurried to catch up. ¡°Hold on a moment, Bart!¡±

    Bart paused, his irritation still clear on his face. Elva caught up with Lise, mentally bracing herself to make things right. ¡°Bart, Lise was in a bad mood earlier and said some things out of frustration. Please don¡¯t take it personally. She knows she was wrong and wants to apologize. We really want to be part of the show.¡±

    Innocent On Livestream

    The weight of regret pressed heavily on Bart¡¯s shoulders. These days, he would stare helplessly at the monitor, watching Lise stumble through almost every scene. She delivered her lines with a t monotone, her expression as wooden as the set props around her. It wasn¡¯t just the mediocre acting; Lise didn¡¯t even bother memorizing longer lines. During filming, shezily mouthed, ¡°1, 2, 3, 4, 5,¡± relying on post-production dubbing to fix her performance. The thought of enduring the inevitable online bacsh made Bart¡¯s stomach churn.

    Even though he didn¡¯t trust Elva¡¯s repeated assurances, he had no choice but to let things y out. Lise¡¯s name still brought attention, and her presence on the show would undoubtedly generate buzz. But that didn¡¯t mean he had to make things easy.

    With a stern expression, Bart addressed Elva sharply. ¡°One minute she¡¯s saying one thing, the next it¡¯s something else. What if she changes her mind in a few days? How do I exin that to the producers? Adjustments within the crew are one thing, but messing with a program¡¯s lineup is a whole different mess. I can¡¯t clean up after that kind of disaster.¡±

    Lise, oblivious to Bart¡¯s frustration, was barely paying attention. Her eyes flitted around, her mind busy plotting how to humiliate Carrie during the show.

    Elva, visibly exasperated, stepped forward to smooth things over. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, she won¡¯t back out,¡± she said, tugging at Lise¡¯s arm for emphasis. ¡°Lise, tell the director yourself. You¡¯re definitely going, right?¡±

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 Chapter 300

    <strong>Chapter 300:</strong>

    Snapping out of her thoughts, Lise shrugged nonchntly. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll go.¡±

    She had to go.

    Unlike acting, variety shows relied on spontaneity and adaptability.

    As long as she yed the innocent victim, she was certain that Carrie¡¯s sharp, no-nonsense personality would alienate viewers.

    All she needed to do was sit back and let the public¡¯s bias work in her favor.

    Bayview Vi

    The house was unusually quiet.

    Kristopher was away, and Carrie decided to take advantage of the peace.

    Camille dropped by for dinner, bringing her trademark lively energy.

    After giving Willow the day off, Carrie pulled out her phone and ordered hotpot delivery.

    When the food arrived, they spread it out on the coffee table in the living room.

    Sitting cross-legged on the carpet, Carrie turned on the projector.

    She scrolled through the streaming options before settling on a newly released movie.

    As the opening credits rolled, Camille hit pause, waving her hand dismissively. ¡°We¡¯re eating hotpot and chatting¡ªhow are we supposed to follow a plot? Let¡¯s watch a livestream instead.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been really into livestreamstely,¡± Carrie teased, ncing at Camille¡¯s phone.

    She knew Camille had a hefty ount, and the phone must have cost her thirty to fifty thousand.

    Camille shrugged, casting the stream to the projector. ¡°It¡¯s just a distraction to take my mind off things.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t push further.

    She knew Camille was still grappling with her situation with Albin.

    Matters of the heart were too personal for anyone else to judge.

    The screen lit up with a new livestream.

    Camille¡¯s eyes widened, and she jabbed a finger at the screen. ¡°Wait a second¡ªisn¡¯t that your scheming sister?¡±

    Carrie looked up, her expression hardening as Yara¡¯s face appeared on the screen.

    Dressed in hospital garb, her bruised and swollen features gave her a pitiful appearance.

    She sat on the hospital bed, clutching a tissue as tears streamed down her cheeks.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why my sister hates me so much,¡± Yara said, her voice trembling with emotion. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I took away some of Dad¡¯s love¡­ I don¡¯t me her for ruining my innocence, but now that Dad¡¯s in trouble, I just wish she¡¯d help the family. After all, half of Dad¡¯s assets belong to her too.¡±

    Her voice broke on thest sentence, and she covered her face, sobbing dramatically.

    The chat was filled with oblivious viewers taking her side, calling Carrie vicious and heartless.

    Camille froze mid-bite, her spoon still in her mouth.

    She stared at the screen in disbelief before erupting. ¡°What the hell is that shameless witch doing? She messes up her own life and then goes live to me you for everything? Unbelievable!¡±

    .

    .

    .

    <hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy Saturday! Enjoy every moment, rx, and let the good vibes flow. God bless you, and Noa is sending you all the best. (>?=)?

    .

 Chapter 301

    ?<strong>Chapter 301:</strong>

    Yara¡¯s livestream painted a tragic picture, her bruised face and pitiful demeanor stirring waves of sympathy from the gossip-hungry viewers.

    With dramatic embellishments, she ced the me squarely on Carrie, skillfully weaving a tale of seduction and betrayal.

    Yara implied that Carrie, despite being married, had continued to seduce Nate Crawford, turning his unrequited love into a thirst for revenge.

    The result, Yara imed, was her own rape and near-death experience.

    She punctuated her story with a forensic injury report¡ªthough it contained no evidence to implicate Carrie directly, the official-looking documentation convinced viewers of Yara¡¯s narrative.

    The sympathy poured in, but Yara wasn¡¯t interested in fighting a long battle.

    Her goal was clear: to pressure Carrie into saving Tristan¡¯s crumblingpany.

    Thepany in question was a family endeavor, originally founded by Carrie¡¯ste mother, Danna.

    She had used her savings and family resources to establish it, managing it herself in its early years.

    However, after marrying Tristan, Danna shifted her focus to being a housewife, leaving the business in Tristan¡¯s hands.

    Under his management, thepany faltered, and for thest few years, it had been teetering on the edge of copse.

    In his desperation, he tried to leverage Nate¡¯s infatuation with Carrie to his advantage.

    Now, with Carrie married to Kristopher, his eyes had briefly turned to the Norris Group before intimidation held him back.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t that scumbag Nate Crawford marry that two-faced Yara in the first ce? They seem hell-bent on dragging you down with them,¡± Camille muttered, her irritation boiling over.

    Across the table, Carrie tightened her grip on her knife and fork, her mind elsewhere.

    She stabbed a piece of beef, dipped it absently into the sesame sauce Camille had prepared, and brought it to her lips. ¡°They¡¯re not doing well now, so of course, they won¡¯t let me live peacefully,¡± she said quietly.

    The beef in her mouth was tasteless, her appetite dampened by the growing weight in her chest.

    It wasn¡¯t the rumors about her that concerned Carrie the most¡ªshe could handle those.

    What worried her was the potential damage to the film crew she was working with.

    Negative publicity could disrupt everything.

    Fortunately, Yara¡¯s livestream didn¡¯tst long.

    It was reported and swiftly taken down, though the damage had already begun to spread online.

    Not long after, Carrie¡¯s phone started ringing.

    The first call was from Soren, his tone urgent. ¡°Carrie, did you see your sister¡¯s livestream?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Carrie replied, her voice heavy with fatigue. ¡°And she¡¯s not my sister¡ªshe¡¯s my stepmother¡¯s daughter.

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 Chapter 302

    ?<strong>Chapter 302:</strong>

    Last time, when I was kidnapped, I¡¯m certain she had a hand in it.¡±

    Soren sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping tabs on your case, but the police still haven¡¯t caught Nate.

    Without aplete picture, it¡¯s hard to hold Yara ountable.¡±

    He paused, his tone growing sharper. ¡°Shutting down the livestream so quickly could make it look like someone¡¯s trying to cover it up.

    Was it Kristopher who pulled the strings?¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you?¡±

    ¡°No, it wasn¡¯t me,¡± Soren rified. ¡°By the time I found out about it, the livestream had already been shut down.

    I checked¡ªthe ban isn¡¯t just on her ount.

    It¡¯s one of the most severe bans possible.

    She¡¯spletely barred from appearing on any inte tform.¡±

    Nearby, Camille¡¯s eyes widened in shock. ¡°Wow.¡±

    ¡°Completely banned? There have been less than three streamers in history who¡¯ve faced that kind of punishment!¡±

    A full tform ban was rare and reserved for severe cases.

    It meant Yara couldn¡¯t create ounts, post content, or even appear in anyone else¡¯s streams or social media videos.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s hosts thetest chapters

    The punishment was a public signal of serious wrongdoing.

    Carrie said into the phone, ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll ask around.¡± Then she ended the call.

    Her screen lit up with notifications.

    Two missed calls¡ª

    one from Oliver and another from Ruby.

    The sight of Oliver¡¯s name gave her pause.

    Kristopher.

    She was almost certain he had handled Yara¡¯s situation behind the scenes.

    But she decided to return Ruby¡¯s call first.

    There were still exnations to be made, and Ruby¡¯s opinion mattered to her.

    Halfway through the conversation with Ruby, a WhatsApp notification popped up on Carrie¡¯s screen.

    It was from Soren.

    His message contained another piece of bad news.

    ¡°Kristopher.¡±

    Actually¡­

    After the live broadcast, the organizers of Weekend Party reached out to Soren with two options: they could either rece Carrie with someone else or postpone their appearances until the situation calmed down.

    Carrie rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of the situation. ¡°Who knows when this will be over. Let¡¯s just rece me with someone else.¡±

    Ruby thought for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°No, that won¡¯t work. You¡¯re part of the same cast. If we rece you, your situation will stille up. It¡¯s better to fix this first and worry about promotionter.¡±

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 Chapter 303

    ?<strong>Chapter 303:</strong>

    Carrie passed Ruby¡¯s advice along to Soren, who agreed with her reasoning.

    They decided it would be best to dy their appearance on the show for now.

    The following morning, Carrie woke up and went downstairs to find Kristopher sitting on the sofa, still dressed in his tailored suit with his tie neatly knotted.

    He must have just returned.

    When he heard her footsteps, he slowly raised his eyes to meet hers.

    Carrie¡¯s first thought was that he hade back because of her.

    She remembered how he had shut down Yara the day before, and it made her realize she owed him a debt of gratitude.

    Gathering her thoughts, Carrie gave him a small smile, poured him a ss of water, and said, ¡°Thank you for what you did with Yara.¡±

    He epted the water, looked out the window with a faint smirk, and remarked with a touch of sarcasm, ¡°Well, I guess the sun didn¡¯te up in the west today, did it? And yet, you¡¯re still thanking me?¡±

    There was a subtle exhaustion in his demeanor, as though he¡¯d rushed back in a hurry.

    Carrie felt a small stir of emotion and quickly checked the time, then changed the subject. ¡°It¡¯s nearly noon.¡±

    ¡°What would you like to eat? I¡¯ll make something for you.¡± For a moment, Kristopher was flooded with nostalgia, remembering when Carrie used to wait at home, always with a hot meal ready for him.

    He had once thought their daily life was simple and unchanging, like the furniture in their home that always stayed in its ce.

    But in just a few months, everything had changed.

    A vague sadness washed over him, and he blurted out, ¡°Oxtail soup.¡±

    Carrie peeked into the kitchen and shook her head. ¡°No oxtail. How about beef stew instead?¡±

    Kristopher frowned, his toneced with a hint of frustration. ¡°You always used to buy the ingredients ahead of time.¡±

    ¡°Exactly, I used to,¡± she replied sharply. ¡°Once upon a time, gold was two hundred a unit. Things change, though.¡±

    Whether grateful or not, she couldn¡¯t keep being the one who always catered to his every whim.

    Kristopher, seeing her point, finally relented. ¡°Fine, beef stew¡¯s fine. How about with tomatoes?¡±

    Carrie shut the fridge door and shook her head. ¡°No tomatoes left. What about just a clear broth beef stew?¡±

    Kristopher paused, unable to find a response.

    Carrie didn¡¯t nce at him again and walked into the kitchen, her back turned toward him.

    Kristopher lingered for a moment, then turned and made his way upstairs.

    A little whileter, Willow quietly walked into the kitchen. ¡°Ma¡¯am, can I help with anything?¡±

    ¡°No thanks, I¡¯ll manage.¡± Carrie turned around and noticed Willow holding her phone, scrolling through Twitter.

    On the screen, she saw a post from Lise announcing her guest spot on Weekend Party.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 304

    ?<strong>Chapter 304:</strong>

    Carrie let out a sharp, bitterugh. Was Lise doing this on purpose, just to twist the knife deeper? Carrie couldn¡¯t be on the show, so Lise didn¡¯t hesitate to take her ce.

    Willow smiled and handed her phone to Carrie. ¡°My son watches that show every week. I think I overheard you and Miss Nixon talking about it yesterday. You were nning to join, too, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Carrie replied absently, her gaze drifting toward the staircase as her mind wandered.

    Why had Kristopher actually returned? Was it for her? Or was it to ensure that Lise got the Weekend Party slot?

    Lost in her own thoughts, Carrie failed to notice the small, satisfied smile tugging at the corners of Willow¡¯s lips.

    Carrie abandoned her culinary ns, her mood shifting like quicksilver.

    She passed the skimmer to Willow, her voice steady and cool. ¡°Mr. Norris requires a clear beef broth.¡±

    Willow had arrived earlier to clean up the remnants of the previous night¡¯s hot pot. When Carrie announced she would prepare lunch herself, Willow had hoped for a moment of respite. Now, unexpectedly drawn into work, she felt a twinge of frustration.

    Her reluctance surfaced in her response. ¡°Mrs. Norris, you promised to cook personally. Isn¡¯t it inconsistent to suddenly assign me the task?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mild annoyance flickered in her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s inappropriate about delegation? Does the origin of the broth truly matter?¡±

    A sardonic voice interrupted their exchange. ¡°Since when did you start saying one thing and doing another?¡± Kristopher descended the stairs, each step deliberate and measured.

    He wore a gray silk loungewear set that draped effortlessly over his broad shoulders and tapered waist. The understated elegance only amplified hismanding presence.

    Carrie ignored his jab, cutting straight to the chase. ¡°How much did you invest in Weekend Party?¡±

    Kristopher sauntered over to the sofa, pausing just long enough to nce backzily. ¡°Weekend Party? That fluffy variety show? I wouldn¡¯t throw a penny at something so trivial.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    He exhaled augh tinged with exasperation. ¡°What do you want me to do? Call Oliver and have him deliver thepany¡¯s expense reports to you?¡±

    Nearby, Willow, who¡¯d been eavesdropping while halfheartedly washing vegetables, felt a pang of unease.

    She had only intended to stir the pot a little, but Carrie had taken her bait and hurled it like a spear at Kristopher.

    Sneaking out her phone, she quickly messaged Lise: ¡°Carrie¡¯s not as easy to push around anymore.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll get back to the kitchen,¡± Carrie mumbled, her earlier frustration mellowing into resignation.

    Kristopher, catching her difort, reached out and gently guided her to his side. ¡°Forget about cooking. Let¡¯s talk about your family¡¯spany.¡±

    Startled, Carrie let him lead her to the sofa, a flicker of confusion dancing in her eyes.

    .

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 Chapter 305

    ?<strong>Chapter 305:</strong>

    He spoke with an unsettling calm, the kind that hinted at storms beneath the surface. ¡°I did some digging into the Campbell family business. They just inked a new contract. Tristan cut corners by switching to a bargain-basement supplier, all in the name of higher profits. Now the quality¡¯s tanked, and they¡¯re staring down the barrel of massivepensation ims.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, an unknown number buzzed her phone.

    The message read: ¡°Thepany teeters on bankruptcy. It represents your mother¡¯s legacy. Save it, and I¡¯ll grant you thirty percent of the shares.¡±

    She passed the phone to Kristopher, a sardonic smile ying on her lips. ¡°Speak of the devil.¡±

    ¡°More like the devil¡¯s trying to shove you into the fire,¡± Kristopher remarked, his tone nonchnt but his gaze sharp.

    His chest tightened at the sight of her, but he kept his feelings locked away, like a treasure buried deep.

    Kristopher had never been one for grand disys of emotion.

    All he wanted was to shield Carrie from the storms life hurled her way.

    Carrie¡¯s voice, however, was steady and cool as ake before dawn. ¡°No, he¡¯s not trying to pull me under. If thepany survives, they¡¯ll toss me aside the second it stabilizes.¡±

    If it sinks, they¡¯ll leave me to drown in its debt while they row away with whatever¡¯s left.¡±

    Kristopher turned to her, his eyes tracing the contours of her face¡ªthe sweep of her longshes, the elegant slope of her nose, and the perfect, delicate structure of her features.

    She was just twenty-four, an age when parents were meant to shield their children, not use them as shields.

    Carrie tilted her head up, her lips so close to his that the gap between them felt like a whisper of air.

    The space between them grew dense, charged with an unspoken current that neither dared to name.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze lingered on Kristopher¡¯s crimson lips, her mind unwillingly flooded with shes of their shared intimacy.

    The memory of his touch, the way he had kissed her with possessive intensity¡ªit all came rushing back, leaving her heart pounding uncontrobly.

    Embarrassed by her reaction, she quickly lowered her head, her hair falling forward like a shield.

    She pushed the thoughts aside, shifting slightly to create more distance between them.

    This kind of closeness unsettled her more than being in bed with him.

    Physical intimacy could bepartmentalized, treated as routine, even mundane.

    But these quiet, everyday moments¡ªthey unraveled her defenses, stirring emotions she couldn¡¯t afford to feel.

    Kristopher¡¯s dark eyes flickered as he noticed her retreat.

    His lips curved ever so slightly before he schooled his expression into neutrality. ¡°What do you n to do next?¡± he asked, his tone even.

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 Chapter 306

    ?<strong>Chapter 306:</strong>

    Displeasure clouded his features at her continued avoidance.

    Carrie¡¯s avoidance frustrated him, but he didn¡¯t press her.

    He¡¯d long since learned that Carrie¡¯s body often betrayed her true feelings, yet her mind was an enigma he couldn¡¯t decode.

    She straightened, her tone firm. ¡°Thepany was founded by my mother. I won¡¯t let them destroy it. And I won¡¯t let them seed either. They¡¯ll pay for what they¡¯ve done.¡±

    Her words carried the weight of years of bitterness and resolve.

    Despite sharing a father, Yara had always been cherished, while Carrie had been little more than a tool¡ªconvenient and disposable.

    Carrie reflected briefly on her past.

    Tristan¡¯s decision to send her to live with Gracie as a child had been a blessing in disguise.

    Gracie had instilled in her traditional values and independence, shielding her from the toxic dependency that might have bound her to Tristan in gratitude.

    Without Gracie¡¯s influence, Carrie doubted she¡¯d have the strength to act so decisively now.

    Kristopher leaned back in his seat, his gaze never leaving her. ¡°I¡¯ll help you.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, her instinctive response to refuse caught in her throat.

    She knew she didn¡¯t have the resources or the money to take on this fight alone.

    After a moment, she spoke. ¡°I don¡¯t want your help. Let¡¯s make a deal instead. You lend me the money, and I¡¯ll repay you in a month. As interest, I¡¯ll give you 20% of thepany¡¯s shares.¡±

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, crossing his legs as his fingers tapped rhythmically on his knee.

    Her formal tone irritated him.

    ¡°What would I do with shares from such a smallpany?¡±

    Carrie was taken aback, her confidence faltering.

    He wasn¡¯t wrong.

    Even at its height, the Campbell family business¡¯s monthly profits couldn¡¯t match the cost of one of Kristopher¡¯s watches.

    Offering him 20% of the shares seemedughable, almost insulting.

    Wary of his intent, she asked cautiously, ¡°Then what do you want?¡±

    ¡°Forget the shares, and you don¡¯t need to repay the money,¡± Kristopher replied casually. ¡°After your shooting wraps, apany me on a vacation.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s shoulders rxed slightly.

    She had braced herself for something more insidious¡ªperhaps a condition involving Lise or the divorce.

    This was¡­ manageable. ¡°Alright, no problem,¡± she agreed without hesitation. ¡°But let¡¯s be clear: I¡¯ll still repay the loan. If you don¡¯t want the shares, that¡¯s fine, but I don¡¯t take money without paying it back.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened, his pride pricked by her insistence on keeping things separate. ¡°Suit yourself,¡± he muttered in a clipped tone.

    Just when Carrie thought her day couldn¡¯t get worse, her phone buzzed with an iing call.

    .

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 Chapter 307

    ?<strong>Chapter 307:</strong>

    It was Ruby, urgently asking her to check Twitter.

    Carrie¡¯s stomach sank.

    The mere mention of Twitter was enough to send a headache creeping in.

    She didn¡¯t even need to look to know it would be bad news¡ªbecause with Yara involved, it always was.

    Sure enough, Yara¡¯s recent livestream had set off a chain reaction.

    Though Yara had been careful not to explicitly name her, the ever-determinedizens had quickly connected the dots.

    Carrie¡¯s face was stered all over Twitter, apanied by scathing usations.

    She was beingbeled a cruel sister, a cold-hearted daughter, and now, something even more damaging¡ªa woman with a sugar daddy.

    Spection was rampant, with many questioning how Carrie had secured the opportunity to coborate with Asher.

    The leading theory? Her sess was tied to her mysterious benefactor.

    The hashtag #CarrieSugarDaddy quickly climbed the trending list.

    And at the center of the storm was one name: Soren from Silver Elephant Media.

    Be Friends

    ¡°People are so easily impressed,¡± Kristopher muttered, frowning at the Twitterments gushing over Soren¡¯s wealth and charm. Without a word, he snapped a screenshot of thements and forwarded it to Oliver.

    Momentster, Oliver replied, ¡°Understood, sir. I¡¯ll handle removing the trending topics and blocking any rtedments.¡± After a pause, he added, ¡°Perhaps this is a good time to announce your marriage? Your wife has always been sensitive about the wedding and her official status.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed, and he sent back nothing more than a single question mark.

    Oliver quickly backpedaled, typing a reply. ¡°I apologize, sir. I shouldn¡¯t have crossed the line.¡±

    ¡°Oliver¡¯s taking care of it,¡± Kristopher said as he set his phone down and turned his attention to Carrie.

    Carrie didn¡¯t look the least bit reassured. Rubbing her forehead, she sighed, ¡°I can¡¯t keep shutting people up forever. Being in the spotlight means I can¡¯t gag every critic who speaks out.¡±

    Kristopher remembered Oliver¡¯s earlier suggestion. Feigning nonchnce, he said, ¡°There¡¯s a simple way to put these rumors to rest for good.¡±

    As expected, he caught Carrie¡¯s attention. She stopped scrolling and looked up, her curiosity piqued.

    Holding her gaze, he said it as though it was the most obvious solution in the world. ¡°Just announce that you¡¯re married, that you¡¯re Mrs. Norris. Nobody would dare use you of chasing after a sponsor.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed as she studied his smug expression, her distaste clear. Without bothering to reply, she calmly twisted the cap off a water bottle and took a slow sip.

    Herck of enthusiasm grated on Kristopher¡¯s nerves. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted to focus on acting? You¡¯re not aiming to be some idol. So going public about your marriage shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Unless, of course, you¡¯d rather people assume you¡¯re involved with someone like Soren to keep up the illusion that you¡¯re single?¡±

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 Chapter 308

    ?<strong>Chapter 308:</strong>

    Kristopher caught himself before blurting out, ¡°Or is it that you just don¡¯t want to admit I¡¯m your husband?¡± The thought sounded too much like jealousy, so he stopped himself just in time.

    Carrie set the bottle of water on the table, her expression firm. ¡°If I announce my marriage now¡ªwhen I¡¯m just starting out, working alongside a top-tier star, and facing all this negativity¡ªpeople will just say every opportunity I¡¯ve had came from you.¡±

    Kristopher looked at her, genuinely baffled. ¡°At least that¡¯s better than them calling you a kept woman.¡±

    Her eyes narrowed, a flicker of defiance in her gaze. ¡°What exactly have you ever given me? Everything I¡¯ve achieved so far has been through my own effort, not yours.¡±

    He shrugged, utterly unfazed. ¡°So, you¡¯re ming me for not handing you anything? Fine. If you want leading roles, exclusive deals, or top-tier campaigns, I¡¯ll have Oliver sort it out right now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother.¡± She rolled her eyes, her frustration palpable. ¡°Just stop, Kristopher.¡±

    Carrie stood abruptly, the tension making it unbearable to stay seated next to him any longer. But Kristopher caught her wrist before she could move awaypletely. His voice held a sharp edge of frustration. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it all. Leaving things half-said¡ªis that your idea of fun?¡±

    The sudden pull made her lose her bnce, and she stumbled right into his arms. She recovered quickly, pushing herself away and stepping back, putting a safer distance between them.

    This time, she didn¡¯t hold back. Meeting his gaze, her tone turned serious. ¡°I¡¯m not asking for favors, Kristopher. All I want is for people to see my hard work for what it is. I refuse to hide behind anyone just because I¡¯m scared of criticism.¡±

    For a moment, Kristopher simply stared at her, taken aback by the determination in her eyes. Then, to her surprise, he gave a curt nod. ¡°Fine. I get it.¡±

    The abrupt shift left Carrie momentarily caught off guard. She eyed him suspiciously, unsure if he truly meant it.

    Before she could dwell on it, his gaze shifted past her toward Willow, who was setting dishes on the table. ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± he said with a steady tone.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Carrie murmured, turning toward the dining table.

    They sat across from each other, the silence heavy but not unbearable. Kristopher picked up his fork but hesitated before cing a piece of meat onto Carrie¡¯s te. His tone was softer now, lessbative. ¡°If you need Oliver to handle anything, just tell me. You¡¯re not alone in this, Carrie. You don¡¯t have to beg anyone for help.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes lingered on the piece of meat on her te, the simple act feeling oddly meaningful. For the first time, she allowed herself to wonder if, when the time came for them to part ways, it would be possible to keep him in her life¡ªnot as a husband¡ªbut perhaps as a friend?

    Lunch passed peacefully, with a fragile sense of calm holding steady. Once they finished eating, Kristopher headed off to his office. Left on her own without any filming obligations for the day, Carrie decided it was a good time for a change.

    She thoughtfully went to her room to pick out a new outfit. Her choice fell on a light gray blouse, crisply tailored ck trousers, and polished high heels, her hair pulled back into a sleek high ponytail. To assert a moremanding presence, she applied a coat of brick-red lipstick, enhancing her image as a formidable, self-assured professional.

    Clutching an elegant elephant-gray designer bag, she descended the stairs. Willow noticed her immediately and, masking her reaction with a quick smile, approached her and asked, ¡°Mrs. Norris, where are you off to?¡±

    A sense of urgency flickered in Willow¡¯s eyes, her probing tone setting Carrie on edge. Carrie hesitated, then calmly responded, ¡°I¡¯m just stepping out for some shopping.¡±

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 Chapter 309

    ?<strong>Chapter 309:</strong>

    Instinctively wary of Willow, Carrie found herself fabricating a response on the spot. Willow¡¯s expression showed clear disbelief as she said, ¡°Your ensemble seems quite formal, more fitting for a meeting than a casual shopping trip.¡±

    Eyeing Willow¡¯s inquisitive stare, Carrie coldly questioned, ¡°Is your approval required for my fashion choices? I chose this outfit for today. Do you see a problem with it?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that,¡± Willow stuttered. She then muttered, looking down, ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯re quite fiery.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I can be moody. You are here to manage Bayview Vi, not to socialize. I¡¯d prefer it if you stuck to your duties.¡± With those words, Carrie quickly walked down the stairs, the sound of her heels punctuating her exit.

    Carrie chose a ck luxury car from the garage for her trip. Halfway there, she pulled over to unblock Tristan¡¯s phone number. Once connected, Tristan¡¯s voice was arrogant and mocking. ¡°I thought you were done with us. Now you want something, and you call?¡±

    Carrie responded coldly, ¡°We need to meet.¡±

    Tristan quickly replied, ¡°Come to our ce. We¡¯re going to the hospital to see your sister soon and can¡¯t meet anywhere else.¡±

    ¡°Meet me at thepany. I¡¯ll be there in thirty minutes,¡± Carrie said firmly, then hung up, tossed her phone onto the passenger seat, and sped up.

    She arrived at the Campbell family business thirty minutester. The business had moved to a new free-trade area, very different from the old city center where it was when she was a child. Everything looked different now, twenty yearster. The area mostly had smaller businesses, and most cars were simple, affordable models. So, Carrie¡¯s luxurious ck car stood out, making people stop and wonder who the important person arriving was.

    As soon as Carrie parked, she noticed Tristan and Cindy getting out of a taxi. Despite having seen them only a few days ago, both Tristan and Cindy appeared significantly older. Cindy¡¯s heavy makeup did little to conceal the new wrinkles etching her face or the dark circles under her eyes.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey

    As they approached, Tristan¡¯s expression chilled at the sight of the luxury car parked behind Carrie. He said without hesitation, ¡°Selling just one of these cars could have saved ourpany, but you stood by. How could youck suchpassion?¡±

    Cindy, noticing the gathering crowd, began to wipe her eyes theatrically, crying out, ¡°You may despise your father and me, but what about your sister? She¡¯s innocent in all this! How could you let such a horrible thing happen to her and just stand by?¡±

    The murmurs of the onlookers grew louder, their initially admiring nces shifting to judgment. How could someone so stunning be so merciless?

    Carrie crossed her arms, her gaze icy and unyielding. ¡°If you¡¯re trying to gain sympathy by ying the victim, don¡¯t expect me to clean up your mess. If you¡¯re asking for help, at least act like it.¡±

    Tristan and Cindy exchanged awkward nces, their earlier bravado evaporating into silence. Carrie took a slow step forward, her heels clicking against the pavement. A chilling authority radiated from her, and the tension in the air grew palpable. She surveyed the gathered crowd, her voice calm but cutting. ¡°Before you speak, make sure you know all the facts. Don¡¯t let yourself be used as someone else¡¯s pawn without even realizing it.¡±

    Had anyone else said this, it might have been dismissed as posturing. But Carrie wasn¡¯t just anyone. Hermanding presence, striking beauty, and confident demeanor left no room for doubt¡ªshe was not to be trifled with.

    The silence stretched ufortably as Carrie turned and walked toward the office building. Tristan and Cindy hesitated briefly before scurrying after her.

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 Chapter 310

    <strong>Chapter 310:</strong>

    Inside, thepany felt like a ghost town. Employees lingered idly at their desks, whispering in hushed tones and sneaking nces toward the office doors. Everyone was waiting for the inevitable¡ªthe announcement of closure. The atmosphere was thick with unease.

    The office doors were ajar, revealing a room filled with shareholders. They sat slumped in their chairs, smoking anxiously, their faces etched with dejection. When Tristan and Cindy appeared, the shareholders immediately perked up. They rose from their seats and hurried over. ¡°Tristan, you¡¯re finally here!¡±

    ¡°What are we going to do about this situation? The new products have quality issues, and the clients are furious. Are we just supposed to take all the me? What are the suppliers saying?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were going to negotiate with them?¡± Tristan avoided their using stares, his gaze darting away as he rubbed his nose nervously. He had taken kickbacks from the suppliers¡ªconfronting them wasn¡¯t an option.

    Sensing the rising tension, Cindy stepped forward, shing a practiced smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Tristan is just as concerned as all of you. After all, he holds the most shares in thepany. And he¡¯s brought Carrie here to help resolve the issue.¡±

    Her words seemed to give Tristan a shred of confidence. He straightened slightly, puffing out his chest. ¡°Exactly. My daughter is here. And don¡¯t forget, her husband is Kristopher Norris, the CEO of Norris Group. A problem like this is nothing for him.¡±

    At this, the shareholders turned their attention to Carrie. Their initial frustration was momentarily reced by surprise. Carrie stood apart from the rest, exuding a quiet strength that was impossible to ignore. They had only seen Yara before, a beauty adorned in luxury brands, pretty butcking in presence. It became clear why Carrie, not Yara, had married into the Norris family.

    But admiration quickly gave way to practicality. Faced with the looming threat of bankruptcy, there was no time for pleasantries. The shareholders exchanged brief nces, then appointed one speaker to proceed on their behalf. ¡°Ms. Campbell,¡± the man began hesitantly, ¡°thepany is facing significantpensation ims. To resume production, we¡¯ll need substantial funding.¡±

    ¡°How much does Norris Group n to invest in us?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond immediately. Instead, she walked over to an empty chair and sat down, crossing her legs with deliberate poise. ¡°Business is business,¡± she said coolly. ¡°Investing now would be charity. Norris Group isn¡¯t foolish. Why should they clean up someone else¡¯s mess?¡±

    The shareholders froze, their earlier confidence faltering. Then, the murmurs started¡ªdiscontent brewing like a storm. ¡°Are you kidding us?¡± one of them finally burst out. ¡°You think you can push us around just because you have Norris Group behind you? We won¡¯t let this go! If you¡¯re not here to help, then what¡¯s the point of this meeting?¡±

    Tristan¡¯s face flushed red with embarrassment. He shot Carrie a sharp re. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you came here to solve the problem? Why are you making things worse?¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t flinch. Her calmposure was unshaken as she met Tristan¡¯s gaze. ¡°I never said I was here to solve your problems.¡± She leaned back slightly, her voice steady and matter-of-fact. ¡°I¡¯m here to discuss the deal.¡±

    ¡°What do you want to discuss with us, then?¡± one of the shareholders asked, his earlier anger tempered by curiosity. The others exchanged wary nces, their frustration giving way to a tentative seriousness.

    Carrie, though the youngest, blended seamlessly with the group of middle-aged executives gathered around her. Over time, she had mastered adopting Kristopher¡¯sposed approach. This semnce of calm was sufficient to manage the less significant yers. In contrast to Tristan, her presence carried the unmistakable weight of leadership.

    With poise, Carrie said, ¡°Once thepany deres bankruptcy, the shares you¡¯re clutching will turn to dust along with anypensation. Wouldn¡¯t it be wiser to sell them to me now, while they still hold some value?¡±

    .

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    <hr>

    Message from Noah: A new week is here! Embrace the fresh start and enjoy the chapters. God bless you, and Noa is sending you all the best. (?O?=)? ?

    .

 Chapter 311

    ?<strong>Chapter 311:</strong>

    Tristan interrupted sharply, ¡°Absolutely not! Haven¡¯t I promised to allocate shares to you after all this is settled? What¡¯s this new angle?¡±

    He had enlisted Carrie¡¯s involvement not to genuinely salvage thepany during this downturn, but as a ploy to further his own ends. Tristan¡¯sck of business acumen waspounded by Yara¡¯s scandal, diminishing any prospect of alliances with powerful families. He and Cindy were scheming to cash out through Carrie, relocate overseas, and leave the debts for the shareholders to clear.

    If Carrie managed to consolidate shares, it would divert funds away from his intended escape. After all his efforts to draw her in, Tristan was determined not to let Carrie turn the tables.

    Carrie nced coldly at him and addressed the room. ¡°Even if we navigate past this crisis, thepany¡¯s outdated mode of operations is unsustainable. Moreover, you¡¯re unlikely to find another buyer willing to assume control, apart from me.¡±

    The shareholders looked at one another, sensing a potential exit. Tristan hastily interjected, ¡°With sufficient capital, we can secure new suppliers and meet our deadlines. The anticipated profits, despite the damages, will be significant.¡±

    Their hunger for more knew no bounds.

    Triggered by Tristan¡¯s assurance, the wavering shareholders leaned towards his view, trying to persuade Carrie. ¡°Ms. Campbell, this business is part of your heritage. Surely, half of it belongs to you by right. Family bonds are deep; you wouldn¡¯t harbor resentment against your father, would you? If you lend a hand now, during these troubling times, your father will surely be grateful for your kindness.¡±

    As the discussion heated up, the tone shifted towards hostility against Carrie. ¡°Ms. Campbell, how can you remain so indifferent?¡± someone asked. ¡°Despite your youth, you¡¯re looking to capitalize on this crisis, aren¡¯t you? You aim to take over the entirepany, yet do you truly have the capability to manage it?¡± another added.

    ¡°Exactly¡­¡± Murmurs of agreement followed. ¡°My wife may not have the knack for it, but I¡¯m here to support her,¡± said a voice, chilling the room.

    Everyone turned towards the interruption, only to see Kristopher enter with an imposing, cool demeanor, with Oliver in tow carrying a hefty stack of papers. Kristopher, with hismanding height and striking looks, could have been mistaken for a character from a graphic novel. His presence alonemanded attention. To those unfamiliar with him, his identity was clear the instant he appeared.

    Oliver positioned a chair next to Carrie, and Kristopher took the seat, reassuringly taking Carrie¡¯s hand. ¡°Why are you here by yourself?¡±

    In a moment to assert her independence yet subtly acknowledge his support, Carrie responded with a hint of flirtation, ¡°I thought I shouldn¡¯t disturb you, given your busy schedule.¡±

    Tristan and Cindy looked at each other in confusion, not anticipating Kristopher¡¯s personal backing of Carrie. Tristan stepped up with a forced smile. ¡°Mr. Norris, there¡¯s no need for you to intervene in such a minor issue.¡±

    Kristopher scoffed, ¡°And if I hadn¡¯t shown up, would you have taken the opportunity to pressure my wife?¡±

    Oliver nced around and noticed that Carrie was the only one seated, clearly unbothered. He couldn¡¯t help but acknowledge that Kristopher¡¯s talent for presenting a strong front, even when exaggerating the facts, was bing more pronounced.

    Regaining his bearings, Oliver stepped forward and dramatically scattered the documents he carried in front of the shareholders, causing a stir of confusion among them.

    Carrie skimmed through the documents, and their significance became clear almost immediately. These were weapons of leverage against Tristan and the other shareholders. Thepany¡¯s performance was steadily declining, and it wasn¡¯t just Tristan who was standing idly by. The other shareholders were also scrambling to grab whatever they could from the sinking ship. Carrie had unearthed much of this on her own, arming herself with enough courage to face the lion¡¯s den alone today.

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 Chapter 312

    ?<strong>Chapter 312:</strong>

    With a casual tone, Kristopher remarked, ¡°Should I start listing all of your shady dealings, one by one?¡± His eyes scanned the room, locking onto each person as he spoke. While Carrie¡¯s gaze was sharp, Kristopher¡¯s was undeniably lethal. A chill swept through the room, as if the threat of a de hovered just inches from their necks.

    Theirpany wasn¡¯t even worthy of partnering with a Norris Group subsidiary, and under Kristopher¡¯s scrutiny, they felt like deer frozen in headlights, barely daring to breathe.

    An older man mustered what little courage he had and said, ¡°Mr. Norris, even if there are internal issues, they don¡¯t concern you, do they? Your wife might be Mr. Campbell¡¯s daughter, but she doesn¡¯t own shares or hold a position here.¡±

    ¡°Are you using me of meddling?¡± Kristopher¡¯s fingers idly traced the back of Carrie¡¯s hand, her skin soft as velvet. The older man let out an awkward chuckle. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡±

    With a faint smile, Kristopher replied, ¡°Well, I quite enjoy meddling.¡± His gaze drifted toward Carrie, filled with a teasing warmth that seemed to silently seek her approval. Carrie couldn¡¯t help but marvel at his audacity to flirt in such a setting, nearly shattering theposed image she had struggled to uphold.

    Flirting was one thing, but why do it so tantly? Heat crept to her cheeks, and she felt slightly embarrassed. Quietly, she pressed her nails into his palm. To Kristopher, it was nothing more than a light scratch, like a kitten¡¯s yful nip, and he simply tightened his hold on her hand. Luckily, the others were too preupied with the damning documents, sweating with nervousness, to catch on to their subtle exchange. Only Oliver, standing silently behind Kristopher, noticed the entire interaction. A quiet sense of relief washed over him. It seemed Kristopher was finally wising up when it came to love. Always the professional, Kristopher had never been one to indulge in such behavior at formal events.

    Carrie gathered herposure, keeping her tone steady andposed as she spoke. ¡°The price I¡¯m offering may not be the highest, but it¡¯s reasonable. I¡¯m offering the same for all your shares. Aren¡¯t you concerned that Mr. Campbell might quietly sell them behind your backs? His connections and resources are far more extensive than yours, and by then, your shares will be worth even less.¡±

    Kristopher kept one arm wrapped around Carrie¡¯s shoulder, the other gripping her hand. ¡°Several of your actions have already crossed legal boundaries, making this more than just an internal affair. What do you think might happen if I reported them as a concerned citizen?¡±

    Tristan¡¯splexion turned ghostly pale. ¡°You!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. ¡°Dear Father-inw, you can either take the money and walk away or sink with your underlings. You know which choice makes sense, don¡¯t you?¡±

    The phrase ¡°Dear Father-inw¡± wasn¡¯t meant as a gesture of respect, but rather as a sharp mockery. Kristopher¡¯s grip on Carrie tightened as he leaned in, his voice a soft whisper in her ear. ¡°I¡¯m here with you.¡± The words left Carrie momentarily stunned, making her question whether their rtionship was truly beyond saving. She silently cursed herself for being so easily influenced, as if a small hint of warmth from him could erase all the pain from the past.

    The shareholders watched in bewilderment as the couple engaged in flirtatious, sharp-witted exchanges, their words sharp enough to cut through steel. They were the perfect pair of mischief and mayhem!

    Tristan paused, then leaned over to whisper to Cindy, ¡°Perhaps it¡¯s best we sell our shares to her and negotiate a good price. Holding onto a sinking ship isn¡¯t worth it anymore. We could move abroad with our daughter and start again.¡±

    In his thoughts, Tristan imagined Yara¡¯s potential future once she was well¡ªher beauty and intelligence could well secure her a wealthy marriage abroad.

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 Chapter 313

    ?<strong>Chapter 313:</strong>

    Cindy nced at her husband with a mixture of contempt and frustration, her eyes rolling at his suggestion. She assertively said, ¡°We aren¡¯t selling all our shares to you.¡±

    Her intuition screamed that parting with their shares to Carrie might close the door on any future opportunities to recover.

    Carrie simply arched an eyebrow, appearing detached. ¡°Selling the Campbell assets might help you weather this storm. Remember, I¡¯m not your only option.¡±

    Kristopher then chimed in, ¡°This doesn¡¯t really involve us, so we¡¯ll be on our way. Honestly, if not for the hard work your mother put into this, I¡¯d rather donate this money than sink it here.¡±

    He added casually, ¡°Oh, and I heard the new seafood restaurant on the outskirts just received a fresh batch of tuna. Let¡¯s head there before it runs out.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s smile was teasing,ced with derision as she watched Tristan¡¯s reaction.

    Tristan¡¯splexion shifted from pale to a deep red, his body shaking with indignation. ¡°Disgraceful child! How did I ever raise someone like you?¡±

    Carrie clicked her tongue in response. ¡°Well, given that half of my gic makeup is questionable, it¡¯s hardly surprising I turned out this way.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression grew stern as he cautioned, ¡°Watch your words, she¡¯s my wife, and whatever you use her of, you use me of the same.¡±

    Tristan hesitated, his hand hovering over a cup, before he thought better of it and withdrew.

    Kristopher¡¯s presence was formidable, his mere nce enough to intimidate anyone profoundly. More importantly, his threats were never hollow; he always acted on his words.

    Tristan couldn¡¯t shake the regret over how everything had spiraled out of control with Carrie and Kristopher. Back when Carrie first became part of the Norris family, she was the subject of admiration and envy from many. Even the Crawford family, who felt that they had been made a fool of, could do nothing but simmer quietly in their frustration.

    Even without direct assistance from Kristopher, Tristan¡¯s association with the Norris family had garnered significant advantages and connections. At this point, there was no possibility of turning back.

    ¡°I¡¯m ready to sell my shares. I own five percent.¡±

    A shareholder approached with curiosity. ¡°What¡¯s your offer?¡±

    Carrie paused, then elegantly lifted three fingers in response. ¡°Three million, is it?¡±

    The man reacted with astonishment. Even under normal circumstances, the shares were barely worth two million and difficult to liquidate; it was absurd to consider such a high figure for apany on the brink of failure.

    With a dismissive chuckle, Carrie said, ¡°Three hundred thousand.¡±

    The outcry was instant. ¡°Three hundred thousand!¡± they protested. ¡°That¡¯s outrageously low!¡±

    Yet Carrie remained the picture of calmness, her leg swinging nonchntly. She said, ¡°Beyond the Campbell family¡¯s fifty-five percent, the other forty-five percent is valued at only two hundred seventy thousand. Commit to the contract today, and I¡¯ll settle in cash. Moreover, I¡¯ll handle any hidden financial misconduct you¡¯ve been part of within thepany.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be able to retire peacefully, free from the risk of exposure. After all, should I bring these issues to light, it¡¯s unlikely anyone would offer even thirty thousand for your shares.¡±

    Kristopher surveyed the documents scattered across the floor, then fixed a stern, menacing look on the shareholders. His intense stare served as a clear warning.

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 Chapter 314

    ?<strong>Chapter 314:</strong>

    In a moment of frustration, one shareholder aggressively grabbed a document and ripped it to pieces. Quick to intervene, Oliver moved closer and said, ¡°Those are just copies. If you feel like tearing more, I can easily print more for you.¡±

    The man paused briefly, then, in a burst of anger, threw the torn pieces onto the floor. Carrie calmly wrote down her contact number on a note and stood up. ¡°There¡¯s no need to rush your decision. You have until tomorrow afternoon to consider. If you¡¯re not prepared to sell by three p.m. tomorrow, consider the offer withdrawn.¡±

    She then offered the piece of paper to the shareholders. Before they could take it, Kristopher deftly retrieved the note from her hand. Confused by his actions, Carrie watched as Oliver gracefully came forward and offered his business card, saying, ¡°Please contact me directly if needed.¡±

    Meanwhile, Carrie remained unaware of a stylishly dressed young woman observing them intently from just outside thepany¡¯s ss doors.

    Carrieyered a few additional pleasantries into the discussion, deftly juggling the sharp edges of tough negotiations with the soft cushions of diplomacy. The shareholders, like leaves caught in a gentle breeze, leaned toward her proposal, their inclination almost unanimous. Only Tristan and Cindy stood firm, their eyes radiating resentment. However, Carrie didn¡¯t mind and said, ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for your good news,¡± before leaving with Kristopher.

    Leaning against Kristopher as they exited, she appeared delicate, a sparrow buffeted by the tempest, seeking refuge. But the serenity of the moment was fleeting. Once outside the office building, Carrie underwent a startling metamorphosis. She shed her gentle facade, released Kristopher¡¯s arm as if it scalded her, and stepped away, creating a chasm of space between them. The couple that moments earlier seemed wrapped in tender affection now resembled two strangers brushing past each other on a crowded street.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flickered downward,nding on the space where her hand had rested. His eyelids twitched, betraying the faintest hint of irritation. ¡°Do you always treat people like disposable tools? Use them when it suits you and toss them aside when you¡¯re done?¡±

    His biting sarcasm cut through the warmth Carrie had tried to nurture in her heart. She bristled, shedding any pretense of vulnerability, andshed back. ¡°What do you mean by that? Did I beg you to show up and y knight in shining armor today?¡± The tension between them swelled, threatening to erupt, but an unexpected interruption diffused it.

    ¡°Excuse me, Mr. Norris.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? brings great stories

    They turned to see Eaton, the driver from Norris Mansion, standing nearby. His nod toward Kristopher was respectful, but his tone shifted when addressing Carrie, tinged with disdain. ¡°Madam Norris would like you to return home for dinner.¡±

    The ¡°Madam Norris¡± he referred to was none other than Billie. Now that the shadow of divorce loomed over them, Carrie hesitated to face her domineering mother-inw. But then, her thoughts circled back to Kristopher¡¯s gesture of kindness earlier that afternoon. If she declined now, it would solidify his earlier usation¡ªthat she only took what she needed from him before discarding him like a worn-out shoe.

    Their marriage was already hanging by a thread, fragile as a spider¡¯s web. Any further entanglements would onlyplicate the inevitable. Carrie clenched her fists, the knuckles whitening, before rxing. Tentatively, she asked, ¡°Did Billie mention why she wanted to see me?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t naive enough to believe Billie summoned her out of affection. The fact that Eaton had been dispatched hinted that Billie likely knew about the Campbell family¡¯s mounting troubles. Eaton, ever the stoic after years of serving Billie, gave nothing away. ¡°Madam Norris only asked me to bring you back for dinner. She didn¡¯t exin further.¡±

    His appearance alone made it clear she couldn¡¯t sidestep this invitation. ¡°Was it just me she called for?¡± Carrie nced sideways at Kristopher, gauging his reaction. Eaton¡¯s response seemed rehearsed, as if anticipating her query. ¡°Mr. Norris is busy with work. Madam Norris specifically instructed us not to disturb him.¡±

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 Chapter 315

    ?<strong>Chapter 315:</strong>

    He gestured toward a sleek vehicle parked a short distance away. ¡°The car is waiting over there.¡± Carrie maintained herposure. ¡°I drove myself here. I can¡¯t leave my car behind. You go ahead; I¡¯ll follow.¡± Eaton¡¯s brow lifted, momentarily startled. Billie had clearly assumed that Carrie and Kristopher had arrived together, prompting her to send Eaton to escort Carrie back alone.

    Carrie nced at Kristopher once more, but his expression remained a nk te.

    A bitter smile tugged at her lips. Was she foolish enough to expect Kristopher to stand up to Billie for her? The truth was simple. Her ongoing conflict with Billie stemmed as much from her modest origins as from Kristopher¡¯s indifference. Because Kristopher didn¡¯t hold her in any esteem, Billie treated her like nothing more than a vessel for bearing children. Ironically, two years of marriage had passed without them ever consummating the union, which only fanned Billie¡¯s contempt, branding Carrie as a tool unfit for its purpose.

    Her thoughts burned as she turned her re on Kristopher. Without waiting for a reaction, she spun on her heel and strode to the Maybach, her movements sharp and deliberate. Opening the door, she slid inside with practiced ease. Eaton turned to Kristopher, offering a respectful nod. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ll be heading back now.¡± Kristopher remained silent, his mind reying the sh of fire in Carrie¡¯s eyes. After a moment, he asked Oliver, ¡°Did she just re at me?¡±

    Oliver¡¯s stomach dropped, but his expression didn¡¯t falter. ¡°You must have been mistaken. Mrs. Norris was probably ring at Eaton.¡±

    Kristopher frowned but nodded slowly. ¡°Yeah, that must be it.¡±

    At the Norris mansion, Carrie was greeted by the staff with news that Kristopher¡¯s grandparents had gone on a trip. The realization struck her instantly¡ªBillie had calcted this moment carefully, waiting until the elders were absent to summon her, sharpening Carrie¡¯s sense of unease. Inside the grand living room, Billie lounged on the sofa, her posture regal yet cold. Beside her, Kailee prattled on about society gossip, her voice a grating melody of superiority.

    Kailee¡¯s gaze snapped to Carrie as soon as she entered, her toneced with venom. ¡°How dare you show your face here?¡±

    The warmth drained from Billie¡¯s expression, leaving her features an icy mask as she ignored Carrie altogether. Carrie met Kailee¡¯s re without flinching, her tone clipped. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± She turned to Billie and greeted her evenly. ¡°Good evening, Billie.¡±

    Billie didn¡¯t even spare her a nce, instead admiring her perfectly polished nails with feigned interest. Kailee wasn¡¯t as restrained. Her eyes sparkled with malice as she spat, ¡°You had the nerve to convince my cousin to lend you money for your family¡¯s mess? Even if the Norris family had endless resources, we can¡¯t afford parasites like you.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind raced. Kailee must have witnessed Kristopher¡¯s and her presence at the Campbell family¡¯s business earlier and tattled. Billie¡¯s summons clearly addressed that matter. Carrie opened her mouth to speak, but a calm voice cut her off.

    ¡°When exactly did the Norris family change its name to¡ª¡± The room froze, the air thick with tension. All heads turned to see Kristopher stride in casually, his presence instantlymanding attention.

    As their gazes locked, Carrie froze for a moment, startled. Kristopher had actually followed her home. Could this really be a coincidence? Or was there more to it? Was he here to protect her, just as he had in thepany¡¯s conference room? She shook the thought away almost as quickly as it came. Expectations were dangerous¡ªlike a fragile thread that, when pulled too tightly, snapped.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Billie¡¯s voice cut through the quiet tension, her surprise evident as her eyes darted toward Carrie. Kristopher joining them at home was as rare as rain in a desert. On the rare asions they extended an invitation, he usually declined without hesitation. Yet here he was, uninvited. Billie couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Carrie had roped him in as her backup.

    Kristopher stepped forward, blocking Billie¡¯s view, and released a soft chuckle. ¡°Mom, don¡¯t tell me I need an excuse to visit. Can¡¯t I drop by?¡±

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 Chapter 316

    ?<strong>Chapter 316:</strong>

    Billie hesitated, but eventually sighed and poured him a fresh cup of Colombian coffee. She set it in front of him with a touch of reprimand in her tone. ¡°I hear thepany¡¯s been a madhousetely. Expansion projects, AI deals with Steu Skua¡ªaren¡¯t you stretched thin? How do you still find time to lounge around here?¡±

    ¡°No matter how busy I get, I¡¯m still human,¡± Kristopher countered, shrugging off his jacket and tossing it carelessly onto the sofa. ¡°You can¡¯t run me like a machine.¡±

    He eased into the seat beside Carrie, picked up the coffee, took a measured sip, and then extended the cup to her. ¡°Here. This is the blend you like.¡±

    Carrie epted it, her fingers brushing the porcin rim as her thoughts churned.

    The ripples in the coffee seemed to echo her inner turmoil. His presence, both at the Campbellpany earlier and now at the Norris Mansion, felt deliberate. There was no mistaking it¡ªhe was here for her. He had stood up for her before, but it was always incidental, as though by ident. Today, however, his actions bore an unmistakable intent.

    Billie¡¯s eyes narrowed as she took in the exchange, her displeasure barely veiled. She turned her gaze away and remarked casually, ¡°The Campbell familypany is a sinking ship. Pouring money into it won¡¯t raise it from the depths. If theye asking for help, just toss them a few hundred thousand and be done with it. Why take on that mess and drag yourself into trouble?¡±

    Kristopher opened his mouth to respond, but Carrie touched his arm lightly, a silent plea for restraint. She straightened, meeting Billie¡¯s gaze. ¡°Billie, thepany was my mother¡¯s legacy¡ªsomething she built with her own hands.¡±

    Billie¡¯s sharp eyes met hers, cutting her off. ¡°Didn¡¯t you already buy back the old apartment your mother left behind? Haven¡¯t you spent enough chasing memories? How much more do you n to throw into this endless pit?¡±

    The bluntness of Billie¡¯s words hit like a p, leaving Carrie momentarily speechless. She took a steadying sip of coffee, then set the cup down with care. Her voice, though quiet, held firm resolve. ¡°I used my own money for the apartment. And as for thepany, I¡¯m not taking it on for nostalgia alone. It has potential¡ªit always did. Mismanagement brought it down, but with the right direction, it can thrive again.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened as he watched her bear the brunt of Billie¡¯s criticism.

    Billie¡¯s scoff was as cold as winter wind. ¡°Potential? Thatpany was barely noteworthy, even at its best.¡±

    Kristopher began unbuttoning his cuffs, his voice steady butced with warning.

    Dropping a degree colder, Kristopher¡¯s voice remained steady. ¡°Uncle Cory¡¯s ventures have burned through far more money, with far less hope of sess. Everyone could see the warning signs, but he dove in headfirst, and guess who had to clean up after him? Mom, if you need something to upy your energy, why not keep an eye on Uncle Cory¡¯s antics instead of meddling in Carrie¡¯s?¡±

    Kailee, who had been quietly observing, suddenly piped up, her lips curling into a pout. ¡°Kristopher!¡±

    But Kristopher didn¡¯t even nce her way. His expression remained imcable. ¡°And you. You¡¯re supposed to be the picture of elegance, aren¡¯t you? Yet you act like a small-town gossip, stirring up drama wherever you go. Word travels fast in Orkset. Do you think anyone¡¯s looking to marry into trouble?¡±

    Kailee¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. Thinking of Albin, she bit back her retort and looked away, sulking.

    Billie, however, was far from silenced. She mmed her hand on the table, her temper ring. ¡°Don¡¯t twist my words. I¡¯m doing this for your sake! The Campbell family can¡¯t hold a candle to your uncle¡¯s. No matter his shorings, he came through when it mattered. If it weren¡¯t for him arriving in time back then, do you think you¡¯d even be alive today?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 317

    ?<strong>Chapter 317:</strong>

    Carrie blinked at Kristopher, trying to picture him as vulnerable. The story was new to her, and she couldn¡¯t imagine Kristopher needing help from a man as inept as Cory. The mental image was absurd¡ªlike a lion needing a mouse to pull a thorn from its paw. She couldn¡¯t even picture it in her mind.

    Kailee, perched on the edge of her seat, tilted her head in curiosity. ¡°When did my dad save Kristopher?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened. A fleeting flicker of difort crossed his face. He didn¡¯t want to dwell on it.

    Billie, realizing her slip, coughed and waved a dismissive hand. ¡°Oh, that? Just some childhood nonsense.¡±

    Kailee, easily distracted, turned her attention to Albin, her brow furrowing. Kristopher¡¯s earlierment had nted a seed of doubt in her mind. Could Albin¡¯s cold demeanor be because Carrie had been saying things about her behind her back?

    Meanwhile, Carrie¡¯s thoughts spiraled. Kristopher, the man she had spent years trying to love and understand, seemed more enigmatic than ever. He had secretsyers of his life she had never uncovered. She now realized that although she had devoted herself to tending their fragile rtionship, trying to be the wife he needed, she had never questioned his past or truly tried to know him.

    And yet, here they were. Why had his demeanor shifted recently? Was his sudden kindness genuine? Or was it calcted? Theories churned in her mind. Was he clinging to the marriage out of pride?

    But with Lise back and Kristopher now the head of the Norris family, he could be with whomever he wanted. Why was he reluctant to go through with the divorce now? Was it out of spite, a refusal to let her be the one to leave? Was he holding onto her to protect the Norris Group¡¯s image, or perhaps saving his face? Carrie¡¯s thoughts churned with countless questions.

    ¡°Carrie.¡± Billie¡¯s sharp tone snapped her out of her spiraling thoughts. ¡°Stop sitting there like a bump on a log. Go check if the kitchen¡¯s done with dinner.¡±

    Suppressing the irritation that red in her chest, Carrie nodded stiffly. ¡°Got it, Billie.¡± As she moved toward the kitchen, her mind remained clouded with unanswered questions.

    Billie waited until Carrie was out of earshot before turning back to Kristopher. She said, her voice low but pointed, ¡°I know about everything you¡¯ve been keeping from your grandparents. I didn¡¯t want to make things harder for you, so I called her back to talk alone. But now that you¡¯ve followed her here, let¡¯s get this straight. When do you n to divorce her? If you¡¯re worried about her, give her Bayview Vi and add five million in cash. That should be enough for her to livefortably for the rest of her life.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened. Billie pressed on, her tone softening as if offering apromise. ¡°If you¡¯re worried about her, just give her Bayview Vi and five million in cash. That¡¯s more than enough for her to livefortably for the rest of her life.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not divorcing,¡± Kristopher said tly. ¡°We had an argument¡ªwhat couple doesn¡¯t? Even the best marriages have rough patches.¡± He leaned back against the sofa, his gaze drifting to the kitchen. Through the doorway, he could see Carrie¡¯s slender frame moving with practiced efficiency. Her hands worked with precision, a skill honed from years spent tending to chores.

    Billie sighed, frustration flickering across her face. ¡°Didn¡¯t you like Lise? I didn¡¯t care for her at first either, but she¡¯s far more impressive than Carrie. She¡¯s sessful, independent, and doesn¡¯te with messy family ties¡ª¡±

    ¡°Mom,¡± Kristopher cut her off, his voice sharper now. ¡°Why do you always meddle in my life? Lise and I are over. She¡¯s like a little sister to me. Stop trying to push us together.¡±

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 Chapter 318

    ?<strong>Chapter 318:</strong>

    His gaze hardened as he met Billie¡¯s increasingly furious expression. After a moment, he sighed and softened his tone, though the edge of irritation remained. ¡°Carrie and I are trying to have a baby now. Please stop bringing up things that don¡¯t matter.¡±

    Billie¡¯s face momentarily stiffened, her anger easing just a bit, though she still looked wary and unconvinced. She shot a sideways nce at Kristopher. ¡°Is that so? Are you trying to distract me by talking about children? Is this your way of shutting me up because I¡¯m getting on your nerves?¡±

    Kristopher stretched his long legs out with casual ease and replied nonchntly, ¡°How could I lie about something like that? In three months, it¡¯ll be obvious. If I were lying now, it¡¯d only lead to more problemster.¡±

    Kailee pouted, grumbling in a small voice, ¡°There are enough women lining up to have your kids to fill a stadium. Why does it have to be her?¡±

    Kristopher arched an eyebrow. ¡°Because she¡¯s my wife. Her child would be the rightful heir to the Norris family. Any other woman¡¯s child would be seen as illegitimate¡ªsomething that could create a scandal and hurt the stock price of Norris Group.¡±

    Kailee sighed in frustration, clutching a cushion tightly as she fell quiet. Billie¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Pregnancy isn¡¯t something that just happens¡­¡±

    Suddenly, she seemed to remember something and swiftly grabbed her phone, sending a voice message. ¡°Mrs. Quinn, do you still have those supplements your daughter-inw was taking?¡±

    Kristopher was at a loss for words. ¡°Mom, do you really think so little of me? Do I look like I need supplements to have a child?¡±

    ¡°What do you know?¡± Billie kept her eyes fixed on the screen. ¡°It¡¯s not for you, it¡¯s for her. Shees from a small town, so I¡¯m just worried about her health.¡±

    Kristopher nced over toward the figure in the kitchen. She was, indeed, too thin. If they were going to have a child, she needed to be properly nourished first.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready,¡± Carrie announced as she appeared from the kitchen, holding a bowl.

    Upon seeing Carrie, Kailee lost her appetite. She set the cushion aside, made an excuse, and quickly left.

    At dinner, for the first time, Billie disyed some kindness toward Carrie, serving her food multiple times. Carrie was caught off guard and nced toward Kristopher, seeking his help.

    ¡°Eat more, it¡¯s good for you,¡± Kristopher said in a calm tone, adjusting his position. His foot identally brushed against Carrie¡¯s slender calf. Kristopher, unable to stop himself, nudged her leg fondly.

    Carrie shot him a sharp look, then subtly shifted her chair away. If Billie saw, she would undoubtedly me Carrie for being inappropriate, while Kristopher, of course, would never be at fault.

    Kristopher ate slowly, keeping hisposure and pretending not to notice anything.

    ¡°You need to eat more, you¡¯re too thin,¡± Billie said, brushing aside their quiet exchange, her concern obvious, though her tone was a bit stiff.

    Carrie responded quietly, ¡°I know, Billie.¡±

    The meal continued in an ufortable silence. Once dinner was finished, Carrie stood to clear the table, but Billie quickly intervened. ¡°Let the staff take care of it. You two should get some rest.¡± Her voice stayed tense.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 319

    ?<strong>Chapter 319:</strong>

    After Billie turned her back, Carrie leaned toward Kristopher and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on with your mom today?¡±

    ¡°No clue,¡± Kristopher replied, leaning back in his chair andzily lifting his eyelids. ¡°Do you have a masochistic side? Why do you seem ufortable now that she¡¯s nicer than usual?¡±

    Carrie gave his leg a light kick. ¡°You¡¯re the one with the masochistic side!¡±

    But with her slippers on, her kick only ended up stubbing her toes.

    At that moment, a well-dressed woman entered, holding several in gift bags. Carrie turned to see Billie greeting the woman with a smile.

    ¡°Mrs. Quinn, you didn¡¯t need toe all this way.¡±

    Mrs. Quinn set the bags down on a nearby table. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all.¡±

    ¡°I just wanted to stretch my legs after dinner.¡±

    She paused, hesitating.

    Though Billie was a housewife, her marriage to the influential Norris family made her far from ordinary. She had a keen ability to read people¡¯s subtle expressions, though she usually chose to ignore them. But today, she decided to speak up first.

    ¡°Mrs. Quinn, if something¡¯s bothering you, just say it. There¡¯s nothing we can¡¯t talk about.¡±

    Mrs. Quinn appeared uneasy. ¡°Regarding your family¡¯s private offshore yacht gambling event, it was abruptly shut down¡­ over there¡­¡±

    Carrie froze at the mention of it.

    A private offshore yacht gambling event? Could that have been the same one where she ran into Daxton? Had the Norris family been behind that event?

    Carrie looked at Kristopher, unsure. To the best of her knowledge, the Norris Group strictly avoided any dealings in gambling, drugs, or illegal activities.

    After finishing his soup, Kristopher casually wiped his mouth with a napkin. ¡°Not me,¡± he said. ¡°I follow the rules.¡±

    Carrie decided not to ask further. Given the vast and varied branches of the Norris family, it wouldn¡¯t be unexpected for some members to be involved in questionable activities.

    Mrs. Quinn, overhearing their conversation, looked over at Kristopher and Carrie with an uneasy smile. ¡°Oh, Mr. Norris is with us tonight.¡±

    Billie, ever calm, assured her. ¡°No worries. They were just leaving.¡±

    Signaling to Carrie, Billie called out, ¡°Come over here.¡± Carrie moved towards them with slight reluctance and politely addressed Mrs. Quinn, saying, ¡°Hello, Mrs. Quinn.¡±

    Mrs. Quinn responded with a formal yet distant demeanor, ¡°Carrie, you¡¯ve be even more beautiful.¡±

    Billie then handed Carrie a bag that Mrs. Quinn had brought, saying, ¡°Here, this is for you.¡±

    Curious, Carrie peeked inside the bag and asked, ¡°What¡¯s inside?¡± Noting it was filled with nutritional supplements.

    With a mysterious air, Mrs. Quinn said, ¡°These are excellent. Make sure to take them daily.¡±

    Carrie, suppressing her curiosity, epted the bag and dutifully replied, ¡°I will.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 320

    ?<strong>Chapter 320:</strong>

    ¡°Mom, Mrs.

    ¡°Quinn, we¡¯re heading out now,¡± Kristopher said as he came to Carrie¡¯s side, took the bag from her, and softly held her other hand. Her hand was gentle and soft in his, making him instinctively squeeze it lightly.

    As they departed from the living room, Carrie offered a nod in farewell. Exiting the room, she caught fragments of Mrs. Quinn¡¯s murmured spection, asking, ¡°When did these two grow so close?¡± Uninterested in the idle talk, Carrie continued out to the car with Kristopher.

    Deciding to go separately, she withdrew her hand from his. ¡°I think I¡¯ll drive myself.¡±

    Kristopher nced at their separated hands and smiled subtly. ¡°No need for that. We¡¯ll travel back together.¡±

    Just then, the ring of Kristopher¡¯s phone cut into their conversation. He checked the caller ID but let it keep ringing, making no move to answer or dismiss it.

    Curiosity got the better of Carrie, who nced at the screen and saw Lise¡¯s name, prompting her to quickly look away, dejected. After a brief pause, Kristopher finally took the call.

    Lise¡¯s light-hearted voice came through the phone, asking, ¡°Kristopher, did you eat yet?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already eaten. What¡¯s going on?¡± Kristopher¡¯s tone was unusually tender.

    Lise pouted yfully and responded, ¡°Can¡¯t I just call to¡ª¡±

    ¡°At the Norris Mansion,¡± Kristopher interrupted, his voice devoid of emotion.

    §Þ?§Ô? ¦Ô¦Ñ??§ä?? ?§ä g?l????l?.???

    He noticed Carrie heading toward her car and quickly grabbed her wrist. Discontent showed in Carrie¡¯s eyes. Was he expecting her to calmly listen to him flirting with a former love? She was on the verge of expressing her irritation but stopped herself, recalling Lise¡¯s fondness for maniption and not wanting to indulge her.

    A mischievous look flickered across Carrie¡¯s face as she said in a sugary voice, ¡°Darling, I¡¯m feeling really tired. Could you possibly continue this conversationter when we arrive home?¡±

    Pretending to be sultry wasn¡¯t difficult for her.

    This unexpected demeanor took Kristopher by surprise, his eyes momentarily revealing his displeasure.

    ¡°If it¡¯s not important, Lise, please get some rest. We¡¯ll talk tomorrow.¡± He quickly found a reason to disconnect the call.

    After pocketing his phone, Kristopher¡¯s gaze met Carrie¡¯s.

    Carrie¡¯s voice was cold as she spoke. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you going to scold me? Or are you upset because I seem heartless towards your once-beloved, who¡¯s now frail?¡±

    Carrie was visibly tense, like a defensive porcupine, her quills raised, prepared to strike at any provocation. She was like a tightly wound spring, seconds away from snapping into an explosive argument.

    After a brief silence, Kristopher let out a gentle sigh and moved as if to pull her closer. ¡°You mentioned you were tired, didn¡¯t you? Why stand there so defensively?¡±

    Evading his touch, Carrie looked at him warily. ¡°Stop changing the subject! What are you scheming now? Are youpiling all this mentally to use against meter?¡±

    A faint smirk appeared on Kristopher¡¯s face. ¡°Why would I scold you? Just because you said you¡¯re tired, do you think I¡¯d lose my temper?¡±

    He paused, his expression thoughtful. ¡°Carrie, do you truly think of me as a viin?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 321

    ?<strong>Chapter 321:</strong>

    His eyes seemed to hold endless depths in the moonlight.

    Frozen in ce, Carrie was overwhelmed by a whirlwind of thoughts. Was Kristopher truly unaware, or was he pretending?

    She hadn¡¯t merely been speaking about being tired. She had made a pointed remark while he was on the phone with Lise. Did he not care? Wouldn¡¯t he defend Lise? Carrie had deliberately made her presence felt in front of Lise, directly challenging her.

    In the past, anyint from Lise would prompt Kristopher to immediately criticize Carrie, no questions asked¡­

    Carrie parted her lips to speak but, in the end, chose to keep her countless questions to herself, mulling them over in silence. Confronting him now would only expose how deeply she was affected.

    She calmed herself, maintained a stoic expression, and abruptly pulled open the car door, climbing in without saying a word.

    Once inside, she nced back to find Kristopher still standing outside. Choosing to ignore him, she pulled out her phone and texted Camille: ¡°Why is he suddenly behaving so differently?¡±

    Camille quickly responded, ¡°Guys like that approach.¡±

    ¡°Keep it up, and he¡¯ll be even more captivated.¡±

    Carrie found Camille¡¯s advice unhelpful and put away her phone.

    Seeing that Carrie wasn¡¯t responding, Kristopher eventually got into the car. He opened hisptop and began reviewing the investment proposals that Oliver had put together.

    After some time, he put on a pair of ck-rimmed sses. Though his eyesight was perfectly fine, he wore them to reduce the re from theptop screen. The sses gave him a refined, intellectual look, as if a charming rogue were pretending to be a schr.

    Carrie stole a secret nce his way, quietly sizing him up. Contrary to the popr belief that ck-framed sses diminished one¡¯s appeal, Kristopher seemed to defy that notion, exuding a sophisticated and captivating charm. The glow from hisputer screen reflected in his sses, adding an air of mysterious allure.

    ¡°I¡¯m aware of my looks,¡± he said, his eyes still fixed on the screen. ¡°Feel free to look directly; no need to sneak nces.¡±

    Carrie felt a blush creep onto her cheeks at being caught.

    She retorted stiffly, ¡°You¡¯re so vain. Actually, I was thinking that you look like a nerd.¡±

    Kristopher let out a soft, dismissive snort, choosing not to engage further.

    Slightly defeated by his nonchnt reaction, Carrie leaned back against the car door and shut her eyes, feigning sleep. The day¡¯s events¡ªfrom thepany visit to the Norris Mansion¡ªhad been draining, leaving her on high alert.

    Soon after closing her eyes, she fell into a deep sleep.

    After finishing his work, Kristopher took off his sses and massaged the bridge of his nose. He noticed Carrie sleeping peacefully beside him. He closed hisptop and gently covered her with a nket.

    As she nestled into a morefortable position, her cheek softly brushed against his hand. He couldn¡¯t resist gently caressing her cheek with his thumb, her lips looking irresistibly soft, like the ripest fruit.

    Ovee by the moment, Kristopher leaned in and softly kissed the corner of her mouth.

    .

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    .

 Chapter 322

    ?<strong>Chapter 322:</strong>

    It wasn¡¯t a long drive from Norris Mansion to Bayview Vi, and they reached the vi quickly. Oliver exited the driver¡¯s seat and swung open the back door. A brisk wind swept into the car, causing Carrie to snuggle deeper into her nket.

    Without a word, Kristopher caught Oliver¡¯s eye, signaling him to remain silent.

    Kristopher then stepped out of the vehicle, reached in, and carefully lifted Carrie, still wrapped in the nket.

    Carrie, however, snapped out of her slumber. She flinched, her movements nearly causing her to tumble from Kristopher¡¯s arms. Kristopher¡¯s quick reflexes saved her from falling.

    He tightened his hold and steadied her. ¡°Stay still. Be careful, or you might slip.¡±

    Carrie stopped moving, though she muttered discontentedly, ¡°I¡¯m up now. Put me down; I can walk on my own.¡±

    Her voice was hoarse and tired, carrying a hint of defeat.

    Despite her protests, Kristopher didn¡¯t loosen his grip as they approached the house. ¡°The nket will drag on the ground and pick up dirt if I set you down. We can¡¯t clean it easily.¡±

    Carrie eyed the luxurious nket wrapped around her. Crafted from the finest wool and velvet in Izrosa, it was valued at over ten thousand dors. Recing such an expensive item for Kristopher was beyond her financial reach at the moment.

    With a slight shrug, she resigned herself to the situation and rested against Kristopher¡¯s chest.

    A faint smile tugged at the corners of Kristopher¡¯s lips. ¡°Sir, Ma¡¯am, wee back,¡± Willow greeted them at the door, her smile somewhat strained.

    Since she began her tenure at Bayview Vi, Willow had observed Carrie¡¯s assertive and asionally vtile demeanor. Yet, it seemed that Carrie¡¯s rtionship with Kristopher was improving.

    ???? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Handling Carrie was never simple, and Lise had begun to question Willow¡¯s effectiveness, showing her displeasure. With a thoughtful frown, Willow acknowledged that this could not go on much longer. She concluded that she needed to find a different approach.

    Just then, Oliver extended a paper bag towards her.

    epting it with a look of confusion, Willow asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    Kristopher echoed the instructions given by Mrs. Quinn. ¡°Warm this up for my wife each night before she goes to bed. Make sure she doesn¡¯t consume it during her menstrual cycle.¡±

    ¡°Got it,¡± Willow replied. She unzipped the bag slightly and nced inside. It contained a brew of some sort, unmarked and without any instructions.

    Once they were inside the house, Carrie said again, ¡°May I get down now?¡±

    Despite her plea, Kristopher continued to carry her directly to their bedroom. Only once they were inside did he gently set her down on the bed and proceed to remove her shoes.

    Carrie instinctively jerked her feet back, but Kristopher had already slipped off her footwear. He raised his gaze to meet hers. ¡°Is something making you ufortable?¡±

    Carrie rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m just a simple girl from a small town. I¡¯m not used to having others look after me.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 323

    ?<strong>Chapter 323:</strong>

    ¡°Well, you might as well start getting used to it now,¡± Kristopher said, cing her shoes neatly aside and sitting down next to her, his hand resting softly on her leg. His touch conveyed warmth.

    This gentle, almost familial interaction felt alien and unexpected to Carrie. She stood abruptly. ¡°I need to freshen up.¡±

    Kristopher made no move to follow her.

    Removing his coat, Kristopher reclined on the bed, propping himself up on his elbows as he looked up at her. ¡°I¡¯ll be staying over tonight.¡± His implication was clear: he intended to share the bed with her.

    Carrie hesitated, turning slightly as she murmured, ¡°I feel quite drained today.¡±

    A yful spark lit up Kristopher¡¯s eyes as he assured her, ¡°We¡¯ll just sleep.¡±

    At his words, a blush crept over Carrie¡¯s cheeks. She felt embarrassed.

    With a quick pace, she made her way to the bathroom.

    Carrie took her time with her nightly routine, not in any rush. She slipped into her pajamas, carefully towel-dried her hair, and reached for her lineup of skincare essentials¡ªtoner, serum, eye cream, lotion, and face cream.

    Following each step with precision, she indulged in the ritual before idly scrolling through her phone for nearly twenty minutes in the bathroom.

    Eventually, she stepped out.

    Kristopher sat on the couch, his arm draped casually along the back, his fingertips resting lightly against his forehead. His eyes were closed, framed byshes so long and thick they could rival those of any woman. He looked calm and still, like a perfect statue¡ªexquisite but out of reach.

    Ga lno vel s . takes you into new worlds

    Before Carrie could gather her thoughts, a knock echoed from the door, followed by Willow¡¯s voice. ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s time for your supplements.¡±

    At the sound, Kristopher¡¯s eyes opened abruptly. He massaged his temples. Carrie couldn¡¯t tell if he¡¯d been sleeping or simply resting.

    ¡°Finished?¡± he asked, his tone carrying a husky allure that effortlessly drew attention.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Carrie replied softly, moving to answer the door.

    Willow stood waiting, holding out the bowl of concoction. Carrie took a cautious sip, her expression tightening at the bitter taste.

    ¡°Too bitter?¡± Kristopher asked gently, stepping closer.

    Carrie thought it a bit childish for an adult to fuss over a bitter concoction, so she shrugged casually. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just too hot right now. I¡¯ll let it cool a bit.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes settled on the bowl of concoction.

    Noticing there was no steam, Kristopher reached out to touch the side of the bowl and realized it had already cooled.

    When Carrie realized her little lie had been uncovered, she gripped the bowl tighter, her fingers nervously running over the gold pattern.

    Kristopher seemed to notice her unease. Producing a piece of candy from who-knows-where, he handed it to her, his tone soft and coaxing, almost as if speaking to a child. ¡°Take this with the candy; it¡¯ll go down easier if you drink it all at once.¡±

    Carrie epted the candy, popped it into her mouth, and swallowed the concoction in one swift gulp before setting the empty bowl on Willow¡¯s tray.

    Willow chuckled, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. ¡°Mr. Norris truly spoils Mrs. Norris.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 324

    ?<strong>Chapter 324:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s expression shifted to one of subtle satisfaction, his eyebrows arching slightly as he nced down at Carrie. ¡°Shame someone doesn¡¯t know how to appreciate it.¡±

    Willow froze for a moment, startled to see the typically reserved Mr. Norris teasing so openly in front of her. Her gaze flickered toward the empty bowl, curiosity evident in her tone. ¡°I¡¯m curious. What is this concoction?¡±

    Carrie cast a cautious nce her way, already aware of Willow¡¯s earlier attempts to pry about the concoction. Instead of answering, she feigned a yawn, deliberately steering away from the topic.

    Noticing this, Kristopher¡¯s tone turned icy. ¡°You can go now,¡± he said.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris.¡± Intimidated by his sharp tone, Willow nodded quickly and exited, shutting the door behind her.

    Kristopher leaned casually against the doorframe, his shirt slightly undone, offering just a teasing glimpse of his chest. ¡°I¡¯m heading for a shower. Don¡¯t wait up; go ahead and get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°Alright, goodnight,¡± Carrie murmured, pulling her gaze away and making her way toward the bed.

    Without another word, Kristopher strode toward the bathroom.

    Carrie slid under the covers, instinctively curling toward the farthest edge of the bed, as if trying to create as much distance as possible. Facing away from the bathroom, she listened to the soft murmur of water as Kristopher began his shower.

    Whether it was the nap she¡¯d taken earlier in the car or the unease creeping into her thoughts, her mind raced, making it difficult to rx.

    galnovels where stories grow

    Her thoughts shifted to images of Kristopher in the shower, and soon, her mind wandered to more intimate scenarios involving the two of them.

    She turned restlessly in bed, desperately trying to push the thoughts away. She was barely in her early twenties¡ªwhy were her feelings suddenly so overwhelming?

    About thirty minutester, her eyelids grew heavy, and she began slipping into a sleepy haze.

    Dimly, she felt the bed shift as Kristopher pulled back the covers and settled beside her, his arm sliding securely around her waist.

    Too drained to protest, she let herself sink deeper into sleep, his touch fading into the background of her dreams.

    Thanks Do You Want The following morning, Carrie was awakened by the sound of her phone ringing. Without opening her eyes, she stretched her arm toward the usual spot to grab the phone, only to find herself grasping at the chilly, vacant air.

    Had Kristopher already left?

    Her eyes fluttered open to an empty bed, with no trace of Kristopher anywhere in the room.

    In her efforts to keep up, Carrie felt her endeavors pale inparison to Kristopher¡¯s relentless discipline.

    Dispelling these thoughts, she grabbed her phone from beside the pillow. A shareholder from the Campbell family enterprise was calling, and her inbox was flooded with texts offering to sell her their shares.

    Checking the time, Carrie noted it was barely eleven hours before the deadline she had set. She quickly sent the shareholders the agreement her attorneys had drafted, swung her legs off the bed, and stepped onto the plush carpet below.

    Her feet sank into the soft, luxurious carpet as she made her way to freshen up.

    .

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 Chapter 325

    ?<strong>Chapter 325:</strong>

    Afterpleting her morning routine, Carrie found lunch waiting. Kristopher was already at the dining table, absorbed in the fluctuations of the stock market on his iPad.

    She joined him at the table, quietly drawing out a chair.

    Kristopher remained focused on his screen. ¡°Did the shareholders reach out to you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s hand froze around her water ss. ¡°What have you done now?¡±

    Kristopher leaned back in his chair, extending his arm to take a cigarette out of a pack.

    Just then, Oliver strolled in, a grin ying on his lips. ¡°Mrs. Norris, just take a look at Orkset¡¯stest news, and you¡¯ll catch up with everything.¡±

    Carrie sighed, shifting her focus to the news alerts on her phone.

    A headline caught her eye, detailing the downfall of an establishedpany tricked by a fraudulent supplier, now teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Commenters spected about possible business fraud or insider betrayal. The scandal surrounding the Campbell family business, once hidden, hade to light, with the supplier now under investigation by authorities.

    Having read the article, Carrie was certain Kristopher was behind it.

    She nced up to express her gratitude. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    In response, Kristopher lit his cigarette and inhaled deeply. As he exhaled, the smoke veiled his face, masking his expression. He idly tapped his cigarette against the table, his fingers gracefully poised, a mischievous grin ying on his lips. ¡°Is that the extent of your gratitude¡ªjust a few thoughtless words?¡±

    Carrie paused, locking eyes with him. ¡°What kind of thanks are you looking for?¡±

    Kristopher shifted in his seat, his reply hanging in the air.

    Meanwhile, Oliver wiped his forehead, sweating at the thought that reiming family assets had been handled so deftly by Kristopher. It would be a perfect opportunity to use this to argue against a divorce.

    Kristopher stretched out his legs. ¡°Take a trip with me abroad when you¡¯re free. I¡¯ve been swamped and need a break from the stress.¡±

    Oliver shot Kristopher a confused and frustrated look, puzzled by histest maneuver. Kristopher, usually direct and resolute, wouldn¡¯t confess his feelings for Carrie, always beating around the bush.

    Oliver exhaled heavily, turning to Carrie with hopeful eyes. Carrie¡¯s initial impulse was to say, ¡°Why don¡¯t you bring Lise along?¡± However, her gaze fell on the still-open news article on her phone screen.

    Clutching it tighter, she decided otherwise. ¡°Alright.¡±

    After a short pause, she looked up, her face calm. ¡°Kristopher, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a bit unnecessary for us to keep going through these motions in our rtionship?¡±

    Awfully Close

    Kristopher¡¯s face grew grim as he stared at the glowing tip of his cigarette. It flickered and faded, much like the fragile state of their rtionship. Crushing the half-burnt cigarette in the ashtray, he said in a cold tone, ¡°You agreed, so just see it through.¡±

    He didn¡¯t even bother to look at her.

    Just then, Willow walked in, carrying dishes, and paused when she saw the tense scene. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke gently. ¡°Ma¡¯am, I¡¯m not sure if I should say this, but¡­¡±

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 Chapter 326

    ?<strong>Chapter 326:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s face remained unreadable. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, just say it.¡±

    Willow paused, carefully choosing her words. ¡°Ma¡¯am, Mr. Norris has been so kind to you, and you should be grateful. There was a Ms. Nash who used to visit here. Mr. Norris treated her so well, and she always expressed how thankful she was. She said she was lucky to have met him. You should learn from how she treated him. He¡¯s such an exceptional man. If you don¡¯t appreciate him, others will.¡±

    Her words were tinged with mockery, disguised as concern for Carrie but clearly aimed at belittling her. She was insinuating that Carrie, unlike Lise, failed to appreciate Kristopher¡¯s kindness.

    Carrie raised an eyebrow, offering Willow a half-smile. ¡°Since Ms. Nash is so perfect, why don¡¯t you suggest to Mr. Norris that he find a new wife? Perhaps someone like Ms. Nash, exactly as you describe her?¡±

    Willow¡¯s eyes went wide, her words catching in her throat.

    Wasn¡¯t Carrie supposed to be concerned about her status as Mrs. Norris? Willow had intentionally brought up Lise to stir up a sense of urgency in Carrie, hoping it would push her to react out of jealousy and make Kristopher turn against her. But unexpectedly, Carrie didn¡¯t bite.

    Instead, she leaned into the suggestion, casually implying Kristopher might prefer Lise as a recement.

    Of course, Willow had hoped for that very oue, but she could never say it so directly. She couldn¡¯t fathom where this so-called Cindere was getting such a bold attitude.

    Was Carrie really so confident, so unafraid of leaving the Norris family? Had she found someone else to rece Kristopher? But when it came to wealth, power, and looks, was there anyone in Orkset who could rival Kristopher?

    The more Willow dwelled on it, the more baffled she felt.

    ¡°In the future, keep your thoughts to yourself,¡± Kristopher interjected calmly before Carrie could respond, his tone utterly emotionless.

    Feeling intimidated, Willow gave herself a light p and quickly defended herself. ¡°I went too far. I¡¯m sorry. I only wanted Mr. and Mrs. Norris to have a happy marriage¡­¡±

    Before she could even finish her sentence, Kristopher fixed his gaze on her and said firmly, ¡°There will only ever be one Mrs. Norris. Don¡¯t drag anyone else into my personal matters.¡±

    His tone carried an undeniable authority this time, like amand being issued.

    ¡°Understood, Mr. Norris,¡± Willow muttered, bowing her head and clutching her cleaning cloth tightly, too intimidated to protest further.

    ¡°You can go now,¡± he said with a dismissive wave.

    Relieved, Willow exhaled quietly and hurried back into the kitchen.

    Carrie, meanwhile, stared at Kristopher in surprise, her disbelief etched clearly on her face. This marked the second time he had stood up for her against Lise. She couldn¡¯t decipher Kristopher¡¯s intentions. Was he finally acknowledging his mistakes, or was this just another ploy to cloud her judgment and stop her from pursuing a divorce?

    On one hand, he wanted her to fulfill the role of a loyal wife, yet on the other, he couldn¡¯t fully cut his ties with Lise.

    While Carrie mulled over her thoughts, her phone buzzed. Soren¡¯s name shed on the screen.

    Kristopher nced at the screen, catching Soren¡¯s name, and smirked. ¡°You two seem awfully close,¡± he remarked with a teasing lilt. His tone lifted subtly at the end, making it sound more like a question than a statement.

    .

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 Chapter 327

    ?<strong>Chapter 327:</strong>

    Carrie rolled her eyes, her tone dry as she rified, ¡°It¡¯s just work.¡±

    Narrowing his eyes, Kristopher let out a sarcastic snort. ¡°Short on staff at Silver Elephant Media? Or do you just prefer handling things personally with Mr. Rodgers?¡±

    With an exasperated nce, Carrie snatched up her phone and stepped aside.

    Carrie sank into the sofa and answered the call.

    Soren¡¯s polite voice came through. ¡°Have you eaten? Care to join me for dinner?¡±

    ¡°I just ate. What¡¯s on your mind?¡± she replied, her eyes drifting to Kristopher. He sat alone, gracefully using his utensils as he ate with quietposure. Even when he ate in a hurry, he did so with an air of elegance, his noble presence making the scene almost soothing to watch.

    She couldn¡¯t help but think of the phrase ¡°a sight for sore eyes.¡±

    Soren¡¯s voice snapped her back to the present. ¡°There¡¯s a variety show happening the day after tomorrow. They need a guest for a single episode. So¡­ what do you say?¡±

    Carrie frowned in confusion. ¡°Is this tied to the new drama? I¡¯m not sure I¡¯m the best fit. Shouldn¡¯t Asher be the one to go instead?¡±

    Since she wasn¡¯t officially signed with Silver Elephant Media, it didn¡¯t make much sense for her to participate if it wasn¡¯t tied to the drama.

    ¡°No,¡± Soren rified. ¡°It¡¯s a reality show. Your charm and looks could really draw fans. Right now, you don¡¯t have a solid fan base, and when something trends, critics can hijack the narrative. This could be the perfect chance to start shaping a positive public image.¡±

    Carrie had pondered Soren¡¯s perspective before. While her passiony in acting, she knew that in a world driven by poprity, steering clear of variety shows could make her career unnecessarily challenging.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all

    Yet, after enduring a string of negative headlines, she felt it was wiser to stay under the radar for the time being.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if I keep a low profile for now,¡± Carrie responded politely but firmly.

    ¡°This sounds like a great opportunity,¡± a deep voice interjected unexpectedly.

    Startled, Carrie nced up to see Kristopher standing over her.

    Surprised, she looked up, meeting his gaze as he stood beside her, towering slightly as he looked down.

    He was close enough for Soren to catch his voice and ask, sounding intrigued, ¡°Is he with you right now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he is,¡± Carrie admitted.

    Kristopher¡¯s face remained unreadable as he spoke, his voice calm yet firm. ¡°You can¡¯t keep hiding forever.¡±

    Carrie covered the phone¡¯s mouthpiece and shot him a re, her annoyance clear.

    Kristopher simply shrugged, a hint of challenge in his voice. ¡°What? Am I wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got things to take care of, so I¡¯ll hang up now. My decision still stands,¡± Carrie said into the phone, politely cutting Soren off before ending the call.

    She turned off the phone, her brow furrowed as she looked up at Kristopher. ¡°Did you really have to embarrass me in front of my boss?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression grew dark as he responded, ¡°Do you honestly think I did that to embarrass you?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 328

    ?<strong>Chapter 328:</strong>

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡± Carrie shot back, looking away as she stood and made her way to the dining table. ¡°You¡¯ve never supported my choice to get into the entertainment industry.¡±

    Kristopher stayed where he was, sprawled on the sofa with his legs stretched out, his eyes fixed on her as she walked away. ¡°If you want to make it in something, you can¡¯t just bury your head in the sand like an ostrich.¡±

    ¡°The inte forgets easily. For someone like me, insignificant and unimportant, any controversy will blow over if I just stay quiet. Why stir up trouble now?¡± Carrie sat down at the table and casually picked up a shrimp.

    Kristopher lit a cigarette, the dim light casting a glow on his fingers. ¡°If you stay quiet, they¡¯ll think you¡¯re scared, and it¡¯ll only get worse. The only way to handle this is to stand your ground and make them realize they can¡¯t take you lightly.¡±

    This was a mindset Kristopher clearly applied to his world of business. But would he still feel the same way if he knew it was Lise causing her trouble?

    Carrie took a brief pause, her eyes staying down, not meeting his.

    She quietly continued eating the shrimp, lost in her thoughts, saying nothing.

    Kristopher inhaled deeply from his cigarette, letting the smoke linger in the air as his voice, low and edged with something unspoken, cut through the quiet. ¡°I can help you find some opportunities.¡±

    Carrie, lost in thought, barely registered the edge in his tone. She shrugged dismissively. ¡°No need.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened, and he leaned in slightly, pressing further. ¡°Why? You¡¯re just going to take whatever Soren throws your way? You¡¯re not even signed to hispany. Does he have nothing better to do than chase resources for you that have nothing to do with your acting?¡±

    A flicker of something¡ªanger or frustration¡ªstirred in his eyes. ¡°No wonder Silver Elephant Media is always stuck in second ce.¡±

    Carrie remained silent, her gaze distant, as if his words hadn¡¯t reached her at all.

    Kristopher stared at her for a moment longer, his lips pressed in a thin line. He let out a sigh, then, with swift motion, he stubbed out his cigarette, his long fingers pressing the tip into the ashtray with deliberate precision.

    Standing, he grabbed his coat, the fabric brushing the back of his chair as he made his way toward the door.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes followed him for a brief second. Her lips parted, the words she might have spoken hanging unsaid.

    But before she could gather herself, Kristopher had already stepped out, the door closing behind him with a soft click.

    She stared at the closed door for a moment, then slowly returned to her meal, the rhythmic clink of her fork against the te the only sound in the room.

    Lately, she¡¯d been avoiding Kristopher in subtle, almost instinctive ways. Each moment spent with him felt fragile, like the bnce between them might snap at any moment.

    The topic of divorce had started to fade into the background, but in truth, it still loomed over her like a shadow.

    She feared her resolve¡ªthe one she¡¯d worked so hard to forge¡ªmight slip away before she could regain control.

    Once she¡¯d finished her meal, Carrie remembered the outline she¡¯d justpleted for her new script. She¡¯d decided to visit Silver Elephant Media, hoping to present it directly to the nning department.

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 Chapter 329

    ?<strong>Chapter 329:</strong>

    Now that Katrina¡¯s identity was out in the open, there was no need for thew firm to mediate theirmunications. A face-to-face discussion would allow Carrie to refine the ideas with input from the team, offering fresh perspectives.

    It was a rare opportunity, one that would allow her to weave her creative vision into something that resonated with the market.

    This was Carrie¡¯s first time visiting the nning department herself, and the moment she entered, the staff¡¯s eyes lit up. They had always assumed Katrina was a man¡ªan older, distant figure¡ªand they were stunned when they learned the truth. Even now, seeing her in the flesh had a palpable effect on them.

    It wasn¡¯t just that they hadn¡¯t seen beautiful women before¡ªSilver Elephant Media was home to many stars. But Carrie¡¯s beauty was different.

    In the absence of makeup, her features were strikingly wless, as though sculpted by a master¡¯s hand. Her casual outfit¡ªa simple pair of denim overalls and a white T-shirt¡ªonly added to the image of youthful innocence, the high ponytailpleting the look of a high school sweetheart.

    The staff, eager to impress, wasted no time. ¡°Ms. Spencer, do you have a moment? We¡¯d love to discuss some details from your previous works.¡±

    Carrie, with the same easygoing air, nodded. ¡°Sure, I¡¯m free this afternoon.¡± She seated herself casually on a nearby stool, no pretense, no airs about her.

    The staff scrambled to pull up chairs, eager to engage.

    But as Carrie set down her things, she suddenly stood up.

    Step into fiction with galnovels .

    Without a word, she walked over to the water dispenser, filled a cup, and returned to her seat.

    The group fell silent, embarrassed by their haste in forgetting the simple courtesy of offering her a drink. They exchanged quick, awkward nces before hurriedly burying their heads in their notes, trying to hide their difort.

    Carrie, however, didn¡¯t seem to mind. She took a sip of water and smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the new story first. Afterward, we can dive into my previous works, okay?¡±

    The meeting went smoothly, and by the end, the team¡¯s admiration for her deepened. They had only seen the surface of Katrina¡¯s writing before, but now they understood the depth of her creativity. Her stories wereyered, filled with subtle references and intricate details that made them richer than they had first realized.

    What impressed them most was not just her talent, but her demeanor. Carrie was warm, approachable¡ªnothing like the cool, distant persona they¡¯d imagined. Even when a junior intern asked a question, she answered thoughtfully, with no trace of condescension. She was genuinely kind, making those around her feel valued, no matter their status.

    By the end of the meeting, the group had shifted from admiring Katrina¡¯s pseudonym to appreciating Carrie in her entirety.

    But as the room hummed with energy and the staff prepared to leave, no one noticed the cold gaze fixed on Carrie from the lounge area. Through the ss door, a pair of eyes watched her every move.

    What had started as a discussion about the new story had shifted into a full-blown Q&A session. By the time the clock passed four, there was no sign of it winding down; in fact, everyone seemed even more involved. If this dragged on into dinner, they¡¯d likely end up eating together, and then who knew¡ªmaybe even staying forte-night snacks. At this point, it felt like the day would stretch on forever.

    Taking advantage of the quiet moment, Carrie spoke up. ¡°Let¡¯s call it a day for now. I¡¯m leaving. I¡¯ll be at thepany more often from here on, so we¡¯ll have plenty of chances to chat. But for now, I have something to take care of at home.¡±

    Herst sentence effectively shut down any dinner invitations.

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 Chapter 330

    <strong>Chapter 330:</strong>

    Everyone stood up reluctantly to say their goodbyes. Since Kristopher¡¯s cars were too eye-catching, Carrie hade by taxi. After leaving Silver Elephant Media, she stood by the roadside and pulled out her phone to call for a ride.

    Out of nowhere, a car came speeding in her direction. Carrie looked up just in time to see the caring dangerously close, just seconds away from hitting her. Her eyes went wide in shock, and for a brief second, she froze before her instincts kicked in, and she quickly stepped back.

    The car screeched to a halt, stopping just inches from her. Carrie stumbled and fell to the ground.

    After catching her breath, she pushed herself up with her hands and nced over. A beat-up BMW was parked in front of her, and a woman in sunsses stepped out. ¡°Ms. Campbell, right? Are you alright?¡±

    The woman¡¯s tone was sharp and dripping with provocation.

    Carrie rose to her feet, meeting the woman¡¯s gaze coolly. ¡°Do we know each other?¡±

    ¡°Of course not. When I started acting, you were probably still relying on some benefactor.¡± The woman took off her sunsses, revealing a face that was impossible to recognize due to cosmetic surgery.

    Carrie¡¯s voice was cold. ¡°What you just did could be seen as attempted murder, and now you¡¯re throwing nder into the mix.¡±

    A few strands of hair fell carelessly across Carrie¡¯s forehead, perfectly framing her sharp features and cool,posed demeanor. She didn¡¯t look messy. Instead, she exuded a quiet, confident defiance that instantly put the woman in her ce.

    The woman¡¯s face twitched for a moment, but she quickly regained herposure and forced augh. ¡°Ms. Campbell, be careful with your words. I¡¯m just a new driver. I identally hit the gas instead of the brake, but I corrected it right away. You¡¯re standing here fine, so how could you use me of attempted murder?¡±

    ¡°You keep addressing me as Ms. Campbell, yet say you don¡¯t know me. I¡¯ve got things to do, and I¡¯m not here to watch your acting rehearsal. If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, I¡¯m walking away.¡±

    Carrie paused for a moment, a dangerous flicker shing in her eyes as she leaned in slightly. Her voice dropped to a chilling whisper. ¡°I¡¯ll let this slide this time, but if it happens again, I¡¯ll make sure you pay for both times.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s presence was somanding that the woman instinctively took a step back, her body trembling slightly. It felt as though she was staring at a demon that had stepped right out of hell itself.

    The woman quickly pulled herself together, though she was clearly on the backfoot. She blurted out every frustration she¡¯d been harboring. ¡°Do you even know how hard it is for people like me, with no connections, to get anywhere in the industry? You have powerful people backing you and get to star alongside top names¡ªwhy take my spot on the variety show? You can¡¯t have everything. How greedy can you be?¡±

    As the woman ranted, Carrie started putting the pieces together. The variety show Soren had invited her to earlier was supposed to be for this woman. Clearly, she had no idea that Carrie had already declined the offer. But Carrie wasn¡¯t about to forgive her just because of that. Even if she had taken the spot, it wasn¡¯t a crime that justified such an outburst.

    Kristopher¡¯s words rang in her ears, a reminder that some problems could only be solved by facing them head-on. The world, after all, was unforgiving¡ªwhere only the strong survived, and weakness only invited further exploitation.

    With that thought, she pulled out her phone and dialed Soren. ¡°Mr. Rodgers, I¡¯ve had a change of heart. I¡¯ll take the spot on the variety show.¡±

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 Chapter 331

    ?<strong>Chapter 331:</strong>

    Soren¡¯s voice crackled through the phone, a mix of surprise and curiosity threading through his words. ¡°Hmm? Why the sudden change of heart? Is it because of Kristopher?¡±

    Carrie paused, her fingers tightening slightly around her phone.

    Nearby, the woman with the surgically enhanced features caught the tail end of the conversation, her eyes widening in disbelief.

    ¡°Mr. Rodgers¡­¡± she murmured under her breath, her voice a mix of shock and apprehension. She hadn¡¯t expected Carrie to pull such a move and felt a wave of panic, afraid Carrie mightin to Soren.

    Carrie could feel the tension in the air, the woman¡¯s unease palpable. She didn¡¯t want to drag Kristopher into the conversation, especially not with the woman eavesdropping.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talkter,¡± she said quickly, ending the call before Soren could press further.

    The woman, who had been holding her breath, exhaled in relief. But the sense of unease crept back when she recalled Carrie¡¯s earlier statement about joining the reality show.

    The realization hit her like a wave, and her voice faltered as she stammered, ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡±

    Carrie, her fingers absentmindedly twirling her phone, let a faint, almost imperceptible smile y on her lips. She looked at the woman, unbothered by her anxiety.

    ¡°I never nned on joining that show,¡± she said in a measured tone. ¡°But¡­¡±

    Carrie dragged the word out, watching the woman closely, before continuing in a tone that was almost too casual. ¡°Since you¡¯re under the impression I stole your opportunity and decided to pull this ridiculous intimidation stunt today, there¡¯s no taking it back. If I back out now, doesn¡¯t that mean I¡¯ll be taking the fall for nothing?¡±

    The best stories are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    The woman¡¯s earlier confidence crumbled.

    She bit down hard on her lower lip, her gaze dropping to the floor. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry,¡± she muttered, though her apologycked conviction, her eyes brimming with barely concealed resentment.

    Carrie had dealt with insincerity enough to recognize it instantly, and the woman¡¯sck of genuine contrition only served to sharpen her resolve.

    Unfazed, Carrie abruptly stopped twirling her phone. She dropped it into her bag with a swift, dismissive motion, her gaze cool and unyielding. ¡°Do you really think an apology fixes anything?¡±

    The woman hesitated, but her pride wouldn¡¯t let her back downpletely. She shifted tactics, trying to find some leverage. ¡°If you never wanted to join the show, you must have your reasons. You don¡¯t have to do this just because of me, right?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curled slightly as she fixed the woman with a steady stare. ¡°Why not? Why should I pretend to be above it all? I¡¯m not.¡± Her voice dropped a fraction. ¡°I¡¯m petty. And I¡¯m vengeful.¡±

    Carrie shrugged nonchntly, the barest flicker of a challenge in her eyes.

    Before the woman could respond, a car pulled up, its engine humming to a stop in front of them. Carrie nced at the license te, her eyes squinting in confirmation. Without a second nce, she strode past the woman and opened the back door.

    The moment she was inside, she mmed it shut, rolling down the window to look out at the woman onest time. ¡°Cut the cheap tricks,¡± she said, her voice a soft warning. ¡°Even if no one¡¯s around right now, you know I have connections. Getting my hands on some surveince footage wouldn¡¯t be hard.¡±

    Before the woman could react, Carrie¡¯s car was already pulling away, disappearing into the traffic.

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 Chapter 332

    ?<strong>Chapter 332:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s parting words, meant only to unsettle her, seemed to havended deeper than intended.

    As the car faded from sight, the woman¡¯s gaze remained locked on the road, her mind racing, the pieces slowly clicking into ce. Soren¡¯s words echoed in her mind.

    He had mentioned someone named Kristopher. That name sounded familiar.

    A jolt of realization hit her. Kristopher¡­ wasn¡¯t he Lise¡¯s benefactor? So Kristopher was Carrie¡¯s backing?

    A sly smile crept across her lips, her earlier panic reced by something darker. Carrie had just handed her a weapon, one that didn¡¯t even require her to lift a finger. Someone else would take care of Carrie for her.

    The woman¡¯s mind raced back to a time when she¡¯d worked with Lise on a drama, when they¡¯d exchanged WhatsApp contacts.

    She pulled out her phone. Her fingers flew over the keys as she typed. ¡°Lise, I just met someone named Carrie. She got Mr. Norris tond her a spot on a reality show.¡±

    With You Carrie sat quietly in the car, trying to shake off the minor incident with the woman from earlier. Compared to the whirlwind of melodramatic chaos she¡¯d been caught up intely, this felt like nothing more than a fleeting annoyance¡ªhardly worth her time or energy.

    To distract herself, she pulled out her phone and began scrolling aimlessly through her social media feed. A post from the scriptpany caught her attention¡ªit was an update, a call for submissions.

    It instantly reminded her that her own script project had been stalled for quite a while. The thought made her pause. Katrina¡¯stest project was already well into the preparation stage, while her script seemed to have stalled indefinitely.

    She didn¡¯t want to lose momentum, especially not for the sake of a fleeting, profit-driven venture.

    M?§Ô? ??????? ?? ??l????l?.???

    She tapped into the chat window for the scriptpany and typed a message: ¡°Any updates on when scriptwriting will resume? The longer the dy, the more I worry about losing track of details, which could lead to inconsistencies.¡±

    For a moment, the chat remained eerily quiet. Then, after what felt like forever, a short reply popped up: ¡°Waiting for the client¡¯s confirmation.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, wanting to push for more details, but stopped herself. This entire deal had been set up by Ruby, and she didn¡¯t want to drag her friend into an awkward position.

    Letting out a quiet sigh, she closed WhatsApp. She reassured herself with the thought of focusing on her acting and creative projects. If she could stabilize her ie, everything else would fall into ce¡ªor so she hoped.

    After all, if she had money, these problems wouldn¡¯t exist. A pang of regret lingered as she thought about the years she¡¯d spent as a full-time housewife, sidelining her ambitions.

    Meanwhile, over at the scriptpany, the sudden cancetion from Lise had everyone on edge. Without the final payment from her, moving forward with their ns seemed nearly impossible. The boss, pulling at what little hair he had left, let out a heavy sigh. What was supposed to be a reputation-boosting project had turned into an absolute headache.

    After a moment of thought, he opened Lise¡¯s WhatsApp chat and typed a message, echoing Carrie¡¯s concern: ¡°Ms. Nash, are you avable? When can we expect scriptwriting to continue?¡±

    He stared at the screen, waiting for a reply that never came.

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 Chapter 333

    ?<strong>Chapter 333:</strong>

    Elsewhere, at the hospital, Kristopher set aside the medical report he had been reviewing and nced at Lise, who waspletely absorbed in her phone. With a soft chuckle, he asked casually, ¡°What¡¯s got your attention? You¡¯re so focused.¡±

    Lise quickly swiped through her phone, closed WhatsApp, and opened a different app¡ªa backstage ount featuring details about an uing auction.

    ¡°There¡¯s an auction at Orkset tonight showcasing a rare and gorgeous ne.¡± She tapped on a picture and, as she looked up, the sternness in her eyes melted into a sweet smile. She stepped closer and held out the phone for Kristopher to see.

    He took it and looked at the image of the ne disyed on the screen. The ne was crafted to mimic a silk ribbon, studded with diamonds that sparkled like a gxy. morous, sure, but nothing truly one of a kind.

    ¡°If you like it,¡± Kristopher said nonchntly, ¡°have someone bid on it for you. I¡¯ll handle the expense.¡±

    Lise yfully tugged at his arm. ¡°You¡¯re so thoughtful, Kristopher. This ne will be perfect for the g next week.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s attention shifted to a nearby piano¡ªa crystal grand piano, gleaming and pristine, as if it had been plucked straight from a fairy tale.

    Lise, who hadn¡¯t noticed it before, now caught sight of the piano. Her eyes sparkled as she pointed to it in the picture. ¡°That¡¯s the piano from Always Be With You! The one where the female lead ys the title song for the male lead.¡±

    Always Be With You. Always by your side.

    Lise kept talking enthusiastically, but Kristopher¡¯s mind had already wandered. He was picturing an elegant figure seated at the piano, fingers gliding across the keys.

    Night enveloped the city as Carrie stepped out of the Campbell family¡¯spany building, her armsden with signed contracts. She had moved swiftly, finalizing the equity transfer without interference. Tristan and Cindy, it seemed, had been preupied with some family drama at the hospital. Carrie didn¡¯t care about their reasons; their absence had smoothed her path.

    Outside, the sky stretched dark and quiet, punctuated by faint stars. One shone brighter than the rest, catching her gaze. They say loved ones who pass on be stars. Maybe, just maybe, it was her mother watching over her, blessing her from above.

    The contracts in her hands were proof of her resolve. She now controlled 45% of thepany, far more than her mother ever had. Her mother once controlled just 20% of the shares, which eventually fell into Tristan¡¯s hands after she left thepany. Now, Carrie held more than twice what her mother had.

    The taxi pulled up to Bayview Vi, and Carrie stepped out to find a scene of bustling activity. Arge truck idled at the entrance while a team of workers carefully unloaded a massive wooden crate.

    ¡°Miss, please stand back,¡± one of the workers warned. ¡°These items are valuable; we can¡¯t afford any idents.¡± Carrie hesitated, her curiosity piqued.

    Before she could respond, Oliver appeared from inside the vi. ¡°This is Mrs. Norris,¡± he informed the worker.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he greeted. ¡°This is a gift from Mr. Norris.¡±

    Her eyes drifted to the enormous crate. Kristopher¡¯s gifts were usually jewelry or handbags¡ªluxuries meant to impress but often impersonal.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 334:</strong>

    This was¡­ different.

    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, tilting her head as she tried to guess.

    Oliver¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile. ¡°You¡¯ll see once it¡¯s inside.¡±

    Carrie followed the workers as they carefully maneuvered the crate through the grand entrance. When they pried it open, her breath caught in her throat.

    Before her stood a grand piano, its body gleaming like crystal, refracting the light in delicate, dazzling patterns.

    Her voice came out in a near whisper. ¡°The piano from Always Be with You?¡±

    Oliver nodded, his tone pleased. ¡°It was the centerpiece of today¡¯s auction in Orkset. Mr. Norris insisted on winning it for you.¡±

    Carrie stepped closer, her fingers trembling as she traced the piano¡¯s smooth edges. Its beauty was mesmerizing, and its connection to the beloved film made her heart swell with nostalgia.

    Though she wasn¡¯t an aplished pianist, she had cherished a childhood dream of owning a piano. Especially one like this, imbued with meaning from a beloved film.

    Oliver, noting her reaction, added with a touch of pride, ¡°Mr. Norris remembered you used to y. When he saw this, he didn¡¯t hesitate. He wanted you to have it.¡±

    Her fingers stilled, and a strange heaviness settled in her chest. The joy in her eyes dimmed, reced by something unspoken.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± she murmured, her tone distant.

    Kristopher didn¡¯t know its story.

    The story behind the piano flickered to life in her mind. In the movie, it wasn¡¯t just a gift; it was a testament of love. The male lead had risked his life to obtain it, only to die before he could deliver it.

    Hisst wish had been for the piano to reach the woman he loved, bing a symbol of his undying devotion. The piano became as symbolic as an engagement ring, representing his eternal love. The female lead yed the theme song ¡°Always Be with You¡± on the piano, a tribute to the man she would always remember.

    To Carrie, the piano had always embodied hope, passion, and the idea of love that transcends loss. To Kristopher, it was a status symbol, a glittering trophy meant to impress.

    She let out a soft sigh. Without its story, the gift felt hollow, like it had lost its soul.

    ¡°Why sigh after receiving such a gift?¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice, low and smooth, came from behind her.

    Carrie flinched.

    Before she could turn, his arm slipped around her waist, pulling her close with effortless confidence.

    Carrie turned her head, carefully masking the swirl of emotions beneath her calm exterior. ¡°I just think it¡¯s too extravagant,¡± she said, her voice even.

    Kristopher stood close, the faint scent of his body wash lingering in the air. His damp hair fell casually over his forehead, framing the rxed smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth.

    ¡°Extravagance is just a value we assign to things,¡± he said smoothly. ¡°At its core, it¡¯s just a tool.¡±

    As expected¡­

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    Carrie felt a pang in her chest, the words confirming what she¡¯d already suspected. To Kristopher, it wasn¡¯t a gesture of love or sentiment. It was merely an object¡ªa trophy for his wealth and power.

    Her thoughts were interrupted by Willow, who emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a cloth. Her eyes locked onto the grand piano, and they widened in disbelief.

    ¡°A piano made of crystal?¡± she blurted, her voice tinged with awe and barely concealed greed. ¡°How much does something like that cost?¡±

    Oliver hesitated, clearly uninterested in indulging Willow¡¯s curiosity. But then, seeing an opportunity to highlight Kristopher¡¯s efforts, he turned to Carrie.

    ¡°The starting bid was thirty million,¡± he began, his tone respectful. ¡°But it sold for a hundred million in the end. Several families were vying for it, but once they realized Mr. Norris was bidding, they backed down.¡±

    No one could match Kristopher¡¯s sheer financial power. Anything he wanted at an auction was his. Others would make a few token bids before stopping, seeing it as a chance to curry favor with Kristopher.

    Willow¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°A hundred million?¡± she eximed, fumbling for her phone.

    She snapped a picture, muttering, ¡°I¡¯ve got to show this to my son.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll never believe it.¡±

    How could he spend so much on Carrie?

    Kristopher¡¯s frown deepened, irritation flickering across his features.

    Oliver quickly stepped in. ¡°You can leave now,¡± he told Willow firmly.

    Kristopher turned to Carrie, his tone softening. ¡°Do you want to try it out?¡±

    Carrie hesitated, then nodded.

    She approached the piano, running her fingers lightly over the keys. The sound that emerged was pure and resonant, each note ringing with rity. It was magnificent.

    For a moment, she allowed herself to appreciate the craftsmanship, setting aside the deeper, conflicted emotions tied to the gift. After all, she wouldn¡¯t keep it once their marriage ended. She might as well enjoy it for what it was: an extraordinary piano.

    Taking a steadying breath, Carrie positioned both hands over the keys. She had intended to y Always Be With You, but something about the moment called for a different piece.

    Instead, she chose a haunting melody about war¡ªa song heavy with sorrow and loss. The notes wove a tapestry of tragedy, painting a vivid picture of a city fading into twilight, its ruins bearing silent witness to the ravages of battle.

    The music hung in the air, stirring an ache in the hearts of those who listened.

    A stunned silence settled over them as she yed the final note.

    ¡°That was incredible, Mrs. Norris! You¡¯re so talented!¡± Oliver gushed, pping enthusiastically.

    Kristopher nodded, his gaze on Carrie. ¡°It was beautiful,¡± he said simply.

    ¡°It has a tragic kind of grandeur¡­¡± Oliver began toment on the tragic undertones of the song but caught himself, ncing nervously at Kristopher.

    Clearing his throat, he muttered, ¡°I¡¯d better get back to the office.¡±

    With that, he turned and hurried out of the vi.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 336:</strong>

    Kristopher hadn¡¯t paid much attention to the music itself.

    Instead, his gaze had drifted, drawn to the soft curve of Carrie¡¯s neckline. His desire stirred, and he moved closer, sitting beside her on the bench.

    Sliding an arm around her waist, he let his fingers brush against her skin, his voice low and husky. ¡°Do you like it?¡±

    Carrie kept still for a moment, then replied softly, ¡°I do.¡±

    ¡°How are you going to thank me?¡± he murmured, leaning close to nibble on her ear. The implication was unmistakable.

    Carrie turned, pressing a kiss to the corner of his mouth. The gesture wasn¡¯t for the piano¡ªit was for thepany shares. Without Kristopher¡¯s help, she wouldn¡¯t have secured them so easily. Thepany would¡¯ve dered bankruptcy before she gathered enough resources to stop it.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly, her voice carrying a rare sincerity. ¡°For helping with thepany, too.¡±

    Her unexpected gratitude seemed to catch Kristopher off guard. He studied her for a moment, his hand lingering on her waist.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go upstairs.¡± Carrie leaned into him, whispering.

    Though his desire simmered beneath the surface, Kristopher hesitated. Willow was still in the house, and he wasn¡¯t one for an audience. Instead, he sighed, lifting Carrie effortlessly into his arms and carrying her upstairs.

    That night, Carrie surprised him. Her tentative, unpracticed movements carried an earnestness that Kristopher found unexpectedly alluring. Though she stumbled through her efforts to please him, it was the quiet determination in her gaze that stirred something deeper within him.

    ?????????????????.c??m hosts thetest

    For once, Kristopher held back. Gone was his usual air ofmand, reced by a rare patience and tenderness. The night unfolded differently¡ªsoft, slow, and strangely intimate.

    Afterward, Carriey sprawled across the bed, her body limp with exhaustion. Her arm draped over the pillow, her cheek pressed against the cool fabric. Wisps of damp hair clung to her flushed face.

    Kristopher sat beside her, bare-chested, his presence exuding a quiet dominance. He lit a cigarette, the flicker of the me momentarily illuminating his sharp features. Smoke curledzily from his lips as his gaze settled on her.

    The sight of her¡ªvulnerable and unguarded¡ªsent a ripple of satisfaction through him.

    Carrie stirred slightly, hershes fluttering, and her nose crinkled at the faint scent of smoke. She had always disliked the habit, but watching him now, his movements deliberate and unhurried, she couldn¡¯t deny the appeal. It suited him in a way that made her stomach twist with feelings she refused to name.

    ¡°Why did you suddenly change your mind about the reality show?¡± he asked, exhaling a puff of smoke.

    Carrie blinked, momentarily caught off guard. It wasn¡¯t surprising that he knew; Kristopher had the means to know whatever he wanted. What startled her was that he cared enough to ask.

    In the past, even if she had told him outright, she doubted he would have reacted.

    ¡°The show approached Norris Group for sponsorship,¡± he said casually, as if he could hear her thoughts. ¡°Your name came up in the guest list.¡±

    What he didn¡¯t mention was the truth: that he had specifically instructed Oliver to investigate her schedule after hearing whispers about her reconsidering. Upon confirming it, he personally ensured Norris Group would sponsor the show. But he wouldn¡¯t admit that. Saying it aloud felt dangerously close to begging for her acknowledgment. He preferred she read between the lines.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 337:</strong>

    Carrie nodded nonchntly. ¡°Makes sense,¡± she murmured.

    It was nothing unusual for Norris Group to sponsor numerous reality TV shows every year. Moreover, their involvement in such sponsorships had started because of Lise.

    Kristopher crushed the cigarette in the ashtray, his thoughts drifting back to earlier that evening, a familiar heat building up in his loins. The piano had been a well-calcted gift, sparking her rare enthusiasm. Now, having dropped a hint about the sponsorship, he thought it fair to ask for something in return.

    He turned to her, leaning closer, his hand brushing her arm. ¡°Come on, sweetheart,¡± he murmured, his voice low, coaxing. ¡°Get on top this time.¡±

    There was a teasing glint in his eyes, the challenge barely veiled. He wanted her to take the lead, to show him what she¡¯d learned.

    But to his surprise, Carrie shifted out of reach. Her movements were quick, almost skittish, as she slid off the bed and reached for her nightgown.

    ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± she said, slipping into her nightgown. ¡°And I¡¯m hungry. I¡¯ll grab something to eat downstairs.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes lingered on her, catching the faint red marks on her bare legs¡ªmarks he¡¯d left. He felt a familiar tension coil low in his body. ¡°Just once more,¡± he coaxed softly, his tone almost pleading. ¡°I¡¯ll have Willow bring something up for you.¡±

    Carrie buttoned her gown without pause. ¡°No need,¡± she said firmly.

    Reaching for her pants, she pulled them on quickly, her actions almost frantic, as if fleeing the room. Without another word, she slipped out the door, leaving him alone.

    Kristopher leaned back against the headboard, a sigh of frustration escaping his lips. He pressed his tongue against his teeth, staring at the door she had just closed behind her.

    She always did this¡ªretreated as if nothing had happened, as if she hadn¡¯t just unraveled him entirely. This was typical Carrie. Once she got what she wanted, she always walked away.

    An hour earlier.

    In a luxurious VIP spa room, Lise lounged on a plush chaise, toying with the diamond ne glinting in her hands. A gift from Kristopher.

    Elva, seated nearby, let out a low whistle of admiration. ¡°This ne is insane,¡± she gushed. ¡°You¡¯re going to outshine everyone at the party, Lise. Nobody else will evene close.¡±

    One of the beauticians chimed in with augh, her eyes wide with envy. ¡°Eight million! Ms. Nash, you¡¯re so lucky. Most women could only dream of a boyfriend like yours. To receive something like this without even asking¡ªyou have the best luck!¡±

    Lise smiled faintly, a flicker of pride in her expression. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, really,¡± she said, feigning nonchnce. ¡°I heard the highlight of the auction wasn¡¯t even this ne, but a piano worth a hundred million.¡±

    Before she could borate further, her phone buzzed on the table. Picking it up, her casual demeanor slipped. Her eyes locked on the screen, her smile freezing in ce.

    The message was a photo¡ªa candid shot of Carrie seated before the hundred-million-dor piano, her fingers resting lightly on the keys.

    The long-awaited debut of Carrie on the variety show had finally arrived. On the panel, three emcees were to appear; two were lesser known, while the third, Stewart, an old friend of Carrie¡¯s, enjoyed greater celebrity. The inclusion of Stewart yed a significant role in drawing viewers to the show.

    Known for his honest and direct manner, Stewart¡¯s refreshingly sincere approach to acting captured the audience¡¯s attention. Videos highlighting his best moments, edited by the marketing team, became inte sensations and boosted the show¡¯s appeal even further.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 338:</strong>

    Stewart¡¯s recent project with Lise also garnered considerable buzz, addingyers of intrigue to the show.

    Ruby had nned to be by Carrie¡¯s side for her first variety show outing, but an unforeseen conflict in schedules with another talent she managed made that impossible. Knowing Stewart was there, Ruby felt reassured enough not to attend, although she advised Carrie to call her if needed.

    Inside the TV studio, Vicky, a neer to show business but a veteran inte sensation, upied the prime spot in the dressing room. Thest time she reached out to Lise, it was intended only to manage Carrie. Yet Lise, ever so altruistic, had not only managed the situation but also secured Vicky a guest appearance.

    This act left Vicky somewhat resentful, recognizing the leverage of having influential connections. What was challenging for her to achieve seemed effortlessly essible to others through such advantages.

    Vicky became the center of attention in the room as everyone had been briefed about a guest linked to a major sponsor. They were instructed to treat her particrly well.

    Arriving in a vehicle from the Norris Group, Vicky was ast-minute addition to the lineup.

    Mistakenly believed to be the influential connection, Vicky wasvished with praise.

    ¡°Vicky, you¡¯re absolutely stunning. Your skin is wless.¡±

    ¡°Because of you, our programnded a huge sponsorship. The presents for the guests and staff are incredibly valuable.¡±

    ¡°For today¡¯s culinary segment, I heard the sponsor brought in a Michelin-starred chef to ensure you have a wonderful meal.¡±

    Vicky responded promptly, ¡°Please don¡¯t assume that. I have no ties to the sponsor. I wouldn¡¯t dare im such a connection. All credit goes to Lise. Her boyfriend is the sponsor, and she always takes care of her friends.¡±

    Vicky had outgrown her naivety and understood that Lise¡¯s assistance was not without its costs. It was clear that Lise intended to use Vicky as a pawn to undermine Carrie by disclosing her rtionship with Kristopher.

    Noticing the emptypliments, Stewart felt a wave of difort. He took the chance to move toward the door just as Carrie stepped out of the elevator. He approached her swiftly, as though she were a beacon of hope.

    ¡°Carrie.¡±

    A soft smile yed on Carrie¡¯s lips as she spotted him. ¡°It¡¯s a relief to have you by my side.¡±

    With a chuckle, Stewart¡¯s voice carried a lightness. ¡°You both have beauty and kindness. Just be yourself. There¡¯s no need to be overly anxious. Remember, it¡¯s all yful games here, no script needed.¡±

    Drawing nearer, he murmured to Carrie, ¡°We have an unexpected guest today, someone named Vicky.¡±

    With a curious tilt of her head, Carrie scanned the gathering. ¡°Why her, of all people?¡±

    It seemed destiny had its own ns for rivals. Vicky, the very person who had recklessly scared her with a car recently, was here.

    Carrie¡¯s gazended on her just as Vicky looked her way. Holding her gaze for a beat, Vicky¡¯s lips curled into a smile. ¡°What a small world, meeting you here again.¡±

    Nearby, murmurs spread among the crowd. ¡°Who is that? She looks stunning.¡±

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    ?<strong>Chapter 339:</strong>

    Today, Carrie¡¯s outfit exuded confidence and sophistication. She chose a pale green blouse that fell softly around her, paired with form-fitting jeans that entuated her long, slender legs. ck high heelspleted her ensemble, striking a bnce between the flowing blouse and the snug jeans, which together highlighted her statuesque figure. Her glossy ck hair was effortlessly gathered into a bun at the back of her neck, secured with a striking pearl essory.

    Even the makeup artist, assigned to assist Vicky, hesitated momentarily, taken aback by Carrie¡¯s impableplexion. While onlookers admired her, Vicky, sensing a challenge, casually mentioned, ¡°Carrie¡¯s starring in ourpany¡¯stest drama, marking her debut.¡±

    ¡°Debut?¡± echoed the crowd, puzzled. One curious voice broke the silence and murmured, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Silver Elephant Media typically shy away from casting unknowns? Was Ms. Campbell known online previously?¡±

    Stepping up, Carrie responded calmly, ¡°No, I¡¯m simply a fresh face here. Please, call me Carrie.¡±

    Stewart quickly came to her defense. ¡°Carrie may be new to some, but her talent is undeniable. She has auditioned with us before.¡±

    He recalled that Carrie and Lise had made headlines online together, hoping it might jog some memories. Unbeknownst to him, Kristopher had quickly scrubbed that buzz from the inte. While the event was known, linking it back to Carrie remained elusive for many.

    Their remarks sparked further curiosity among the audience. After her unsessful audition, the assumption was that she hadn¡¯t made the cut. Being a neer and yet starring in Silver Elephant Media¡¯stest drama, Carrie¡¯s striking appearance suggested she might be supported financially.

    The crowd¡¯s initial admiration turned to spective scrutiny as they reconsidered the situation. It was apparent that there was no love lost between Vicky and Carrie. While Carrie¡¯s patron remained a mystery, Vicky was notably supported by Kristopher, and the director had specific instructions to provide Vicky with special treatment. With these dynamics in y, the room swiftly united.

    Just then, two new arrivals diverted attention, and the makeup artist, overwhelmed, addressed Ms. Campbell, saying, ¡°Given yourte arrival and our current rush, we¡¯re unable to assist you at this moment. The makeup supplies are avable; you might have to manage on your own.¡±

    Stewart¡¯s expression conveyed displeasure. Carrie, sensing his frustration, softly pulled at his sleeve and gave a subtle shake of her head, urging him to hold his peace.

    As the showmenced, the host introduced an icebreaker, proposing that guests call a close friend to join the broadcast, either in person or through a video call.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start,¡± Vicky said, casting a pointed look at Carrie.

    The host, building anticipation, queried, ¡°Now, who might Vicky call? Vicky, I remember yourst co-star was a male singer. Could it be him?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Vicky used to be famous online. Do you think she¡¯ll bring in a popr streamer? Perhaps she¡¯ll ask that top streamer to join us?¡± suggested someone from the audience excitedly.

    Vicky responded with an enigmatic grin, then tapped her phone to begin a video call.

    As the call connected, therge screen disyed a familiar face.

    ¡°It¡¯s actually Lise!¡±

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    ?<strong>Chapter 340:</strong>

    ¡°Who knew Vicky was connected to Lise!¡±

    Cheers and whispers filled the air as Lise, one of the show¡¯s most prestigious guests to date, appeared on screen.

    Casually, Vicky asked, ¡°Lise, today¡¯s episode involves us bringing someone close. Are you able toe?¡±

    ¡°Sure, give me a moment to get ready. I just woke up and haven¡¯t even washed my face or changed out of my pajamas,¡± Lise replied, making a charmingly rueful face.

    Impressed, the host said, ¡°Lise, you look incredible even without makeup.¡±

    Carrie watched from a distance, realizing Lise¡¯s effortless look was carefully nned¡ªan insider would spot the details missed by the public. She discreetly moved further from the center of attention, noticing Stewart did the same.

    Their eyes met, acknowledging their shared insight, and they quietly chatted about their craft, slightly removed from the surrounding buzz.

    Vicky ended her conversation, and the host eagerly turned to Carrie, inquiring, ¡°Now, Carrie, who will you be inviting to the show?¡±

    Have You Decided Which Friend¡­

    The female MC, seeing the close bond between Vicky and Lise, quickly aligned herself with Vicky. She approached Carrie with a smile. ¡°Carrie, I understand you¡¯re new to showbiz. Don¡¯t worry if you don¡¯t have many connections in the industry; it¡¯s perfectly okay to bring someone from outside.¡±

    ¡°Carrie, why not invite Asher?¡± Stewart raised his eyes to Carrie, observing her serene expression, as calm as a rose in the midst of winter. Despite the chaos around her, Carrie remained unaffected.

    A male guest interjected with a tone of surprise. ¡°Asher? Are you talking about the Asher I have in mind? Is that right?¡±

    Suddenly, a member of the audience recognized Carrie. ¡°Oh, now I remember! Isn¡¯t Carrie the actress who¡¯s working with Asher currently?¡±

    ¡°No wonder she¡¯s co-starring with a leading star. She¡¯s even more gorgeous in person!¡±

    Yet, there were some critical murmurs. ¡°I¡¯ve heard some chatter about her trying to use Asher¡¯s fame to boost her own, clinging to the sess of a top star. Is she up to the same tricks today?¡±

    ¡°Asher is somitted to his craft, and here she is, a neer, attempting to shortcut her way to fame by leveraging his. It¡¯s quite disgusting.¡±

    Hearing thesements, Vicky interjected sweetly. ¡°I¡¯ve heard you and Asher are close. If you called him, he¡¯d surely make it, wouldn¡¯t he?¡±

    It was a dilemma for Carrie. If she agreed, she¡¯d face usations of chasing fame. If she declined, it would imply she wasn¡¯t actually close to Asher.

    Realizing his mistake, Stewart gave Carrie an apologetic look, attempting to correct his blunder. ¡°The ice-breaker activities are crucial for interaction. Bringing a good friend along would really enhance the experience.¡±

    ¡°It slipped my mind that Asher doesn¡¯t usually do variety shows.¡±

    Vicky quickly made a face, casting a significant nce at Carrie. ¡°Lise is incredibly busy, but she came because of me. Surely Asher would do the same for you, right?¡±

    Carrie replied, ¡°Asher and I are simply colleagues. If he decides toe, that¡¯s a favor; if he doesn¡¯t, that¡¯s his prerogative. But as someone new to this, I¡¯d rather not owe him such a big favor.¡±

    The host intervened to defuse the tension. ¡°Carrie, have you decided which friend you¡¯ll invite?¡±

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    ?<strong>Chapter 341:</strong>

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Carrie responded, ¡°Is it possible to invite someone who isn¡¯t a celebrity?¡±

    ¡°A non-celebrity¡­¡± The host gave a forced smile and then suggested, ¡°How about trying to invite Asher? We¡¯d all enjoy seeing him here, right?¡±

    The suggestion was met with enthusiastic agreement from everyone except Stewart, and the audience started to cheer.

    Carrie found herself cornered by the situation. At a loss, Stewart looked over at Carrie, who stood calmly, seemingly unfazed by the mounting pressure.

    ¡°I¡¯m not tied up!¡± Camille stood on her tiptoes, reaching for Albin¡¯s phone.

    Albin, leveraging his height and long arms, easily dodged her attempts. ¡°Kristopher, this is a perfect chance. A variety show is something that can be seen by everyone across the country. If you show up, it¡¯s practically announcing your rtionship to the country. And regarding the divorce¡­ you know the implications.¡±

    Camille¡¯s eyes widened in shock. She pped Albin¡¯s arm twice. ¡°Albin! How could you set Carrie up like that? She¡¯s just decided to get a divorce! I¡¯m going to tell Carrie that Kristopher ising!¡±

    Her hits were gentle, more like light pats than actual strikes.

    ¡°Kristopher, the opportunity is right in front of you. The choice is yours now.¡± Albin ended the call and pocketed his phone. His expression was uncharacteristically grave. ¡°How am I setting Carrie up? Don¡¯t you see the affection between her and Kristopher? It¡¯s better to repair a marriage than break it, but you seem keen on them splitting.¡±

    Camille retorted, ¡°How am I pushing for their divorce? Kristopher and that maniptive Lise are tangled up. If Carrie doesn¡¯t leave, what are they supposed to do, live as a threesome?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s for them to sort out, not you. They¡¯re adults. They should make their own emotional decisions. You¡¯re just a friend; some boundaries shouldn¡¯t be crossed,¡± Albin replied, locking eyes with her, his voice gentle but firm.

    Camille was momentarily taken aback by the intensity of Albin¡¯s seriousness.

    Seizing the moment, Albin steered her toward the exit. Before she knew it, she was sitting in the passenger seat of his car, buckled in.

    At Norris Group, Kristopher sat at his desk, his long fingers tapping rhythmically on the surface.

    Oliver watched him closely and then cautiously approached. ¡°Mr. Norris, should we get the car ready to go to the TV station?¡±

    Opportunity Is Right In¡­

    Meanwhile, on the other side, Camille had just stepped out of apany building when a tall figure suddenly obstructed her way. Looking up, she saw Albin and instinctively turned to run back inside.

    Albin caught her wrist, pulling her to a stop with a pleading expression. ¡°Camille, can we talk?¡±

    Gone was his characteristic yful charm. The dark circles under his eyes, a scruffy beard, and his weary demeanor aged him considerably, suggesting he hadn¡¯t slept well in days.

    Camille attempted to pull her arm free several times, but Albin¡¯s hold was unyielding. Her wrist began to chafe under his firm grasp, yet she couldn¡¯t escape.

    As they remained at an impasse, her phone rang. Using her free hand, she answered¡ªit was a video call from Carrie.

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    ?<strong>Chapter 342:</strong>

    ¡°It¡¯s Carrie on the line; keep it down,¡± Camille said to Albin, then switched to a cheerful tone to answer the call. ¡°Hey, Carrie, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s face appeared on the screen, her expression serious. ¡°I¡¯m at a variety show right now. Can you join me for a game segment?¡±

    ¡°Sure, just send me the address. I¡¯ll be there as soon as I can,¡± Camille responded quickly, grasping at the chance to leave.

    After ending the call, she showed her phone to Albin. ¡°Look, I have to go. I don¡¯t have time to chat.¡±

    Albin observed her eager attempt to get away and let out a smirk. He then took out his own phone and called Kristopher. ¡°Kristopher, your wife¡¯s at a variety show and needs a friend for a game. She tried to call Camille, but she¡¯s tied up now¡­¡±

    Kristopher looked up, paused thoughtfully, and then asked, ¡°Do you think I should go?¡±

    At the variety show set, the guests had just wrapped up their introductions when the staff escorted Lise onto the stage. She was dressed in a smoky pink V-neck tulle gown, and the dazzling diamond ne she wore drew everyone¡¯s gaze.

    Lise¡¯s refined beauty often went underappreciated in the shy world of entertainment. She usually depended on luxury brands to stand out. While many celebrities struggled to ess such exclusive attire, Kristopher could procure them for her instantly whenever she wished. Thanks to his financial power, she gradually became a favorite among both fans and colleagues, who oftenplimented her elegance.

    Strutting to the center of the stage with pride, she held her head high, her eyes briefly ncing at Carrie before focusing on Vicky.

    ¡°Lise,¡± Vicky quickly said, taking her arm with excessive care, almost resembling a servant aiding herdy.

    Lise epted the microphone from the host. ¡°Hello, everyone, I¡¯m Lise. I¡¯m friends with Vicky, and I¡¯m here to participate in the games with her today. Please be gentle with me,¡± she added with a yful tone, winking and sticking out her tongue.

    The host¡¯s attention was captured by the sparkling diamond ne. ¡°That¡¯s a stunning ne,¡± he said.

    With a casually refined gesture, Lise touched the ne. ¡°It¡¯s a gift from a dear friend,¡± she said casually.

    A male guest chimed in after a pause. ¡°I recognize that ne! It went for eight million at an auction justst week!¡±

    The women in the audience gazed enviously, and the host teased, ¡°A ne that pricey muste from more than a mere acquaintance.¡±

    Vicky interjected mischievously, ¡°Let¡¯s not be too hard on Lise. She¡¯s naturally modest.¡±

    But her friend here is exceedingly generous, always ready to splurge to make her happy.¡±

    The crowd picked up on the hint of gossip and shifted their focus to Lise. Lise gave a small smile and responded, ¡°For now, we¡¯re just close friends. He¡¯s very rich, so this ne is nothing for him.¡±

    She paused, her eyes subtly moving towards Carrie at the edge of the stage. ¡°Originally, my friend wanted to gift me a piano, but I¡¯m not much of a pianist. It would have been a waste, so I chose this ne instead.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Carrie clenched her fists, her nails pressing into her palms. The sharp physical pain couldn¡¯t hide the deep hurt in her heart. It wasn¡¯t excruciating, merely like the difort of a tiny needle prick.

    The gift wasn¡¯t just a toy; it was something someone else had refused. Reflecting on her attempt to please him for an unwanted item made her feel foolish. Were it not for the stage setting, she might have been physically sick with the realization.

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 Chapter 343

    ?<strong>Chapter 343:</strong>

    Out of professional respect, she quickly recalibrated her feelings, distancing herself as if she were merely a detached observer. Her eyes settled on a crease in a poster on the floor, her thoughts drifting aimlessly as she disconnected from the ongoing conversation.

    The host, tactfully avoiding any direct mention of Kristopher¡¯s name, noted the murmurs among the audience.

    ¡°I recall Lise had a first love who was quite influential, likely the CEO of Norris Group.¡±

    ¡°Right, right, wasn¡¯t there a story about her being troubled at a dinner, and the CEO stepping in to defend her?¡±

    ¡°So, this friend might actually be her former boyfriend. But it looks like he¡¯s trying to win her back. Lise appears to be warming up to him. It looks like the CEO might just reim his lost love.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s quite romantic how destiny has reunited them.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be wonderful if Lise were a guest? She could bring her ex-boyfriend along, and we could all be part of their love story.¡±

    Lise maintained a soft, somewhat bashful smile, subtly confirming the audience¡¯s suspicions.

    ¡°Carrie, Carrie!¡± Stewart¡¯s gentle prompt snapped Carrie back to the present.

    She looked up to see the host smiling at her, asking, ¡°Carrie, how long until your friend gets here?¡±

    Carrie checked her phone. ¡°Sorry, let me see.¡±

    She texted, saying, ¡°Where are you?¡± and awaited a reply that never came.

    The host nced at her phone screen and suggested, ¡°Perhaps they¡¯re caught in traffic. Let¡¯s proceed with the game draw now, and your friend can join us when they arrive.¡±

    With that, the host said to Lise, ¡°Ms. Nash, you can rx off to the side for now.¡±

    Lise moved to a position off-camera, then walked backstage. For her, the caliber of this variety show didn¡¯t justify merely standing in the background. Her presence was aimed both at unsettling Carrie and subtly signaling her ties to Kristopher.

    As Lise exited the stage, a staff member came up and whispered to the host. The host paused, giving Carrie a nk stare.

    This unexpected pause sparked curiosity among the audience, with all eyes turning to Carrie.

    The host quirked an eyebrow, heightening the suspense. ¡°Carrie, you have a friend who couldn¡¯t be here today, but they¡¯ve reached out to us for a video call with you.¡± Carrie looked confused. Could Camille be nning something unexpected?

    Vicky crossed her arms and said, her voice filled with sarcasm, ¡°Carrie, your so-called ordinary friend seems pretty bold. Lise made the effort to be here in person, and yet your friend is causing trouble with a video call. Didn¡¯t we already do a video call when the invitation was sent?¡±

    The host ignored Vicky¡¯s remark. He turned to Carrie and said, ¡°Carrie, would you like to take a guess at who this friend could be?¡±

    Carrie had a hunch and asked, ¡°Is it the friend I just tried to call?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± the host chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement, barely holding back his excitement.

    Carrie guessed, ¡°Could it be Asher?¡±

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 Chapter 344

    ?<strong>Chapter 344:</strong>

    Vicky paled and stepped back, muttering in shock, ¡°What? Asher? How could that be? Didn¡¯t you im you two weren¡¯t that close?¡±

    She had brought up Asher earlier, sure that he wouldn¡¯te to a show like this for Carrie. Asher¡¯s distance from others and his struggles to get along with people were well-known in the industry, especially when it came to anyone connected to negative rumors about him. Even if they worked well together, it still wouldn¡¯t be enough for him to take the risk of any gossip.

    Before Vicky could process this turn of events, the host had already turned on the big screen.

    Asher greeted Carrie, the other guests, and the audience in session, then exined, ¡°I¡¯m tied up with other engagements and not in Orkset, so I can¡¯t join Carrie in person today. However, since this is her first time on a variety show, I trust you¡¯ll all look after her.¡±

    ¡°Thank you in advance!¡±

    Asher¡¯s statement shifted the audience¡¯s perception of Carrie. Throughout it all, Carrie remained serene and unbothered by the shifting dynamics, disying no hint of pride.

    Vicky was so angry she almost ground her teeth, finally saying with a sarcastic tone, ¡°So, Asher and Ms. Campbell are really close, huh?¡±

    Herment was soft and nearly inaudible on the set, but Asher, already informed of Vicky¡¯s antagonistic behavior towards Carrie, watched her intently throughout the video call.

    Asher retorted, ¡°Carrie and I have always had a close rtionship. She¡¯s been immensely supportive to me. I¡¯ve always seen her as a mentor.¡±

    The camera captured Vicky, who was visibly seething in silence before managing to ster on a strained smile and murmured, ¡°I see.¡±

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    The surprise appearance by Asher promised a ratings spike for the show. The host, prompted by messages from the station manager and the director, took the chance to delve deeper with additional questions.

    Asher, out of respect for Carrie, responded to each query thoughtfully. With Asher¡¯s endorsement, some audience members who had previously kept quiet now expressed their views.

    ¡°I find Carrie to be very authentic, whereas Vicky seems quite pretentious. I can hardly follow what she¡¯s saying.¡± ¡°Doesn¡¯t anyone remember her performances? I saw Carrie¡¯s acting on Twitter, and she clearly overshadowed Lise.¡±

    ¡°Asher is known for shunning the limelight. His backing of Carrie just proves she¡¯s truly decent.¡±

    Lise exited into the hallway for some air. She gazed down at the TV station¡¯s rear parking lot from the window. Among the vehicles, a silver luxury car caught her eye.

    Standing beside her, Elva noticed the car as well and asked curiously, ¡°Lise, did you request Mr. Norris toe get you?¡±

    ¡°Why would I ask him to pick me up?¡± Lise responded with a frown.

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Elva suggested, ¡°Perhaps Mr. Norris couldn¡¯t find you at thepany, so he decided toe here instead. I¡¯ll get some reporters to snap a few pictures and post them on a gossip blog.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lise said, her voice distant, feeling uneasy, as if something bad was about to happen.

    As the episode progressed, Asher was engaged in an intriguing discussion with the host when an imposing, elegant figure appeared at the edge of the stage. Kristopher had arrived directly from his office, dressed in a sharp silver-gray suit that entuated his chiseled features, which stood out magnificently under the stage lights. His aloof demeanor exuded an air of aristocratic detachment.

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 Chapter 345

    ?<strong>Chapter 345:</strong>

    Unseen by the host and guests who were engrossed with the onscreen interaction, Kristopher caught the audience¡¯s attention first. Excitement sparked among them as murmurs spread rapidly.

    ¡°Who is that man? He¡¯s even more striking than Asher!¡± ¡°Is it even possible to be that attractive?¡±

    The stir among the audience eventually drew the attention of those on stage, prompting them to turn and discover the source of the disruption.

    Carrie¡¯s reaction was emotional; upon catching sight of Kristopher, she was momentarily paralyzed, as if hit by a sudden shock. What brought him to this broadcast?

    In that instant, the director, too, rushed to the scene. Disbelief had marked his expression when an audience member ryed who had arrivedpounding when his assistant confirmed Lise¡¯s presence. It clicked for the director then that Kristopher was likely here for Lise. It wasmon knowledge in showbiz circles that Kristopher adored Lise, cing her on a pedestal above all else.

    With Kristopher, Lise, and Asher all involved, the episode¡¯s viewership was destined to skyrocket. Contemting this, the director couldn¡¯t contain his enthusiasm, beaming as he approached Kristopher.

    ¡°Mr. Norris¡­¡± he said, ready to inform him about Lise waiting backstage.

    However, Kristopher, seemingly oblivious, walked right by him, heading towards his destination.

    At that moment, as Carrie¡¯s and Kristopher¡¯s eyes met, there was an undeniable connection. Within his deep, dark eyes, she perceived an unwavering resolve. Despite her shock, she acknowledged as he approached that he was indeed there for her. Panic surged within her, her hand tightening on the microphone until her knuckles nched.

    The scene she had often fantasized about, now a reality, did not bring happiness but anxiety. The urge to escape overwhelmed her, yet she was at a loss for how to handle the imminent situation. However, leaving the recording at this point would surely ruin her career.

    Her mind turned nk, and her lip caught between her teeth in a futile attempt to calm herself by reminding herself that it wasn¡¯t a live show. She hoped to discuss the situation with Kristopherter, perhaps even redoing this part of the program.

    Stewart quickly understood the gravity of the moment. Mistakenly believing Kristopher hade to disrupt Carrie for Lise¡¯s sake, he confronted him. ¡°Mr. Norris¡­¡±

    Receiving a cold nce from Kristopher, Stewart instinctively retreated, stepping aside to let him pass.

    Kristopher paused in front of Carrie, his expression aloof as he observed her silently. Finally, he broke the silence. ¡°Why weren¡¯t you upfront about being on the show?¡± His voice was cool but had an underlying softness, reminiscent of a gentle wind that stirs troubled waters, calming yet concealing deeper turmoil.

    From the sidelines, the director felt a flicker of relief that he hadn¡¯t brought up Lise prematurely. Yet, a new worry dawned¡ªWas Kristopher really here because of Carrie? Might the station manager have been safeguarding Carrie instead of Vicky?

    Considering the connection through Lise was tenuous at best, why would Kristopher support a show for Vicky? A vivid memory of how they had taunted Carrie sent an unsettling shiver through the director.

    Through some ironic twist of destiny, they had alienated the one person who most deserved their backing! Carrie¡¯s eyes stayed fixed on Kristopher¡¯s suit cor before she finally spoke. ¡°I figured you weren¡¯t fond of variety shows.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Kristopher answered with a deep, steady tone, pausing before adding, ¡°But I¡¯ll make an exception for you.¡±

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 Chapter 346

    ?<strong>Chapter 346:</strong>

    Time seemed to freeze around Carrie as the only sound she could discern was Kristopher¡¯s voice. Rather than being moved, she was overtaken by an eerie sense of dread. The once distant Kristopher, who had treated her as a mere acquaintance in public, was now tenderly murmuring endearments to her on a live variety show.

    She reflected on all the ways Kristopher had transformedtely. Had the setting been more fitting, she might have wondered if a spirit had seized him or if he perhaps had an undisclosed twin.

    Beneath Kristopher¡¯s serene facade, his heart pounded furiously. Even as a child, when he faced the formidable financial magnates of Steu Skua, he had never felt such disquiet. Always the clever one, he had dominated every situation with confidence. Yet now, he found himself floundering like an inexperienced youth. For the first time, he was acting on sheer impulse, reckless of the repercussions.

    The words he had just spoken were among the scenarios Oliver had outlined on their way to the show. Merely half an hour earlier, Kristopher had dismissed them as overly sentimental, convinced he was far tooposed to say anything so over the top. However, when the moment arrived, articting them proved less challenging than anticipated.

    The host and the director shared a conspiratorial look and swiftly moved toward the duo, their faces bright with amusement as they teasingly inquired, ¡°So, what exactly is the nature of your rtionship? Could you possibly be a couple?¡±

    At this, he extended the microphone towards Kristopher.

    Carrie, maintaining a courteous yet distant smile, was the first to respond, seizing the microphone. ¡°It seems there¡¯s been a slight misunderstanding. We are not a couple¡­¡±

    Before Carrie could borate, Kristopher effortlessly drew her close, his gaze softening as he looked down at her with a depth of warmth. ¡°We¡¯re not just a couple, we¡¯re actually married.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s brings you fresh updates

    Encircled by theforting, earthy aroma of Kristopher, Carrie¡¯s mind began to reel. She found herself immobilized in his hold, like a puppet suddenly bereft of strings. Internally, she pleaded for serenity and control, yet the situation left her at a loss for how to proceed.

    It felt reminiscent of the distant days following their wedding when she had longed for him to present her as Mrs. Norris publicly. What had she been hoping for back then? Her ambition had been to embody the ideal wife and mother.

    Kristopher, observing the astonishment etched across her face, had experienced a brief twinge of unease when she refuted their rtionship. However, the difort was fleeting, and he quickly calmed himself down. If they bickered during such an important announcement, he would be the subject of ridicule. Still, he mentally earmarked the necessity of a heartfelt conversation with herter on.

    Kristopher¡¯s derationnded like a thunderp, rendering everyone speechless¡ªan oue no scriptwriter could have ever envisioned. The shock was most profound on Vicky¡¯s and Stewart¡¯s faces. Vicky, caught up in witnessing the tender interactions between the couple, forgot she remained in view of the cameras. She whispered in disbelief, ¡°How can this be? How can Mr. Norris be her husband?¡±

    The director, noticing herpse, swiftly turned off her microphone. Embarrassment washed over Vicky as she realized her mistake, having unknowingly paraded a mistress before awful wife. Stewart quickly collected himself, although the revtion still weighed heavily on him.

    He felt a pang of sympathy for Carrie. How could Kristopher, her own husband, help Lise steal the role that was rightfully hers? From one man to another, Stewart struggled to understand Kristopher¡¯s reasoning, neglecting such a devoted wife for someone as deceitful as Lise.

    The crowd buzzed with murmurs and spection. The director shot a significant look at the host, who promptly stepped up, his voiceced with a trace of curiosity. ¡°Is this truly a marriage?¡±

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 Chapter 347

    ?<strong>Chapter 347:</strong>

    The real question hung in the air: Was their union legally binding, or merely a nominal im of husband and wife?

    Carrie stood next to Kristopher, feeling like a lifeless puppet as he casually draped his arm around her and said, ¡°Yes, we are legally married.¡±

    To erase any doubt, he whipped out his phone, disying a photo of their marriage certificate and holding it up for all to see. The photographer wasted no time, zooming in and projecting the image of the marriage certificate onto therge screen.

    Carrie stood frozen, her tightly clenched fists rxing without her even realizing it. She distinctly recalled how Kristopher hadn¡¯t even spared their marriage certificate a second look after they¡¯d registered. So when had he managed to snap such a perfectly framed photo? He couldn¡¯t have taken it earlier. He must have snapped it today, likely on the way to the event, preparing specifically for this grand reveal.

    Of course. The Kristopher she knew was never one to act impulsively. Even this public revtion wasn¡¯t spontaneous; he had clearly nned every aspect with precision. Whether she genuinely believed this or simply needed a way to rationalize it, the thought brought her an unexpected sense of peace. Keeping her hopes low meant protecting herself from disappointment. She had already allowed herself to care more than she should have, and she wasn¡¯t willing to let that pain cut her again.

    Meanwhile, Lise caught snippets of staff gossip, their hushed voices abuzz with ims that Kristopher had appeared at the show for Carrie. Seething with rage, she charged toward the stage. Anticipating her outburst, the director had preemptively summoned every avable security guard to block her path, creating a human shield in the hallway.

    Hearing from security about themotion, the director hurried over to intercept her. ¡°Lise, please calm down,¡± he urged.

    Lise discarded any pretense of delicacy, her tone sharp and impatient as she barked, ¡°Out of my way! Kristopher would never treat me like this. That bitch Carrie must have manipted him!¡± Kristopher had never wanted a divorce. Carrie must have used that to push him into making the announcement.

    Until this moment, the world had seen Lise as Kristopher¡¯s one and only love. If the episode went public, she¡¯d not only lose her position but also face the shame of beingbeled the other woman. The more she dwelled on it, the more her fury grew, her eyes burning with malice. Why did Carrie always have to ruin everything for her?

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your gateway to fiction

    Two years ago, during her fallout with Kristopher, Carrie had swooped in and married him. And now, just when Lise was poised to reim her ce, Carrie was stirring up trouble once more. Lise once felt invincible, convinced that as long as she held onto her trump card, Kristopher would never abandon her. But now¡­

    Elva hurried over to them, offering the director an apologetic smile before taking hold of Lise¡¯s arm. ¡°Mr. Norris has already spoken. What do you think you¡¯ll achieve by going up there? Kicking up a fuss and causing a scene?¡±

    Lise hesitated, her anger momentarily subsiding as she shot a re at Elva. Fearing she might blurt out something impulsive, Elva gave her hand a subtle pinch and leaned in close to whisper, ¡°Think about the bigger picture. The show isn¡¯t live; it¡¯s pre-recorded. Instead of stirring up trouble now, wouldn¡¯t it be smarter to persuade Mr. Norris to re-record the episodeter?¡±

    Turning to the director, Elva smoothly interjected, ¡°Lise isn¡¯t feeling well¡ªher heart¡¯s acting up. She won¡¯t be able to continue filming today.¡±

    ¡°Could you ask Vicky to arrange for another friend toe?¡± Lise¡¯s voice was tinged with frustration, but Elva remained calm.

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 Chapter 348

    ?<strong>Chapter 348:</strong>

    The director nodded in agreement, ying along. ¡°Lise¡¯s health is the priority. Her condition has always been delicate. Head to the hospital for a check-up. We¡¯ll handle things with Vicky; don¡¯t worry about it.¡± He was genuinely terrified that Lise might storm onto the stage and turn the show into a messy showdown between the wife and the mistress. Sure, he wanted high ratings, but not at the cost of courting disaster.

    Vicky watched the scene unfold, seething as everyonevished praise on Carrie, her frustration building with eachplimentary word. The female emcee who had been ttering her moments ago now gushed about the couple¡¯s perfect chemistry. Forcing a tight smile, Vicky stepped forward, cutting through the mor. ¡°Since Carrie¡¯s friend has graced us with his presence, shouldn¡¯t we move on to the next segment?¡±

    Her interruption was met with a frosty nce from the female emcee, whose earlier warmth had vanished faster than a snowke in the sun. The host turned to Vicky, his cheerful facade faltering. With a grin that didn¡¯t reach his eyes, he said, ¡°Actually, Lise mentioned she wasn¡¯t feeling well and decided to leave, so we¡¯ll have to tweak the schedule a bit.¡± The subtle dig didn¡¯t escape Vicky. She knew all too well that the host wasn¡¯t about to give her any opportunities to shine, especially since shecked the sort of clout Kristophermanded.

    Hearing Lise¡¯s name, Kristopher¡¯s brows knitted together in a frown. He leaned in close to Carrie, muting the microphone she held with a flick of his finger. ¡°Lise is here too?¡± he asked.

    Carrie¡¯s lips twitched, and she noted the way he instinctively shielded her. Yet, deep down, she couldn¡¯t forget that it was his fault Lise had been dogging her like a shadow.

    ¡°She came to humiliate me,¡± Carrie replied coolly, her tone as cutting as a shard of ss.

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, a wry smirk curling his lips. ¡°You? Humiliated? With your sharp tongue, you¡¯re practically untouchable.¡±

    The words slipped out before he could think better of them. Realizing they were still on camera, he softened his tone, adding with a sigh, ¡°Don¡¯t hold it against her. With her heart condition, she¡¯s more sensitive than most.¡±

    Carrie pressed her lips into a thin line, refusing to reply. It was always the same story, the same tired excuses trotted out on Lise¡¯s behalf.

    Interpreting her silence as agreement, Kristopher reached out and gave her a light pat on the head. The gesture was oddly tender yet condescending, like pacifying a petnt child.

    On the sidelines, Vicky¡¯s eyes narrowed as she watched them. The way Kristopher and Carrie seemed lost in their own little world sent an ache of jealousy coursing through her.

    The host, ever the diplomat, stepped in with an easy smile. ¡°Since Vicky¡¯s friend had to leave, why don¡¯t we switch gears and have a talent showcase instead?¡±

    The suggestion lit a spark in Vicky¡¯s eyes. She pounced on the opportunity like a cat spotting a mouse. ¡°I can y the violin,¡± she announced, her voice brimming with confidence.

    For ten years, she had honed her skills on the violin, always keeping it on hand for moments just like this. Her gaze darted toward Carrie as she added, ¡°Ms. Campbell, since you¡¯ve managed to marry into wealth, surely you have a few tricks up your sleeve. Care to join me for a duet?¡±

    The challenge hung in the air like a gauntlet thrown at Carrie¡¯s feet. Inwardly, Vicky smirked. She was convinced that Carrie¡¯s poprity was little more than a cleverly orchestrated mirage. If the woman had any real talent, she¡¯d have unted it a hundred times over by now.

    In her mind, the stakes were clear. She had already burned her bridges with Carrie, and any apology would fall on deaf ears. If she was going to face bacsh after this show, she might as well go all out and drag Carrie down with her. Vicky imagined the headlines: a self-made talent standing tall against a woman propped up by her husband. Public sympathy would flow her way like water seeking its level.

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 Chapter 349

    ?<strong>Chapter 349:</strong>

    Stewart, sensing the brewing storm, stepped in to intervene. ¡°I can y the guitar.¡±

    ¡°How about a duet with you instead?¡± But Vicky wasn¡¯t about to let him derail her n. She shot him a pointed look. ¡°Mr. Lopez, this isn¡¯t your moment to y the knight in shining armor. Her husband¡¯s right here, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    Stewart hesitated, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. With a sheepishugh, he said, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant. With you two stealing the spotlight, we old-timers need to elbow our way in for some airtime.¡±

    Vicky arched a brow, her smile as cold as winter frost. ¡°Violin and guitar don¡¯t exactly harmonize well. If you¡¯re keen on screen time, perhaps you could perform a soloter.¡±

    Her words carried the sting of dismissal, but she couldn¡¯t have cared less. In her eyes, Stewart¡¯s clumsy attempt to mediate only confirmed what she already believed¡ªthat Carrie had no talent to speak of.

    This was her moment to expose Carrie and paint her as nothing more than a woman riding her husband¡¯s coattails. And in this era of social media, Vicky thought with grim satisfaction, even Kristopher¡¯s influence wouldn¡¯t be enough to stifle the roar of public opinion once she lit the spark.

    The host, guests, and audience all shifted their attention to Carrie. Like Vicky, they had pegged Carrie as merely a decorative figure, a trophy wife. The look of admiration and envy they once held quickly morphed into one of disdain. What could a woman who seemingly possessed only beauty contribute to such a wealthy family? The female audience members felt indignant, each secretly wishing for Carrie to make a fool of herself and be ousted by Kristopher.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes lifted, sending a chilling stare towards Vicky. Her overly styled, influencer-like appearance made no impact on him. People like Vicky were nothing more than insignificant fools, unable to cause any real harm. He wasn¡¯t concerned about Carrie in the slightest. If anything, he felt sorry for Vicky, how unlucky she was to have angered Carrie.

    Kristopher then shifted his focus to the woman next to him, his beloved. Observing herposed and unaffected manner, he was struck by how simr Carrie was to himself. The woman standing before him blended with the memory of the poised figure who, years ago, had proposed their contractual marriage. She was the same yet transformed. It was as if a once dormant bud had blossomed into something brilliant and captivating.

    A whirlwind of emotions churned within him. He felt a swell of pride, yet also a subtle, inexplicable sense of loss. She no longer seemed to require his protection as she once did.

    When the mood was just right, Vicky pretended to be generous. ¡°If Carrie doesn¡¯t know how, I won¡¯t push her. I can perform solo.¡±

    Carrie responded calmly, ¡°We could do a duet.¡±

    ¡°I can y the piano. I don¡¯t know many songs, just a handful.¡±

    Vicky was momentarily stunned by the response, caught in a tactical bind. If she consented to the duet, Carrie might choose a piece she excelled in, potentially turning the tables and making Vicky the subject of ridicule instead. Her scheme to embarrass Carrie might just backfire.

    As Vicky pondered her next move, a sudden idea urred to her. Remembering Lise¡¯s earlier mention of a piano, she quickly began searching on her phone.

    Her search revealed a photo of an elegant, unknown man with a piano. Vicky, seeing an opportunity to deflect, smirked and shifted the topic. ¡°Oh, you y the piano? What kind of piano did Mr. Norris get for you? Do tell, let¡¯s expand our knowledge.¡±

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 Chapter 350

    <strong>Chapter 350:</strong>

    The mention of the piano evoked Lise¡¯s previousments, piercing Carrie¡¯s heart anew. Carrie advanced, deliberately avoiding Kristopher¡¯s hand. With a calm voice, she asked, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be showcasing our talents now?¡±

    Vicky disregarded her question and asked further, ¡°I heard about a piano at a recent auction valued at a hundred million dors. How does yours stack up?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, confused by Carrie¡¯s evasion. He looked at his hand, left hanging, then let it fall to his side. With a touch of annoyance, he said, ¡°A hundred million? I recently purchased a piano for my wife for the same price. Perhaps it¡¯s the one you¡¯re referring to.¡±

    His statement was aimed at Vicky, but he didn¡¯t even look her way.

    It took Vicky a full ten seconds to digest his statement. Her expression dropped. ¡°What? I was referring to the piano featured in the film Always Be with You.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Kristopher replied, twisting the wedding ring on his left hand, a slight hint of pride shining in his eyes. ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±

    ¡°Its symbolism seemed quite appropriate, so I thought it was the ideal gift for my wife.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expressive eyes widened in surprise as she turned towards him. ¡°You¡¯re familiar with the symbolism?¡±

    Adjusting his suit jacket, Kristopher replied with a hint of self-satisfaction, ¡°Of course. Without its significance, I could have simply had a superior crystal piano made.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s envy was visible, herplexion turning a shade of red. ¡°Mr. Norris, you never considered giving it to anyone else?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s delivers what you seek

    Oblivious to Lise¡¯s previous maneuvers, Kristopher¡¯s annoyance grew. He stepped closer and grasped Carrie¡¯s hand. ¡°In this life, I have only one wife. Naturally, I intend for us to be together forever.¡±

    Their fingers locked together, conveying a sense of deep connection.

    Deep inside, Carrie felt a fissure in the defensive wall that had been previously unnoticed, now bing distinctly more pronounced.

    Stewart¡¯s brow furrowed as he observed Kristopher¡¯s tender expression. Without prior knowledge of their history, anyone would think Kristopher and Carrie were a happily married couple. Yet, Stewart¡¯s mind was haunted by past events. Kristopher had once stolen Carrie¡¯s role¡­ Kristopher had ruthlessly embarrassed Carrie¡­ Kristopher had pushed Carrie to the ground and left with Lise in his embrace¡­

    Stewart¡¯s attention returned to Carrie. The usual coldness in her demeanor had softened, reced by a spark of youthful brightness. He experienced a twinge of sorrow for Carrie. A gifted actress, yet tragically entangled in romantic turmoil. He pondered whether to intervene. They weren¡¯t close, and delving into someone¡¯s personal life felt inappropriate.

    As opinions within the crowd varied, the host moved forward, announcing, ¡°It¡¯s quite something to see Mr. Norris and Carrie express their affection today. It would be delightful if you two could dance for us. Vicky, could you provide the violin apaniment?¡±

    Carrie responded evenly, ¡°Certainly. I¡¯ve picked up a bit of waltz, though I¡¯m not very good. Please forgive any missteps.¡±

    The host then asked Vicky, ¡°Vicky, would that be all right?¡±

    ying the violin and dancing were distinct talents, yet Vicky consented, albeit hesitantly, for the sake of the program. ¡°Sure.¡±

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    <hr>

    Message from Noa: Happy Thursday! I hope you¡¯ve enjoyed thetest chapters! God loves you and Noa wishes you the best. (?O?=)? ?

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 Chapter 351

    ?<strong>Chapter 351:</strong>

    Even though Vicky was ted to apany them, the band also stepped up to enhance the performance. Kristopher extended his hand invitingly, and Carrie ced hers in his.

    Her delicate fingers seemed particrly small in his grasp. Vicky noticed Carrie¡¯s unadorned hand. Seizing an opportunity to provoke, Vicky asked, ¡°Carrie, why aren¡¯t you wearing your wedding ring? Mr. Norris is wearing his.¡±

    On the day of the fire, she had left Bayview Vi without her ring. Since then, she hadn¡¯t dealt with her jewelry at all and hadpletely forgotten about it. Caught off-guard by Vicky¡¯s abrupt question, Carrie found herself speechless.

    Surprisingly, Kristopher responded on her behalf, ¡°If she¡¯s not wearing it, she probably doesn¡¯t care for it much.¡± His expression was serene, showing no hint of his inner feelings.

    Believing he was upset, Vicky stirred things further. ¡°They say in love, one always loves more than the other. It looks like Mr. Norris is the one who loves more in this case.¡±

    Stewart quickly intervened to support Carrie. ¡°That¡¯s not always the case. In our line of work, wearing jewelry on set can be impractical. Carrie is a dedicated actress; she probably just overlooked it.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze shifted to Stewart, sizing him up. Stewart was dressed casually in jeans and a white shirt, the top slightly unbuttoned to reveal his chest muscles. A maniptor.

    Kristopher smirked. To him, those small muscles were no different from a thin dog¡¯s, just a trick to impress women. Stewart¡¯s readiness to defend Carrie for the second time irritated Kristopher. He found Stewart even more bothersome than that young upstart Asher. Particrly since he remembered Carrie once taking a soda from him to give to Stewart.

    Kristopher moved to stand between Carrie and Stewart, saying to Vicky, ¡°It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m content to love more. If my wife dislikes the ring, I¡¯ll purchase another. And if her roles demand different styles, I¡¯ll acquire rings to suit each character.¡±

    The crowd was taken aback by suchvish promises. Such generosity was almost beyond belief. Carrie was at a loss for words. How could they remain meaningful as wedding rings if there were multiple?

    Feeling unable to contend with Kristopher¡¯s statements, she meekly suggested, ¡°Shall we begin the dance now?¡±

    Kristopher ced his arm around Carrie¡¯s waist and guided her to the center of the stage. The lights dimmed, leaving them spotlighted. They began dancing elegantly to the music.

    At first, the crowd was indifferent, but as their light steps quickened, everyone¡¯s eyes widened in amazement.

    What? She said she was not very good at waltzing. This performance was rivaling a professional dancepetition! Combined with their stunning looks, it was a grand visual feast.

    All eyes were on the dazzling couple as they glided across the dance floor, a wless disy of elegance. Vicky¡¯s violin notes faded into the background, her presence barely noticed by the captivated audience. The spotlight caught Carrie¡¯s hair, making her silky locks shimmer with a refined glow, radiating an understated charm.

    Not wanting to be outshone, Vicky quickly switched to a faster piece, dramatically increasing the tempo. As the lead performer, the band had no option but to match her pace, following her every move. Dancing a waltz at such a fast tempo was a sure path to mistakes¡ªa delicate bncing act.

    The host subtly wiped his forehead, anxiety creeping in. If Kristopher faltered now, the whole TV station would bear the shame.

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 Chapter 352

    ?<strong>Chapter 352:</strong>

    Their steps quickened, blending into a smooth blur of movement in the eyes of the audience. Still, their timing was wless, each step falling in perfect harmony with the music. Even those who had hoped to see them falter were left speechless.

    As the performance concluded, a brief hush fell over the crowd, then erupted into deafening apuse, snapping everyone out of the magical moment.

    In that moment, the way people viewed Carrie hadpletely transformed. Initially, people saw Carrie as beautiful, maybe with some acting talent. But now, after witnessing her wless execution of what was once just a hobby, they were left speechless.

    When someone is only a little better than you, it stirs up jealousy. But when they reach a level you could never dream of reaching, all that¡¯s left is admiration.

    In that instant, Carrie was no longer seen as a pampered trophy wife.

    Instead, Kristopher was recognized as a man with exceptional foresight, seeing her brilliance before it had the chance to shine. He noticed the change in how people viewed her. It made him think¡ªif she had continued to stay in his shadow, she would never have earned their respect.

    Kristopher made a decision. From now on, he would let her shine on her own, to step into her role as the truedy of the Norris family, not just as his wife.

    Once the show wrapped up and Carrie and Kristopher were about to leave, they saw a group of brand representatives waiting for them in the backstage hallway. As soon as they saw the couple, they hurried over. Carrie assumed they hade for Kristopher, so she was about to step aside. But to her surprise, they greeted him politely and then shifted their attention to her, each of them handing her a business card.

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, here¡¯s my card. Ourpany has just released a new line of cosmetics, and we¡¯d be honored to have you represent our brand.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, we¡¯reunching an ad campaign that would be a perfect fit for you.¡±

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, we¡¯re producing a charity short film and would love for you to take the lead role.¡±

    Kristopher stood off to the side, a yful glint in his eye as he tilted his head. ¡°Ms. Campbell, you¡¯re in high demand,¡± he teased. He motioned for her to continue, then leaned back against the wall with a rxed posture, watching her with a quiet, affectionate gaze¡ªjust like the many times she¡¯d patiently waited for him during his work meetings and events.

    Carrie exchanged a few words with them but didn¡¯t ept their business cards. Instead, she pulled out Ruby¡¯s card. ¡°I understand the basics. For more details, please contact my agent.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll also pass along my thoughts to her.¡±

    Kristopher, finishing his cigarette, stubbed it out in the ashtray on the trash can. Standing up straight, he walked over and asked softly, ¡°Can I take my wife home now?¡±

    The crowd quickly parted. ¡°Mr. Norris, you¡¯re too kind. We¡¯re the ones keeping you. We owe you both a dinner to make it up to you sometime.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t respond. He simply wrapped his arm around Carrie¡¯s shoulders and guided her away.

    Carrie allowed Kristopher to support her as they made their way towards the parking area, both enveloped in a heavy silence. She attempted to initiate conversation several times but struggled to find the right words to start. Oliver was already by the car, vigntly waiting. As they neared, he swung the back door open with a flourish and greeted them formally, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher was just about to duck into the car when a voice halted him. ¡°Carrie!¡± The call was sharp, unmistakable. Turning around, Carrie¡¯s eyes met Vicky¡¯s, who was standing a short distance away, her gaze burning intensely.

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 Chapter 353

    ?<strong>Chapter 353:</strong>

    Kristopher cast a brief look over his shoulder and murmured, ¡°Ignore her.¡±

    Carrie replied, her voice steady, ¡°You were right before. Some battles are inevitable.¡±

    Hearing this, something within Kristopher stirred, and he straightened, his expression softening. He had grown ustomed tomand, often met with either fear or mindlesspliance, but Carrie¡¯s agreement resonated with a sincere alignment of thoughts. After years of fighting on his own, he finally saw that the delicate blossom he had protected all this time was capable of standing tall beside him.

    Facing Vicky, Carrie¡¯sposed facade barely masked her growing impatience. Whether it was Vicky¡¯s own erratic nature or Lise¡¯s meddling, she couldn¡¯t say, but Vicky¡¯s relentless pursuit of her was undeniable. Carrie pondered if this confrontation was another of Vicky¡¯s aggressive tactics.

    ¡°Bridges shouldn¡¯t be burned. Paths may converge once more.¡±

    Vicky stepped forward, confidence emanating from her stance. ¡°Last time, you left unscathed, and now, you¡¯ve overshadowed me on the show.¡±

    ¡°Must you drive me to desperation?¡±

    Her voice was tinged with bitterness as she continued, ¡°Right after the show wrapped up, I received calls from several advertisers withdrawing their contracts. I have a mother and grandmother who depend on me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression morphed into a puzzled frown. ¡°Withdraw their contracts? Why are you bringing this concern to me and not directly to the advertisers?¡±

    Vicky, clearly exasperated, threw her hands up. ¡°Really, Carrie? Must you feign ignorance? The show was pre-recorded; the advertisers couldn¡¯t possibly have reacted so swiftly without a heads-up. It had to be you!¡±

    galno¦Í?ls is your update source

    She bit her lip, almost whispering, ¡°You had Kristopher do it.¡± Her eyes darted suspiciously toward Kristopher.

    Kristopher turned to Carrie. ¡°¡®Left unscathed¡¯? What happened?¡±

    The atmosphere fell silent as Vicky¡¯s mind whirled with disbelief. Kristopher was clueless? If Carrie hadn¡¯t told him about theirst unpleasant encounter, what had prompted the advertisers¡¯ abrupt change of heart?

    Carrie stated coldly, ¡°Last time, she nearly ran me down with her car, trying to frighten me, perhaps as a twisted form of reprimand.¡±

    She had no intention of making excuses for Vicky.

    Vicky gasped, her face a mask of disbelief as Carrieid out the facts so bluntly. ¡°You!¡± she blurted out.

    Carrie met her gaze squarely, her voice devoid of warmth. ¡°Am I lying? Isn¡¯t that exactly what happened?¡±

    Vicky, flustered and desperate, stammered, ¡°You never brought it up before. Why now?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, her voice chilling as she replied, ¡°Because now, I think it¡¯s time everyone knew the truth.¡±

    The air grew tense as Kristopher¡¯s demeanor shifted abruptly, his face setting into a mask of cold resolve. A perceptible chill seemed to sweep through the atmosphere as he slowly, deliberately raised his eyes to meet Oliver¡¯s anxious gaze.

    Oliver, sensing the urgency, whipped out his phone with a swift motion. ¡°I¡¯m putting in a call to Silver Elephant Media this instant,¡± he said, his voice tinged with a mix of determination and concern.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was a frosty de, slicing through the thick atmosphere. ¡°And make sure the police are informed.¡±

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 Chapter 354

    ?<strong>Chapter 354:</strong>

    Vicky¡¯s heart hammered in her chest, her voice quivering with a mix of defiance and fear. ¡°I am a talent handpicked by my boss himself! What do you think you¡¯re aplishing by this? In today¡¯s digital world, your wealth means little. You cannot simply bulldoze over people with your influence. I will take this outrage to social media!¡±

    Her rant was abruptly halted by a deep, authoritative voice that resonated with firm resolve. ¡°Not anymore,¡± it echoed, halting all conversation.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze drifted over to the source of the interruption¡ªa man in a sleek, well-tailored suit advancing towards them.

    Recognition dawned on her; it was Soren¡¯s assistant from Silver Elephant Media.

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, Mr. Norris,¡± the assistant greeted them with a slight, respectful bow, his tone businesslike yet courteous. He then turned to address Vicky with a calm that contrasted sharply with the tension in the air. ¡°You no longer represent Silver Elephant. Thepany has severed your contract, and there¡¯s a penalty fee awaiting your attention. I¡¯m here to escort you to our headquarters to finalize these matters.¡±

    Undeterred by hisposure, Vicky repeated her threat, her voice rising in desperation. ¡°I will reveal all your maniptive schemes online!¡±

    The assistant¡¯s face remained impassive, his reply steady and unflinching. ¡°Feel free to try. Should you proceed, I¡¯ll be ready to add a charge of defamation to your growing list of offenses.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s eyes widened as shetched onto hisst remark, her tone a mix of incredulity and rm. ¡°Another charge? What else are you using me of?¡±

    Years of work, modest savings spent on a house, a car, and everyday expenses¡ªshe barely had anything left.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your fiction sanctuary

    Carrie¡¯s expression remained calm as she spared Vicky a nce before addressing the assistant. ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you.¡±

    The assistant¡¯s response was measured but firm. ¡°Ms. Campbell, you¡¯re far too kind. It¡¯s not your burden to carry. Ourpany also bears some responsibility for neglecting to oversee our artists properly. Mr. Rodgers will reach out to youter to discuss the necessarypensation.¡±

    He turned back to Vicky, his tone as sharp as before. ¡°Once her termination is processed, I¡¯ll personally escort her to the police station. Rest assured.¡±

    As he spoke, two tall bodyguards stepped forward, their movements swift and practiced as they nked Vicky. Each man grabbed one of her arms, their firm grip silencing any further protests. Her lips quivered, but no sound came out.

    Kristopher, already halfway into the car, bent down to settle inside. Carrie followed, slipping into the seat beside him.

    Kristopher turned to Carrie, his tone unusually soft. ¡°If anyone ever tries to bully you again, you can tell me. Even if you can handle it yourself, I¡¯ll always be there for you.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips twitched with a faint smile, though her eyes betrayed no emotion. ¡°She¡¯s really naive.¡±

    The words were dismissive, but her mind lingered on the real culprit behind Vicky¡¯s brazenness: Lise. Without her backing, Vicky would never have dared to act so recklessly.

    But Carrie bit back the thought. Raising the topic now would only lead to another argument with Kristopher. This wasn¡¯t the best time for such a discussion.

    The assistant¡¯s voice was cold as he said, ¡°Attempted murder. The surveince footage at thepany entrance shows you deliberately driving into Carrie. Just because Carrie isn¡¯t making a fuss doesn¡¯t mean we¡¯re going to turn a blind eye. She¡¯s a partner of ours, and it¡¯s our responsibility to ensure her safety. Silver Elephant Media has always prioritized the integrity of its artists, and we cannot tolerate someone as malicious as you remaining in ourpany.¡±

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 Chapter 355

    ?<strong>Chapter 355:</strong>

    Oliver, standing with his usual air of authority, added, ¡°The Norris Group¡¯s legal team will cooperate fully with Silver Elephant Media. I¡¯ll coordinate with several marshals immediately to prioritize the investigation.¡±

    Vicky¡¯s face drained of color. Her legs felt weak beneath her as her mind spun with panic, shes of prison cells and handcuffs recing her earlier arrogance. She had dismissed the incident as nothing more than a scare tactic¡ªa moment of impulsive frustration that would, at worst, earn her a stern warning. But now, with the threat of legal action looming over her, the reality hit like a thunderp. She couldn¡¯t stop trembling.

    The assistant¡¯s voice cut through her rising dread. ¡°Apologies for the wait, Mr. Norris, Ms. Campbell. I¡¯ll be taking her back to thepany to finalize the settlement. Thepensation amount for breach of contract will be eight million.¡± His gaze flicked to Vicky, pointed and intentional, as he delivered the number.

    ¡°Eight million?¡± Vicky¡¯s voice rose to a shrill pitch, herposure crumbling. ¡°Where am I supposed to get eight million?¡±

    Her scream echoed in the room, a futile attempt to grasp at her slipping control.

    Kristopher leaned back in his seat, nodding in agreement. ¡°She is naive,¡± he echoed, though he couldn¡¯t even recall Vicky¡¯s face.

    Oliver shut the backdoor with a soft click and took his ce behind the wheel. He nced at Carrie through the rearview mirror, his expression tense. ¡°The hospital reported that Yara is missing.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. She hadn¡¯t expected Kristopher to keep an eye on her family. It was unlike him. He had always been the kind of husband who only reacted when a problemnded squarely in front of him. But now, he seemed proactive ¡ªwatchful, even.

    She tapped her fingers lightly on her knee, considering her words. ¡°Her injuries are mostly healed,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°Maybe she just went home early?¡±

    Yara had been banned from live streaming after herst stunt, leaving her little room to cause trouble. But Oliver shook his head. ¡°No, she hasn¡¯tpleted the discharge procedures. Cindy went to deliver her lunch earlier today and found her room empty. Her phone¡¯s off, and the only clue we have is surveince footage showing her leaving after taking a call.¡±

    ¡°Send more people to keep an eye on things,¡± Kristopher said offhandedly, though his voice held an icy edge. He wouldn¡¯t let anyone have the chance to harm Carrie again.

    But in his silent resolve to protect her, Kristopher couldn¡¯t have foreseen whaty ahead.

    After discussing the Campbell family, Carrie paused thoughtfully before suggesting, ¡°How about we go out to eat today? It¡¯s been a while since west visited that restaurant.¡±

    Feeling a bit awkward after her suggestion, she added, ¡°Think of this as my way of saying thanks for joining us as a guest today.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips curved into a slight smile, his expression barely containing a hint of pride. ¡°I actually hadn¡¯t nned oning today. Albin contacted me. He mentioned that your friend had to cancel.¡±

    ¡°Albin?¡± Carrie remembered something Camille had mentioned earlier, which made her feel uneasy. ¡°Is Albin with Camille? Maybe I should postpone our dinner and check on Camille instead.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face clouded over instantly. ¡°Is that your way of showing gratitude?¡±

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 Chapter 356

    ?<strong>Chapter 356:</strong>

    Carrie hastened to rify, saying, ¡°It¡¯s just that I¡¯m worried about Camille¡­¡±

    Kristopher dismissed her concerns with a wave of indifference. ¡°What¡¯s there to worry about? Albin¡¯s security detail is among the best in Orkset. There¡¯s no cause for concern.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I¡¯m worried about¡­¡± Carrie muttered, her lips pursed in slight discontent.

    Kristopher looked at her and said, ¡°You¡¯re concerned about their rtionship, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow in surprise. ¡°How did you guess?¡±

    Kristopher sneered. ¡°It¡¯s obvious to see.¡±

    Carrie let out a sigh and nced downward. ¡°They¡¯re not a good match.¡±

    Kristopher casually said, ¡°In rtionships, there¡¯s no such thing as a perfect match. It alles down to whether you like someone or not. This is the first time I¡¯ve seen Albin so invested in a woman. Whether Camille feels the same about Albin is something you¡¯d know better than I.¡±

    ¡°Love is something those involved have to figure out themselves. Interference from outsiders justplicates things.¡±

    Carrie gently repeated his words, saying, ¡°So in rtionships, there¡¯s no perfect match, just liking or disliking?¡±

    She then turned to look at Kristopher. His expression was calm, as if they were chatting about something ordinary.

    Carrie nced downward, stifling the urge to ask, ¡°Do you like me?¡± Instead, she reframed her question and asked, ¡°Would you prefer to eat seafood or something else?¡±

    Kristopher pulled out his phone, not looking at her, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he said, ¡°Given such lukewarm gratitude, it doesn¡¯t matter what we eat.¡±

    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t matter, then let¡¯s go to that seafood restaurant. It¡¯s been a long time, and I¡¯ve been craving their caviar with snow crab, along with their unique pickled radish. It¡¯s so refreshing! Oh, and the sea urchin toast, with the crispy bread topped with sweet pumpkin sauce and loaded with sea urchin! And don¡¯t forget the Wagyu with matsutake mushrooms, that sizzling sound as it cooks¡­ Just thinking about it makes my mouth water,¡± Carrie murmured to herself.

    Kristopher remained silent. Was the issue really that it didn¡¯t matter? Or was it about her half-hearted thanks?

    Kristopher said coldly, ¡°I get the feeling you¡¯re inviting me out just to satisfy your own cravings.¡±

    Carrie pouted and said, ¡°I suggested it because I think the food is exceptional and I wanted to share that with you.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s features softened noticeably after hearing her full exnation. ¡°It seems you¡¯re really struggling if a meal that costs thousands per person is something you¡¯ve missed for so long.¡±

    Carrie shrugged. ¡°What do you know? An asional treat is enough. Having the finest meals daily would make anyone tired of it. You know, ancient kings enjoyedvish feasts every day, but when they went out in disguise, even a simple bun would taste incredible.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Kristopher murmured, his disdain apparent yet with a subtle undertone of fondness.

    Oliver, observing through the rearview mirror, was quietly astounded.

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 Chapter 357

    ?<strong>Chapter 357:</strong>

    Mr. Norris¡¯s mood had fluctuated dramatically in such a brief span, all seemingly influenced by Mrs. Norris without his conscious awareness.

    About twenty minutester, the car entered the underground parking lot of the shopping district. It was still too early for dinner, so there were plenty of empty parking spaces. Carrie was the first to open the door, but before she could even straighten up, she noticed a figure darting toward her from the edge of her vision. The man¡¯s voice rang out with venom. ¡°You disgusting woman, you deserve to die!¡±

    As he drew closer, Carrie recognized him¡ªNate. He no longer resembled the polished gentleman he used to be. His clothes were ragged, his face drawn and tired, and he seemed more like a disheveled, middle-aged man with nowhere to go. He pulled out a long, sharp knife, its de glinting coldly in the dim light.

    Before Oliver could even move, Kristopher was already on his feet, swiftly spinning around to ce himself between Carrie and the threat, shielding her. The knife shed across Kristopher¡¯s arm, ripping through his suit sleeve. Blood gushed out, soaking the fabric in bright red.

    ¡°You both deserve to die,¡± Nate growled, his face contorting with rage as he swung the knife again. Kristopher wasn¡¯t about to let him have another chance. With one sharp movement, he kicked Nate to the ground. Natended a meter away, the knife slipping from his grip. He scrambled, desperately trying to reach for it.

    Oliver, nowpletely focused, kicked the knife farther away, then dropped to his knees on Nate¡¯s back, pinning his arms behind him.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get an ambnce,¡± Carrie muttered urgently, pulling off Kristopher¡¯s jacket. The sight that met her eyes froze her¡ªhis wound was deep, nearly exposing the bone. Her mind went nk for a second, but she forced herself to stay focused. This wasn¡¯t the time for panic.

    Calmly, she wrapped a spare tie around his arm, trying to stop the bleeding. Her hands were stained with Kristopher¡¯s blood, the warm, sticky feeling sending a wave of dread through her. Her delicate face went pale, the sight of so much blood bringing back memories of the fire and the lives lost to blood loss.

    Shaking off the memories, she pulled the tie tighter, praying it would slow the bleeding, at least for now. Fear gripped her heart as she imagined something happening to Kristopher. Horrible images shed in her mind, but she shoved them away, whispering to herself, ¡°It¡¯s okay, it¡¯s okay.¡±

    It was hard to tell if she was trying to calm him down or herself.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, it¡¯s just a small wound. Really, it¡¯s nothing,¡± Kristopher said, offering her a reassuring pat with his other hand. ¡°Make sure to call the police first.¡±

    Carrie quickly dialed the police, her hands shaking. Once she hung up, she felt slightly calmer. Realizing the hospital would take too long, she decided to call their family doctor instead. When everything was in order, she finally turned toward Nate.

    Oliver had him pinned to the ground. His face was caked in dirt, his eyes bloodshot with dark, sunken sockets, and a stubbled chin. It was obvious from his appearance that he¡¯d been living in a terrible state.

    As Carrie stepped closer, he tried to shift his face, lifting his eyelids to meet her gaze. ¡°You wretch,¡± he spat bitterly. ¡°This is all your fault.¡±

    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± Oliver growled, releasing one hand tond a few punches, then turning to Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, stay back. Don¡¯t let him get to you.¡±

    Carrie wasn¡¯t overly concerned. Oliver was well-trained, having undergone special training with Kristopher.

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 Chapter 358

    ?<strong>Chapter 358:</strong>

    He could take on multiple professional fighters at once¡ªNate, on the other hand, had never faced a real challenge in his life.

    Carrie let out a sneer. ¡°This is all your doing. How could you possibly me me?¡±

    Nate spat a mix of blood and saliva, his voice dripping with arrogance. ¡°I loved you. If you had just married me, none of this would¡¯ve happened. It¡¯s your greed, your desire to climb into the Norris family, that ruined everything.¡±

    Nate strained to shift his face toward Kristopher, but Oliver¡¯s grip was too firm. He couldn¡¯t move an inch.

    Wincing in pain, Nate gritted his teeth and forced himself to speak. ¡°You¡¯ve been in the tabloids so much, your reputation is already shot. By doing this to me, you¡¯ve just closed off any way out for yourself!¡±

    ¡°Shameless!¡± Carrie hissed, her face twisted with contempt.

    Kristopher stepped forward, delivering a sharp kick to Nate¡¯s face. His lips barely moved as he coldly muttered, ¡°Shut the fuck up.¡±

    Nate coughed up another mouthful of blood, a few teeth mixed in, and managed a twisted grin. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in hell, Carrie!¡±

    The police sirens crescendoed, piercing the tense atmosphere as several patrol cars swept into the parking lot. The family doctor¡¯s vehicle trailed behind. Officers quickly approached, pulling Nate away from Oliver and securing his hands behind his back with metallic handcuffs.

    ¡°Mr. Nate Crawford, you are under suspicion of robbery and assault,¡± the lead officer announced formally. ¡°You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say may be used against you in court.¡±

    Nate remained stonily silent, his eyes burning with venomous hatred as he red at Carrie and Kristopher. Carrie met his gaze without flinching. With such serious charges looming, Nate¡¯s future seemed irreparably shattered.

    The lead officer stepped forward, attempting to exchange a few words with Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, thanks to you¡ª¡±

    Carrie cut him off impatiently. ¡°Whatever needs discussing can wait until we give statements at the station. Right now, he¡¯s losing significant blood and requires immediate treatment.¡±

    ¡°Yes, of course, Mrs. Norris is right,¡± the officer quickly conceded, clearing a path.

    Kristopher caught the anxiety etched across Carrie¡¯s face and inexplicably felt that his injury was worth every painful moment. Dr. Molina, the family doctor, approached, medical kit in hand, swiftly cutting open Kristopher¡¯s shirt sleeve and cleaning the wound with precise, antiseptic movements.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes darted between the doctor¡¯s skilled hands and Kristopher¡¯s wound, her expression a mixture of urgent concern and tenderness that echoed her past self.

    ¡°Dr. Molina, please be gentle,¡± she urged. ¡°Did it damage any tendons? Will it affect his hand?¡±

    Her constant questions betrayed her unease. For Kristopher, the pain was inconsequential¡ªa mere drizzle in the storm of his life. Yet, seeing her fret like this, he allowed himself a rare indulgence in vulnerability.

    ¡°It hurts,¡± he said simply, his voice low.

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 Chapter 359

    ?<strong>Chapter 359:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s anxiety spiked instantly. ¡°He neverins about pain! Dr. Molina, should we bandage him here or rush to the hospital for a proper check-up?¡±

    Dr. Molina, knowing Kristopher¡¯s uncanny tolerance for pain, exchanged a nce with Oliver. The memory of Kristopher walking away from a gang ambush, bullets embedded in his body, without so much as a grimace, was still fresh. This wasn¡¯t pain¡ªit was theater, a masterful act of self-sacrifice.

    Carrie straightened, snapping into action. ¡°Oliver, you drive. I¡¯ll sit in the front. Dr. Molina, you and Kristopher can take the backseat.¡±

    Dr. Molina hesitated for a fraction of a second, catching Kristopher¡¯s sharp, almost imperceptible look. It spoke volumes: y along.

    Clearing his throat, Dr. Molina sped up his bandaging. ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s done.¡±

    But I strongly rmend you sit with him. He¡¯s lost a lot of blood and could faint. He¡¯ll need someone to steady him.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t argue, simply nodding. ¡°Alright.¡± She knew Kristopher¡¯s aversion to touch ran deep¡ªdeeper than hers ever had. For years, even those closest to him knew to maintain a respectful distance.

    Sliding into the backseat, she positioned herself beside him, carefully supporting his weight. He leaned against her, lightly at first, as though testing the boundaries. After a moment of silence, he whispered, his voice barely audible, ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±

    Pale-lipped and seemingly on the brink of copse, he looked vulnerable.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait until you¡¯re stronger,¡± Carrie advised. ¡°Save your strength.¡±

    But Kristopher persisted, his head resting near hers. ¡°I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t have another chance.¡±

    Noticing his pallor, Carrie rubbed his other arm that was uninjured. ¡°Are you cold?¡± She knew blood loss could dramatically lower body temperature.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that,¡± she snapped, her tone sharper than she intended. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. Just hold on.¡± Despite the pain and blood loss, he straightened slightly, meeting her eyes with a determination that felt out of ce in his weakened state.

    ¡°Can we not talk about divorce? Let¡¯s put the past behind us and start over.¡±

    Carrie froze at his words, momentarily breathless, unsure how to react. Her instincts urged her to retreat, and she shifted a little to the side, creating some distance.

    Without missing a beat, Kristopher pressed his hand over the wound, letting out a groan as he discreetly applied pressure.

    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Carrie asked, hesitant to move, her gaze full of concern as she watched him. The bandages, freshly applied, were already soaked through. Panic set in as tears welled up in Carrie¡¯s eyes. She turned desperately to Dr. Molina in the front seat. ¡°Dr. Molina, why is there so much blood?¡±

    Dr. Molina, knowing Kristopher was faking, pretended not to hear and kept his focus on his phone.

    Kristopher ignored her question entirely and repeated, ¡°Can we just not get a divorce?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind went nk, and all she could hear was her own breath echoing in the silence. Kristopher had publicly revealed her identity on the variety show and had risked his life protecting her from a knife attack in the parking lot¡­

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 Chapter 360

    ?<strong>Chapter 360:</strong>

    His acts of courage and kindness yed on a loop in her mind, while the painful memories from her past began to blur and fade away. She couldn¡¯t pinpoint when it had started, but her resolve had slowly begun to falter.

    Before she even realized it, her defenses had crumbledpletely.

    Dr. Molina turned to her, adding his support to Kristopher¡¯s plea. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please listen to Mr. Norris.¡±

    Norris. He can¡¯t get upset right now. If he gets too upset, things could get worse.¡±

    Carrie, caught up in her chaotic thoughts or perhaps looking for an excuse to back off, didn¡¯t catch the ring w in Dr. Molina¡¯s words¡ªhow could one¡¯s mood affect his arm injury?

    After a long pause, she finally relented, murmuring awkwardly, ¡°It¡¯s already been announced on the show. How can we divorce now?¡±

    A brief, victorious smile flickered in Kristopher¡¯s eyes. He nced up, meeting Oliver¡¯s and Dr. Molina¡¯s mischievous grins, before giving them a pointed look that silenced them. Instantly, their grins disappeared, reced by seriousness.

    When Carrie looked up again, she caught the strange expressions on everyone¡¯s faces. But her mind was too upied with thoughts of the divorce and Kristopher¡¯s injury to pay attention to their reactions. She was overwhelmed with confusion, as though this decision had been rushed. It felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, unable to turn back. The only choice was to take the leap.

    The decision to divorce had been one of great courage, born out of a life-or-death situation. She couldn¡¯t tell if retreating now and not going through with the divorce would be a mistake or if it would just drag her back into a situation she couldn¡¯t escape. But she had to ept this was fate. What was destined to happen would happen. Everyone was merely a pawn in the hands of fate.

    After Kristopher was examined at the hospital, he drifted into a deep sleep on the bed. Oliver brought Carrie a meal, his concern evident. ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he began.

    ¡°Norris, please eat and rest for a bit. The doctor said Mr. Norris lost a lot of blood and won¡¯t be waking up for some time.¡±

    Carrie epted the meal but shook her head. ¡°You should rest. I¡¯ll stay with him. If he wakes up and doesn¡¯t see me, he¡¯ll start overthinking things.¡±

    Oliver didn¡¯t argue, bowing respectfully. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡¯ll be in the hallway. Call me if you need anything.¡± He stepped out of the room, leaving Carrie alone with Kristopher.

    Carrie wasn¡¯t hungry. She set the meal aside on the bedside table and turned her attention to Kristopher. His eyes were softly closed, his breathing steady. His pale face made his delicate features appear even more fragile, stirring a deep sense of pity in her. She gently traced the contours of his brow and eyes with her fingers, whispering, ¡°Kristopher, I honestly don¡¯t know who owes whom in this.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s phone vibrated, breaking the quiet hum of the hospital room. She nced at the screen¡ªDaxton.

    Hesitating, her eyes shifted to Kristopher, whoy still on the bed, his eyes closed, his breathing steady. She quietly stepped toward the door, answering the call while keeping one eye on him.

    ¡°Hello, Daxton. What¡¯s up?¡± she asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Is it inconvenient to talk?¡±

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 Chapter 361

    ?<strong>Chapter 361:</strong>

    His voice carried its usual warmth, patient and considerate. Carrie softened her tone even more.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m just at the hospital, so I¡¯m keeping my voice down.¡±

    ¡°Hospital?¡± Daxton¡¯s voice quickened,ced with concern. ¡°What happened? Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not me,¡± she began, then paused, ncing back at Kristopher. ¡°Kristopher got injured.¡±

    She had almost called him ¡°a friend,¡± but remembering her recent promise to Kristopher to give their marriage another chance, she chose her words carefully.

    Daxton fell silent for a few seconds. The quiet stretched, making Carrie uneasy.

    Then, as if shifting the subject, she said lightly, ¡°Did you find anything out about Emilio Reed?¡±

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Daxton replied with a smallugh. ¡°But I¡¯ll be traveling abroad soon, and I wanted to grab a meal with you before I leave.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, her gaze flickering to Kristopher, his injured arm resting on the nket. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Daxton. I can¡¯t make it right now¡­ things are a bitplicated here.¡±

    ¡°You never need to apologize to me,¡± Daxton said gently, his voice softening. After a brief pause, Carrie offered, ¡°When you¡¯re back, let¡¯s have that meal. My treat.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± he agreed. ¡°Take care of yourself. I¡¯ll talk to you when I¡¯m back.¡±

    The call ended, and Carrie lowered her phone, turning toward Kristopher. His eyes were open now, sharp and fixed on her, the dark intensity in his gaze unmistakable. ¡°Who are you nning to have a meal with?¡± His voice was low, hoarse from disuse, but his words carried weight.

    Startled, Carrie fumbled to pocket her phone. ¡°Why are you awake?¡± she asked, avoiding his question as she moved toward the bedside. Filling a cup with water from the kettle, she tested the temperature before cing it on the table. ¡°Drink this. It¡¯ll soothe your throat.¡±

    Without warning, Kristopher caught her wrist, his grip firm despite his bandaged arm. ¡°I asked you a question,¡± he repeated, his tone more insistent. ¡°Who are you having a meal with?¡±

    Carrie couldn¡¯t help butugh softly at his possessive expression. ¡°Daxton wanted to see me before heading abroad. I told him no,¡± she exined, watching his frown deepen. She tilted her head, a hint of teasing in her voice. ¡°What¡¯s this? Are you jealous?¡± Rather than being angry, she found his possessiveness amusing.

    Kristopher released her wrist with a quiet scoff, leaning back against the pillow as though her words didn¡¯t faze him. ¡°You¡¯re married now,¡± he said loftily, ignoring her yful jab. ¡°You should be mindful of your status and avoid unnecessary outings.¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow, her amusement fading into calm resolve. ¡°First and foremost, I¡¯m myself, Kristopher. Only then am I your wife,¡± she replied evenly. ¡°I¡¯ll maintain boundaries with male friends, but that doesn¡¯t mean I have to give them up altogether.¡±

    Kristopher froze, his hand halfway to the cup of water. His sharp eyes fixed on her as if to gauge her sincerity.

    Carrie met his gaze without flinching. ¡°I agreed to give this marriage another chance, but not to repeat the past. I won¡¯t go back to being a shadow of myself¡ªliving without self-worth.¡±

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 Chapter 362

    ?<strong>Chapter 362:</strong>

    ¡°I refuse to be that person again.¡± She paused, carefully considering her next words. ¡°If you can¡¯t ept that¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Kristopher raised his uninjured hand in surrender, cutting her off with a tired smile. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± he muttered. ¡°I say one thing, and you respond with ten. Why are you so fiery now?¡±

    Leaning back, he lifted his bandaged arm and gave her a pitiful look. ¡°I¡¯m injured. I saved your life. Can¡¯t you be a little more considerate of your poor, bedridden husband?¡± His lips were cracked and dry, and his voice was hoarse.

    Carrie rolled her eyes but relented, ncing at his lips, cracked and dry. ¡°Drink some water,¡± she said, nudging the cup closer. ¡°Your lips are about to crack.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t move, tilting his head back dramatically. ¡°I have no strength.¡±

    She sighed, exasperated but amused, and picked up the cup, holding it to his lips. He took a small sip, only to grimace. ¡°It¡¯s hot,¡± heined.

    ¡°Hot?¡± Carrie frowned. ¡°I just tried it. It¡¯s warm at best.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t believe me? Try it yourself,¡± Kristopher challenged, holding the cup out to her.

    Carrie narrowed her eyes but humored him, leaning forward to take a sip. Just as the cup neared her lips, Kristopher moved it aside and, in one swift motion, pulled her in by the back of her head. His lips imed hers in a kiss¡ªfirm, insistent, and full of unspoken emotion.

    ¡°Not here,¡± Carrie mumbled against his lips, her hands pressing against his chest in weak protest. ¡°What if the nursees in?¡±

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    But Kristopher didn¡¯t let her go. His uninjured arm slid around her waist, keeping her close as he whispered hoarsely, ¡°Don¡¯t move. My arm hurts.¡±

    The excuse was ridiculous, but it worked. Carrie stopped resisting, her hands softening against him. Slowly, her fingers slipped behind his back, pulling him closer.

    His tongue parted her lips effortlessly, the kiss deepening as the sterile walls of the hospital room seemed to blur around them. Outside the door, Oliver paused mid-step. His hand hovered over the doorknob when he caught sight of the scene through the ss panel. His brow furrowed, but a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips. He backed away quietly, smiling to himself.

    ¡°Was wrong with Willow?¡± That evening, once Kristopher hadpleted his anti-inmmatory injection, he stood up, ready to leave. Carrie, feeling a little concerned, softly suggested, ¡°Maybe you should stay another night, just to be on the safe side?¡± Kristopher gave her a casual look, a yful glint in his eye. ¡°Are you suggesting that we¡­ might have some fun?¡± He let his words trail off deliberately, a mischievous smile curling at the corners of his mouth. Carrie immediately grasped his implication about something more intimate happening in the hospital room. Meanwhile, Oliver, focused on packing,pletely missed the underlying meaning of Kristopher¡¯s words and bluntly asked, ¡°So, what do you n to do, Mrs. Norris?¡± Kristopher¡¯s smile widened, and he echoed Oliver¡¯s words with a teasing twist. ¡°Exactly. Mrs. Norris, what will you do?¡± Carrie shot him an irritated look, clearly annoyed. It was only then that Oliver noticed their expressions seemed off, realizing toote that he had misspoken. He immediately fell silent and moved aside, eager to avoid making the situation more ufortable. When they finally arrived back at Bayview Vi, it was almost midnight, and the ce was eerily quiet. As they got closer, Carrie heard raised voicesing from the front door. She rolled down the car window to hear better and then turned to Kristopher, asking, ¡°Did someone stop by today?¡± Kristopher shook his head, his voice t. ¡°I didn¡¯t invite anyone.¡± As they spoke, the car pulled into the yard, and they saw Willow standing at the entrance, apanied by a disheveled-looking man.

    That evening, once Kristopher had finished his anti-inmmatory injection, he stood up, ready to leave.

    Carrie, feeling a little concerned, softly suggested, ¡°Maybe you should stay another night, just to be on the safe side?¡±

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 Chapter 363

    ?<strong>Chapter 363:</strong>

    Kristopher gave her a casual look, a yful glint in his eye. ¡°Are you suggesting that we¡­ might have some fun?¡± He let his words trail off deliberately, a mischievous smile curling at the corners of his mouth.

    Carrie immediately grasped his implication about something more intimate happening in the hospital room. Meanwhile, Oliver, focused on packing,pletely missed the underlying meaning of Kristopher¡¯s words and bluntly asked, ¡°So, what do you n to do, Mrs. Norris?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s smile widened, and he echoed Oliver¡¯s words with a teasing twist. ¡°Exactly. Mrs. Norris, what will you do?¡±

    Carrie shot him an irritated look, clearly annoyed. It was only then that Oliver noticed their expressions seemed off, realizing toote that he had misspoken. He immediately fell silent and moved aside, eager to avoid making the situation more ufortable.

    When they finally arrived back at Bayview Vi, it was almost midnight, and the ce was eerily quiet. As they got closer, Carrie heard raised voicesing from the front door. She rolled down the car window to hear better and then turned to Kristopher, asking, ¡°Did someone stop by today?¡±

    Kristopher shook his head, his voice t. ¡°I didn¡¯t invite anyone.¡±

    As they spoke, the car pulled into the yard, and they saw Willow standing at the entrance, apanied by a disheveled-looking man.

    When she spotted them stepping out of the car, Willow quickly stered a smile on her face and greeted them, ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Norris, wee back home.¡± Even with Willow¡¯s attempts to hide it, Carrie could still see the guilt flickering in her eyes. ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Kristopher asked sharply, his voice cold as he nced past Willow at the man standing behind her. The man appeared to be in his thirties, hunched over with a shady air about him. He wore a hoodie and ripped jeans, the Balenciaga logo clearly visible, but his entire appearance gave off the impression of being fake. Before Willow could respond, the man moved forward and offered his hand to Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, correct? I¡¯m Willow¡¯s son.¡± Kristopher nced at the offered hand before looking away, unamused. Willow quickly pped his hand down and pulled the toothpick from his mouth. ¡°How can you speak to Mr. Norris that way? You¡¯re a grown man, yet you act like¡ª¡± He shot Willow a disapproving look, sneering. ¡°Mom, have you really be this submissive after just a few days as a maid? Should I fall at Mr. Norris¡¯s feet too?¡± Kristopher ignored thement and turned to Willow, his face stern. ¡°This is thest time. Don¡¯t bring unrted people into this house again.¡± Willow broke into a cold sweat and quickly lowered her head. ¡°I understand, Mr. Norris. It won¡¯t happen again. This is my fault. I forgot to give my son his allowance.¡± Hearing this, her son extended his hand with a smirk. ¡°In that case, Mom, give me the allowance now. I¡¯ll leave right after and won¡¯t trouble Mr. Norris anymore.¡± Willow hesitated, then pulled out a thick wad of hundreds, prepared to count out a few. Before she could, her son snatched the whole stack. ¡°Give it here.¡±

    When she spotted them stepping out of the car, Willow quickly put on a smile and greeted them. ¡°Mr. and Mrs. Norris, wee back home.¡± Even with Willow¡¯s attempts to hide it, Carrie could still see the guilt flickering in her eyes.

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    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Kristopher asked sharply, his voice cold as he nced past Willow at the man standing behind her.

    The man looked to be in his thirties, hunched over with a shady air about him. He wore a hoodie and ripped jeans, the Balenciaga logo clearly visible, but his whole appearance gave off a fake vibe. Before Willow could respond, the man moved forward and offered his hand to Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, correct? I¡¯m Willow¡¯s son.¡±

    Kristopher nced at the offered hand before looking away, unamused. Willow quickly pped his hand down and pulled the toothpick from his mouth. ¡°How can you speak to Mr. Norris that way? You¡¯re a grown man, yet you act like¡­¡±

    He shot Willow a disapproving look, sneering. ¡°Mom, have you really be this submissive after just a few days as a maid? Should I fall at Mr. Norris¡¯s feet too?¡±

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 Chapter 364

    ?<strong>Chapter 364:</strong>

    Kristopher ignored thement and turned to Willow, his expression stern. ¡°This is thest time. Don¡¯t bring unrted people into this house again.¡±

    Willow broke into a cold sweat and quickly lowered her head. ¡°I understand, Mr. Norris. It won¡¯t happen again. This is my fault. I forgot to give my son his allowance.¡±

    Hearing this, her son extended his hand with a smirk. ¡°In that case, Mom, give me the allowance now. I¡¯ll leave right after and won¡¯t trouble Mr. Norris anymore.¡±

    Willow hesitated, then pulled out a thick wad of hundred-dor bills, preparing to count out a few. Before she could, her son snatched the whole stack. ¡°Give it here.¡±

    There¡¯s not much left anyway.¡± He stuffed the cash into his pocket, ready to leave, but then his gazended on Carrie standing behind Kristopher. The soft glow of the garden lights highlighted Carrie¡¯s stunning features. Willow¡¯s son¡¯s eyes brightened, and he straightened up, adjusting his clothes. He wiped his hand on his shirt and extended it toward Carrie, saying, ¡°Miss, how should I ad¡­¡± ¡°Ouch! That hurts!¡± Before he could finish, Kristopher twisted his wrist sharply, making him yelp in pain. Willow rushed forward, as if to pull Kristopher¡¯s hand off, but stopped herself, afraid to touch him. After a moment¡¯s thought, she pped her son a few times. ¡°You little brat! This is Mrs. Norris. How dare you speak like that!¡± She turned to Kristopher with a pleading look. ¡°Mr. Norris, he only thought Mrs. Norris was beautiful. He didn¡¯t mean any harm. I swear he won¡¯te back. He¡¯s learned his lesson and won¡¯t speak out of turn again!¡± Struggling with the pain, her son¡¯s previous arrogance faded, and he pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please, just let me go.¡± Kristopher¡¯s grip remained unyielding, his hold like a vice on the man¡¯s wrist. With a heavy thud, Willow dropped to her knees, crying out, ¡°Mr. Norris, he¡¯s my only son. If his hand is broken, who will take care of me when I¡¯m old?¡± ¡°Let it go. It¡¯ste, and all this noise will bring the property management,¡± Carrie said, giving Willow a cold nce before gently patting Kristopher¡¯s arm.

    ¡°There¡¯s not much left anyway.¡± He stuffed the cash into his pocket, ready to leave, but then his gazended on Carrie standing behind Kristopher. The soft glow of the garden lights highlighted her stunning features. Willow¡¯s son¡¯s eyes brightened, and he straightened up, adjusting his clothes. He wiped his hand on his shirt and extended it toward Carrie. ¡°Miss, how should I ad¡­ Ouch! That hurts!¡±

    Before he could finish, Kristopher twisted his wrist sharply, making him yelp in pain. Willow rushed forward as if to pull Kristopher¡¯s hand away, but stopped herself, afraid to touch him. After a moment of hesitation, she pped her son a few times. ¡°You little brat! This is Mrs. Norris. How dare you speak like that!¡±

    She turned to Kristopher with a pleading look. ¡°Mr. Norris, he only thought Mrs. Norris was beautiful. He didn¡¯t mean any harm. I swear he won¡¯te back. He¡¯s learned his lesson and won¡¯t speak out of turn again!¡±

    Struggling with the pain, her son¡¯s previous arrogance vanished, and he pleaded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. Please, just let me go.¡±

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    Kristopher¡¯s grip remained unyielding, his hand like a vice on the man¡¯s wrist. With a heavy thud, Willow dropped to her knees, crying out, ¡°Mr. Norris, he¡¯s my only son. If his hand is broken, who will take care of me when I¡¯m old?¡±

    ¡°Let it go. It¡¯ste, and all this noise will bring the property management,¡± Carrie said, giving Willow a cold nce before gently patting Kristopher¡¯s arm.

    She wasn¡¯t moved by their pleas but simply wanted to avoid furtherplications in the midst of the ongoing chaos. Kristopher finally let go, pushing Willow¡¯s son aside. ¡°Get out of here!¡± Before the man could get to his feet, Oliver strode over, grabbed him by the cor, and dragged him out. Willow repeatedly expressed her gratitude, saying, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Norris. Thank you, Mrs. Norris.¡± ¡°Enough. Get up. There¡¯s no need to keep kneeling. We¡¯re not living in the Middle Ages,¡± Carrie said, her cold gaze fixed on Willow. Willow¡¯s constant kneeling didn¡¯t seem so much like submission as it did a quiet threat. Carrie thought to herself that since she wasn¡¯t divorcing Kristopher, it might be a good idea to find a chance to rece the maid. There was something off about her, and Carrie¡¯s instincts were rarely wrong.

    She wasn¡¯t moved by their pleas; she simply wanted to avoid furtherplications amidst the ongoing chaos. Kristopher finally let go, pushing Willow¡¯s son aside. ¡°Get out of here!¡± Before the man could get to his feet, Oliver strode over, grabbed him by the cor, and dragged him out.

    Willow repeatedly expressed her gratitude, saying, ¡°Thank you, Mr. Norris. Thank you, Mrs. Norris.¡±

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 Chapter 365

    ?<strong>Chapter 365:</strong>

    ¡°Enough. Get up. There¡¯s no need to keep kneeling. We¡¯re not living in the Middle Ages,¡± Carrie said, her cold gaze fixed on Willow.

    Willow¡¯s constant kneeling didn¡¯t seem so much like submission as it did a quiet threat. Carrie thought to herself that since she wasn¡¯t divorcing Kristopher, it might be a good idea to find a chance to rece the maid. There was something off about her, and Carrie¡¯s instincts were rarely wrong.

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Willow replied, rising to her feet. Oliver reappeared and announced, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, I¡¯ve removed him and instructed security not to allow his entry again.¡± As he spoke, he cast a cautionary look at Willow. Willow quickly acknowledged her error once again and said, ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. It won¡¯t happen again.¡± ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Thank you for your hard work today. You should go back,¡± Carrie said, overlooking Willow and speaking to Oliver. She then helped Kristopher inside. They ascended the stairs to the bedroom, and Carrie helped Kristopher sit on the edge of the bed. As she was about to leave to shower, Kristopher caught her wrist. She paused and looked at him. ¡°Hmm? What is it?¡± He remained silent but drew her nearer. His free hand wandered under her clothes, advancing upward as his breathing intensified. His intentions were unmistakable. She noticed his bandaged arm, pushed his hand away, and stepped back, firmly saying, ¡°No, your wound might reopen.¡± Kristopher gave her a woeful look, so Carrie leaned down and gave him a quick kiss. He reached down, and the soft sound of a zipper sliding open was heard. She paused, her eyes drifting down to see a certain part of him already standing at attention. His voice raspy, he suggested, ¡°You take the lead and move.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Willow replied, rising to her feet. Oliver reappeared and announced, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, I¡¯ve removed him and instructed security not to allow his entry again.¡±

    As he spoke, he cast a cautionary look at Willow. Willow quickly acknowledged her error again and said, ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. Thank you for your hard work today. You should go back,¡± Carrie said, ignoring Willow and speaking to Oliver. She then helped Kristopher inside.

    They ascended the stairs to the bedroom, and Carrie helped Kristopher sit on the edge of the bed. As she was about to leave to shower, Kristopher caught her wrist. She paused and looked at him. ¡°Hmm? What is it?¡± He remained silent but drew her closer, his free hand wandering under her clothes, moving upward as his breathing intensified. His intentions were unmistakable.

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    She noticed his bandaged arm, pushed his hand away, and stepped back, firmly saying, ¡°No, your wound might reopen.¡±

    Kristopher gave her a woeful look, so Carrie leaned down and gave him a quick kiss. He reached down, and the soft sound of a zipper sliding open filled the air. She paused, her eyes drifting down to see a certain part of him already standing at attention. His voice was raspy as he suggested, ¡°You take the lead and move.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay still. Would that be alright?¡± She regarded him for a moment, then sighed in resignation and positioned herself atop him. Kristopher had restrained himself since the hospital. Dressed only in his shirt, they had been intimate three times. By the final time, her waist and legs ached, and she had no energy left. She leaned against his shoulder as he kept thrusting upward, unyielding. Afterward, she felt disoriented. As she dismounted and stood, her legs shook weakly. He chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll sign you up for a gym membership. You need to exercise more to enhance your stamina. You are so weak.¡± Carrie noticed a healthy flush had returned to Kristopher¡¯s cheeks. Gone was the pallor of his hospital stay; he looked robust and full of life, far from a man who had recently faced death. She eyed him skeptically. ¡°Were you truly that badly hurt?¡± Kristopher regained hisposure, leaning back on the headboard with a sigh. ¡°It turns out I am quite sick. I¡¯m already exhausted after just a short while.¡± He then turned to Carrie and said, ¡°My main artery was nearly cut through. I was on the verge of death. Do you understand the gravity of severing an artery? It¡¯s amon method for suicide.¡± Carrie pondered briefly, her knowledge of biologycking, and asked with a frown, ¡°Is there a major artery in the¡­?¡± Kristopher exined earnestly, ¡°Yes, the axiry artery. It extends from the subvian artery, runs through the armpit, and along the lower edge of thetissimus dorsi muscle, bing the brachial artery.¡± He continued, ¡°Even as a student of literature, you should have some basic biology knowledge, shouldn¡¯t you? How can you not know this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stay still. Would that be alright?¡±

    She regarded him for a moment, then sighed in resignation and positioned herself on top of him. Kristopher had held back ever since they were in the hospital. Dressed only in his shirt, they were intimate three times. By the final time, her waist and legs ached, and she waspletely drained. She leaned against his shoulder as he continued thrusting upward, unyielding.

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 Chapter 366

    ?<strong>Chapter 366:</strong>

    Afterward, she felt dizzy. As she stood up, her legs shook weakly. He chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ll sign you up for a gym membership. You need to exercise more to improve your stamina. You are so weak.¡±

    Carrie noticed that his cheeks now held a healthy flush. Gone was the pallor of his hospital stay; he looked robust, nothing like a man who had recently brushed against death. She eyed him skeptically. ¡°Were you really that badly hurt?¡±

    Kristopher leaned back against the headboard with a sigh. ¡°It turns out I am quite sick. I¡¯m already exhausted after just a short while.¡±

    He nced at Carrie and added, ¡°My main artery was nearly cut through. I was on the verge of dying. Do you understand the gravity of severing an artery? It¡¯s amon way for someone tomit suicide.¡±

    Carrie paused, her biology knowledge limited, and asked with a frown, ¡°Is there a major artery in the¡ª¡±

    Kristopher exined earnestly, ¡°Yes, the axiry artery. It extends from the subvian artery, runs through the armpit, and along the lower edge of thetissimus dorsi muscle, bing the brachial artery.¡±

    He continued, ¡°Even if you¡¯re a literature student, you should still know a bit of basic biology, shouldn¡¯t you? How can you not know this?¡±

    Carrie pouted and said, ¡°That was years ago. Who remembers all that?¡± Her body ached, and she was in no mood to argue further with Kristopher. His use of detailed medical terminology made it unlikely that he was fabricating the story. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower first. Stay here, and I¡¯ll help you clean up afterward. Remember, your wound can¡¯t get wet, so no bathing.¡± As she started moving toward the bathroom, Kristopher¡¯s phone began to ring. Seeing that she was closer, he quickly interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t move, I¡¯ll answer it.¡± She limped over and reached for the phone, then hesitated. The caller ID disyed Lise¡¯s name. Suddenly, she remembered the unresolved issues surrounding their decision not to divorce today. If Lise wasn¡¯t addressed, their marriage couldn¡¯t proceed. Her love was selfish and couldn¡¯t amodate a third person.

    Carrie pouted and said, ¡°That was years ago. Who remembers all that?¡± Her body was sore, and she was in no mood to debate further with Kristopher. His use of detailed medical terminology made it seem unlikely that he was making things up.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to take a shower first. Stay here, and I¡¯ll help you clean up afterward. Remember, your wound can¡¯t get wet, so no bathing.¡±

    As she began heading to the bathroom, Kristopher¡¯s phone started to ring. Seeing that she was closer, she quickly interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t move, I¡¯ll answer it.¡± She limped over to pick up the phone, then hesitated. The caller ID disyed Lise¡¯s name. She suddenly remembered the unresolved issues regarding their decision not to divorce today. If Lise wasn¡¯t addressed, their marriage couldn¡¯t move forward. Her love was selfish and couldn¡¯t amodate a third person.

    The incessant ringing of the phone drew a yful arch of Kristopher¡¯s eyebrow as he teased, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Your legs are too weak to carry you now?¡± His smile was uncharacteristic, a rare departure from his typically reserved nature. Carrie, on the other hand, was not in the mood for jokes; her features slowly hardened. As Kristopher caught the chill in her re, recognition dawned on him¡ªhe knew exactly who was on the other end of that call. His teasing grin faded, reced by concern as he softly uttered, ¡°Carrie¡­¡± Compelled by his tone, Carrie set aside her reservations and approached the bedside, phone in hand. With a sereneposure, unlike her usual fiery self, she extended the phone toward him. There was no bite in her voice, no spark of argument, only a tranquil stare. Kristopher locked eyes with her for a brief moment, on the verge of refusing the call, but the words lodged in his throat. An internal voice, anxious for Lise, nudged him forward. He epted the phone with a reluctant hand and swiped to answer. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Lise?¡± His tone naturally softened, imbued with a gentle patience exclusively reserved for her. Regardless of the circumstances, his demeanor remained tender and patient. Meanwhile, a wave of jealousy washed over Carrie, her heart tightening as she acknowledged her envy¡ªand yes, jealousy¡ªtowards Lise. Despite Kristopher¡¯s recent infatuation for Carrie, Lise¡¯s very presence seemed to diminish her sense of worth. ¡°You¡¯ve been swamped with worktely, and we haven¡¯t even shared a meal together. Once this film project is over, could we maybe visit Izrosa?¡± Lise¡¯s voice, yful and sweet, carried clearly through the phone in the otherwise silent room.

    The incessant ringing of the phone drew a yful arch of Kristopher¡¯s eyebrow as he teased, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are your legs too weak to carry you now?¡± His smile was uncharacteristic, a rare departure from his typically reserved nature.

    Carrie, on the other hand, was not in the mood for jokes, her features slowly hardening. As Kristopher caught the chill in her re, recognition dawned on him¡ªhe knew exactly who was on the other end of that call. His teasing grin faded, reced by concern as he softly said, ¡°Carrie¡­¡±

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 Chapter 367

    ?<strong>Chapter 367:</strong>

    Compelled by his tone, Carrie set aside her reservations and approached the bedside, phone in hand. With a sereneposure unlike her usual fiery self, she extended the phone toward him. There was no bite in her voice, no spark of argument, only a tranquil stare. Kristopher locked eyes with her for a brief moment, on the verge of refusing the call, but the words lodged in his throat. An internal voice, anxious for Lise, nudged him forward. He took the phone with a reluctant hand and swiped to answer. ¡°What¡¯s going on, Lise?¡±

    His tone naturally softened, imbued with a gentle patience he reserved solely for her. Regardless of the circumstances, his demeanor remained tender and patient. Meanwhile, a wave of jealousy washed over Carrie, her heart tightening as she acknowledged her envy¡ªher jealousy¡ªtoward Lise. Despite Kristopher¡¯s recent infatuation with Carrie, Lise¡¯s very presence seemed to diminish her sense of worth.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been swamped with worktely, and we haven¡¯t even shared a meal together. Once this film project is over, could we maybe visit Izrosa?¡± Lise¡¯s voice, yful and sweet, carried clearly through the phone in the otherwise silent room.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes shifted to Carrie, whose gaze sparkled with an intense radiance as she watched him. There was a lively quality to her look, tinged with what seemed like mild reproach. He reached out with his bandaged arm, gently sping her slender hand, offering silent reassurance. He paused briefly, then released a barely audible sigh, his voice deep and resonant as he inquired, ¡°Do you see yourself settling in Izrosa permanently?¡± Carrie averted her eyes, feeling the calming,forting touch of Kristopher¡¯s firm fingers on her hand. It calmed her stirring emotions. Her heartbeat quickened, her eyes gleaming with renewed hope, and a flutter of eager anticipation washed over her. Could he be considering moving Lise away? Torn between two women, was he finally ready to make a decision and abandon the notion of them coexisting peacefully? Lise, sensing a shift in Kristopher¡¯s demeanor yet pretending not to notice, questioned him with feigned nonchnce, ¡°Kristopher, will you apany me? The quaint vi there is simply enchanting, and we could even adopt a curly-haired cat¡­¡± A flicker of hesitation clouded Kristopher¡¯s gaze as he gently shattered her fantasy. ¡°The entertainment industry isn¡¯t the right ce for you. Your health is fragile; you need to take things easy. I¡¯ll ensure you have afortable monthly allowance of half a million dors, and I¡¯ll set you up with a top-notch cardiologist there to keep an eye on you. You should pursue a pastime you¡¯re passionate about¡­ Or, if your heart still yearns for acting, I can arrange for you to study it leisurely at a local performing arts university.¡± Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Lise¡¯s voice cracked with a mix of disbelief and sorrow as she inquired, ¡°Kristopher, are you really leaving me?¡± Her words wavered, tinged with a heavy dose of hurt and a hint of fear. Kristopher¡¯s grip on Carrie¡¯s hand involuntarily tightened, causing her delicate skin to flush bright red.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes shifted to Carrie, whose gaze sparkled with an intense radiance as she observed him. There was a lively quality to her look, tinged with what seemed like a mild reproach. He reached out with his bandaged arm, gently sping her slender hand, offering a silent reassurance. He paused briefly, then released a barely audible sigh, his voice deep and resonant as he inquired, ¡°Do you see yourself settling in Izrosa permanently?¡±

    Carrie averted her eyes, feeling theforting touch of Kristopher¡¯s firm fingers on her hand, which calmed her stirring emotions. Her heartbeat quickened, her eyes gleamed with renewed hope, and a flutter of eager anticipation washed over her. Could he be considering the possibility of moving Lise away? Torn between two women, was he finally ready to make a decision and abandon the notion of them coexisting peacefully?

    Lise, sensing a shift in Kristopher¡¯s demeanor yet pretending not to notice, questioned him with feigned nonchnce, ¡°Kristopher, will you apany me? The quaint vi there is simply enchanting, and we could even adopt a curly-haired cat¡­¡±

    Feel inspired by g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,

    A flicker of hesitance clouded Kristopher¡¯s gaze as he gently shattered her fantasy. He said, ¡°The entertainment industry isn¡¯t the right ce for you. Your health is fragile; you need to take things easy. I¡¯ll ensure you have afortable monthly allowance of half a million dors, and I¡¯ll set you up with a top-notch cardiologist there to keep an eye on you. You should pursue a pastime you¡¯re passionate about¡­ Or, if your heart still yearns for acting, I can arrange for you to study it leisurely at a local performing arts university.¡±

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 Chapter 368

    ?<strong>Chapter 368:</strong>

    Unable to contain her emotions any longer, Lise¡¯s voice cracked with a mix of disbelief and sorrow as she inquired, ¡°Kristopher, are you really leaving me?¡± Her words wavered, tinged with a heavy dose of hurt and a hint of fear. Kristopher¡¯s grip on Carrie¡¯s hand involuntarily tightened, causing her delicate skin to flush a bright red.

    In that charged moment, the significance of his tightening grip went unnoticed by either of them.

    Kristopher assured Lise with unwavering patience, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re always taken care of, no matter what.¡± Lise¡¯s voice rose sharply, tension running through every word. ¡°That¡¯s not quite what I¡¯m getting at.

    I long to be more than just someone in your life; I want to be your partner, your wife.¡±

    Realizing the intensity in her words, she modified her approach, though her speech still raced forward, revealing her inner turmoil. ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is¡­ ¡± She trailed off, her words tumbling awkwardly.

    Gathering her thoughts in a brief silence, she continued, ¡°I acted foolishly back then.

    Ending things in anger was a mistake.

    I always hoped that you would pursue me¡­

    It never urred to me that you¡¯d marry Carrie just as a reaction¡­

    You can¡¯t possibly love her, can you? You still have a me for me, that¡¯s why you¡¯re willing to pass on her dreams and desires to me¡­

    You still love me, don¡¯t you?¡±

    As her question faded into a soft, almost inaudible plea, her voice was filled with hope and a touch of fear.

    Every word she uttered was a reflection of the uneasiness stirring in Carrie¡¯s heart.

    Shrouded in silence, Carrie watched Kristopher with held breath.

    Both women, though physically separated, were bound together by this critical moment, anxiously awaiting Kristopher¡¯s response.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened just a touch as he spoke in a quiet tone. ¡°I¡¯ve always thought highly of you.¡±

    Lise, clearly dissatisfied with his response, pushed harder. ¡°Then divorce Carrie and marry me. Let¡¯s be together, always¡ªjust us, forever, alright?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed as he let out a breath, holding back his frustration. His tone remained calm as he replied, ¡°Lise, I¡¯ve always considered you like a sister. Back when I was alone, you sought the title of Mrs. Norris, and I could¡¯ve given it to you. But now¡­ someone else holds that role.¡±

    He hesitated, his voice dropping as though to shield Carrie from hearing, adding with heavy emphasis, ¡°What I can offer now is a secure position. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes went wide in shock. What had she just overheard? What did he mean by ¡°you sought the title of Mrs. Norris¡±? Was there more to their seemingly perfect rtionship than she had imagined? Did Lise hold some sort of power over Kristopher?

    Carrie, the screenwriter, quickly concocted a hundred dramatic scenarios in her mind but shook them off just as fast. It couldn¡¯t be. Kristopher¡¯s concern for Lise seemed genuine, not just an act. After all, Kristopher was a man whomanded respect¡ªno one, not even the old board members of Norris Group, could control him. How could an ordinary woman have held such power over him for so long?

    Carrie¡¯s heart sank, and she couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Kristopher still had feelings for Lise.

    The line went silent for a moment, and then Carrie heard the sound of quiet sobs, broken and choppy, on the other end of the phone. Kristopher remained silent, offering nofort, just quietly holding the phone. Carrie was overwhelmed by a flood of questions. She wanted to avoid the situation, but with Kristopher still holding her hand, she stayed by his side, listening to Lise¡¯s sobs.

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 Chapter 369

    ?<strong>Chapter 369:</strong>

    It felt like an eternity before Lise seemed to realize that crying wasn¡¯t helping, and her sobbing suddenly stopped. After a pause, Kristopher spoke again. ¡°In theing days, think about where you¡¯d like to go. It doesn¡¯t have to be Izrosa. Janfort, Steu Skua¡­ or maybe I¡¯ll just buy you an ind.¡±

    This time, Kristopher was resolute¡ªhe would solve this problem once and for all. When Lise returned to Orkset, Kristopher had assumed having her close would be manageable, believing it would allow him to take better care of her. But Lise wanted more than he could offer. What she longed for, he had never been able to give her in the past. Years ago, they had been a couple, but he held back from any real intimacy¡ªat most, there were short hugs and quick pecks. When it came to making love, he wanted to, but he just couldn¡¯t, never able to fully engage. Now, with Carrie in his life, he was even less capable of meeting Lise¡¯s needs.

    Keeping Lise in the country, amidst the media frenzy and online gossip, would only harm all three of them. After thinking it over, Kristopher made up his mind¡ªLise had to leave.

    Lise stayed silent, and Kristopher softly said, ¡°Take care and rest well,¡± before ending the call. He set the phone down and looked up, meeting Carrie¡¯s gaze. Carrie opened her mouth to speak, but he beat her to it, saying, ¡°I know you have many questions. One day, I¡¯ll exin everything.¡±

    But now isn¡¯t the right time.¡± Carrie simply nodded. ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll go shower.¡±

    Kristopher had alreadypromised by deciding to send Lise to Izrosa, so Carrie was willing to meet him halfway. After all, the past was the past. As long as it didn¡¯t interfere with their current marriage and rtionship, she had no interest in it then, and none now.

    After Carrie finished her shower, she filled a basin with warm water to help Kristopher clean up. As she gently wiped, his body responded almost immediately. She quickly looked away, pretending she hadn¡¯t noticed, and helped him pull his pants back on. Kristopher made no further advances.

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s, home to the best fiction

    Carrie turned off the light and slid into bed. Kristopher was already lying there, staring at the ceiling with a serious expression. She could tell he was thinking about Lise. Turning away from him, she curled up with the nket, trying to drift off to sleep. The events of the day had been overwhelming, and Carrie wasn¡¯t sure how to process everything. She could only reassure herself that things had turned out for the best.

    Just as her eyes fluttered closed, she felt a strong arm slip around her waist, pulling her into a warm embrace. She nestled against his chest, the faint scent of his cologne andfort surrounding her. He bent down, kissing the top of her head softly. ¡°Goodnight,¡± he murmured.

    She wasn¡¯t sure how long it took, but soon enough, she sank into a peaceful sleep, wrapped in his warmth.

    Receptionist¡¯s Sharp.

    The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains, gently illuminating Carrie¡¯s face. She yawned and slowly opened her eyes, noticing the brightness of the day. Reaching out to snuggle into sleep, her hand met the cool, vacant side of the bed where Kristopher hadin.

    Now fully alert, she scanned the room and realized she was alone. She rose, opened the bedroom door, and walked to the top of the stairs. Peering down, she saw Willow cleaning the living room floor.

    ¡°Willow, where¡¯s Kristopher?¡± she asked.

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 Chapter 370

    ?<strong>Chapter 370:</strong>

    ¡°Mr. Norris has gone to the office,¡± Willow replied, her voice neutral.

    Carrie, d in a silk camisole nightgown, looked both elegant and subtly alluring. Willow muttered quietly under her breath as she walked away, calling Carrie a ¡°flirt.¡± She med Carrie for what had happened the night before when Kristopher had nearly twisted her son¡¯s arm. Willow believed that if Carrie hadn¡¯t been so seductive around men, her son wouldn¡¯t have felt bold enough to bother her.

    Unaware of Willow¡¯s bitterness, Carrie checked the time. It was only 10 a.m., and with no filming scheduled for the day, she decided to surprise Kristopher with lunch at his office. This would be her first time doing so.

    Previously, when Kristopher had not publicly acknowledged their marriage, it had sometimes made her feel insecure. She worried that appearing uninvited at his office might irritate him, suggesting she was overly eager to assert her status as Mrs. Norris.

    But now, after he had dered their rtionship on a reality show watched by millions, it seemed perfectly eptable for her to bring him lunch. A flutter of newlywed excitement stirred within her. With that thought, she told Willow, ¡°You don¡¯t need to prepare lunch for me today. I won¡¯t be home.¡±

    Willow quickly asked, ¡°Mrs. Norris, where are you going?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s reply was sharp. ¡°Do I really need to report my movements to you?¡±

    Willow silently cursed Carrie but managed a smile. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I only ask in case Mr. Norris inquirester, and I don¡¯t know what to tell him.¡±

    Carrie looked down at her dismissively. ¡°I am Kristopher¡¯s wife, not his prisoner. He doesn¡¯t control my freedom. Whether or not I inform him is our concern, and it¡¯s not your role to report on me.¡±

    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures

    ¡°I¡­¡± Willow opened her mouth but found herself at a loss for words. She harbored a deep disdain for Carrie; her alluring appearance and piercingly sharp tongue were too much for her to handle.

    Carrie went back to her bedroom, picked up her phone, and saw a message from Kristopher: ¡°I¡¯m at the office taking care of some things. You can keep sleeping.¡± The message included a picture of his office. It was the first time he had voluntarily shared his location with her, and shey back on the bed, a smile breaking through as she buried her face in the pillow, overwhelmed by a fleeting rush of joy. Perhaps love had its sweet moments after all.

    An hourter, Carrie arrived at the Norris Group with a thermos lunchbox, making her way directly to Kristopher¡¯s private elevator. She knew the security code for his private elevator. Just as she lifted her hand to press the button, another hand, decorated with an expensive manicure, blocked her path. She recognized the luxurious nail design from an upscale salon, where such a manicure would cost over a thousand dors.

    ¡°This is the CEO¡¯s private elevator. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed here,¡± the owner of the hand said coldly, her voiceced with disdain.

    Carrie looked up, following the direction of the hand, and saw a woman with soft makeup. Based on her outfit, she appeared to be thepany receptionist.

    ¡°I¡¯m Kristopher¡¯s wife. I¡¯m here to deliver his lunch,¡± Carrie said, lifting the thermos box for emphasis.

    To her astonishment, the receptionist crossed her arms and retorted sarcastically, ¡°What¡¯s with today? Everyone seems to be part of the Norris Group family. Earlier, someone imed to be Mr. Murray¡¯s girlfriend, and now you¡¯re the CEO¡¯s wife?¡±

    Carrie, uninterested in quarreling, reached for the elevator button once more. However, the receptionist wasn¡¯t finished. She examined Carrie and added, ¡°Your entire outfit doesn¡¯t look worth five hundred dors. How could you possibly be the CEO¡¯s wife? I suggest you leave.¡±

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 Chapter 371

    ?<strong>Chapter 371:</strong>

    Carrie ignored the jibe, focusing instead on what the receptionist had said. ¡°Who did you say imed to be Albin¡¯s girlfriend?¡±

    The receptionist pointed toward a corner. ¡°Over there, that rebellious girl. The CEO¡¯s friends are affluent and distinguished. How could they possibly mingle with someone like her? You dreamers should learn to distinguish between reality and fantasy.¡±

    At that moment, a familiar voice broke through the tense atmosphere. ¡°Carrie?¡±

    Carrie looked up, surprised to see Camille approaching. She had swapped her usual sultry, eye-catching attire for a more subdued light gray zer and pants. Carrie blinked, caught off guard by Camille¡¯s appearance. It wasn¡¯t until Camille stood directly in front of her that she found her voice. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Do you two know each other?¡± the receptionist interjected, her gaze darting between them. A sneer crept onto her face as she added, ¡°No wonder. Like attracts like.¡±

    Camille¡¯s expression darkened immediately. She turned to the receptionist, her voice sharp. ¡°Are you blind or¡­?¡±

    Before she could finish her sentence, two middle-aged men walked up behind her, smirking as they sized her up. ¡°Miss, don¡¯t bother wasting your time,¡± one of them said, his tone mocking. ¡°Mr. Norris isn¡¯t someone you can just casually meet.¡±

    The other man chimed in, his voice dripping with condescension. ¡°Exactly. Even we had to wait downstairs, and we were introduced by Mr. Myers himself. You think you two can just stroll in here without an appointment and meet Mr. Norris?¡±

    His gaze lingered on Carrie and Camille before he snorted. ¡°One of you is Mr. Murray¡¯s girlfriend, and the other is supposedly Mr. Norris¡¯s wife. So where¡¯s Oliver to greet you? No appointment, no calls, nothing?¡±

    The first man chuckled. ¡°Right. If you¡¯re really important, why not just call Mr. Norris or Mr. Myers yourself?¡±

    Murray directly? Oh, wait¡ªyou can¡¯t!¡±

    Their mockingughter echoed in the lobby.

    One of the men turned his gaze to Camille, eyeing her loose-fitting zer. ¡°At least your friend has something going for her. You, on the other hand¡­ What is this outfit? Are you trying to look respectable for once? Did you even graduate college? Instead of snatching a rich guy, maybe you should learn some actual skills.¡±

    Camille looked down at her outfit, noticing how the jacket did little to entuate her figure. Her expression tightened, and she puffed out her chest, adjusting the zer defiantly. ¡°You must be blind. Can¡¯t you see this perfect figure?¡± she snapped, her voice indignant.

    Carrie nced at the men, quickly piecing together the situation. These two were likely introduced by Cory, Kristopher¡¯s unreliable uncle, who never missed an opportunity to use the Norris name for his own benefit.

    Camille, still fuming, pulled a phone from her bag and turned to Carrie with a pout. ¡°I identally took Albin¡¯s phone with me. Can you call Kristopher?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s brows knitted together as she studied Camille, wanting to ask what exactly was going on between her and Albin¡ªbut now wasn¡¯t the time. With a quick nce at the smug men and the impatient receptionist, Carrie sighed and pulled out her phone. She dialed Kristopher¡¯s number.

    After a few rings, a mechanical voice answered: ¡°Sorry, the number you have dialed is temporarily unavable. Please try againter¡­¡±

    The robotic voice seemed louder than usual in the silence, and the mockingughter of the two men broke it instantly.

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 Chapter 372

    ?<strong>Chapter 372:</strong>

    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± one of them snickered. ¡°One of you takes the wrong phone, and the other can¡¯t even reach her husband.¡±

    ¡°What are the odds?¡±

    Camille¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°Kristopher, you idiot! How can you let me down at such a crucial moment?¡± She turned to Carrie in desperation. ¡°Call Oliver!¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± the receptionist snapped, waving them off. ¡°I¡¯m still working here. I don¡¯t have time for this nonsense. If my boss sees you causing a scene, I¡¯ll be the one who has to exin it. So leave now¡ªor I¡¯ll call security!¡±

    Before her threat could escte, a soft chime echoed in the lobby. The elevator doors slid open, revealing two staff members stepping out, chatting casually. They were dressed in restaurant uniforms, carrying an assortment of thermal food boxes.

    ¡°Ms. Nash is really thoughtful,¡± one of them said with a chuckle. ¡°She ordered such a variety of dishes for Mr. Norris. It¡¯s like a banquet!¡±

    The other shook his head in amazement. ¡°That¡¯s money for you. Each dish here costs over a thousand bucks, and there¡¯s more than ten of them. Mr. Norris can¡¯t possibly eat it all. What a waste.¡±

    The first man nudged him, ncing at the gathering crowd. ¡°Shh. Don¡¯t talk about that here.¡±

    The two disappeared through a nearby door, leaving the room in an awkward silence. The receptionist¡¯s eyesnded on the thermal box in Carrie¡¯s hand, her lips curling into a sneer.

    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± she said mockingly. ¡°Our CEO¡¯s meals are delivered. You think you can just show up with whatever¡¯s in that box and impress him? Even if the CEO¡¯s wife showed up with food, it wouldn¡¯t mean anything.¡±

    ¡°Everyone knows Lise is the most important person to him. Just leave already.¡±

    ¡°Are you just blind orpletely out of the loop?¡± Camille challenged, her voice rising with incredulity. ¡°Repeat that, I dare you! And what worth does that maniptor even have? How can you evenpare her to Carrie?¡± With a fiery gaze, she took a defiant step forward, ready to confront the receptionist.

    Retreating, the receptionist¡¯s voice escted into a frantic call for help. ¡°Security! Security! Come quick! We¡¯ve got a couple of troublemakers here stirring up trouble and they look like they¡¯re about to throw punches! Get them out now!¡±

    Upon hearing the uproar, two security guards sprinted towards the scene. The receptionist, pointing usatorily at Carrie and Camille,manded, ¡°Remove them at once!¡±

    One security guard paused, his gazending on Carrie. ¡°I recognize this woman. She¡¯s spoken with Oliver before. Maybe we should contact Oliver just to confirm,¡± he cautiously suggested.

    Hands on her hips, the receptionist retorted sharply, ¡°Oliver talks to everyone! If we had to run to him every time someone kicked up a fuss, what use would we be? If she was really someone of importance, wouldn¡¯t she be here on an appointment?¡±

    The security guard wavered, tempted to point out Oliver¡¯s previous show of respect towards Carrie, but the receptionist¡¯s assertive demeanor made him second guess. After all, he had only seen their interaction from a distance and could not have the full picture.

    ¡°Please,dies, could you kindly leave the premises? Don¡¯t make this any moreplicated.¡± The security guard motioned dismissively, his hands gesturing towards the exit but careful not to touch them.

    Camille, nting one hand firmly on her hip and wagging a finger at the receptionist, taunted, ¡°You¡¯re merely a receptionist at Norris Group. Do you fancy yourself thedy of this ce? You haven¡¯t even confirmed our identities. By what authority do you demand our departure?¡±

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 Chapter 373

    ?<strong>Chapter 373:</strong>

    The receptionist¡¯s voice climbed a notch in pitch, clearly agitated. ¡°And what should I do? Wait for her to strike me? If she truly is Mrs. Norris

    ¡°Norris, then watch me crawl tenps around this lobby and bark like a dog!¡± The security guards, swayed by her exaggerated vow, started to side with her.

    One security guard firmly sped Camille¡¯s arm, urging her towards the exit with an apologetic, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss¡­¡± Carrie exhaled a deep sigh of frustration and intervened, ¡°Release her, please. There¡¯s been a huge misunderstanding here. I¡¯ll get Oliver on the phone right this moment. He¡¯lle down and sort everything out.¡±

    ¡°Call Oliver?¡± the receptionist scoffed, smacking Carrie¡¯s hand away. ¡°And who exactly do you think Oliver is to you? Why would he bother toe down just for you? Have you developed a habit of indulging in fantasies?¡± The phone slipped from Carrie¡¯s grip and plummeted to the floor, shattering its screen upon impact.

    In that instant, the elevator chimed melodiously, its doors gliding open. A curious, mellow voice floated out. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    Turning sharply, Carrie locked eyes with Oliver and Soren as they stepped from the CEO¡¯s private elevator. Oliver¡¯s eyes widened in surprise, hastening towards Carrie with a concerned expression. ¡°Mrs. Norris, is your visit today to see the CEO?¡±

    Spotting the security guard gripping Camille¡¯s arm, his face twisted with dismay, Olivermanded, his voice firm yet measured, ¡°Unhand her this moment! What on earth is happening here?¡±

    The security guard released Camille hastily and jerked his thumb towards the reception desk. ¡°The receptionist reported they were disruptive and demanded their removal.¡±

    Camille, soothing her bruised arm, retorted bitterly, ¡°They dared use Carrie of pretending to be Kristopher¡¯s wife! Kristopher, always caught in his own drama with Lise. Who¡¯d willingly take on the charade of being his¡­¡±

    Carrie was struck mute. She instinctively touched her nose, recoiling slightly, her mind awash with the stinging barbs Camille could unleash once she learned of her reconciliation with Kristopher.

    Soren, reveling in the unfolding drama, sneered with evident scorn. ¡°So, your esteemed Mr. Norris finds the time to announce his marriage on national television, yet his own employees can¡¯t even recognize his wife?¡±

    The security guards nched, their faces draining of color as they gestured towards the two men apanying Oliver. ¡°They¡¯re witnesses,¡± they stammered nervously.

    The two men, however, quickly distanced themselves, waving their hands dismissively. ¡°We didn¡¯t see anything. We were just walking by, and now, we¡¯re out of here,¡± they dered, eager to remove themselves from the situation. Silently, they avoided any mention of future coboration.

    With hurried steps, they collected their belongings and darted away, casting anxious nces towards Carrie as they departed. Unbeknownst to them, this woman was Mr. Norris¡¯s wife¡ªa fact they had not anticipated. Internally, they sent up a desperate hope that this twist of fate wouldn¡¯t further sour their luck.

    Earlier, they had ridiculed these two women, and the thought of Mr. Norris discovering their mockery filled them with dread; such knowledge could ruin their families¡¯ reputations in Orkset. In a frenzied blur, they bolted out the door in less than three seconds, tripping over their own feet in their rush to escape. Yet, they dared not halt their retreat, scrambling onward in overwhelming panic.

    Meanwhile, Carrie, who had remained quiet throughout the confrontation, now advanced towards the receptionist. Her face was a mask of stoic calm as she coldly remarked, ¡°I believe you once mentioned that if I turned out to be Kristopher¡¯s wife, you¡¯d crawl tenps around this lobby and bark like a dog, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    The voice was soft but carried an ominous weight, as if echoing from the depths of hell. Carrie was the subject of the receptionist¡¯s silent curses, repeated over and over in her thoughts. Why must she be so malicious?

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 Chapter 374

    ?<strong>Chapter 374:</strong>

    When the name ¡°Mrs. Norris¡± was uttered, the receptionist stood stock-still. It baffled her that a woman in modest attire could be married to Mr. Norris.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­¡± Overwhelmed by fear, the receptionist could barely speak, her wordsing out as nervous stammers.

    Nearby, Soren, who had overheard the exchange, made an observation. ¡°It appears Mr. Norris¡¯s leadership isn¡¯t asmendable as it¡¯s made out to be,¡± he said.

    Soren had always felt overshadowed by Kristopher, given their simrly affluent backgrounds. Everyone knew of Kristopher¡¯s sesses. Since their youth, their families would hold him up as a paragon for the children, often casting Soren in his shadow.

    Eventually, Soren met and admired Carrie, though she was unfortunately Kristopher¡¯s wife. Kristopher didn¡¯t value what he had, showering attention on Lise, a deceitful woman, and almost pushing Carrie away. Soren saw this as a slight to Carrie and nursed a grudge against Kristopher.

    He bristled at the thought of Kristopher, a man who, in his eyes, could only amass wealth and served merely as a human ATM. Soren rejected anyparison to him.

    With a stern expression, Olivermanded, ¡°Head to the finance department, handle this month¡¯s sry issues, and then you¡¯re free to leave.¡±

    Camille quickly interjected, ¡°Oliver, why defend her? She vowed to crawl tenps in the lobby. Are we simply ignoring that now?¡±

    In a burst of anger, the receptionist responded, ¡°This is the Norris Group¡¯s front hall. If I actually crawled tenps here, it would tarnish our corporate image.¡±

    Carrie scoffed, ¡°Since when do you stand for thepany¡¯s image?¡±

    Defiantly, the receptionist retorted, ¡°Oliver respects you, and suddenly you think you¡¯re the CEO¡¯s wife? Everyone here knows the CEO only loves Ms. Nash. If he truly saw you as his wife, wouldn¡¯t people at thepany recognize you? How else could such confusion arise?¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s correct. Given that you¡¯ve made it here today, let me take this opportunity to introduce you to ourpany. We need to avoid any more unexpected encounters like today¡¯s.¡±

    A cold voice suddenly cut through the silence. All eyes shifted towards Kristopher as he emerged from the private elevator. d in a sleek dark gray suit that entuated his broad shoulders and defined silhouette, he approached with swift strides. Within moments, he was beside Carrie. Gently, he took her bag and wrapped an arm around her, asking softly, ¡°What brought you here today?¡±

    ¡°Just thought I¡¯d bring you some lunch,¡± Carrie responded, her voice steady.

    A hint of disappointment filled her as she remembered what the delivery team from the restaurant said¡ªLise had already sent lunch, and Kristopher had probably eaten. However, Kristopher surprised her, saying, ¡°You¡¯ve got great timing; I¡¯ve skipped lunch. Haven¡¯t you eaten yet? Let¡¯s head up and eat together.¡±

    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t,¡± Carrie said, having hoped to enjoy lunch together at his office.

    Soren said goodbye to Carrie and acknowledged Camille with a nod, but hepletely ignored Kristopher as if he wasn¡¯t there. Unbothered, Kristopher ced his arm around Camille¡¯s shoulders, and they walked toward the elevator. Camille quietly trailed behind them into the elevator as well.

    Outside, the receptionist was on her knees, seemingly as a form of punishment, but before Carrie could see more, the elevator doors smoothly shut.

    ¡°Why did Mr. Rodgerse to see you?¡± Carrie asked.

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 Chapter 375

    ?<strong>Chapter 375:</strong>

    Kristopher answered evenly, ¡°He came to inform me about the verdict regarding the woman who threatened you the other day.¡±

    Camille, usually content to remain unnoticed, couldn¡¯t resist interjecting, ¡°Has the court already passed judgment? What¡¯s the sentence?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face showed no emotion. ¡°She was implicated in additional crimes, so she received a total of ten years.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully, that¡¯s enough to teach her a lesson,¡± Camille said sharply.

    Previously, Carrie had briefly mentioned Vicky while discussing something else. Though she spoke casually, Camille¡¯s imagination took over, shaping Vicky as entirely evil.

    Carrie wasn¡¯t shocked by the verdict. Given the involvement of both Soren and Kristopher, it was inevitable that Vicky would face serious repercussions. Yet, Soren and Kristopher typically avoided each other, and Oliver had been handling the issue. Carrie wondered why Soren would make a special trip to the Norris Group.

    With a slight frown, Carrie expressed her skepticism, ¡°Did Mr. Rodgers reallye here just to tell us that?¡±

    As they were talking, the elevator reached their floor, and the doors opened. Kristopher then shifted his gaze to the receptionist, his piercing eyes imposing an air of authority. He nced briefly at her before turning to Oliver, saying, ¡°Ensure shepletes her tenps crawling. After that, she can submit her resignation.¡±

    Linking arms with Carrie, he prepared to leave. Noticing Soren in the vicinity, he said sharply, ¡°Mr. Rodgers, seems like you¡¯ve got plenty of time on your hands to enjoy the drama?¡±

    The receptionist burst into tears. ¡°Mr. Norris, this is unfair! How can you treat a woman this way?¡± Oliver promptly gestured for security to lead the receptionist away.

    Soren, giving Carrie a knowing smile, said, ¡°Considering Carrie is my business associate, it¡¯s natural for me to take an interest in her affairs. Who knows? This might even be a talking point online.¡±

    ¡°Appreciate your concern, Mr. Rodgers, on behalf of my wife,¡± Kristopher retorted, his gaze locking with Soren¡¯s in a half-smile.

    Sensing the escting tension, Carrie tugged at Kristopher and said, ¡°I¡¯m really hungry, let¡¯s head up for lunch.¡±

    Camille chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ve been here a good two hours myself without a bite. Mind if I join you?¡±

    Kristopher paused, thinking to himself, ¡°Since when did we have so many third wheels?¡±

    Kristopher stepped out first and continued casually, ¡°He also requested that we hold off on releasing the variety show. He mentioned that your TV series is about to premiere, and airing the show now might spark unnecessary rumors.¡±

    He paused, looking at her for a response.

    ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Carrie considered his words carefully before responding, weighing the situation from a practical perspective. ¡°As a neer, announcing it now might lead people to focus more on our rtionship than my performance.¡±

    ¡°So, are you suggesting I hold back the variety show and keep our marriage a secret?¡± Kristopher asked the question as he continued towards his office. The ss doors recognized his iris and slid open smoothly.

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 Chapter 376

    ?<strong>Chapter 376:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s office was the epitome of modern minimalism, painted in shades of deep gray. It was sparsely decorated, with even the furniture, like the sofa, featuring stark, angr lines. The atmosphere seemed to be slightly more inviting as Carrie and Camille stepped in.

    Kristopher headed to the lounge area and set down the bag of food on the sleek ck table. Carrie remained silent. She bent over to unpack the bag, her eyes briefly catching on a line of elegant thermal containers nearby.

    Noticing her nce, Kristopher exined, ¡°Lise sent those.¡±

    Camille was poised to make a snide remark to Kristopher but paused when she saw the contents Carrie was handling and decided against it. She quietly took a seat on the sofa behind Carrie, trying to make her presence as little felt as possible.

    Carrie experienced a twinge of unease but maintained a casual tone. ¡°So, should we eat this? I can serve it.¡±

    Kristopher, feeling unexpectedly guilty, threw his suit jacket onto the sofa and said awkwardly, ¡°I didn¡¯t request those from her.¡±

    Previously, he had never felt the need to justify such things, deeming them too insignificant for exnation. Yet, he now acknowledged that he had often been thoughtless regarding matters involving women.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mr. Norris was just about to have the kitchen prepare something light to eat,¡± Oliver interjected as he entered, smoothly picking up the thread of the conversation. He gave Kristopher an approving look, pleased to see him adapting to his role as a considerate husband.

    Suddenly recalling another matter, Oliver quickly added, ¡°Also, Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, the receptionist haspleted her tenps. I¡¯ve directed her to HR to initiate her resignation.¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m fuels your imagination

    Camille leaned forward, her tone filled with concern. ¡°What if she goes online and uses Carrie of bullying her?¡±

    Oliver chuckled, reassured, and said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it, Miss Nixon. If she hopes to maintain a respectable position in Orkset, she wouldn¡¯t dare stir up trouble like that.¡±

    The message was clear: if the receptionist caused any trouble, Kristopher had the power to end her career.

    Kristopher nced at the food sent by Lise and instructed Oliver, ¡°Distribute this among the staff downstairs.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Oliver said, reaching for the bags.

    Carrie interjected, ¡°Camille and I haven¡¯t eaten yet. The food I brought isn¡¯t enough for all three of us, so we¡¯ll keep these.¡±

    Kristopher frowned. ¡°You can order anything you like.¡±

    Carrie dismissed his suggestion, settling next to Camille and unpacking a bag. ¡°Why spend more and waste food? This is already ready to eat.¡±

    She handed Camille a container. ¡°Here, you love lobster.¡± As she sorted through the rest, she picked a container for herself. ¡°I¡¯ll take the crab roe noodles.¡±

    Turning to Kristopher, she suggested, ¡°The steak looks good. Do you want it?¡±

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 Chapter 377

    ?<strong>Chapter 377:</strong>

    Kristopher drew the food Carrie had brought towards himself. ¡°What you brought is perfect for me.¡±

    Carrie paused briefly before shifting back to their previous conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s go ahead and release the variety show. I¡¯m not aiming to cultivate an idol image. Once I have a solid portfolio, any rumors will naturally fade.¡±

    This approach would certainly be more challenging, but marriage is about teamwork. With Kristopher already making considerable concessions, she was ready to put in the extra effort. Besides, no matter the challenges ahead, they wouldn¡¯tpare to the difficulties she had faced in the past. After all, this time around, she wasn¡¯t facing everything on her own.

    Kristopher settled onto the sofa across from Camille, his suit pants riding up just enough to reveal his perfectly neat socks. He looked up at Carrie and said, ¡°I¡¯m not the kind of person who would leave you to deal with public judgment on your own.¡±

    His gaze drifted to her neck, where the soft lighting made her skin glow gently. More than the meal on the table, he longed for her. But he quickly steadied his thoughts, nced at Camille, and continued speaking slowly. ¡°I had the TV station record another episode to air first. Ours will follow after your drama wraps up.¡±

    Carrie offered him a genuine smile of thanks. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±

    Kristopher took his fork, a yful smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You should bring me meals more often when you¡¯re free.¡± An idea crossed his mind, and he added, ¡°Later, I¡¯ll take you on a tour of the departments so everyone knows who the boss¡¯s wife is.¡±

    Oliver promptly interjected, ¡°I¡¯ll go inform all the departments to gather.¡±

    ¡°No, no!¡± Carrie sprang to her feet, stopping him. ¡°That¡¯s way too much. It¡¯s embarrassing. I just came by today. Since I already knew the code to your private elevator, I thought there was no need to trouble Oliver. I¡¯ll make sure to let him know before Ie next time.¡±

    Oliver cast a hesitant nce at Kristopher, silently seeking his approval.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what Mrs. Norris said? Just follow her lead,¡± Kristopher replied, cleaning his fork with his long fingers, moving with the elegance of an expert calligrapher.

    Oliver then turned to Carrie with respect. ¡°Mrs. Norris, if you need anything, feel free to ask. And when you visit thepany, I¡¯lle down to meet you.¡±

    Carrie nodded, agreeing.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, Miss Nixon, please enjoy your meal. I¡¯ll go handle some things,¡± Oliver said, finding a polite excuse to leave.

    With Camille still present, the atmosphere grew tense once more. Seeing that Kristopher hadn¡¯t begun his meal, Camille quickly handed him the documents beside her. ¡°This is the proposal Albin prepared. If there are any issues, you can talk directly to him. He¡¯s at anotherpany¡¯s research department today, so he didn¡¯t have time to deliver it, so he asked me to drop it off.¡± As Camille spoke, she deliberately avoided Carrie¡¯s gaze, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristopher said, epting the documents without saying anything more.

    Even Carrie, who often missed subtle cues, could tell that Camille and Albin were likely involved¡ªand Camille was already ying the role of the supportive partner. She scowled as she thought about Albin¡¯szy lifestyle and his almost pitiful position in the Murray family¡ªhardly above that of a pet. Given this, she doubted he had any real control over his own marriage.

    Carrie nced at Kristopher and asked cautiously, ¡°Is Albin working for you again? With all the subsidiaries and projects under Norris Group, wouldn¡¯t it make more sense for him to officially represent the Murray family? At least that way, he¡¯d have a legitimate career.¡±

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 Chapter 378

    ?<strong>Chapter 378:</strong>

    Kristopher hesitated, holding a piece of egg near his mouth. ¡°He has his own ns. He¡¯s an adult, and I can¡¯t control his life.¡±

    Carrie sensed he was dismissing her concern and pouted, ¡°What ns could he possibly have? He hasn¡¯t achieved anything all these years.¡±

    ¡°Carrie, you don¡¯t have to worry about him,¡± Camille interrupted, her voice unusually cautious as she gently tugged at Carrie¡¯s sleeve.

    Carrie gave an exasperated sigh. ¡°It¡¯s not about him. I just don¡¯t want you to get caught up in his ns without fully understanding them and end up with nothing.¡±

    Camille, realizing Carrie had figured everything out, didn¡¯t bother denying it. Instead, she absentmindedly poked at her lobster with her fork. ¡°I made my choice.¡±

    ¡°Whatever happens, I¡¯ll deal with it.¡±

    ¡°Nothing ever falls into ce without effort. What happened to the fierce spirit you had in high school when you stood up to your family?¡± Carrie picked up a piece of cheesy crab and ced it in Camille¡¯s bowl. ¡°Eat this. Once you¡¯re full, I want to see that fire in you again, not this defeated version of yourself.¡±

    The table fell into an uneasy silence. Kristopher, as usual, said little, maintaining a calm, dignified presence at the table. Outside of the asional yful exchange with Carrie, he kept his words to a minimum. With Camille at the table, the silence stretched even longer, and Carrie found herself at a loss for words. The space felt oddly still.

    Since the tension with Lise had already been settled the day before, Carrie didn¡¯t feel the slightest hesitation in enjoying her meal. ¡°This restaurant really does have good food,¡± she remarked casually.

    ¡°I¡¯ll arrange for them to deliver to your film crew,¡± Kristopher said quietly, putting down his fork and wiping his mouth.

    Carrie¡¯s portions were small, and Kristopher finished his meal swiftly and gracefully, making Carrie and Camille¡¯s more casual eating habits seem almost crude inparison.

    Carrie waved her hand dismissively. ¡°No need for all that. The crew has their boxed meals, and Silver Elephant Media takes good care of us. I don¡¯t need any special treatment.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t press further. ¡°Enjoy your meal. Don¡¯t worry about cleaning up. I¡¯ve got some work to handle.¡± With that, he got up to leave.

    Camille put her fork down and leaned in closer to Carrie, her tone filled with curiosity. ¡°So, what¡¯s happening between you two? Are you still nning on getting a divorce?¡±

    Carrie hesitated for a moment, her fork frozen in the air, as she pondered her next words. She decided to tug at the heartstrings. In a soft voice, she said, ¡°Kristopher got hurt because he was protecting me.¡±

    ¡°He got hurt?¡± Camille asked, lifting an eyebrow and turning to look at Kristopher, who was seated quietly at a nearby desk. Carrie followed her gaze. Kristopher¡¯s presence was undeniablymanding, even in silence. He appeared radically different from the man who had nearly died the day before. The memories of the previous night flooded her mind¡ªthe intensity of their encounter was unforgettable. He hardly seemed like someone who had been on the verge of death.

    Internally, Carrie sighed. It was evident Kristopher was exaggerating his injuries, but perhaps she was also exploiting the situation to justify her own actions. Her resolve to end their marriage had weakened amid the ongoingplications.

    After finishing her meal, Carrie ced her bowl down. ¡°Let¡¯s not dwell on it. How are things with you and Albin?¡±

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 Chapter 379

    ?<strong>Chapter 379:</strong>

    Camille sighed. ¡°Much the same. I¡¯m hardly one to talk. Albin and I are just figuring things out as we go.¡± With a bitter smile, Camille added, ¡°You know, Carrie, life has a way ofing full circle. The challenges meant for you can¡¯t be escaped.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes dropped to the coffee table¡¯s corner, her gaze distant and contemtive.

    After their meal, Camille left to meet Albin, and they said their goodbyes outside the office. Carrie decided to return to her apartment to pick up a few personal items.

    As she stood by the road to hail a taxi, a high-end car abruptly pulled up in front of her. Anxiety fluttered in Carrie¡¯s chest as the window lowered, revealing Billie¡¯s face to her. Billie wore a dark suit with arge pearl pinned at the cor. Combined with her expressionless face, she looked as if she were on her way to a funeral.

    Carrie¡¯s hand tightened into a fist before rxing. In a gentle tone, she said, ¡°Billie, this is quite the surprise.¡±

    Unmoved, Billie responded tly, ¡°This isn¡¯t by chance. I was looking for you.¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Carrie¡¯s brow furrowed, a hint of puzzlement in her gaze. This was a first; Billie had never actively sought her out, as they usually maintained their separate existences without crossing paths.

    ¡°Get in the car,¡± Billie said, her impatience evident.

    With the driver remaining still, Carrie opened the car door herself and slid in next to Billie. As they joined the flow of traffic, the driver elerated.

    Billie, wrapping a shawl embedded with gems around her shoulders, eyed Carrie¡¯s stomach. ¡°Still no news?¡±

    Carrie caught the implication immediately, her hand reflexively covering her stomach. ¡°Not yet.¡±

    Billie shifted her stare away slowly, maintaining her even tone. ¡°You¡¯re considering children with Kristopher, you should really be thorough with your medical visits. This child will be Kristopher¡¯s first. It¡¯s not a matter to take lightly.¡±

    Carrie felt a sting from Billie¡¯s remarks, perceiving herself reduced to merely a vessel for childbirth. Having chosen not to pursue a divorce from Kristopher, she found herself unable to openly confront Billie. Yet, she was determined not to return to the restrictive, stifling existence she had previously endured.

    Every unequal rtionship was doomed to fail eventually; oppression couldn¡¯tst forever. With a hesitant tone, she softly replied, ¡°I¡¯m up to date with all my health check-ups.¡±

    Billie nced at her with clear disdain. ¡°But pre-pregnancy screenings are different from regr health exams.¡±

    Tracing the seams of her pants with her fingers, Carrie kept her gaze down. After a brief pause, she looked back up at Billie, her mind already set on what to say.

    Carrie said softly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll call Kristopher to join us. After all, pregnancy involves both of us, and it¡¯s not enough for just me to get checked.¡±

    It¡¯s often noted that the dynamics between a mother-inw and daughter-inw are heavily influenced by the husband. Unable to confront Billie directly, Carrie decided to let Kristopher handle his mother.

    Billie felt an urge to respond sharply. Her interactions with Carrie had often been more akin to those with a subordinate, and she was ustomed to Carrie¡¯s usualpliance. The recent assertiveness in Carrie¡¯s behavior was unsettling for Billie. Yet, upon reflection, Billie recognized the validity of Carrie¡¯s point. Her intentions were aimed at considering the well-being of future generations, not creating difficulties for Carrie.

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 Chapter 380

    ?<strong>Chapter 380:</strong>

    With a slight shift in demeanor, Billie¡¯s tone softened as she said, ¡°You should first check if he¡¯s busy. If he is, we can reschedule the appointment. His job is demanding, and as his partner, supporting and understanding hismitments is crucial.¡±

    Internally, Carrie grumbled, frustrated that no one seemed to consider her own schedule.

    Carrie pressed the call button, and Kristopher¡¯s deep, yful voice came through. ¡°Missing me already after just leaving?¡±

    The car fell silent, and Kristopher¡¯s voice clearly reached Billie. She was briefly startled, and then her expression turned disdainful. She looked at Carrie with suspicion, as if Carrie was leading Kristopher astray.

    Feeling the tension, Carrie nced at Billie, while Kristopher, unaware of the situation, continued, ¡°What¡¯s up? Feeling shy? Wait¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m with Billie,¡± Carrie quickly interjected before Kristopher could make any further inappropriate remarks.

    Kristopher paused, and then his voice took on a more serious note as he said, ¡°Howe you two are together?¡± Carrie nced at Billie, recalling her instructions, and avoided answering Kristopher¡¯s question. ¡°Are you busy this afternoon?¡±

    Kristopher quickly grasped the situation. He closed the folder he was working on, handed it to Oliver with a nod to take over, and responded smoothly, ¡°I¡¯m avable.¡± Only then did Carrie answer his initial question. ¡°Billie wants to take me for a pre-pregnancy check-up. You should be there too.¡±

    Kristopher frowned, responding in the same way Carrie had, ¡°Haven¡¯t we always had regr check-ups?¡±

    Billie¡¯s dissatisfaction intensified, her look sharpening. She was certain that Carrie was a bad influence on Kristopher.

    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con

    Carrie helplessly pulled at the corners of her mouth, taking on a meek expression, and repeated Billie¡¯s words, ¡°How can a pre-pregnancy check-up be the same as any other check-up?¡±

    A hint of amusement flickered across Kristopher¡¯s face. He recognized the subtle sarcasm in Carrie¡¯s tone, a reflection of his mother¡¯s words. Yet, he also felt reassured. Carrie, previously seen as docile within the Norris Mansion, was showing signs of savvy and initiative by seeking external support. Reflecting on their rtionship, especially after recent strains, he felt they were bing more genuinely connected as a couple.

    His voice warmed with affection as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll be there soon, and I¡¯ll visit Gracie too. It¡¯s been too long since Ist saw her.¡±

    Carrie nodded, ended the call, and looked up to meet Billie¡¯s icy stare, sharp as if trying to slice through her. Carrie calmly opened WhatsApp and pulled up a work group, then waved her phone at Billie. ¡°Billie, I need to take care of some work for a while.¡±

    Billie sneered, ¡°The Norris family doesn¡¯t need you to y the career woman. I won¡¯t meddle anymore, but if you get pregnant, you must quit and focus on staying home.¡±

    Carrie had initially handled Billie with a purely businesslike approach, but over time, she realized that rigid adherence to such principles only brought her grief. If a more diplomatic approach could smooth things over, why continue to create tension?

    Carrie smiled faintly and said, ¡°Billie, they say a happy mom makes a healthy pregnancy, but staying at Bayview Vi all day is making me feel down. Kristopher¡¯s always caught up in work, and I wake up every morning to a big, empty house. Now that we have a housekeeper, I find myself with even less to do. You¡¯ve heard that saying, right? No one is an ind. People are meant to be social, and you can¡¯t be alone all the time.¡±

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 Chapter 381

    ?<strong>Chapter 381:</strong>

    ¡°You¡¯re such a handful,¡± Billie responded, pretending to sound annoyed, though her voice softened. ¡°I¡¯ll take you to meet some neighbors, hang out with the otherdies, and maybe even get a spa treatment. It¡¯s time you started learning how to mingle. You¡¯ve been avoiding everyone, but now it¡¯s time to start making connections. The Norris family can¡¯t keep relying on me forever.¡± Her words carried a subtle intention to mold Carrie into a more capable hostess, quietly signaling her eptance as part of the family.

    Aside from their ss differences, what Billie disliked most about Carrie was her cool detachment. Unlike Kailee, Carrie never bothered to win her over with charm. This had always been a sore point for Billie, making her feel as though shecked someone to confide in. She had hoped that having a daughter-inw would help soften Kristopher¡¯s distant nature. Instead, she got Carrie¡ªsomeone hardworking but emotionally unaware.

    Having one emotionally cold figure like Kristopher was enough to give her a headache, but dealing with both of them this way was even more draining. Kristopher, as the head of the Norris family, always carried himself with maturity, and even as his mother, Billie hesitated to say much. Naturally, she wanted to shape Carrie¡¯s temperament, especially given her humble background. However, Carrie¡¯s pride and refusal to submit made it hard for them to connect.

    Over time, their rtionship as mother-inw and daughter-inw had grown more tense. Noticing Billie¡¯s softened attitude, Carrie chose to back off a little, making a strategic move. With a smile, she said, ¡°Billie, you¡¯re so young. I can afford to ck off for a few more years. I won¡¯t take on anything too risky, and I¡¯ll keep my workload light. If it¡¯s a boy, don¡¯t you think prenatal activities should be more enriching than just games and gossip?¡±

    Billie nodded, finally giving in. ¡°Just make sure you stick to your promise.¡±

    ¡°Billie, would I ever lie to you?¡± Carrie responded with a yful tone.

    What initially seemed like a challenging step grew easier after her first words. Maybe it was because, with her own career now, her confidence had grown, making her conversations feel less stiff and more natural.

    As their conversation continued, the car pulled up to the hospital. When they turned into the courtyard, Carrie spotted two familiar figures standing at the entrance. Billie, noticing Carrie¡¯s gaze, turned her head to see what she was looking at.

    It was Cindy and Tristan, and they appeared to be in the middle of a heated argument. Carrie¡¯s face shifted, a look of unease crossing her features. She didn¡¯t want Billie to have to deal with her family.

    Sensing the change in atmosphere, Billie spoke with unexpected concern. ¡°If you¡¯d rather avoid them, I can ask the driver to take us to the basement parking lot, and we can head up from there.¡±

    Carrie understood that the Campbell family was probably here to cause trouble for Gracie, and for her sake, hiding wasn¡¯t an option. She gave Billie a grateful smile. ¡°Thanks, Billie. I¡¯ve got this covered. Don¡¯t let them spoil your day.¡±

    Watching Carrie handle things on her own, Billie realized that no matter how much she evolved, she could never be like Kailee, who depended on her for everything. Billie gave a nod and gestured for the driver to stop the car.

    As Billie watched Carrie step out of the car, a thought crossed her mind about her own daughter. If she were still alive, would she be as self-sufficient as Carrie, or would she be more dependent like Kailee?

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed as she approached Tristan and Cindy, her voice cold and direct. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    The pair turned at the sound of her voice, and Tristan¡¯s expression darkened almost immediately. ¡°Why do you walk so sneakily? You nearly scared me to death.¡± Although they still held shares in thepany, those shares were more of a liability than an asset. They knew they couldn¡¯t negotiate with Carrie, so they turned their attention to Gracie, hoping to find a way to exploit Carrie¡¯s weakness and reach apromise.

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 Chapter 382

    ?<strong>Chapter 382:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s lip curled into a sneer. ¡°I walked over openly. How exactly is that sneaky?¡± She folded her arms, her eyes locking onto his. ¡°Or are you freaking out because you¡¯ve got something to hide?¡±

    Tristan stiffened, his face flushing with anger, but before he could erupt, Cindy discreetly nudged his arm. She stepped forward, stering on a concerned expression.

    ¡°Carrie,¡± Cindy began in a sickly sweet tone, ¡°there¡¯s no need to speak so harshly to your father. Now that you¡¯ve got most of thepany shares and your star is rising, you have everything anyone could ever want. Why can¡¯t you show a littlepassion for us poor souls? My Yara is badly hurt and still missing¡­¡±

    Her voice cracked, and a few tears glistened in her eyes. For a moment, it looked genuine¡ªperhaps because she was actually thinking of Yara.

    Carrie raised an eyebrow, unmoved. Her gaze flickered to the hospital behind them. ¡°Why are they loitering outside instead of going in?¡± she wondered. But pity had no ce in her heart for them. Whatever suffering they were enduring now was their own doing.

    ¡°Yara¡¯s situation has nothing to do with me,¡± Carrie replied coolly, cutting through Cindy¡¯s charade. ¡°If she hadn¡¯t tried to harm me, she wouldn¡¯t have ended up involved with someone like Nate.¡± Her voice sharpened, slicing through the tension like a knife. ¡°Nate¡¯s in custody now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m willing to let the past go,¡± Carrie said, her voice steady but firm. ¡°But if you dare target my grandmother again, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless.¡±

    Cindy flinched at Carrie¡¯s words, her expression faltering before she quickly recovered. Years of maniption had taught her to mask her true feelings. She forced a smile and cooed, ¡°Why all this talk of violence? We¡¯re just here to see Gracie.¡±

    Tristan, sensing his wife was losing ground, puffed up his chest and switched tactics. His voice thundered with the authority of an elder. ¡°Like it or not, I am your father¡ªmorally and legally! You have a duty to support me. If you drive me to ruin, it won¡¯t reflect well on you either!¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, a security guard approached, alerted by themotion. ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you to leave?¡± he barked, his sharp eyes focused on Tristan and Cindy. ¡°Why are you still here?¡±

    When the guard noticed Carrie, his demeanor shiftedpletely. A smile softened his face. ¡°Mrs. Norris, is there anything I can help with? Mr. Norris specifically instructed us not to let these two into the hospital.¡±

    Carrie blinked, momentarily surprised, then felt a warm flicker in her chest. So, Kristopher had already taken steps to protect her. Her expression softened as she looked at the young guard. ¡°Thank you. You¡¯ve done well. I¡¯ll make sure Mr. Norris hears about your dedication.¡±

    The guard, who couldn¡¯t have been older than a college student, blushed under her praise. Mrs. Norris wasn¡¯t just beautiful¡ªshe was kind too. He straightened up, filled with pride and determination. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°Would you like me to remove them?¡±

    Tristan¡¯s temper red. ¡°Remove us? Are you blind? Can¡¯t you see we¡¯re her parents? You¡¯re just a guard! You¡¯re crossing the wrong people!¡±

    Carrie chuckled softly, but her words were razor-sharp. ¡°You really think you can just waltz in and dere yourselves my parents?¡±

    Tristan¡¯s face turned a deep red as he struggled for aeback. But then his gaze flicked to something behind Carrie, and his demeanor shifted abruptly. ¡°I don¡¯t have time to argue with a disrespectful child like you,¡± he muttered, grabbing Cindy¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± With that, they hurried off in another direction.

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 Chapter 383

    ?<strong>Chapter 383:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s gaze followed their retreating figures and noticed a car parked nearby. Through the rear window, she caught a glimpse of a provocative figurine in the backseat. The car was unfamiliar, and Carrie had no interest in digging into the Campbell family¡¯s shady social circles.

    Her gaze turned back to the guard, who remained standing protectively in front of her. His expression held a trace of sympathy. ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he said gently, ¡°it¡¯s a new era now. No one expects you to blindly obey your parents anymore. Sometimes, the family youe from can be more terrifying than strangers. It¡¯s good that you¡¯ve broken away.¡±

    Carrie gave him a polite smile, appreciating his words but not lingering on them. She wasn¡¯t one to share her troubles or seek pity. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said simply.

    The guard nodded and stepped back, allowing her to move on. Carrie turned to head inside when she spotted Kristopher and Billie approaching from the other end of the corridor. Kristopher¡¯s eyes swept over her, as if checking to make sure she hadn¡¯t been harmed or upset. ¡°Mom said the Campbell family showed up again?¡± he asked, his voice low but firm.

    Carrie nodded, a hint of gratitude in her eyes. ¡°Yes.¡±

    The guards stopped them. They didn¡¯t get into the hospital.

    Billie, sensing her presence wasn¡¯t needed, offered a lighthearted smile. ¡°I¡¯ll go upstairs and confirm the procedure with the doctor. You two can join me when you¡¯re done talking.¡±

    Kristopher frowned, his skepticism apparent. ¡°This hospital already has all our data. What¡¯s the point of more tests?¡±

    L??€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@ln?¦Í¨ºl?.¡é??

    Billie shot him a re. ¡°They¡¯re really helpful! I personally arranged for this doctor. Couples he¡¯s treated always have very healthy children.¡±

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. ¡°Mom, are you sure you haven¡¯t been tricked by some con artist?¡±

    Billie gave him a sharp look. ¡°What are you on about? It¡¯s a friend of the doctor your grandmother trusts.¡±

    Kristopher fell quiet at her words. The Norris family relied on the medication prescribed by Mny¡¯s personal doctor, so Kristopher had confidence in the doctor¡¯s expertise.

    After Billie left, Kristopher turned to Carrie, his hands resting on her shoulders as he looked deeply into her eyes. ¡°Did Mom cause you trouble?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Carrie answered, slipping her hand into his suit pocket. It wasn¡¯t that she was cold, but dealing with Tristan and Cindy had drained her, and she sought somefort from Kristopher.

    Kristopher immediately picked up on her vulnerability. He yfully tapped her nose and then pulled her into his arms. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Is it the Campbell family that¡¯s bothering you?¡±

    Carrie rested her head on his chest, feeling the warmth of his body through his shirt and the faint scent of wood surrounding him, which made her feel safe. She sighed quietly after a moment.

    She stayed there for a while, then let out a slow breath. ¡°If we don¡¯t fix the product issues, even if I get the shares, I¡¯ll just be inheriting chaos. Thepany won¡¯t be able to work.¡±

    Kristopher gently patted her back, looking down at her with affection. He teased, ¡°Just a few days ago, you were unstoppable, like a little fighter. Now, you¡¯ve lost your edge?¡±

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 Chapter 384

    ?<strong>Chapter 384:</strong>

    Carrie blinked in surprise at his words. It was true¡ªknowing she could rely on Kristopher had made her more vulnerable, taking away some of the reckless courage she once had to charge ahead.

    When he saw her expression change, Kristopher couldn¡¯t bring himself to tease her anymore. He spoke softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll be here for you, no matter what. Do what feels right to you.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t ever have to fear making mistakes. Even if you take a wrong turn, I¡¯ll help make it right.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Carrie murmured, holding him for a bit longer before her phone buzzed. She picked it up, waving the phone in front of him. ¡°It¡¯s Billie.¡±

    As soon as she answered, Billie¡¯s voice came through, impatient and sharp. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you up here yet? Whatever you have to say, do it at home.¡±

    ¡°I know, Billie,¡± Carrie responded.

    ¡°Third floor. Hurry up,¡± Billie reminded her before the line went dead.

    Carrie let go of Kristopher¡¯s hand, pulling away from his embrace as she gently tugged him along. ¡°Let¡¯s go. We can¡¯t keep Billie waiting.¡±

    When they reached the third floor and stepped out of the elevator, they overheard two nurses gossiping near the station.

    ¡°They say Dr. Carpenter¡¯s health supplement works even better than Viagra. I¡¯m thinking of getting a couple of boxes for my husband.¡±

    Your escape begins with ga ln ov els .

    ¡°Definitely. You remember that woman fromst month, right? Sheined her husband could barelyst two minutes. Well, she came back for a follow-up, and now he canst fifteen.¡±

    ¡°Men have such fragile egos about these things. I¡¯m worried that if I bring it home, my husband will think I¡¯m not happy with him.¡±

    ¡°Just put it in a vitamin bottle and tell him it¡¯s just a regr supplement.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so smart!¡±

    Carrie listened for a moment, then caught Kristopher looking at her with a raised brow. ¡°I never knew you were such a fan of gossip.¡±

    Carrie turned red and looked away. ¡°I¡¯m not gossiping. I¡¯m just keeping an eye out for you. What if you ever need something?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression shifted to something mischievous.

    He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a teasing tone. ¡°Don¡¯t you already know if I can or can¡¯t?¡±

    As he spoke, his hand slid beneath her shirt. His touch sent a shiver down her spine, and she quickly pushed him away, wide-eyed. ¡°What are you doing?¡± She quickly scanned the area¡ªthere were people and cameras all around, and she didn¡¯t want to make a scene.

    Seeing her flustered face only made Kristopher want to tease her more. He pulled her closer, wrapping his arms around her tightly. His voice dropped to a low, desirous tone as he murmured, ¡°What do you think I¡¯m doing?¡±

    ¡°Are you out of your mind?¡± Carrie gasped, trying to push him away.

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 Chapter 385

    ?<strong>Chapter 385:</strong>

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Kristopher grunted in mock pain, letting go of her and frowning.

    Carrie took the chance to step back, creating some distance. She was worried and suspicious, wondering if Kristopher was pulling a trick. ¡°Don¡¯t fake it.¡±

    Kristopher chuckled weakly, looking pitiful on purpose. ¡°What? Did you forget I¡¯m still injured?¡±

    Carrie froze. Her face became serious as she quickly unbuttoned his jacket. ¡°Are you alright? Why are you fooling around when you¡¯re injured?¡±

    As she removed his jacket, she noticed blood slowly soaking through his shirt from the wound on his arm. The wound had reopened. Blood was spreading across half of his arm, and it looked serious.

    Carriepletely forgot about their teasing as panic set in. She shouted toward the nurses¡¯ station, ¡°Nurse, please help with his wound!¡±

    Carrie was still in shock. During lunch, she had convinced herself that Kristopher was exaggerating, so she hadn¡¯t taken his injury seriously.

    Still in a daze, she followed the nurse into the treatment room. But then, a cold, stern voice rang out behind her. ¡°What have you done?¡±

    Billie stormed in, seething with anger. Carrie barely had time to register her presence before Billie shoved her aside and barged into the treatment room. The impact sent Carrie¡¯s arm crashing against the doorframe, sparking a jolt of pain. She remained silent, soothing the pain with her free hand.

    Bowing her head, Carrie murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to cause trouble.¡±

    Her apology wasn¡¯t out of fear of Billie. The reality was Kristopher had sustained an injury while protecting her, and she had dismissed his pain as an exaggeration, leading her to act recklessly during their interaction. Though the wound was not fatal, the serious cut had exposed the bone,plicating his recovery.

    Overwhelmed by remorse, Carrie found herself unable to focus on Billie¡¯s demeanor. Disregarding Carrie¡¯s words, Billie moved swiftly toward Kristopher, hesitating just before examining his wound closely. The nurse had just unwrapped the bandage, and the absence of pressure caused the blood to flow more visibly, intensifying the severity of the sight. Blood soaked his entire arm, highlighting a gruesome sh across his upper arm.

    Billie was aware of the injury but had not been informed of the gruesome details. Kristopher, his voice steady, questioned, ¡°Mom, why involve Carrie in this? Why must you me her for everything?¡±

    Kristopher had not concealed his injury from Billie, though the circumstances behind it remained secret, with all involved maintaining their silence. His frequent overseas business activities were fraught with danger, often leading to injuries. Confident that Billie would not probe too deeply, he spoke with an air of assurance.

    Billie cast a critical nce at Carrie, then refocused on Kristopher¡¯s arm, voicing her discontent. ¡°You receive such a serious injury, and yet she¡¯s there, shoving you yfully in the corridor! Utterly careless!¡±

    Catching Carrie¡¯s eye as she stood there, head down and biting her lip like a reprimanded child, Kristopher said, ¡°The yful shoving was my doing.¡±

    Billie was unmoved by Kristopher¡¯s defense. ¡°yful or not, she needs to exercise caution. As your wife, her duty is to protect you.¡±

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 Chapter 386

    ?<strong>Chapter 386:</strong>

    Kristopher said firmly, ¡°She is my wife, not a maid bound to tiptoe around me at all times!¡± After the nursepleted the bandaging, Kristopher nced at his stained coat and discarded it. The nurse, eyeing the discarded designer suit in the trash, contemted discreetly salvaging it.

    Carrie pulled out her phone, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll call Oliver to fetch the backup outfit from the car.¡±

    Having called, Carrie observed the strained exchange between Kristopher and Billie. She recalled how Billie had softened during their ride, even expressing concern after they saw the Campbells. A rtionship should not hinge on one-sidedpromises.

    Carrie, not one to exploit situations, moved closer and said, ¡°Billie makes a valid point. I¡¯ll be more cautious in the future.¡±

    ustomed to Carrie¡¯s sharp retorts recently, Billie was taken aback by her soothing tone. After a brief pause, Billie responded, ¡°Very well, as long as you¡¯ve understood.¡±

    Her voice clearly became gentler. Kristopher watched, taken aback by the shift in dynamics between Carrie and Billie. Could it be that their rtionship as mother-inw and daughter-inw was actually evolving?

    Once Kristopher was in fresh attire, Billie insisted on aprehensive health check for them both, redoing some tests they hadpleted just months earlier. The doctor assured them of their excellent health. Still notpletely convinced, Billie requested additional nutritional supplements.

    Following the examination, Kristopher suggested to Billie, ¡°Mom, why don¡¯t you go ahead home? Carrie and I need to stop by to see Gracie.¡±

    Billie harbored little warmth for the Campbell family and held simr sentiments toward the elder from the small town. She had never once visited Carrie¡¯s grandmother, Gracie, since the couple¡¯s wedding. Reflecting briefly, Billie replied, ¡°I wille with you.¡±

    She promptly used her phone and instructed the driver, ¡°Please bring two boxes of the fish oil I picked up today.¡± Carrie moved closer and expressed her gratitude quietly. ¡°Thank you, Billie.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s intrigue grew. Yet, he opted to keep his thoughts to himself, sensing that anyment might disrupt the current harmony.

    In the hospital room, Gracie had just enjoyed a massage and was reclining on her bed, visibly rejuvenated. The arrival of Carrie and Kristopher caught her off guard, but she quickly weed them with a smile. Just as she was about to speak, she spotted Billie next to them and inquired with a hint of surprise, ¡°And who do we have here?¡±

    Billie stepped closer to the bed, grasped Gracie¡¯s hand gently, and introduced herself, saying, ¡°Gracie, I¡¯m Kristopher¡¯s mother. I¡¯ve been caught up with family issues and regret noting by earlier.¡± As she offered this exnation, Billie felt a twinge of embarrassment, recognizing the frailty of her justification.

    For two years, she had been too ¡°busy¡± to visit. Billie took the fish oil from Kristopher and set it on the bedside table, saying, ¡°Gracie, I rmend this fish oil. Even my mother-inw finds it beneficial for health.¡±

    Gracie sped Billie¡¯s hand with a warm smile. ¡°It¡¯s kind of you to consider my health.¡±

    Beside them, Kristopher arranged his presents, prompting Oliver to quickly exin to the caregiver the correct usage of each item. Gracie¡¯sughter filled the room. ¡°Knowing that Carrie and Kristopher are content, I feel at peace even if I meet my end tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Billie, please, take a seat,¡± Carrie said. She fetched a chair for Billie and then seated herself near the bed, fussing with the nket. ¡°Oh, grandma, you¡¯ve always held the belief that words hold mysterious power in fulfilling themselves, yet now you talk like that.¡±

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 Chapter 387

    ?<strong>Chapter 387:</strong>

    Gracie¡¯sughter resumed, her eyes twinkling with joy. ¡°What do I have to fear at my age? If you two are happy, then so am I.¡±

    Kristopher joined in, smiling. ¡°Gracie, you shouldn¡¯t settle for just that. Carrie and I hope to start a family soon. You¡¯re going to be a great-grandmother. You¡¯ve given Carrie such a wonderful gift with her musical skills; we hope you¡¯ll share those lubies with our child.¡±

    ¡°You mean you¡¯re really nning to have a baby? This isn¡¯t just to make an old woman happy, right?¡± Gracie asked, a sparkle of excitement in her voice.

    Billie said gently, ¡°Indeed, they¡¯re considering starting a family. I took them for a pre-pregnancy checkup today. It¡¯s something young folks might neglect, so I¡¯m keeping an eye on it.¡±

    Gracie tightened her grip on Billie¡¯s hand, a trace of remorse coloring her expression. ¡°I¡¯m truly grateful for all your efforts. With my health declining and Carrie¡¯s father bing increasingly ridiculous, we¡¯re not much help.¡±

    ¡°You should be rxing at this stage in your life, not burdened with these responsibilities,¡± Billie replied, her years with the Norris family giving her a skilled grace in handling delicate matters.

    Billie then turned her concern to Carrie, inquiring, ¡°How has your grandmother been holding up with her extended hospital stay?¡±

    Carrie gazed at her grandmother, who appeared weak on the bed, and let out a soft sigh before replying, ¡°Grandma¡¯s condition is stable, but all we can do is manage it conservatively. Surgery poses too great a risk, and unfortunately, we haven¡¯t found a doctor who can offer a more definitive treatment. Even Mny¡¯s contact couldn¡¯t provide a solution.¡±

    As she spoke, a thought struck her about Nate¡¯s rtive, who was a specialist in this field. For Gracie¡¯s well-being, she considered reaching out to Nate, wondering if reconciling with him might lead to a potential cure.

    Determined, she thought to herself that mending ties with Nate would be worth it if it could improve Gracie¡¯s health.

    Gracie hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet, so their visit was brief. After exchanging pleasantries and wishing her well, they said their goodbyes. The news that Kristopher and Carrie were nning a baby had noticeably lifted Gracie¡¯s spirits.

    As they reached the parking lot, Billie paused just before getting into the car, her expression lighting up as she turned to Carrie. ¡°Oh, I almost forgot. I¡¯m heading to a friend¡¯s house tonight for a gathering. Mrs. Quinn¡ªyou remember her? She brought the supplementsst time.¡±

    Carrie nodded, a little uncertain why Billie had suddenly mentioned this. ¡°Yes, I remember.¡±

    Billie¡¯s tone turned thoughtful. ¡°Her family has connections with several top-notch doctors. I¡¯ll ask if any of them specialize in Gracie¡¯s condition. Send me a copy of her medical recordster.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression softened with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, Billie.¡±

    Billie, however, shifted into her usual no-nonsense tone as she slid into the car. ¡°Don¡¯t just thank me with words. If you really want to thank me, focus on giving me a healthy baby boy.¡±

    Kristopher grinned at thement. ¡°What? What if it¡¯s a healthy baby girl?¡±

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 Chapter 388

    ?<strong>Chapter 388:</strong>

    ¡°Don¡¯t y games with me,¡± Billie shot back with a pointed look.

    Then, her tone shifted to something more serious. ¡°And take care of your injury. You¡¯re not a child anymore, Kristopher. Act like an adult.¡±

    Though Billie hadn¡¯t addressed her, Carrie replied sincerely, ¡°I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s careful.¡±

    Billie nced at Carrie and gave a curt nod before closing the car door.

    As Billie¡¯s car rolled out of the hospital courtyard, Carrie turned and got into Kristopher¡¯s car.

    She pulled out her phone, scrolling through her messages. A notification caught her eye¡ªit was a reminder about Daxton¡¯s uing birthday. She paused, thinking of all the ways Daxton had helped her, from saving her on the ship to supporting her during difficult times. While giving him a gift outright might seem too calcted, using his birthday as an opportunity felt natural. A small token of gratitude would be appropriate¡ªand something Daxton wouldn¡¯t refuse.

    She turned to Oliver. ¡°Oliver, let¡¯s stop by Evergreen za.¡± Kristopher nced at her as he settled into the seat. ¡°Is there something you need? I can have it delivered to the house.¡±

    Carrie waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I just want to go shopping.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t argue, epting her exnation with a nod. When they arrived at the mall, Kristopher moved to get out of the car with her, but Carrie stopped him. ¡°I¡¯ll just grab what I need and be right back.¡±

    Kristopher frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t you enjoy shopping?¡± Carrie didn¡¯t bother with a lengthy excuse. ¡°This is a girl thing, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    His face darkened, displeased at being excluded. To soften the mood, Carrie coaxed him like a child. ¡°I¡¯ll cook for you tonight. Be good.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression immediately shifted, his mood improving as he grinned. ¡°I want steamed egg with sea urchin.¡±

    Carrie recalled they were out of sea urchin and casually improvised. ¡°Your hand¡¯s injured; sea urchin isn¡¯t good for you right now. How about steamed egg with minced meat?¡±

    ¡°That works too,¡± Kristopher agreed, oblivious to the ploy.

    Carrie smiled at hispliance and, on impulse, reached out to ruffle his neatly styled hair. His soft ck locks fell into disarray under her fingers. For a moment, she thought he might protest, but Kristopher simply sat there, letting her do as she pleased, like a big, obedient dog.

    In the front seat, Oliver watched the scene unfold through the rearview mirror and nearly choked on his breath. It had been years since anyone dared to touch Kristopher¡¯s hair like that¡ªnot even Billie had tried since he was in middle school. This act was like pulling fur from a tiger. But what stunned him even more was that Kristopher didn¡¯t mind. He sat there calmly, his usual icy pride melted into something almost tender as Carrie mussed his hair.

    Oliver nced away quickly, hiding his thoughts. So, this is what happens when a man realizes what he almost lost. If he¡¯d acted like this before, Mrs. Norris would have never brought up divorce. Still, Oliver kept his musings to himself. Kristopher might tolerate anything from Carrie, but Oliver wasn¡¯t foolish enough to test his patience.

    Carrie stepped off the elevator into the mall¡¯s shopping area, her eyes immediately drawn to the sleek design of a newly opened Morwick counter. A pen came to mind¡ªsimple, yet thoughtful. In her mind¡¯s eye, she pictured Daxton, seated by a window in a crisp white shirt, writing with focused intensity. Among everyone she knew, Daxton was the most schrly. Oliver had a polished demeanor too, but his refinement was tempered by years of handling Kristopher¡¯s demanding world. Daxton, however, carried an air of pure elegance, untainted by pragmatism.

    With a sense of rity, Carrie decided on her gift and walked confidently toward the counter. As she approached, the saleswoman behind the counter initially smiled, but upon taking in Carrie¡¯s unassuming outfit, her expression grew dismissive. She didn¡¯t bother greeting Carrie and instead turned to whisper with another saleswoman. Carrie immediately understood. She wasn¡¯t wearing high-end brands, so the saleswoman had decided she wasn¡¯t a ¡°serious¡± customer.

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 Chapter 389

    ?<strong>Chapter 389:</strong>

    This kind of judgment amused her more than it annoyed her. She had encountered plenty of people who judged others by appearances. Ignoring the frosty reception, Carrie browsed the disy case until her eyesnded on a silver pen encrusted with diamonds, its sapphire-tipped cap gleaming under the counter¡¯s lights. Its refined beauty made it stand out from the rest.

    ¡°Could you take this pen out for me to see?¡± Carrie asked politely, pointing at it.

    A younger saleswoman hesitated, her instincts leaning toward assisting Carrie. ¡°Of course, Miss.¡±

    Before she could finish, the older saleswoman stepped in, her voice sharp. ¡°What are you doing? Are you seriously going to show it to her?¡± She shot the younger saleswoman a pointed look. ¡°If it gets damaged or dirty, are you nning to pay for it out of your own pocket?¡±

    The younger saleswoman froze, her enthusiasm deting instantly.

    She lowered her gaze, retreating behind the counter as if trying to disappear. The older saleswoman stepped up, her chin lifted slightly as she addressed Carrie with a thin, mocking smile. ¡°This pen is a global limited edition. There are several models in the series, but only one was allocated to Orkset. It¡¯s priced at ten million.¡±

    She paused, letting the price sink in before adding, ¡°Even the counters in Isonridge don¡¯t carry it.¡±

    Carrie blinked, surprised by the exorbitant cost. She had always thought of Morwick as Kristopher¡¯s favorite brand¡ªnot particrly expensive, but of high quality. While she wanted to give Daxton a thoughtful gift, this pen was far beyond what she considered appropriate. Daxton wouldn¡¯t ept it anyway. Still, whether she bought it or not was her decision. She wouldn¡¯t tolerate being insulted.

    Carrie tapped her fingers lightly on the ss counter and said evenly, ¡°Whether it¡¯s ten thousand or ten million, as a customer, I have the right to examine the product. If holding it would cause damage, then maybe your brand¡¯s quality isn¡¯t as impable as you im.¡±

    The saleswomanughed, her tone exaggerated. ¡°Miss, do you even understand what luxury means? People who can afford a ten-million-dor pen aren¡¯t using it to write grocery lists.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind drifted to Kristopher. He had a preference for pens overputers, often jotting down ideas in his impable handwriting. She used to do the same when drafting scripts, borrowing his pens without asking. She remembered the times she¡¯d jabbed the pen into the paper in frustration, ruining several of them. The pens Kristopher casually used were far more extravagant than this one.

    Thinking of it now, she couldn¡¯t help butugh inwardly. The royalties from her scripts wouldn¡¯t even cover the cost of one of his pens.

    ¡°People can exist together and still be many worlds apart,¡± she mused.

    As Carrie¡¯s expression shifted, the saleswoman misread her reaction as defeat. Emboldened, she leaned closer, her smirk widening. ¡°Let me enlighten you. This pen was specially ordered by Lise for Mr. Norris. Because he likes it, our counter was able to secure it for disy. It¡¯s just being stored here temporarily.¡± She paused for dramatic effect. ¡°Do you even know who Mr. Norris is?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s face remained impassive. ¡°No matter who he is, does his money have a special exchange rate? Is it worth more than mine?¡± Her voice was calm but cutting. ¡°As someone working in customer service, you should know better than to judge customers based on appearances.¡±

    The saleswoman threw her head back andughed mockingly, turning to the other two saleswomen. ¡°Did you hear that? These types always have something to say. Who gave her the confidence to walk in here and talk like this?¡± The two younger saleswomen exchanged nervous nces but stayed silent.

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 Chapter 390

    ?<strong>Chapter 390:</strong>

    Seeing her words go unanswered, the older saleswoman turned back to Carrie, her tone dripping with condescension. ¡°You¡¯re seriously out of your depth here. Do you really think you could afford this pen? Even if you sold your entire family, you¡¯d still fall short.¡±

    Carrie stopped tapping on the ss. She pulled her hand back, her tone icy. ¡°Is this your idea of customer service? Call your manager.¡±

    The saleswoman rolled her eyes, crossing her arms defiantly. ¡°Manager? You really want to meet our manager?¡±

    ¡°And what about me? Am I worthy of meeting your manager?¡± A new voice interrupted, smooth and authoritative.

    Carrie and the saleswoman both turned toward the sound of the voice. Leaning casually against the wall near the door, Albin stood with his trademark yful grin, his posture rxed but his gaze sharp.

    The saleswoman froze for a moment, startled by his sudden appearance. Her surprise quickly melted into a practiced smile as she hurried over to him. ¡°Mr. Murray! What brings you here today? Are you shopping for yourself or looking for a gift? It¡¯s a slow day and we don¡¯t have many customers in here¡ªwhy don¡¯t you sit down and enjoy some coffee while I bring out a few items for you to look at?¡±

    Albin pushed off the wall and walked further into the store, his expression casual but his tone biting. ¡°No customers? Then what about her?¡± He gestured toward Carrie, still standing by the counter. ¡°Are you blind or just not thinking straight? Can¡¯t you see thedy standing right here?¡±

    The sales associate faltered, suddenly realizing she¡¯d made a misstep. She nced nervously at Carrie, then back at Albin, piecing together her assumption: Albin didn¡¯t actually know this woman, but his interest in her had been piqued. She must be another one of those opportunistic beauties who use their looks to attract wealthy men.

    It was said that Albin was a wealthy heir who couldn¡¯t seem to seed at anything, spending his days indulging in pleasure. He must have noticed this pretty but shabby woman and decided to y the hero.

    She silently cursed Carrie. Moreover, Carrie¡¯s features were so perfect, it must have been the result of stic surgery. Her expression grew sly as her thoughts raced. She leaned closer to Albin and spoke in a low voice. ¡°Mr. Murray, don¡¯t mind her. She¡¯s just one of those women who loiter around trying to catch a rich guy¡¯s attention.¡±

    She doesn¡¯t buy anything¡ªjust waits to reel someone in with her looks.¡±

    Albin¡¯s gaze slid to Carrie briefly before returning to the sales associate. His smile didn¡¯t waver, but there was something dangerously sarcastic in his tone. ¡°And you know so much about her¡­ how?¡±

    Carrie, leaning casually against the counter, watched the exchange with detached amusement. She had no intention of interrupting Albin¡¯s little performance.

    The sales associate, misunderstanding his reaction, pressed on eagerly. ¡°As salespeople, we see all kinds of customers every day,¡± she said, her tone turning proud. ¡°Mr. Murray, men don¡¯t think the way we do. You might not notice, but I can see right through her.¡±

    Albin¡¯s yful smile dropped, his expression darkening in an instant. ¡°Do you take me for an idiot?¡± he snapped, his tone icy.

    The sales associate paled, her confidence crumbling. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that¡­¡± she stammered, realizing she¡¯d overyed her hand.

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 Chapter 391

    ?<strong>Chapter 391:</strong>

    Her resentment toward Carrie surged. If not for this woman, she wouldn¡¯t have offended someone as important as Albin.

    As she scrambled for a way to salvage the situation, her eyes caught sight of a familiar figure outside the store. Camille. The bold, stylish outfit made her instantly recognizable. She recalled rumors of Camille being close to Albin.

    She quickly put two and two together. The girlfriend¡¯s here¡ªand now there¡¯s a perfect chance to use this against her rival.

    She subtly signaled to another sales associate nearby, who had shared gossip about Camille and Albin. The other associate nodded and hurried outside to approach Camille.

    ¡°Miss Nixon?¡± The second associate greeted her warmly. ¡°Were you looking for someone?¡±

    Camille paused, giving her a puzzled look. ¡°Do you know him?¡±

    The associate smiled sweetly. ¡°Of course. I¡¯m from Morwick. I¡¯ve seen you and Mr. Murray together before. You¡¯re such a perfect match, how could I forget?¡± She gestured toward the store. ¡°Mr. Murray is inside right now. I noticed you looking around and thought I¡¯d check if you were searching for him.¡±

    Camille¡¯s sharp instincts told her something was off about this sudden friendliness, but the associate¡¯s words wereplimentary and polite. A sales associate from such a big brand wouldn¡¯t lie about something like this, she reasoned.

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯ll go find him now,¡± Camille replied, her tone neutral.

    The associate hesitated, as if she had more to say. ¡°Miss Nixon¡­¡±

    Camille raised an eyebrow. ¡°What is it? Is there something else?¡±

    The associate lowered her voice, feigning reluctance. ¡°Well¡­ there¡¯s a woman in the store who¡¯s been clinging to Mr. Murray. We couldn¡¯t just ask her to leave¡­¡±

    Camille¡¯s expression hardened. She¡¯d recently read about sales associates seducing customers¡¯ partners. Could the same thing be happening to her?

    Her thoughts spiraled. Albin, thatzy good-for-nothing, had gone to the restroom earlier but now seemed to be lingering here, flirting with another woman? They¡¯d only been dating for a few days, and he was already bored?

    The anger bubbling inside her erased any caution, and she stormed toward the Morwick counter. The moment Camille entered, she spotted Albin standing with his back to her, seemingly talking to a woman close enough to touch.

    But the woman was also wearing a sales associate¡¯s uniform, not the customer the other associate had mentioned. In such a short time, Albin had flirted with two women? Her fury boiled over. Without waiting to process what she was seeing, she stormed up and pped the sales associate across the face.

    The sharp sound of the p echoed through the store, plunging the counter into an awkward, stunned silence. Everyone turned to look, their faces a mixture of shock and disbelief. Camille stood with her hands on her hips, her voice sharp as she unleashed her anger.

    ¡°You vixen! Are you flirting with my man? And you, worthless jerk! You¡¯ve got a gorgeous girlfriend like me, and you¡¯re still not satisfied? Flirting with this old woman? Have you lost your mind?¡±

    Albin turned around, his brows furrowed in genuine confusion. ¡°Camille, what are you doing here?¡±

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 Chapter 392

    ?<strong>Chapter 392:</strong>

    At the counter, Carrie straightened up, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Camille?¡±

    The pped sales associate clutched her reddened cheek, her expression a mixture of pain and disbelief. She nced desperately at the other associate who had brought Camille in, now standing frozen by the door, wide-eyed and stunned.

    ¡°What¡­ just happened?¡± the other associate whispered, unable to process the chaos she had unintentionally unleashed.

    The sales assistant by the door paused, her expression a mix of confusion and rm, before she darted over to Camille and cautiously said, ¡°Miss Nixon, there surely must be some misunderstanding¡­¡±

    Before the assistant could insinuate that Carrie was the temptress, Camille had already noticed Carrie. After throwing a cold nce at Albin, Camille made her way over to Carrie. As she reached her, her tone wasced with delight. ¡°Oh, Carrie, what a surprise to see you here of all ces!¡±

    Realizing the two were acquainted, the sales assistants froze in shock. Even the one who had been pped kept silent, too afraid to utter another word. Clearly, if Carrie was in Camille¡¯s circle, she was either a powerhouse in her own right or closely tied to the elite. This was not a woman to cross lightly.

    The humiliated assistant, her cheek still stinging from the p, subtly edged back, wishing she could melt into the shadows. Meanwhile, Albin, clueless about the underlying currents, mistook Camille¡¯s outrage for mere theatrics. He approached, his hands open in a calming gesture.

    ¡°Honey, wasn¡¯t I told to meet you by the cinema entrance?¡±

    ¡°Meet you? With the film already rolling, what exactly am I supposed to be watching now?¡± Without giving him a nce, she scoffed, ¡°Or perhaps you were too busy here, entertaining some flirtatious distraction?¡±

    Albin, visibly distressed by her usation, countered earnestly, raising his hands in defense. ¡°Honey, you misunderstand! It was only Carrie here¡ªI saw she was being troubled, and I feltpelled to intervene. Confirm it for us, Carrie, won¡¯t you?¡±

    He turned to Carrie, looking to her for support in the chaos. With a reassuring nod, Carrie confirmed, ¡°He¡¯s telling the truth this time.¡±

    Camille, convinced by Carrie¡¯s assurance, redirected her concern with a furrowed brow. ¡°Has someone been giving you trouble?¡±

    Carrie cast a frosty nce sideways at the sales assistant, who had just endured a p. ¡°I merely wanted to examine a pen, yet it seems I¡¯m deemed unworthy.¡± cing her hands defiantly on her hips, Camille fixed a stern re on the offending sales assistant. ¡°It appears I was too lenient before. Had I known you were bullying my friend, I would have doubled your p!¡±

    Albin stood there, dumbstruck. Carrie was deemed more significant than him? His flirting barely warranted more than a single p?

    Realizing he was nearly ensnared in their drama, Albin lost his patience and turned to the most uninvolved sales assistant he could find. ¡°Fetch your manager, please.¡±

    The sales assistant who had been pped suddenly recalled she had Lise¡¯s contact on WhatsApp. Desperate for a way out, she clumsily retrieved her phone and dialed Lise in a panic.

    Just as the connection was made, Kristopher entered, his face set in an icy mask. The normally arrogant store manager scurried in behind him, bowing deferentially. ¡°I was just retrieving stock from another shop; I had no idea such chaos had erupted here. Rest assured, proper apologies will be extended to Mrs. Norris.¡±

    The sales assistant, whose face had flushed with hope as Kristopher strode in, suddenly dropped her hands, unaware that she had already activated the voice call. Her only thought was to use Lise as a buffer.

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 Chapter 393

    ?<strong>Chapter 393:</strong>

    She blurted out hastily to Kristopher, ¡°Mr. Norris, your girlfriend mentioned you favored this pen, so our manager reserved it especially for you. But then that woman insisted she take it. I¡¯m relieved you¡¯ve arrived; otherwise, we mere employees would be at a loss to justify ourselves.¡±

    As she spewed her excuses, the manager¡¯s expression turned grim. She pulled the sales assistant aside and hissed, ¡°Stop talking. I¡¯ll take care of youter, so don¡¯t push your luck.¡±

    Before the sales assistant could mention Lise to the manager, Kristopher approached Carrie, draping an arm protectively around her shoulders. He spoke with cold detachment. ¡°Are you implying my wife doesn¡¯t have the right to browse your pens? Who exactly do you expect to sell them to here in Orkset?¡±

    His cutting remarks were aimed squarely at the sales assistant, though he spared her not a single nce.

    The sales assistant, herplexion turning ghostly, gaped at Carrie, stammering, ¡°W-wife?¡±

    It dawned on her that she had inadvertently antagonized the very power she ought to have courted. Recalling her earlier disdain for Carrie, she fervently wished for the earth to swallow her up. Indeed, she was the one utterly out of touch with reality!

    Before the sales assistant could mention Lise to the manager, Kristopher approached Carrie, draping an arm protectively around her shoulders. He spoke with cold detachment. ¡°Are you implying my wife doesn¡¯t have the right to browse your pens? Who exactly do you expect to sell them to here in Orkset?¡±

    His cutting remarks were aimed squarely at the sales assistant, though he spared her not a single nce.

    The sales assistant, herplexion turning ghostly, gaped at Carrie, stammering, ¡°W-wife?¡±

    It dawned on her that she had inadvertently antagonized the very power she ought to have courted. Recalling her earlier disdain for Carrie, she fervently wished for the earth to swallow her up. Indeed, she was the one utterly out of touch with reality!

    Camille was well aware that the ¡°girlfriend¡± referred to by the sales assistant was probably Lise. With calcted emphasis, Camille said, ¡°Mr. Norris is married to one woman alone! You¡¯ve mistaken an opportunist for his legitimate partner. You¡¯re supporting the wrong side!¡±

    The store manager intervened promptly, guiding the sales assistant away. ¡°My apologies, Mrs. Norris. She¡¯s new and didn¡¯t recognize you¡­¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze turned cold as she lifted her eyelids to meet the manager¡¯s eyes. ¡°Are you suggesting she had the right to mistreat me had I not been Mrs. Norris?¡± Caught off guard, the manager stumbled through her response, then offered a smile filled with regret. ¡°My apologies for the poormunication. We aim to treat all our clients equally, regardless of status. It seems I haven¡¯t trained her sufficiently, and for that, I am sorry.¡± She nudged the sales assistant, whispering, ¡°Say you¡¯re sorry to Mrs. Norris, now.¡±

    The sales assistant murmured an apology, albeit reluctantly. Still feeling the sting of humiliation, her bitterness toward Carrie intensified. How did someone so ordinary manage to marry someone as distinguished as Kristopher Norris? Her mind concocted various theories of Carrie¡¯s cunning ascent, which only fueled her disdain further.

    Albin, growing impatient, stepped forward. ¡°Just fire her already. No need to waste time with this nonsense.¡±

    Momentarily forgetting her earlier disagreement with Albin, Camille moved to his side, linking her arm with his, and replied, ¡°Absolutely! What good is an apology here?¡±

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 Chapter 394

    ?<strong>Chapter 394:</strong>

    The sales assistant, unable to contain her exasperation, blurted out, ¡°Why?¡±

    The store manager faltered, then stammered, ¡°Terminate her? I¡­ Ick the authority for that.¡±

    The truth was, the assistant was connected to her own family. Dismissing her could provoke unwanted domestic disputes, as her mother-inw would certainly have opinions on the matter.

    ¡°Youck the authority? Luckily, I¡¯ve brought someone who does,¡± Oliver said as he entered, nked by a middle-aged man.

    Dressed in a finely tailored gray suit, the man exuded a youthful charm despite his years, his demeanor reflecting affluence and influence. He walked over to Kristopher and extended a business card with deference. ¡°Greetings, Mr. Norris. I am the CEO of Morwick Mothor, responsible for our operations here.¡±

    ¡°Dismiss her,¡± Kristopher cut him off abruptly, gesturing dismissively at the assistant.

    The CEO faced the sales assistant andmanded, ¡°You have failed to uphold our standard of customer respect. Please proceed to HR and hand in your resignation.¡±

    The sales assistant cast a desperate look towards the manager, who averted her gaze, choosing silence over intervention, aware that any objection might jeopardize her own position. Having never dealt with such a high-ranking official in her three years of employment, the assistant¡¯s regret was evident, wishing she could simply vanish.

    Attempting to protest, her efforts were cut short as two sturdy security guards stepped forward. ¡°Please, Miss, let¡¯s handle this smoothly,¡± they urged. Their presence was a clear sign that they would physically remove her if she did notply voluntarily.

    With no alternatives left, she resignedly apanied them to the exit.

    Camille turned to Kristopher, pointedly saying, ¡°See, this mess is your doing!¡±

    ¡°Enough, darling,¡± Albin interjected, trying to steer her away.

    Brushing him off, Camille continued, ¡°You want me to be quiet? This is his doing! He¡¯s kept his marriage hidden. Carrie suffers these insults because people don¡¯t recognize her as Mrs. Norris.¡±

    ¡°Sure, he witnessed it this time, but what about when he¡¯s not around?¡± Albin swallowed hard.

    Outside of Carrie, nobody else would dare confront Kristopher so boldly. Yet here was Camille, unconnected by marriage; Kristopher¡¯s response to her could be less forgiving.

    Kristopher paused, seemingly on the brink of anger, but then he said, ¡°You have a point. I¡¯ll ensure Carrie and I have a proper wedding.¡±

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the line, Lise felt her grip falter, her phone slipping from her hand, severing the connection abruptly.

    ¡°Hold it right there!¡± Camille¡¯s voice rang out suddenly, cutting through the tension in the room.

    The security guards and sales associate froze mid-step, turning back to face her with puzzled expressions etched on their faces.

    Camille¡¯s slender finger shot forward, pointing decisively toward a corner. ¡°And her!¡±

    Tucked into a shadowy nook was another sales associate¡ªthe same one who had fed Camille false information. She seemed to be hoping the walls would swallow her whole.

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 Chapter 395

    ?<strong>Chapter 395:</strong>

    Camille¡¯s tone sharpened as she continued, ¡°These two are working together. That one even tried stirring the pot, framing Carrie as Albin¡¯s mistress to create a scandal.¡±

    Kristopher shifted his gaze slowly, directing it at Albin with a calm intensity. Albin felt an icy shiver crawl down his spine.

    He raised his hands in a panicked gesture, stumbling over his words. ¡°Kristopher, this is ridiculous! I¡¯ve got nothing to do with her. My interactions with Carrie are as innocent as theye. I only stepped in because she was being treated unfairly!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver, his voice steady and tinged with faint scorn. ¡°I know.¡±

    Relieved, Albin let out a breath and even managed a smug smile. ¡°I knew you¡¯d see through this nonsense. You know what kind of man I¡ª¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not interested in you,¡± Kristopher interrupted tly.

    The rest of Albin¡¯s sentence choked in his throat. His face darkened, and he nced around, convinced that the others were suppressingughter at his expense.

    Trying to salvage his pride, he mumbled under his breath, ¡°Kristopher, seriously? In front of all these people? A little respect wouldn¡¯t hurt, you know.¡±

    Camille, sensing an opportunity, hooked her arm yfully around Albin¡¯s neck and drove the nail further in. ¡°You¡¯re really out of touch with reality, aren¡¯t you? Kristopher just called it as he sees it. Choosing someone like you is purely charity on my part. The least you could do is behave like a gentleman from now on.¡±

    Meanwhile, the sales associate lurking in the corner, who thought she¡¯d escaped the worst of it, suddenly found herself being called out. She panicked, rushing forward and pointing a trembling finger at her co-worker, who was already being hauled away. She said, ¡°I swear, it wasn¡¯t me! She¡¯s the one who orchestrated this whole thing! Mrs. Norris, you¡¯ve got to believe me. I even told her not to judge customers by their appearance!¡±

    Hearing that, the other sales associate, already halfway out the door, spun on her heel and spat back venomously, ¡°Oh, give it a rest, you snake! You¡¯re just jealous of my sales record and would love to see me fired. Let¡¯s pull the surveince footage, shall we? Let Mr. Norris see exactly how two-faced you are!¡±

    The room erupted as the two womenunched into a chaotic shouting match, their bickering escting into a public spectacle. Both Carrie and Camille instinctively took a cautious step back, as if dodging an imminent explosion. The CEO¡¯s face darkened like a brewing storm, his patience snapping. He barked at the security guards, ¡°Get them out of my sight! Haven¡¯t we had enough disgrace for one day?¡±

    Without wasting a moment, the guards dragged the squabbling women out. Once the store was blissfully quiet again, the CEO turned to Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please allow us to make amends. Purchase a single item, and I¡¯ll add a gift worth up to a hundred thousand as our sincere apology.¡±

    The CEO had already pieced together what had unfolded.

    He knew Carrie¡¯s eyes were on the priciest item in the store¡ªa rare, limited-edition pen rumored to have caught Kristopher¡¯s attention as well. Offering a hundred-thousand-dor gift was a small price to pay to salvage the situation.

    Carrie, naturally, wasn¡¯t going to pass up such a generous offer. shing a polite smile, she made her way to the counter to browse. Her eyesnded on a white pen with a sleek, minimalist design. Itcked the ostentatious diamond embellishments of the others but had an understated elegance she found appealing. She nced at the price tag¡ªthirty thousand.

    Perfect for Daxton. A thirty-thousand-dor pen, plus a bonus gift worth a hundred thousand. The irony wasn¡¯t lost on her; the earlier humiliation had turned into a windfall. This was easier money than a month of hard work.

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 Chapter 396

    ?<strong>Chapter 396:</strong>

    ¡°That pen doesn¡¯t suit me.¡± Kristopher¡¯s tone was low, almost contemtive.

    Carrie didn¡¯t hesitate to reply, her words straightforward. ¡°It¡¯s not for you. It suits him just fine.¡±

    The air in the room seemed to freeze, the once buzzing energy reced by an icy stillness. Kristopher¡¯s gaze turned colder, his question cutting through the silence like a de. ¡°Who is he?¡±

    ¡°Daxton,¡± Carrie replied absentmindedly, still inspecting the pen in her hand. ¡°He saved me at sea that time. If I gave him a gift just for that, it might seem a bit deliberate. But his birthday ising up soon, so I figured I¡¯d get something for him while I had the time today.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened instantly. A cold smirk tugged at the corner of his lips as he remarked, his tone dripping with sarcasm, ¡°His birthday? You seem to remember it quite well.¡±

    Carrie, oblivious to his shift in mood, continued focusing on the pen. ¡°We haven¡¯t seen each other in years. How could I remember that?¡± she said offhandedly.

    The sudden brightness in Kristopher¡¯s expression was hard to miss. Nearby, Camille leaned toward Albin, her voice a conspiratorial whisper. ¡°Does Kristopher enjoy being ignored? Back when Carrie used to cater to his every whim, he was always indifferent. Now that she doesn¡¯t care about him, he¡¯s like a happy puppy¡­ Look at him, getting excited over one little sentence.¡±

    Albin, lost in his thoughts, muttered absently, ¡°Speaking of which, Daxton¡¯s some kind of distant rtive of Carrie¡¯s¡­¡±

    He trailed off mid-sentence, realizing his blunder. Snapping back to attention, he grabbed Camille¡¯s arm and dragged her toward the exit. ¡°Kristopher, Carrie, we haven¡¯t finished our movie yet. We¡¯ll leave you to it!¡±

    Camille blinked, confused by the sudden retreat, but Albin¡¯s urgency left no room for protest.

    Carrie stood still, stunned by Albin¡¯s earlierment. ¡°Distant rtive?¡± she murmured. Since when did the Campbell family have any distant rtives worth mentioning? Then it clicked.

    Albin wouldn¡¯t know anything about the Campbell family¡¯s genealogy, but he would know about the Norris family. That meant Daxton wasn¡¯t her rtive ¡ª he was Kristopher¡¯s.

    The pieces fell into ce. It exined how Daxton could use the Norris family¡¯s yacht and why he and Kristopher had engaged in a private conversation at the hot springs. But then, why had Kristopher not formally introduced Daxton?

    Still, Carrie didn¡¯t linger on their rtionship. Instead, she focused on a more pressing matter.

    Turning to Kristopher, she asked, ¡°Since you¡¯re rted, you must know his preferences. Can you help me figure out if he¡¯d like this pen? Or does he have other hobbies? It¡¯s always best to pick a gift that suits the recipient.¡±

    She picked up a sleek ck pen, tilting it under the light as she inspected it.

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened further, his voice t. ¡°We¡¯re not close. I haven¡¯t been in touch with him in years. I¡¯m not his father. He¡¯s a distant cousin, and I have hundreds of rtives. How would I possibly know all their preferences?¡±

    ¡°True.¡± Carrie nodded, putting the ck pen down. She turned her attention back to the white pen she¡¯d been eyeing earlier and handed it to the CEO. ¡°Wrap this up, please.¡±

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 Chapter 397

    ?<strong>Chapter 397:</strong>

    The CEO signaled to the remaining young sales associate. ¡°Go wrap it up for Mrs. Norris.¡±

    The CEO, assuming the $30,000 white pen was the free gift, smiled ingratiatingly. ¡°Would you like the other one wrapped as well?¡±

    Carrie paused, thinking he meant the ck pen. She picked it up again and nced at Kristopher. ¡°What do you think? This one suits you.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flickered to the price tag¡ª$90,000, significantly more than the white one.

    His lips curled in mock indifference. ¡°It¡¯s nothing special. I¡¯ve never used one this inexpensive before.¡±

    Carrie arched an eyebrow, suppressing a smile. Without a word, she handed the ck pen to the CEO and said, ¡°Consider this one a gift from you.¡±

    The CEO¡¯s polite smile froze. ¡°A gift?¡± he asked cautiously, his high emotional intelligence faltering. Surely she couldn¡¯t mean that.

    Carrie nodded, her expression calm but her tone yful. ¡°Yes. Ny thousand is already quite expensive. I can¡¯t possibly ask you to gift a $100,000 pen¡ªthat would be embarrassing.¡±

    The CEO stared at her, momentarily speechless. In all his years of dealing with audacious customers, this was a new level of boldness. As a mercenary businessman, he thought he was already quite ruthless, but he was still no match for this woman.

    Still holding out hope, the CEO turned to Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ve heard you like the sapphire-limited edition. We specially acquired it for you. Would you like to take a look?¡±

    Before Kristopher could respond, Carrie interjected smoothly, ¡°Which girlfriend of yours fought to get that for you?¡±

    The CEO paled, realizing the misstep in his ttery.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression didn¡¯t waver. ¡°I already have a simr one,¡± he replied indifferently. ¡°Plenty of people have seen it.¡±

    Carrie seized the moment, her smile turning sharper. ¡°Well, since he already has one, he doesn¡¯t need it. We¡¯lle back for new models in the future.¡±

    The underlying message was clear, and it wasn¡¯t lost on the CEO.

    His attempts to cater to Kristopher had backfired spectacrly. The sales associate¡¯s earlier attitude, paired with the store¡¯s greed, had soured Carrie entirely. The associate¡¯s behavior spoke volumes about the store¡¯s management. She decided then and there that such behavior didn¡¯t deserve her business.

    Kristopher, growing impatient, gestured dismissively. ¡°Just wrap it up.¡±

    The CEO, thoroughly defeated, instructed the associate to quickly package the pens. When the items were ready, Carrie took the two bags and handed one to Kristopher.

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. ¡°Giving me a gift from the freebies? You¡¯re really putting in the effort.¡±

    Carrie stepped out of the store, ncing back briefly at the CEO¡¯s darkened face before turning to Kristopher. With a teasing smile, she said lightly, ¡°Who said I was giving it to you?¡±

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow and inquired, ¡°To whom are you giving this away now?¡±

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 Chapter 398

    ?<strong>Chapter 398:</strong>

    Carrie returned his look with one of exasperation. ¡°Do I look like I¡¯m made of money? Sure, this pen wasplimentary, but it¡¯s actually more expensive than the one I purchased! Who would I even consider worthy of such avish gift? I n to use it for writing my manuscripts. I simply asked you to hold it momentarily.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned gloomy. ¡°But didn¡¯t you mention it looked good on me?¡±

    Carrie exhaled sharply. ¡°Why must you always be so difficult? You just said you wouldn¡¯t bother with such an inexpensive pen. Now, you¡¯re upset that I¡¯m not offering it to you?¡±

    Kristopher replied, ¡°I never imed I wouldn¡¯t use an inexpensive pen. I merely noted that I¡¯ve never used one this inexpensive before. Being a writer, shouldn¡¯t you appreciate the nuance in words?¡±

    Carrie had already brushed past him and was striding ahead before he could even finish his sentence. Kristopher paused, watching the gap between them widen, before he set off after her with a sigh.

    During her walk, Carrie¡¯s attention was captured by a home goods store that had just opened. Inside, she scanned the shelves without much interest until, just as she was about to leave, a stylish sses case caught her eye.

    Recalling Oliver¡¯s broken sses case she had noticed in the car earlier, she decided to pick up the new one and proceeded to the checkout. To her surprise, the small item cost five hundred.

    While she was still processing the shock, the cashier efficiently printed the receipt and presented it to her, asking, ¡°Would you like to pay by cash, card, or a scan?¡±

    Choosing the scan option with a hint of resignation, Carrie readied her payment app.

    As shepleted the transaction, the clerk cheerily included a grotesque frog toy in her bag, saying, ¡°Today¡¯s special offer: spend five hundred and receive this free stress-relief toy.¡±

    Managing a weak smile, Carrie muttered a ¡°thank you.¡± Exiting the store, she found Kristopher waiting by the door, drawing admiring nces from several women. As they noticed Carrie join him, their expressions fell, and they walked away disappointedly, murmuring, ¡°Of course. The handsome ones are always taken.¡±

    Kristopher chuckled at their remarks, ncing at Carrie with a raised eyebrow. ¡°It seems I¡¯m quite the catch, ording to the crowd.¡±

    Carrie replied calmly, ¡°Remember thest heartthrob who ended up in the news for the wrong reasons? His wife was envied, too, once.¡±

    ¡°And when have I ever resembled that guy?¡± he retorted, his eyes wide in mock horror as he followed her.

    Pausing, Carrie replied thoughtfully, ¡°Well, neglect can be as harmful as anything else. You¡¯ve had your moments.¡± She continued, ¡°But everyone has ws. Improve those, and who knows? Maybe you could actually live up to their expectations.¡±

    Kristopher gave a dismissiveugh, saying, ¡°Sure, I can certainly improve.¡± No sooner had the words left his mouth than he realized he seemed to have been tricked into making a promise. He was momentarily lost in thought but then noticed Carrie stepping into the already open elevator. Rushing, he managed to join her just in time.

    Down in the dimly lit underground parking lot, as soon as Carrie settled into the car, she pulled out the garish green frog and, reaching over to the front seat, handed Oliver a bag. ¡°I noticed your sses case was in a sorry state earlier. This one caught my eye while I was out shopping, so I picked it up for you.¡±

    Oliver, clearly taken aback, epted the bag with a tentative grasp. ¡°Mrs.

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 Chapter 399

    ?<strong>Chapter 399:</strong>

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, this is overly generous,¡± Oliver said, hesitant as he held the bag.

    With a wave of her hand, Carrie downyed the gesture. ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just a small thing. Hardly a splurge.¡± Despite her words, the five-hundred-dor price tag was far from trivial. She wouldn¡¯t even splurge that much on herself.

    Kristopher got into the car just in time to witness their exchange, his features clouding over with displeasure. Realizing he was being ignored, he interjected clumsily, ¡°Did you really go out of your way to find him a sses case?¡±

    Oliver¡¯s hand paused, the bag suspended in the air, as he grappled with whether to keep it or give it back. Carrie cut through the tension, saying, ¡°Keep it, Oliver. It was just a spur-of-the-moment purchase.¡±

    Her mood brightened as she turned towards Kristopher. ¡°Actually, I picked up something for you too. Something just for you.¡±

    Oliver, relieved, set the bag down beside him. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Trying to appear nonchnt, Kristopher asked, ¡°And why exactly would you get me a gift?¡±

    Carrie handed him the unattractive frog. ¡°I thought this was rather fitting for you.¡±

    Kristopher epted the item, his incredulity mounting as he squished the unappealing frog toy. ¡°Really, how is this supposed to be ¡®fitting¡¯ for me?¡±

    With a twinkle in her eye, Carrie replied, ¡°Think of it as a stress-relief tool. Given all the tension you carry from work, it seemed appropriate.¡±

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Just as Kristopher was almost convinced by her yful justification, his eyes caught sight of a tag dangling from the frog that proimed ¡°Free Gift.¡± He swayed the toy by its tag, questioning, ¡°This was a giveaway?¡±

    Internally fuming at the store¡¯s tant promotion, Carrie kept her cool, retorting, ¡°You seemed quite taken with the freebie pen earlier. I thought this one might appeal to you, so I grabbed it.¡±

    Disgusted, Kristopher flung the frog to the car floor, his voice icy as he addressed Oliver. ¡°What¡¯s next? Am I sleeping here in the garage tonight?¡±

    ¡°Apologies, Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver muttered, resigned to his role as the fall guy.

    As they pulled out of the parking space, Kristopher crisply added, ¡°Head to Bayview Vi.¡±

    Carrie looked at the discarded frog with irritation. Even if it wasn¡¯t to his taste, it was a gift, and it deserved better treatment. She reminisced about the tiny tokens they used to receive at diners¡ªinsignificant yet cherished by her because Kristopher would nonchntly hand them over. She had valued each one.

    With these memories in mind, she scooped up the frog, lowered the car window, and responded, ¡°If you don¡¯t want it, don¡¯t just leave it here. Toss it out.¡±

    Carrie was about to throw the frog away when Kristopher quickly took it from her, grabbing it out of her hand. She nced at him, surprised by his sudden move. His fingers curled around the frog, squeezing its grotesque face, making it appear even more unattractive. Oddly enough, the frog¡¯s squished expression resembled Kristopher¡¯s stern face. Carrie couldn¡¯t help but find the simrity amusing. She bit her lip to stifle augh, then, forcing a serious expression, asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want it?¡±

    Kristopher ced the frog in the pocket of his suit near the car door, his face unreadable. ¡°Once a gift is given, you can¡¯t take it back.¡±

    Carrie, caught up in the absurdity of the moment, let go of her frustration. She poked the frog¡¯s squashed face and teased, ¡°It kind of looks like you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

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 Chapter 400

    ?<strong>Chapter 400:</strong>

    Kristopher held the frog close, leaned in, and kissed her cheek. ¡°Well, then, you¡¯re a frog too.¡±

    Carrie pushed the frog away in mock disgust. ¡°Me? I¡¯m so gorgeous, even as a frog, I¡¯d be the princess.¡±

    Kristopher, clearly having fun, squished the frog into various shapes. ¡°Then I¡¯d be the prince.¡±

    Carrie paused for a second, surprised by such a yful remark from the usually serious Kristopher. She gave him a light shove and burst outughing. ¡°That¡¯s such a cheesy joke. So cold.¡±

    He watched herugh, her eyes squinting with joy and her smile bright as sunlight. A warmth filled his chest. Sometimes, it was worth it to let go of small things just to see herugh.

    It suddenly hit him that he was starting to understand how marriage truly worked.

    At Bayview Vi, beyond the newlyndscaped green area, a stranger approached Willow, handing her several bags. ¡°Be sure to discard the old ones. Don¡¯t get them confused.¡±

    Inside the bags were items exactly like the supplements Carrie had been drinking.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Willow responded, then hurried back to the vi after a quick farewell.

    In her room, she meticulously swapped the packaging of the new supplements with Carrie¡¯s. Willow shoved the original supplements into a stic bag, preparing to throw them away, but then she hesitated. These were the supplements Billie had gone through so much to acquire¡ªsurely they must be important.

    She quickly grabbed her phone and typed a text to her son, Emilio: ¡°Head over to Bayview Vi. I¡¯ve got some supplements for you. Give them to your girlfriend, and hurry up and make me a strong, healthy grandson.¡±

    She sent the message but followed up with another for extra caution: ¡°Call me when you arrive. Don¡¯t enter. Wait by the road, and I¡¯ll bring it to you.¡±

    Thirty minutester, Oliver drove into the neighborhood. Carrie looked out the window and, to her surprise, saw Willow sneaking out, holding a stic bag.

    ¡°Stop the car,¡± Carrie ordered, tapping the back of Oliver¡¯s seat.

    Confused, Oliver nced at her through the rearview mirror but followed hermand and hit the brakes.

    By now, Mrs. Norris¡¯s authority was as powerful as Mr. Norris¡¯s¡ªif not more¡ªso hermands were followed without question.

    Carrie rolled down the window, leaned out, and shouted, ¡°Willow! Where are you headed?¡±

    Willow froze, her body stiffening as if she¡¯d been caught in the act. ¡°M-Mrs. Norris? You¡¯re back?¡± she stammered.

    Carrie ignored Willow¡¯s stammer and asked again, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ nowhere, really. Just throwing out the trash,¡± Willow stammered, her eyes darting around as she awkwardly tried to hide the stic bag behind her back, hoping Carrie wouldn¡¯t notice.

    Carrie raised an eyebrow. She knew the vi¡¯s trash was always taken care of by the cleaning staff, so it didn¡¯t make sense that Willow would be handling it herself. Something was off.

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 Chapter 401

    ?<strong>Chapter 401:</strong>

    Without saying anything further, she stepped out of the car, opened the door, and extended her hand. Her voice was steady andmanding. ¡°Hand it over.¡±

    Willow¡¯s gaze flickered nervously, and she took several steps back. ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s only some spoiled seafood. There¡¯s no need to trouble yourself over it.¡±

    ¡°When has the Norris family ever stooped to using spoiled seafood in our meals? Drop the bag right here. I¡¯ll make sure the supplieres over immediately to give us a proper exnation,¡± Carrie said firmly.

    Kristopher, having stepped silently out of the car, now stood behind her, his presence intensifying the tension. Together, theirmanding presence made the situation feel unbearably heavy.

    Lowering her head, Willow refused to meet their eyes. ¡°It didn¡¯te from the Norris family. It¡¯s my mistake¡ªI bought it on my own because it was affordable.¡± Willow tried to slip away, but Oliver moved swiftly, stepping in front of her to block her escape.

    ¡°You were warned when you started working here,¡± Oliver said sharply. ¡°No outside ingredients are allowed without approval. Everything in this house is sourced specifically by the Norris family.¡±

    With quick reflexes, he snatched the stic bag from her hands before she could react. He opened the bag and carefully inspected its contents. After a moment, he passed it to Carrie and Kristopher. ¡°It¡¯s just some health supplements,¡± he noted.

    Carrie peered into the bag and frowned. ncing up at Kristopher, she asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t this the supplement your mom gave me?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Kristopher confirmed, his gaze turning icy as he stared at Willow. ¡°You might want to start talking.¡±

    ¡°If you won¡¯t exin yourself, fine,¡± Oliver added, his tone dripping with menace. ¡°I¡¯ll report you for theft. Do you realize how much these are worth? Enough tond you in prison for years.¡±

    The threat drained all the fight out of Willow.

    She copsed to her knees, resorting to her familiar act of pleading for pity. ¡°Please, Mrs. Norris,¡± Willow begged, tears streaming down her face. ¡°My son just got engaged, and I¡¯m hoping for a grandchild soon. There was so much of the supplement¡ªI thought you wouldn¡¯t notice if I took some for him.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s face hardened with disbelief. ¡°You¡¯ve been working here for a long time, and while I may not treat you like family, I¡¯ve never been unfair. I¡¯ve let you take the leftover ingredients withoutint. Why steal something you could have just asked for?¡±

    Willow wailed loudly, though no tears came. ¡°It was greed. I couldn¡¯t help myself!¡±

    Carrie, clearly done with the discussion, waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Enough. Let¡¯s not drag this out.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris¡­¡± Willow began hesitantly. But before she could finish, Carrie turned sharply to Oliver. ¡°Oliver, calcte her final wages and arrange a car. She¡¯s leaving Bayview Vi today.¡±

    The blood drained from Willow¡¯s face as she realized Carrie wasn¡¯t bluffing¡ªher decision was final. In desperation, she turned to Kristopher, hoping for sympathy. ¡°Mr. Norris¡­ I¡¯ve been here for years. Even if I¡¯ve faltered, I¡¯ve worked hard. I¡¯ll give up this month¡¯s wages to pay for the health supplement.¡±

    Working as a housekeeper for the Norris family paid as much as a mid-level manager at arge firm, and their rules were far more lenient than other affluent households. On top of that, she had been earning a substantial side ie from Lise. Losing this position would be disastrous. She couldn¡¯t possibly cover her family¡¯s towering mortgage or her son¡¯s mounting gambling debts.

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 Chapter 402

    ?<strong>Chapter 402:</strong>

    Kristopher didn¡¯t spare her a nce. ¡°Decisions regarding the household are entirely Mrs. Norris¡¯s.¡±

    Out of options and consumed by fear, Willow dropped to her knees, pleading, ¡°Mrs. Norris, I swear I won¡¯t do it again. Please, have mercy. My family relies on this job to survive.¡±

    Abandoning any pretense, she bowed low, her forehead hitting the floor with an audible thud, the sound echoing with the weight of her desperation.

    Carrie stepped back, her gaze icy. ¡°No one will know I fired you because of your wrongdoing. I¡¯ll simply say we don¡¯t need a housekeeper for the time being and will hire someer. You can look for work elsewhere. If you keep trying to guilt-trip me, I¡¯ll expose your record. Let¡¯s see which family or cleaning service in town would dare hire someone with a criminal record.¡±

    Willow froze in ce, her back straightening as a tremble ran through her body. Her forehead, scraped and bleeding, made her look pitiful, but Carrie¡¯s unflinching tone left no room for sympathy.

    Oliver, standing nearby, stepped forward. ¡°Go pack your things. I¡¯ll help you leave,¡± he said firmly.

    With her head hung low, Willow followed Oliver back to Bayview Vi to gather her belongings. When she reached her room, her eyes lingered on a small pile of supplements tucked near the bed. Willow knew Oliver was standing by the door, watching her. Her fingers hovered, then clenched into fists. She discreetly shoved the supplements under the bed and resumed packing.

    If she took them now and got caught, it would be over for her. But if she left them there and let Lise know, Lise would figure out how to handle it.

    Willow had little to her name, so it didn¡¯t take long. Soon, she was reluctantly walking out of Bayview Vi, her belongings in tow. As she passed Carrie, she shot her a venomous re. The hatred in her gaze burned.

    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???

    Carrie sneezed. ¡°Someone must be talking about me,¡± she muttered, rubbing her nose.

    Kristopher draped his coat over her shoulders and held her close. ¡°Don¡¯t be superstitious. It¡¯s just cold tonight. Stop standing here and go inside.¡±

    Carrie leaned into his shoulder, findingfort in his warmth. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like cooking. Let¡¯s order takeout from a hotpot ce.¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, thinking of the nutritionist¡¯s advice about healthy eating. But when he saw the sparkle of excitement in her eyes, he relented with a small smile. ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just hotpot. It¡¯s not poison,¡± he reassured himself inwardly. ¡°Once in a while won¡¯t hurt.¡±

    At home, Carrie changed into soft,fortable loungewear and made her way downstairs. She sprawled across the living room sofa, scrolling on her phone to check the delivery time. Kristopher came down shortly after. Noticing her thin silk outfit, he quietly adjusted the thermostat, turning up the heat.

    When Carrie spotted him, she hugged a pillow to her chest and smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t want to eat in the dining room. Let¡¯s eat here in the living room while watching a movie.¡± She paused, lowering her voice like a child asking for permission. ¡°Last time, Camille and I did the same. I promise I¡¯ll clean up afterward, no mess left behind.¡±

    Kristopher sat beside her, his fingers gentlybing through her silky hair. ¡°No need for you to clean up. We¡¯ll have someone else take care of it.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice softened as he added, ¡°We only have so much energy. It¡¯s better to focus on meaningful things instead of wasting time on things that don¡¯t matter.¡±

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 Chapter 403

    ?<strong>Chapter 403:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s smile faded. She sat up straight, turning to face him. ¡°So, when I was a housewife for those two years¡­ was that how you felt? That it didn¡¯t matter?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, his eyes meeting hers. ¡°In some ways, yes,¡± he admitted, choosing his words carefully.

    Carrie let out a small sigh, her gaze thoughtful rather than angry. ¡°It wasn¡¯t all hardship, you know. Back then, I thought it was meaningful to clean our home and cook for the person I loved. But¡­¡±

    She paused, choosing her next words deliberately. ¡°When you ce too much importance on someone else, you start to lose yourself. You still need your own space, your own identity.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression softened as he nodded.

    Carrie reached for his hand, her smaller palm covering his. She looked him in the eye, her voice firm but tender. ¡°In the future, just say what¡¯s on your mind, okay? Don¡¯t make me guess. Communication is key in a rtionship.¡±

    Kristopher studied her for a moment before a smile curved his lips. ¡°Alright,¡± he murmured. He leaned in, brushing her bangs aside with his fingers before cing a feather-light kiss on her forehead.

    Time passed quickly, and before long, the filming of ¡°Agarwood¡± was nearlyplete. Carrie¡¯s personal life was going well, and her career was thriving just as smoothly.

    The inte was constantly updated, and with the Norris Group¡¯s meticulous efforts to clear her name, it became nearly impossible to find any negative press about Carrie. Those who had stumbled across the gossip began to question if they were somehow experiencing the Mand Effect.

    The variety show ¡°Weekend Party,¡± which had been dyed due to the negative publicity surrounding Carrie, was now back on the schedule. Due to the lengthy postponement, much of the show¡¯s content had already leaked to the public. Carrie discovered that Lise would be joining the show as well.

    Kristopher had been chauffeuring her to and from work nearly every day, but today, with him workingte, Camille took the opportunity to step in.

    As Camille arrived to pick her up, Carrie casually mentioned that she would be sharing the stage with Lise on the same show. Camille nearly hit the brakes out of shock.

    ¡°Wait, seriously? They¡¯re putting you two together? Isn¡¯t that just setting the stage for drama?¡±

    With aposed tone, Carrie replied, ¡°The production team wouldn¡¯t mind if we¡¯re awkward. In fact, the more awkward we are, the more attention it¡¯ll get.¡±

    Frustrated, Camille smacked her steering wheel and eximed, ¡°They¡¯re so desperate for ratings. This kind of stunt is just ridiculous.¡±

    Feeling the weight of her outburst, she softly ran her fingers over the steering wheel of her pink Maserati¡ªa gorgeous gift from Albin. The frustration began to fade, reced by a pang of guilt.

    Fate had a funny way of working, bringing Camille and Albin¡ªtwo people frompletely different worlds¡ªtogether. And somehow, their bond only deepened with time.

    Bringing herself back to the moment, Carrie said, ¡°It¡¯s probably just a coincidence. The filming and release schedules for ¡®zing Sun¡¯ and ¡®Agarwood¡¯ are pretty simr, so they likely both want to promote their shows on ¡®Weekend Party.''¡±

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    .

 Chapter 404

    ?<strong>Chapter 404:</strong>

    Camille tilted her head curiously. ¡°So, are you actually going to do it?¡±

    With a casual shrug, Carrie responded, ¡°I gave my word to Mr. Rodgers. A lot of people have put in effort to support me, so backing out isn¡¯t an option. Besides, the entertainment world is tiny. If I keep dodging her, I might as well give up on this career altogether.¡±

    Camille nodded in agreement. ¡°Right. She¡¯s the one who should be sweating, not you.¡±

    She clicked her seatbelt into ce with a grin. ¡°Let me spoil you, Carrie! How about we go grab you a stunning outfit so you can totally steal the spotlight on the show?¡±

    Carrie waved her hand, brushing off the idea. ¡°I just wanted a quiet dinner with you. No need to splurge on clothes. Kristopher has already sent me a ton of designer outfits from the boutique. I¡¯ll just grab something from those.¡±

    Camille clicked her tongue in yful disapproval. ¡°You¡¯re giving off that all-too-familiar lovebird vibe; you just can¡¯t help talking about Kristopher.¡±

    Carrie shot back, calm but with a hint of sharpness, ¡°I¡¯m just stating the truth. Love-struck people see everyone else as love-struck too.¡±

    Camille threw her hands up in mock surrender. ¡°Alright, alright. Let¡¯s not fight over who¡¯s more head-over-heels.¡±

    Carrie smirked, not letting up. ¡°Nope, you¡¯re the one who¡¯s more smitten.¡±

    Camille shed a yful smile and gave in. ¡°Okay, okay, you win.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t help but smile to herself, realizing how endearingly childish Carrie had be since reconciling with Kristopher.

    The drive to the mall was filled withughter and casual conversation. The mall was alive with energy, crowded with people as dinner time approached.

    Out of nowhere, a figure rushed toward them, and with a loud thud, someone dropped to their knees in front of Carrie. A crowd of onlookers quickly gathered, whispering among themselves, ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    Carrie instinctively took a step back, squinting for a better look. She soon recognized Willow, the woman she hadn¡¯t seen in quite some time.

    Kristopher skimmed through the proposal with a re sharp enough to cut ss. His voice, cold and clipped, sliced through the air. ¡°Do you think I stayedte just to entertain this half-baked nonsense?¡±

    Without so much as a second nce, he flicked the folder from his hand, sending its contents fluttering to the floor like fallen leaves in a storm.

    The executive,posed just moments ago, felt his confidence evaporate like dew under a harsh sun. Beads of cold sweat dotted his forehead as panic began to bubble beneath the surface. Dropping to his knees, he scrambled to gather the scattered papers. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ll redo it immediately and have it back on your desk for review,¡± he stammered, desperation creeping into his voice.

    Kristopher¡¯s face became even sterner than before. The executive, unsure which of his words had poured gasoline on the fire, clutched the disheveled folder to his chest and made a hasty retreat.

    As he opened the door, he nearly collided with Oliver, who was just entering. The executive¡¯s eyes lit up with a flicker of hope. He shut the door behind him and pulled Oliver aside as if holding onto a lifeline. ¡°Oliver, has Mr. Norris been fighting with Mrs. Norristely?¡±

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 Chapter 405

    ?<strong>Chapter 405:</strong>

    There had been whispers around the office that Kristopher, who had recently seemed almost human thanks to his improving rtionship with Mrs. Norris, had reverted to his usual frosty demeanor. Naturally, tongues wagged, specting about cracks in their marriage.

    Oliver¡¯s voice was calm, like a soothing balm. ¡°Just keep an eye on the clock and make sure dinner isn¡¯t dyed for Mr. and Mrs. Norris.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, their rtionship is fine.¡±

    The others, sent back to salvage their work, caught wind of this exchange. A wave of realization swept through them, and they quickly chimed in, voices full of forced cheer. ¡°Thanks for the tip, Oliver. Please remind Mr. Norris to head home early and spend some time with Mrs. Norris. We¡¯ll email the revisions to you directly. Take a look for us, would you? And tomorrow¡¯s coffee is on us.¡±

    With that, they scurried away, grateful to escape the st radius.

    Oliver shook his head, a wry smile tugging at his lips. Pushing open the door, he stepped into the empty meeting room. Kristopher, clearly aware of the chatter outside, looked up from his phone. ¡°Have they cleared out?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Oliver replied, tidying the papers left behind. ¡°So, are you heading home for dinner with Mrs. Norris?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s tone was as t as a calm sea before a storm. ¡°She¡¯s having dinner with her friend.¡±

    Oliver¡¯s eyes sparkled with mischief as he suggested, ¡°Then why not surprise her and pick her up?¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t object, ncing again at his phone to read the message from Carrie. The mall she was at wasn¡¯t far from the office.

    At the mall, Willow dropped to her knees before Carrie, her voice trembling with exaggerated grief. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡¯ve worked my fingers to the bone taking care of you! My family¡¯s survival depends on me, and this is how you repay me? Firing me without cause? You rich folk treat us like we¡¯re invisible!¡±

    Camille froze momentarily, her mind racing.

    Then, recovering her wits, she stepped in front of Carrie, her stance protective. ¡°Enough of this theatrical performance. Your wages have been settled. It¡¯s not our fault that¡ª¡±

    But before she could finish, Willow raised her voice, her words ringing out like a bell in a quiet hall. ¡°This so-called big star doesn¡¯t even treat people as human! She exploits the poor!¡±

    Curious onlookers began to gather, their murmurs swelling like a rising tide. Carrie, freshly off a film set and still d in a mask and sses, felt their stares sharpen with spection. The crowd buzzed with guesses about her identity.

    Seizing the moment, Willow shifted tactics, dramatically sitting on the ground as if the weight of the world had crushed her. ¡°Wages? What wages? I haven¡¯t seen a single coin! The richer they are, the colder their hearts!¡±

    Camille and Carrie exchanged a nce, their unease growing. Leaning closer, Camille whispered, ¡°Did her sry get paid?¡±

    Carrie shook her head slightly, her expression clouded. Willow¡¯s wages were managed by Oliver, so Carrie wasn¡¯t certain of the details. After a moment¡¯s thought, Carrie addressed the growing crowd, her voice steady but firm. ¡°If there¡¯s an issue with your sry, you¡¯re wee to contact the person in charge or file forbor arbitration. But spreading false usations in public couldnd you in court for defamation.¡±

    Initially nning to mention Oliver¡¯s name, Carrie decided against it. With the way rumors spread like wildfire on social media, the situation could spiral out of control.

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 Chapter 406

    ?<strong>Chapter 406:</strong>

    Taking Camille¡¯s arm, she whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s head home for dinner.¡±

    In the meantime, Kristopher had barely stepped into the mall when the buzz of a gathering crowd caught his attention. Familiar voices drifted through themotion, tugging at the edges of his memory. He turned to Oliver, who immediately understood the unspokenmand. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯ll check what¡¯s happening up front,¡± Oliver said briskly before weaving through the crowd.

    Kristopher stood rooted to the spot, his gaze scanning the scene when a figure in white materialized before him. ¡°Kristopher, what brings you here?¡±

    Instinctively, he stepped back, his eyes meeting a girl dressed in a white tracksuit, her face obscured by a hat, mask, and oversized sunsses. Yet, despite theyers of anonymity, he recognized her instantly.

    ¡°Lise,¡± he greeted awkwardly, ncing toward the crowd. ¡°Are you here for a meal?¡±

    Lise¡¯sugh carried a bitter edge. ¡°Kristopher, why does it feel like we¡¯ve be strangers?¡±

    His tone softened, attempting to smooth the moment. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking again, Lise. Your heart condition doesn¡¯t need the extra strain.¡±

    Always her heart. That cursed, fragile heart. Lise¡¯s hands clenched into fists, caught between gratitude and a deep-seated resentment. To Kristopher, her heart seemed the only thing worth his concern¡ªnever her.

    She drew a deep breath, her voice deliberately tinged with vulnerability. ¡°Kristopher, I was hoping you could do me a favor.¡±

    The unusual approach made him raise a brow. ¡°What is it?¡± Kristopher said, furrowing his brow reflexively.

    ¡°I¡¯m joining a show called Weekend Party¡­¡± Lise paused in the middle of her sentence.

    She scanned the bustling crowd and gestured toward a quieter corner. ¡°It¡¯s too crowded here. There¡¯s a restaurant nearby that¡¯s quite nice, and they have private rooms. How about we head there for some food?¡±

    Kristopher gave a brief nod and started walking in the direction she had indicated. Lise trailed after him, her steps deliberate, and lightly tugged at his sleeve. He noticed her gentle pull and slowed his pace, his gaze flicking to her hand. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he didn¡¯t pull away, instead allowing her to guide him toward the restaurant¡¯s private room.

    Once seated, Lise picked up the menu and began introducing various dishes as she selected them, her voice animated and cheerful. She ordered seven or eight items before sliding the menu over to Kristopher with a warm smile. ¡°Kristopher, have a look. Is there anything else you¡¯d like to add?¡±

    Kristopher took the menu from her, nced at it briefly, then closed it and ced it back on the table. ¡°I¡¯m not hungry. This will do.¡±

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s stick with these,¡± Lise told the waiter before turning back to Kristopher, her expression softening into a shy grin. ¡°I always end up wanting to try everything, but I can never finish it all. And you know how much I hate wasting food.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s tone was even as he replied, ¡°Except for those two vegetarian dishes, the rest can be packed and reheatedter.¡±

    Lise¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously as she teased him, ¡°Kristopher, you don¡¯t even pretend to indulge me anymore. You used to say you¡¯d help me finish everything.¡±

    Kristopher paused mid-motion, his hand lingering over his ss. Then, with measuredposure, he set it back on the table. ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood to eat today. Besides, when you head off to Izrosa, who will finish your leftovers then?¡±

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 Chapter 407

    ?<strong>Chapter 407:</strong>

    The yfulness in Lise¡¯s demeanor faltered.

    Her brows knitted together as she picked up her napkin and tossed it onto her te with a huff of frustration. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear about that ce while we¡¯re eating!¡±

    Kristopher chose not to press the matter, his voice shifting to a neutral tone as he smoothly changed the subject. ¡°What was it you wanted to talk about earlier? Do you need funding for the show? If so, tell me how much, and I¡¯ll transfer it to you now.¡±

    He reached into his pocket, fishing for his phone.

    Lise quickly cut in, her voice firm yet tinged with restraint. ¡°It¡¯s not about money.¡±

    She hesitated for a moment, her earlier irritation melting into something softer. Her tone dropped to a near-whisper as she confessed, ¡°Carrie is going to be on that show too. You know how people are¡ªthey¡¯re alwaysparing us. Could you¡­ ask her to withdraw?¡±

    The private room was steeped in an ufortable silence. Kristopher, seated at the table, pressed his lips into a thin line, ignoring Lise¡¯s question. His fingers idly tapped the edge of his phone as he read Oliver¡¯s message, wondering where he was.

    After typing a brief reply, he turned off the screen and began absently tracing the phone¡¯s edges, his expression unreadable.

    Lise, perched across from him, turned her attention toward the decorative cutout in the wall. Through the gaps, she spotted Oliver approaching with two women. One of them was Carrie, her understated elegance unmistakable. The other woman, wearing a bold and eye-catching outfit, was Carrie¡¯s friend.

    A flicker of cunning lit up in Lise¡¯s eyes. She hadn¡¯t expected luck to align so perfectly. Initially, she had only nned to stop by the Norris Group offices to ¡°identally¡± run into Kristopher. But when she saw his car parked outside the mall, she couldn¡¯t resist following him inside. And now, not only was Kristopher here, but so was Carrie.

    With Carrie now as her audience, Lise knew her performance would only be more dramatic. She wasn¡¯t just here to tug on Kristopher¡¯s heartstrings; she wanted Carrie to see her as the woman Kristopher would always choose.

    Originally, Lise had nned to use the show as an opportunity to make others believe she and Kristopher had reconciled, securing her position as ¡°Mrs. Norris¡± in front of Carrie. When Kristopher had announced on the show that he and Carrie were married, it had been a devastating blow.

    Lise had always believed Kristopher to be an untouchable figure, a man above petty emotions like love. She had never dared to dream she could win his heart.

    When Carrie had married Kristopher, Lise hadn¡¯t been worried. With no powerful family or influence to back her, how could Carrie possibly hold her position as Mrs. Norris for long? Lise had even believed Carrie¡¯s arrival worked in her favor, creating a modern Cindere narrative that would make her own future with Kristopher seem inevitable.

    But she never expected Kristopher to fall for Carrie, to the point of giving up on her¡ªabandoning his guilt, his years of dedication to her. Tears glistened in Lise¡¯s eyes as she fixed Kristopher with a gaze full of longing. Her voice trembled,ced with emotion.

    ¡°Kristopher, do you know what¡¯s truly terrifying?¡± she said, her tone almost a whisper. ¡°It¡¯s not being in the dark. It¡¯s when someone brings you into the light, shows you the colors of the world, and then throws you back into the darkness.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was calm, detached. ¡°I never said I would abandon you, Lise. I promised I wouldn¡¯t let you go back to your old life, and I intend to keep that promise. I¡¯ll ensure your lifestyle is maintained¡ªor even improved. I can transfer shares from somepanies in Izrosa to your name. That way, you¡¯ll¡­¡±

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 Chapter 408

    ?<strong>Chapter 408:</strong>

    She cut him off, her voice cracking. ¡°It¡¯s not about money, Kristopher! It¡¯s about how you treated me.¡±

    His tone remained steady. ¡°The way I treated you before is how I¡¯ll continue to treat you in the future.¡±

    Lise smiled faintly, but the smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. Beneath the surface, her gaze was fractured, brimming with an ache that refused to fade.

    ¡°I used to be your girlfriend,¡± she said softly. ¡°Your only choice for a wife. Will I still be?¡±

    Hope flickered in her eyes, fragile but persistent, like a candle fighting against the wind.

    Kristopher hesitated. For the first time, a faint shadow crossed his expression. But he said nothing.

    The room grew heavier with his silence, and the flicker of hope in Lise¡¯s eyes extinguished. Desperation overtook her, and she reached out, clutching the sleeve of his suit.

    ¡°Kristopher,¡± she pleaded, her voice trembling. ¡°Ever since you reconciled with Carrie, I haven¡¯t dared to disturb you. I haven¡¯t even called you, afraid she¡¯d misunderstand. I¡¯ve already lost you¡­ I can¡¯t lose my job too.¡±

    Lise¡¯s eyes brimmed with tears, cascading down her cheeks as she continued, ¡°Kristopher, all Carrie lost was a shot at a variety show. With you by her side, doors will keep opening for her. But for me, this might be the final curtain call of my life¡­¡±

    In the past, if Kristopher had seen her cry, he would have surrendered instantly, without a shred of resistance. But now, hesitation rippled across his face, his uncertainty in as he held his tongue.

    Lise ventured carefully, her voice tinged with vulnerability. ¡°Perhaps¡­ you could keep her identity as Mrs. Norris under wraps, just to preserve my dignity? As long as no one knows she¡¯s Mrs. Norris, I won¡¯t be the butt of the joke.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was evasive, his tone vaguely warm. ¡°Lise, you could never be a joke to me. You¡¯re the most important person in my world.¡±

    Once, hearing those words would have made her feel like the sun itself revolved around her. But now, the same words sounded hollow, as if their meaning had shifted with the tide. To Lise, they felt less like devotion and more like a brittle excuse.

    Her gaze flicked past Kristopher, settling on the restaurant¡¯s entrance, where Carrie strolled in with Oliver. A moment of silence fell as Lise seemed to weigh her thoughts, then spoke with quiet resolve. ¡°If you help me this time, I¡¯ll finish everything by year¡¯s end, retreat to Izrosa, and never return. I¡¯ll follow the treatment, take care of my heart, and stay away from it all.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s fingers stilled mid-motion, his expression hardening as if he had reached a decision. ¡°Fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure Carrie steps away from this variety show.¡± Just then, the private room¡¯s door creaked open, and Carrie appeared in the doorway. Her cold, unwavering eyes met Kristopher¡¯s. ¡°Since when do you get to dictate my career choices?¡±

    Kristopher turned toward her, hisposure faltering, panic shing in his gaze. ¡°Carrie, what are you doing here?¡± His eyes darted to Oliver, carrying a glint of reprimand.

    Oliver pressed his lips into a thin line, beads of sweat forming on his brow. How could he have predicted Lise¡¯s sudden appearance here?

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 Chapter 409

    ?<strong>Chapter 409:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s smile was frosty, her words sharp. ¡°This is funny. Oliver imed you came here to pick me up, yet now you¡¯re questioning why I¡¯m here. So, tell me, which one of you is spinning the tale?¡±

    Tension cloaked the room as Kristopher and Carrie locked eyes, neither yielding an inch. Standing awkwardly between them, Oliver felt as though he was bncing on a tightrope, the heat of their silent battle making his cor unbearably tight. For all his usual poise around Kristopher, this standoff had him paralyzed.

    Camille, typically Carrie¡¯s fiercest defender, lingered silently at the edge of the room, her conflicted gaze flickering between them. Since bing a couple with Albin, Camille had adopted a calmer outlook, her once-impulsive tendencies softened by her rtionship. She knew that stepping forward now to defend Carrie would only inme tensions between Carrie and Kristopher, handing Lise¡ªan opportunist if ever there was one¡ªa perfect opening.

    Breaking the silence, Lise¡¯s voice was a picture of feigned innocence. ¡°Ms. Campbell, please don¡¯t me Kristopher. He wasn¡¯t trying to keep anything from you. I just happened to be passing by for a meal and bumped into him by chance. If you doubt me, I can show you my schedule¡ªI just wrapped up an ad shoot.¡±

    As she spoke, she retrieved her phone and stepped toward Carrie, her demeanor full of false sincerity.

    Carrie, however, remained unfazed, her smile cordial but distant. ¡°Ms. Nash, whatever disagreement my husband and I have is private. Even my closest friend hasn¡¯t intervened, so there¡¯s no need for an outsider to overstep. Respecting boundaries is crucial, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±

    Lise froze, her hand lowering as her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. After a moment¡¯s pause, she slipped her phone back into her purse, her voice small and regretful. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to overstep.¡±

    Carrie walked over to Kristopher and pulled out a chair, taking her time as she sat down. Camille followed closely behind, eagerly nting herself in the chair beside Carrie. Even if she didn¡¯t say a word, her presence alone implied silent solidarity.

    Kristopher broke the uneasy silence first. ¡°I came to pick you up,¡± he began, his tone calm, though his fingers absently drummed against the table. ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect you toe with Oliver. I ran into Lise by chance.¡± His words were straightforward, truthful even, but a strange sense of guilt lingered beneath them.

    Carrie nodded, not pressing the matter further, though her gaze was steady and assessing. After a moment, she asked, ¡°What show did you decide I wouldn¡¯t participate in?¡±

    The question caught Kristopher off guard. He frowned slightly, genuinely at a loss. ¡°What show?¡± he asked, turning to Lise for rification. ¡°Lise, which show is it?¡±

    Carrie let out a coldugh, quiet but cutting. She reached for the ss of water in front of Kristopher, took a deliberate sip, and then set it back down with a sharp clink. ¡°How amusing,¡± she said slowly, her words dripping with sarcasm. ¡°You made a decision for me without even knowing what it was about.¡±

    Lise¡¯s smile wavered ever so slightly. Herposure faltered further when Kristopher, without hesitation, picked up the ss Carrie had just drunk from and took a sip himself. Kristopher¡¯s well-known obsession with cleanliness made the act even more striking. In all her years of knowing him, he had never done something like this¡ªnot even with her. He wouldn¡¯t share a ss, fork, or anything that might suggest intimacy. Even their physical closeness had always been carefully measured, limited to holding hands or an asional hug when she was unwell.

    Her mind spiraled with unbidden images¡ªKristopher and Carrie kissing, tangled in each other¡¯s arms, sharing a bond that went far beyond the clean, detached affection she had once known.

    Her nails dug into her palms, sharp enough to sting, and the pain brought her back to the present. Pushing through the storm of jealousy in her chest, Lise offered an exnation, her voice steady but carrying a subtle tremor. ¡°It¡¯s Weekend Party. The production team of zing Sun wanted to promote the new drama, so they asked me to join the variety show. There have been constant onlineparisons between my acting and Carrie¡¯s. I didn¡¯t want to stir up any negative buzz that might affect either of us.¡±

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 Chapter 410

    ?<strong>Chapter 410:</strong>

    Carrie crossed her legs and rested a hand on Kristopher¡¯s arm. The effortless authority in her movements was unmistakable, reminiscent of a household matriarch scolding an overreaching concubine. Her tone was cool but sharp. ¡°You are the one with poor acting skills. Even if it trends again, how would that hurt me? If the topic hadn¡¯t been suppressed so quickly, I might¡¯ve gained even more attention for my looks and acting skills. I could¡¯ve had more opportunities. And since you don¡¯t want to bepared to me, why don¡¯t you step back instead? Why should I?¡± She didn¡¯t even spare Lise a nce. Her words struck with pinpoint precision.

    Lise¡¯s expression crumbled for a moment before she forced herself to stay calm. Slowly, she walked to another chair and lowered herself into it. ¡°Ms. Campbell, I¡¯ve been trying to stayposed. Please don¡¯t provoke me like this. My heart isn¡¯t well, and if something happens, it¡¯ll be dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Enough, Carrie,¡± Kristopher snapped suddenly, his tone cold and sharp. ¡°Don¡¯t be so aggressive!¡± The words cut through the tension like a whip.

    Carrie froze. Her normallyposed face flickered with surprise, her train of thought momentarily derailed. The familiar sting of his reprimand sent a wave of bitter realization washing over her.

    The scenario was painfully familiar¡ªan echo of countless arguments from their past. Could it be true? Could all the progress Kristopher had made, all the steps they¡¯d taken toward understanding, be nothing more than an illusion?

    Across the table, Lise¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, her earlier panic reced by a quiet sense of victory. Though there had been some twists along the way, the oue was exactly as she had predicted. Between herself and Carrie, Kristopher would always choose her. He would always feel obligated to defend her, to protect her fragile heart.

    When Kristopher saw Carrie freeze, he softened his tone and said, ¡°Lise has agreed to go to Izrosa.¡±

    Upon hearing this, all the pride within Lise crumbled. Her eyes widened in disbelief. She was shocked to hear Kristopher discuss the agreement so openly with Carrie, exposing the murky nature of their terms. Previously, he had hardly ever exined himself to Carrie, leading to what seemed like an immense distance between him and her.

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    As a woman, Lise understood that enduring such a quiet rtionship could eventually wear a woman down, burdened by doubt and inner conflicts. They say it¡¯s hard to break old habits, yet Kristopher had altered significantly for Carrie. His concern for her was evident; he cared deeply about her feelings and emotions¡­ Kristopher had fallen in love with Carrie!

    When Lise came to this realization, her heart fluttered.

    Carrie, however, didn¡¯t want to deepen her involvement with Lise. She knew that too many controversial topics couldbel her as a troublemaker. Still, she didn¡¯t immediately consent; she didn¡¯t want Kristopher to see her as overly impressionable. She feigned contemtion for a moment, then said calmly, ¡°Just this once. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Kristopher responded with assurance, ¡°Yes, don¡¯t worry. Lise won¡¯t be taking any other contracts for a while, so this won¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Carrie asked, ¡°What if it does?¡±

    Kristopher nced at Lise and said on her behalf, ¡°If it happens again, I¡¯ll ensure she withdraws.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Carrie finally responded, her voice carrying a hint of disinterest and reluctance.

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 Chapter 411

    ?<strong>Chapter 411:</strong>

    Lise¡¯s face drained of color. After a moment, she managed to say to Kristopher, ¡°Kristopher, I don¡¯t feel well. Could you take me to the hospital?¡±

    Although she had feigned illness before, this time her difort was real, as if her heart was suffocating, trapped in a tight space.

    Kristopher turned to look at Carrie, preparing to speak. Carrie stood up with grace and said to Oliver, ¡°What are you waiting for? Help Kristopher take her to the hospital.¡±

    Caught off guard while searching for an excuse, Kristopher said, ¡°I¡¯ll take Lise to the hospital ande back to pick you up.¡±

    Carrie replied calmly, ¡°No need. Camille drove here. We¡¯ll go back together.¡±

    Camille willingly added, ¡°Yes, we haven¡¯t eaten yet. After dinner, I¡¯ll take Carrie home. Don¡¯t worry, if anythinges up, I¡¯ll call Albin.¡±

    Kristopher pulled a ck card from his pocket and handed it to Carrie, then tenderly kissed her hair. ¡°Buy whatever you want after dinner. This mall belongs to the Norris Group, and I¡¯ve made sure the management knows nothing like the previous incident will happen again.¡±

    Carrie immediately grasped his intention; he was referencing the previous incident with the pen. Her voice softened involuntarily as she said, ¡°Let me know when everything is settled.¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll report back to you,¡± Kristopher said, nodding.

    Upon hearing the word ¡°report,¡± Lise¡¯s face turned even paler. Kristopher easily lifted Lise and carried her out.

    As they left, she nced back and saw Carrie calmly sipping coffee at the table. This time, she employed the same methods to take Kristopher away, but in the end, she had lostpletely.

    After their departure, only Camille and Carrie were left in the room.

    Camille gave a thumbs-up and said, ¡°Not a single curse word today, yet it felt oddly satisfying. It¡¯s like being the main character in a drama, gracefully revealing the mistress¡¯s underhanded tactics.¡±

    She reyed the scene in her head and said with a hint of regret, ¡°But you¡¯re still too kind-hearted. You shouldn¡¯t have let Kristopher take that maniptive woman to the hospital. She always ims her heart is acting up; I doubt it was anything serious.¡±

    ¡°I never intended to harm Lise. Plus, if his heart isn¡¯t with me, merely keeping him close won¡¯t change that. He chose to send Lise to Izrosa. For now, I¡¯ll let her be,¡± Carrie said, fiddling with the ck card in her hand, its gold lettering catching the light.

    Camille¡¯s gaze fell on the card. ¡°Where a man¡¯s money is, there his love is too. Don¡¯t hesitate to use his money now. When you mentioned you¡¯d leave with nothing, I almost lost my breath hearing that.¡±

    With that, she rolled her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose.

    Carrie tucked away the card and stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go, find somewhere better to eat.¡±

    Following a satisfying meal, Carrie gave in to Camille¡¯s insistence and joined her for some shopping. They strolled past an elegantly decorated lingerie shop. Camille cast a yful look at her. ¡°Do you want to check it out?¡±

    By the time Carrie returned to Bayview Vi, it was already midnight. She sent Kristopher a message, sat down on the sofa, and nned to rest for a moment. Before she realized it, she had fallen asleep.

    Kristopher arrived home and noticed Carrie¡¯s small form curled up on the sofa. She was clutching her phone tightly, resembling a small cat seekingfort. This had be a familiar scene; Carrie often waited for him in the living room and fell asleep. He had grown ustomed to it. Now that she was back in his life, he cherished these moments even more. Her waiting clearly showed how much she cared for him.

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 Chapter 412

    ?<strong>Chapter 412:</strong>

    He approached, removed his suit jacket, picked up a nket from nearby, and sat next to her. Carefully, he draped the nket over her and took her phone from her grasp.

    Carrie, a light sleeper, immediately woke up. Seeing Kristopher, she rxed, set aside the pillow, and snuggled into his arms. Her voice was gentle. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡±

    Kristopher nced at her, his eyes pausing on the unread messages on her phone. He smiled gently and said, ¡°I sent you a message, but you must have fallen asleep. Don¡¯t wait for me here any longer, or you¡¯ll catch a cold.¡±

    ¡°Is everything okay? How is Lise?¡± she asked, moving past his concern to inquire about Lise instead.

    ¡°It¡¯s all good. I was there for her check-up, and Elva is with her now,¡± Kristopher responded, smoothing a stray hair from Carrie¡¯s forehead. Her eyes were still clouded with sleep, yet there was an enchanting allure in her look that made her more captivating than usual.

    He had met many beautiful women before, but none had moved him.

    To him, a pretty face was just like a nice piece of clothing.

    But Carrie¡¯s presence always made his heart flutter.

    He had to admit that even before his feelings deepened, Carrie¡¯s beauty had always touched him deeply.

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    When Carrie had approached him once, tears on her radiant face, her eyes resolute, his heart had melted.

    He stood and took her in his arms.

    Shyly, she murmured, ¡°I¡¯m not sick.

    I can walk by myself.¡± ¡°I like holding you,¡± he teased, giving her a yful bounce in his arms. ¡°You¡¯re so light, it feels like I¡¯m holding a stuffed animal.¡±

    Startled, she instinctively wrapped her arms around his neck.

    When she realized how close they were, her nose almost touching his, she kissed him lightly on the lips before pulling away to rest against his chest.

    Kristopher wasn¡¯t exaggerating.

    Holding her felt effortless, and he didn¡¯t even break a sweat.

    He carried her into the bedroom and gently ced her on the bed.

    Her sleepiness had faded and her eyes sparkled with alertness.

    His smile widened as he yfully asked, ¡°Are you awake?¡± Carrie quickly caught his teasing tone, her cheeks warming with a blush.

    Before she could respond, Kristopher gently removed her top, leaving her in a delicate whitece bra.

    Thece subtly hinted at the smooth skin beneath.

    Kristopher¡¯s shirt remained perfectly buttoned, every button secured, including the top one.

    He leaned forward, his hand tracing her contours.

    He tugged gently at thece and leaned down to kiss her gently.

    Carrie let out a soft gasp, her body arching naturally in response to his touch.

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 Chapter 413

    ?<strong>Chapter 413:</strong>

    His hand moved from her waist down to her hips.

    With a yful tap on her bottom, he whispered, ¡°Lift. ¡°Sheplied and lifted her hips.

    He then removed her pants, his hand brushing the inside of her thigh.

    His rough yet tender hands sent shivers down her skin.

    She bit her lip, her moans growing louder despite her efforts to keep them quiet.

    His fingers expertly explored every sensitive spot, skillfully coaxing shivers from her.

    Her body trembled, her eyes red and her voice full of emotion.

    He paused, chuckling softly. ¡°Say my name,¡± he said softly.

    Her eyes grew sultry and less shy as she replied tenderly, ¡°Darling, I want you.¡±

    His reticence vanishedpletely at her words, like a sudden p of thunder.

    Noticing the desire in his eyes, she reached for his belt and quickly unbuckled it, releasing the tension that had been building between them.

    Poss1Me Kristopher couldn¡¯t hold back any longer.

    His movements were wild, desperate, and filled with unbridled passion.

    He lifted Carrie¡¯s slender legs and plunged deep inside her.	His actions were raw and relentless. 26:21 Carrie gasped, caught between pleasure and pain, her body teetering on the edge of ecstasy.

    She wanted to push him away, overwhelmed, but her body betrayed her, craving more of his intensity.

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    Sensing her growing exhaustion, Kristopher gently ced a pillow under her waist, lifting her hips to ease her difort.

    Her legs instinctively wrapped around his strong waist as she clung to him for bnce.

    Without warning, Kristopher stood up, pulling her with him as he walked toward the full-length mirror.

    Their entwined bodies were reflected back at them, leaving no space between them.

    The sight ignited something deeper in Carrie, the visual stimtion stirring a new kind of vulnerability and desire.

    Kristopher turned her to face the mirror, hisrge hands guiding her hips.

    He leaned in close, his lips brushing her ear as he whispered, ¡°You are so beautiful.

    Though they had shared this kind of intimacy countless times, the exposure of the mirror made her cheeks flush.

    She tried to avert her gaze, her modesty peeking through.

    But Kristopher was relentless.

    He quickened his movements, sending her spiraling to another climax.

    Her body trembled slightly in his embrace, and she could feel him still firm inside her, showing no signs of weakening.

    ¡°How does he have such stamina? Is he even human?¡± she wondered.

    After what seemed like an eternity, Kristopher finally stopped, holding her tightly in his arms.

    His voice softened as he said, ¡°Let me help you with your bath.¡±

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 Chapter 414

    ?<strong>Chapter 414:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s tired eyes flickered with suspicion as she caught the yful gleam in his. ¡°I can wash myself,¡± she muttered weakly.

    But Kristopher simply scooped her up and carried her to the bathroom, ignoring her protest.

    As expected, his idea of a bath was anything but innocent.

    Several roundster, Carrie¡¯s voice cracked with exhaustion as she whimpered, her words tinged with tears. ¡°It hurts¡­

    I really can¡¯t take it anymore.

    If we go on like this, I¡¯ll break.¡±

    Only then did Kristopher stop, finally listening to her < pleas.

    He ced her gently on the bathroom counter and spread her legs to inspect her reddened skin. "Be good," he said softly. "Let me apply some ointment."

    As he leaned in to tend to her, he paused, his gaze lingering on the marks of their passion.

    A strange pride flickered across his face.

    He nted a kiss on her flushed skin before continuing.

    Carrie''s body went limp under his attentions.

    When his lips found hers again, she melted into the kiss in spite of herself.

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    "See?" Kristopher teased, a yful grin tugging at his lips. "You''re still okay."

    Carrie let out a weak protest, her handnding on his arm with no strength behind it.

    Kristopher chuckled, but didn''t press further.

    Instead, he carefully cleaned her up, applied more ointment, and dried her hair.

    He dressed her in a silky nightgown, but Carrie shook her head, her voice weak.

    "I want to wear pajamas," she said carefully.

    "It''s too hot," Kristopher replied with a chuckle, ignoring her protest as he carried her back to bed.

    He gentlyid her down and pulled the covers over her, but before she could rx, she firmly reminded him, "Really, not tonight.

    Kristopher kissed her forehead and smiled. "Sleep now." For once, he kept his word, lying down beside her and wrapping her securely in his arms.

    The Next Morning

    The soft rays of sunlight warmed Carrie''s face as she stirred awake. Her eyshes fluttered as she reached out instinctively, expecting to find Kristopher beside her. Her handnded on empty sheets. She opened her eyes, blinking in confusion. The faint aroma of food wafted into the bedroom, and the distant tter of tes reached her ears.

    Throwing off the nket, Carrie tried to stand, but a sharp soreness shot through her legs. She stumbled slightly. Wincing, she walked with tentative steps toward the hallway. Peering downstairs, she spotted Kristopher carrying a tray of food. His sleeves were rolled up, his movements purposeful yet rxed.

    Noticing her at the top of the stairs, Kristopher looked up and raised the tray slightly, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Sleepyhead, freshen up ande down for breakfast," he called out.

    Carrie lingered for a moment, watching him. A strange warmth blossomed in her chest. She thought back to the past, to the early days of their marriage. Back then, she had been timid and uncertain, carefully treading around him as though he were her savior. Kristopher had rescued her from her family''s chaos, and she had devoted herself entirely to him, believing that love meant serving him without question. But that kind of love had suffocated her.

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 Chapter 415

    ?<strong>Chapter 415:</strong>

    Now, things were different. Watching him take care of her, cooking and ensuring herfort, she felt a sense of equality she had never experienced before. She no longer felt anxious or small.

    Instead, she felt loved. She realized something in that quiet moment: love wasn¡¯t about repayment or sacrifice. She hadn¡¯t known how to nurture their rtionship. She had ced herself in a position of submission, thinking she could repay him from there. It was about bnce¡ªa mutual connection where both people stood on equal ground.

    The Norris family didn¡¯t need maids or servants; Kristopher didn¡¯t need a servant or a martyr. He needed a partner. Her lips curved into a faint smile as she turned back toward the bedroom to freshen up.

    Carrie had just finished getting ready when her phone buzzed on the bedside table.

    As Carrie read the message, the smile faded from her lips. The message was from the scriptpany, using her of giarism. They insisted she refund her past payments and face a heavy fine for breaching the contract.

    She hesitated for a moment, her fingers hovering over the screen, before she quickly typed, ¡°What exactly am I used of giarizing? Is there some misunderstanding here?¡±

    After a long wait, the reply came: ¡°You know what you copied. Ruby introduced you to us, and we don¡¯t want to make this ufortable for anyone.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s response was swift and sharp: ¡°Either show me the proof or take me to court.¡± Impatience shed across her face.

    Right as she was about to set her phone aside and go downstairs for dinner, another notification came in¡ªthis time, it was a screenshot of an old blog post. The post was from years ago, back when blogs were all the rage, and it had been written under her pseudonym, Katrina. She had borrowed some nostalgic poetry from that post to use as lyrics for a few songs in the script.

    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins

    Back then, she thought her earlier work meshed well with the script¡¯s tone, so she had adapted it. Carrie let out a helpless chuckle, realizing her secret identity had been exposed.

    She quickly sent a message confessing she was Katrina, but the moment she hit send, a red exmation mark appeared. Her messaging app shed a notification: ¡°The recipient has refused to ept your message.¡±

    She had been blocked?

    Carrie stared at her screen, utterly baffled by the other person¡¯s strange reaction. What a mess! But as the moment passed, her initial anxiety faded. She had been concerned this might involve others, but now that she realized the ¡°giarized¡± content was her own work, she quickly dismissed the issue.

    Pulling herself together, Carrie made her way downstairs and found that Kristopher had already set the table with a variety of dishes¡ªboth spicy and mild¡ªto cater to their tastes.

    As she looked at the spread, she thought to herself, ¡°Love isn¡¯t about giving up parts of yourself¡ªit¡¯s about finding a way to appreciate each other¡¯s differences and making it work.¡±

    With a yful glint in her eye, she sat down at the table and teased, ¡°Well, Mr. Norris, if you keep this up, you¡¯ll soon be the definition of the ideal husband.¡±

    Kristopher sat down next to her and, with a smile, ced a rib into her bowl. ¡°I owe it all to my amazing wife,¡± he said, his tone light but full of appreciation.

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 Chapter 416

    ?<strong>Chapter 416:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Although they often yed the loving couple in public, Kristopher rarely spoke so tenderly when it was just the two of them¡ªexcept, of course, in bed. For a moment, Carrie found herself silently hoping life would continue to unfold so blissfully.

    Just as she was lost in that thought, Kristopher¡¯s phone buzzed. He nced at the screen, then turned it off with a shrug. ¡°Oliver¡¯s already made sure Willow¡¯s out of Orkset,¡± he mentioned casually.

    Ever since that day at the mall, when Oliver had arranged for Willow to be taken away, Carrie hadn¡¯t really thought about it much. Now, with Kristopher bringing it up, memories began to resurface, and Carrie said, ¡°I¡¯ve always had the feeling Willow held some kind of grudge against me, but I don¡¯t remember ever having any direct interaction with her.¡±

    Kristopher shrugged nonchntly. ¡°People can be unpredictable. Some just have malicious intent, and her targeting you doesn¡¯t even have much to do with you personally.¡±

    Carrie shook her head firmly. ¡°No, it¡¯s a woman¡¯s intuition. I always sensed she had something particr against me.¡±

    Kristopher gave her a reassuring smile. ¡°She¡¯s gone for good and won¡¯t being back to Orkset. Don¡¯t waste your energy trying to understand people like her.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Carrie replied, though a nagging feeling lingered, telling her there was more to the story than she was being told.

    Kristopher piled more food onto her te before beginning his own meal. He ate in silence, the sound of utensils the only noise between them. Carrie found herself sneaking nces at him. His chiseled features, the gentle curve of his jaw, and the graceful way he held his bowl made him appear like a living work of art.

    Explore g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s for fresh content

    Kristopher caught her looking and couldn¡¯t resist teasing her. ¡°Enjoying the view, are you?¡±

    Carrie leaned in slightly, resting her chin on her hand with a yful smile. ¡°You¡¯re definitely easy on the eyes,¡± she replied with a grin.

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, his voiceced with mischief. ¡°We¡¯ve never tried that on the dining table before, right?¡±

    Carrie immediately understood his insinuation, her cheeks flushing bright red. She shot him a look andughed. ¡°Why does your mind always go straight to the gutter?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s human nature to indulge in life¡¯s pleasures,¡± he said, his dark eyes gleaming with both charm and sincerity.

    Recalling how her legs still wobbled from the night before, Carrie quickly raised her hands in mock surrender. ¡°Alright, alright, you win.¡±

    A slight smile tugged at Kristopher¡¯s lips. He had no intention of pushing further at the table, aware that he¡¯d already tested her limits the night before. With casual ease, he asked, ¡°Got any ns this afternoon?¡±

    The abrupt change in topic caught Carrie off guard. After a brief pause, she replied with determination, ¡°I¡¯m heading to thepany. I¡¯ve gone over its current situation and decided it¡¯s time to bring in new staff to get things moving again.¡±

    Kristopher casually offered, ¡°If you need money, just let me know. You can think of it as a loan or an investment, whatever makes you feel better.¡± He paused for a moment, then added, ¡°By the way, how do you n to deal with the previous orders?¡±

    Kristopher leaned back slightly in his chair, his eyes fixed on Carrie. His curiosity wasn¡¯t idle¡ªhe genuinely wanted to understand her ideas and help refine them. His approach had shifted. Instead of simply providing solutions, he now wanted to teach her how to solve problems herself.

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 Chapter 417

    ?<strong>Chapter 417:</strong>

    He could have easily saved the Campbell family¡¯spany, but it wouldn¡¯t have the same meaning. Letting Carrie take charge of thepany her mother had worked so hard to build¡ªand which Carrie had reimed at great personal cost¡ªwas far more significant.

    His expression was serious, almost like a teacher encouraging a student to exin their thought process. Carrie met his gaze, understanding his intention, and began to outline her n.

    ¡°I¡¯ve found another supplier for raw materials. My n is to pay upfront to secure the orders and ensure they¡¯re delivered on time. If we don¡¯t meet our deadlines, the penalties will only deepen thepany¡¯s losses. At this point, defaulting isn¡¯t an option.¡±

    She sighed softly, frustration flickering across her face. ¡°Thepany¡¯s current state feels like starting a game on nightmare difficulty. The deck is stacked against us.¡±

    Lost in thought, she lowered her eyes, hershes brushing her cheeks like delicate feathers. She absentmindedly fiddled with her fork, her tone quieter now. ¡°That supplier we¡¯re working with¡ªI have a bad feeling about them. Something¡¯s off. I want to look deeper into their operations, see if there are any loopholes we can use to minimize our losses.¡±

    Kristopher nodded, a trace of approval glinting in his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±

    ¡°That supplier has been a problem for several otherpanies,¡± Kristopher said. ¡°I¡¯ve already had Oliver collect evidence and negotiate terms with them. He¡¯ll be at thepany this afternoon to finalize terminating the contract and reimbursing part of the losses. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise, momentarily caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t expected Kristopher to have quietly handled such a critical issue behind the scenes. Her lips curved into a faint smile, her gratitude shining through.

    Kristopher smirked, leaning closer. ¡°I have to say, I¡¯m impressed. You¡¯ve got a knack for business¡ªyou¡¯re far better than Tristan ever was.¡±

    ???¦Å?? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?a?§Ú?¦Í¨º??.???

    Carrie raised her chin slightly, a spark of defiance lighting her features. ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to my mom¡¯s genes.¡±

    Kristopher reached over and gently ruffled her hair, his expression softening into one of quiet concern. ¡°Running a business isn¡¯t easy. You¡¯re bncing thispany with acting and scriptwriting. It¡¯s exhausting.¡±

    She narrowed her eyes, anticipating a lecture. ¡°Life isn¡¯t supposed to be easy,¡± she replied firmly.

    But before she could say more, Kristopher cut her off with a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you to stop. I¡¯m saying you don¡¯t have to do it all alone. I¡¯ll find two capable assistants to help share the load. Delegating is a skill too, Carrie.¡±

    Her expression softened. In an uncharacteristic disy of affection, she leaned over and nted a quick kiss on his cheek. The faint scent of braised beef lingered as she pulled away.

    Kristopher wrinkled his nose in mock disgust and reached for a wet wipe.

    When Carrie and Kristopher arrived at the Campbell family¡¯spany, Oliver was already waiting in the lobby. Oliver handed her several documents.

    Carrie took the documents and skimmed through them. The concise and detailed information far surpassed what she had previously been able to uncover. It was clear Kristopher had spared no effort behind the scenes.

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 Chapter 418

    ?<strong>Chapter 418:</strong>

    Once she finished reading, Oliver added, ¡°The Campbell family has already sold their shares.¡±

    Carrie looked up sharply. ¡°How much did they sell for?¡±

    Oliver smiled slyly. ¡°Ten percent less than your offer. But even at that discount, it wasn¡¯t easy to find a buyer. Everyone knows that owning shares in the Campbell family¡¯spany is more like inheriting a mountain of debt than making an investment.¡±

    Lowering his voice, Oliver added with a conspiratorial chuckle, ¡°Of course, no one knows about the supplier issues yet. Mr. Norris specifically instructed me to wait until after the shares were sold before making any moves. If word got out, those shares would¡¯ve been worth twice as much.¡±

    Carrie was about to ask who had bought the shares and whether they could be bought back when another car drove into the parking lot. The car pulled up beside Kristopher¡¯s.

    She turned to see Tristan and Cindy stepping out of a sleek ck sedan. Their expressions betrayed no surprise at seeing her there.

    Cindy, ever the opportunist, immediately stered on a wide, insincere smile. ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this a coincidence, Carrie! I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡±

    Tristan, standing behind her, sneered. ¡°Ungrateful daughter. Did you really think you could outsmart me? I¡¯d rather sell at a loss than let you be thepany¡¯srgest shareholder.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, another figure stepped out of the car¡ªa man in a sharp suit. Tristan¡¯s and Cindy¡¯s demeanor changed instantly, their smugness reced by obsequiousness.

    ?@?¨¦$? ???t?¦Å§ñ? ¨ª¦Ð ?al¦Ðo¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    ¡°Mr. Ramos,¡± Cindy said, her tone dripping with false sweetness. She turned to Carrie, her smile growing sharper. ¡°Oh, Carrie, I forgot to mention. This is Mr. Ramos, the head of Highfield Company. He¡¯s now thergest shareholder of the Campbell family¡¯spany.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted to Mr. Ramos. Highfield Company was a rising tech giant in Orkset.

    Mr. Ramos walked up to Kristopher and Carrie, bowing respectfully. ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris,¡± he greeted, his tone deferential. He was slightly overweight, with a broad smile, his fawning demeanor making him look like a subservient butler.

    Tristan¡¯s and Cindy¡¯s faces stiffened with embarrassment. Tristan leaned close to Cindy and whispered, ¡°This Mr. Ramos¡­ He¡¯s a major shareholder at Highfield Company, yet he acts like a sycophant. How embarrassing.¡±

    Ignoring them entirely, Mr. Ramos started to speak, but Kristopher silenced him with a cold nce.

    Tristan stepped forward, nced at Carrie, and said, ¡°Are you on your way to thepany? Great timing! I need to brief Mr. Ramos on thepany¡¯s current situation and introduce him to a few colleagues. It¡¯s crucial they know who truly controls thepany, who really holds power.¡±

    Carrie caught the subtle exchange of looks between Kristopher and Mr. Ramos. Seeing Mr. Ramos treat her with more respect than Oliver did, she sensed he was not so much a rival as a potential ally.

    Unaware of this undercurrent, Tristan and Cindy walked ahead, looking self-satisfied and content. Carrie turned to Kristopher and whispered, ¡°Are you keeping something from me?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips twitched into a mysterious smile, his expression unreadable. Oliver leaned in with a mysterious look. ¡°Mrs. Norris, just wait and see. There¡¯s more toe.¡±

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 Chapter 419

    ?<strong>Chapter 419:</strong>

    Tristan, Cindy, and Mr. Ramos were the first to enter thepany, with Carrie and her entourage close behind. Inside, employees clustered around Tristan, engaging in friendly conversation. However, as soon as they noticed Carrie, their smiles stiffened.

    The Campbell family had spread rumors that Carrie was only Mrs. Norris in name, insisting that Kristopher had no true feelings for her. Yet now, Kristopher was apanying her to thepany for the second time. The first visit could have been dismissed as mere pretense, but what did this repeat visit signify?

    It was well-known that any single project managed by the Norris Group was more valuable than the entirety of the floundering Campbell family¡¯spany.

    Kristopher had no reason to show up in person unless something significant was underway. The employees¡¯ demeanor shifted to one of caution, keenly observing both parties. Despite Mr. Ramos being thepany¡¯srgest shareholder at the moment, the backing of the Norris Group behind Carrie cast a significant shadow. Inparison, Mr. Ramos¡¯s Highfield Company seemed insignificant. Like expert chess yers, everyone proceeded with heightened caution.

    Several executives instinctively stepped back, subtly distancing themselves from Tristan, opting to watch and wait before aligning themselves. Carrie moved forward and pulled up a chair. The executives slightly frowned. Previously, when Carrie was the sole buyer, sitting might have been deemed appropriate. But now, with Mr. Ramos as the predominant shareholder and senior to her, how could she take a seat while he remained standing?

    Tristan assumed his role as the authoritative elder. ¡°Carrie, have I taught you nothing? Mr. Ramos is your elder and thepany¡¯s principal shareholder. How can you sit while your seniors stand? You are not just representing yourself, you embody the Norris family as a daughter-inw and a major shareholder. You must uphold the Norris family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Kristopher gave Tristan an indifferent re and retorted sharply, ¡°The honor of the Norris family does not depend on a woman standing.¡±

    Tristan opened his mouth to respond but held back, choosing silence. Cindy¡¯s face clouded with resentment as she stared at Carrie. How had this cunning woman managed to win over Kristopher? Kristopher had once seemed indifferent to Carrie, but now, two years into their marriage, they appeared as affectionate as newlyweds.

    Carrie calmly lifted her eyes to Mr. Ramos and asked, ¡°Mr. Ramos, would you like to sit?¡±

    Mr. Ramos, taken aback, nced at a nearby cushion, quickly picked it up, and ced it on Carrie¡¯s chair. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please take a seat. This chair is quite firm. You¡¯ll be morefortable this way. I should remain standing to shed some weight.¡±

    Oliver also brought a chair for Kristopher, and thetter straightened his suit jacket before slowly taking his seat. The moment he sat, a palpable sense of authority emanated from him, causing everyone nearby to be more reserved and tense.

    Carrie met Kristopher¡¯s gaze for a moment, finding reassurance in his steady look. She turned back to face the crowd, her voice firm andmanding. ¡°Thepany¡¯s past issues are behind us now, and I¡¯ve made the decision to move forward. Those who wish to leave will bepensated. For those who remain, understand this: exploiting the system as before will no longer be tolerated.¡±

    Many of these individuals had been chosen by Danna for their strength and skill. But when Tristan took control, he intentionally pushed them aside and even sold off shares to newer investors. As the economy declined, their dissatisfaction deepened. Eventually, they gave up entirely, and seeing other shareholders profit, they joined in, charging personal expenses to thepany, all disguised as business costs.

    From shareholders to mid-level managers, they preyed on thepany like vultures, slowly draining it dry. It was a miracle the business hadsted this long¡ªmaybe it was Danna¡¯s spirit watching over them.

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 Chapter 420

    ?<strong>Chapter 420:</strong>

    The crowd exchanged skeptical nces, clearly not buying into Carrie¡¯s words. To them, she was nothing more than a young woman in her early twenties who had married fresh out of college and settled into a life as a housewife. What could she possibly know about running a business?

    But with Kristopher sitting by her side, they couldn¡¯t risk voicing their doubts and had no choice but to feign patience, nodding along as if they were listening. They shifted their gaze to Mr. Ramos, who was watching Carrie with a smile, showing no hint of dissatisfaction.

    Tristan and Cindy shared confused nces, both wondering what Mr. Ramos¡¯s angle was. Carrie, too, noticed Mr.

    Ramos¡¯sposed attitude gave Carrie a surge of confidence. She was almost certain he was backing her¡ªnow, the only question was what part he was going to y in all of this.

    Crossing her legs and sitting up with newfound determination, Carrie pressed on. ¡°Thepany¡¯s past sess is a testament to the collective talent we have here. We¡¯ll need that same teamwork to secure a brighter future. If you can coborate like you did under my mother¡¯s leadership, I¡¯m prepared to offer shares in thepany to those who make real contributions. Now that we¡¯ve removed the dead weight, this is the perfect moment to rebuild. There will be hurdles, but the choice is yours to make.¡±

    Her voice was soft, but there was an undeniable strength behind it¡ªsomething that made her words resonate and convinced the crowd to listen intently.

    Tristan, unable to hold his frustration any longer, snapped, ¡°Mr. Ramos is thergest shareholder now. What gives you the authority to decide the future of thispany?¡±

    Carrie shot Tristan a sharp, icy re, her patience wearing thin. ¡°If I remember correctly, you sold your shares. You have no stake in thispany anymore, so what authority do you have to speak on the matter? Frankly, you shouldn¡¯t even be here, let alone involved in this discussion.¡±

    Tristan¡¯s face flushed with fury, and he almost raised his hand to p Carrie. But when he locked eyes with Kristopher¡¯s murderous stare, he faltered and quickly backed off.

    Tristan turned to Mr. Ramos, saying, ¡°Mr. Ramos, technically, you¡¯re the one holding the shares now. This is no longer my concern. But I can¡¯t help but worry about you. Thepany is in such a fragile state¡ªyou¡¯ll need to tread carefully.¡±

    Carrie scoffed, her expression sharp. ¡°It¡¯s no secret that holding shares in thispany is just taking on a pile of debt.¡±

    ¡°If you were not keen on shrugging off the liability, you would have kept the shares and handled the penalties on your own.¡±

    ¡°You!¡± Tristan sputtered in fury, but with Kristopher present, he hesitated to make a move.

    Mr. Ramos, who had been quiet until now, stepped forward, producing several documents. ¡°I¡¯m not well-versed in yourpany¡¯s operations. The shares I¡¯ve purchased will be fully transferred to Ms. Campbell. These are the agreements. I¡¯m here just to have her sign them.¡±

    Carrie looked at Kristopher, who gave her a small smile, and in that instant, everything fell into ce.

    ¡°You! How could you do this?¡± Tristan yelled, his finger shaking as he pointed at Mr. Ramos in fury.

    Mr. Ramos¡¯s expression soured. ¡°Why shouldn¡¯t I? I paid for the shares, and how I choose to manage them is my concern. I hope you don¡¯t have an obsession with controlling others¡¯ finances.¡±

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 Chapter 421

    ?<strong>Chapter 421:</strong>

    Carrie bit back augh. Mr. Ramos¡¯s words were as sharp as daggers. Even Tristan, slow to catch on, finally realized that Kristopher and Mr. Ramos hadid a trap for him.

    It took a moment for him to regain hisposure, and then he sneered at Carrie. ¡°Thepany¡¯s in ruins. Taking charge now means nothing but a loss. Even if you gain full control, what will that really get you?¡±

    He turned to Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, even your family can¡¯t afford to bleed money like this.¡±

    The man had a disreputable air about him, his phone case adorned with an image of a suggestive pin-up model. His beady, piggish eyes gleamed with a predatory glint.

    As soon as his gazended on Carrie, he felt the sharp, icy sting of a disapproving stare.

    When he noticed the chilling coldness in Kristopher¡¯s eyes, he quickly shifted his gaze and smoothly said, ¡°Good afternoon, Mr. Norris, Ms. Campbell. Ms. Campbell, you¡¯re absolutely breathtaking.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was cold as he replied, ¡°She is my wife. You should address her as Mrs. Norris.¡±

    The man adjusted quickly, shing a smile as he corrected himself, ¡°Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Tristan stared at the man, disbelief written all over his face. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± he asked, clearly caught off guard.

    Oliver stepped forward, introducing the man to Carrie. ¡°This is the former raw material supplier.¡±

    Carrie instantly recalled seeing Tristan and Cindy getting into a car at the hospital that day. The backseat had a provocative doll, simr to the pin-up on the man¡¯s phone case.

    The man disregarded Tristan¡¯s presence and focused solely on Carrie. ¡°There wereplications with the previous contract,¡± he exined. ¡°Ourpany mishandled things, and as a result, the raw materials were wed. We will take full responsibility for any losses yourpany faced.¡±

    Tristan¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief as he asked, ¡°What are you doing? Are you trying to set me up?¡±

    The man stepped back, his voice cold as he responded, ¡°You should be careful with your words. I¡¯ve always run my business with integrity; otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t be here taking responsibility for these losses. And let¡¯s not forget, in our past deals, you did quite well for yourself, didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re the first boss I¡¯ve seen who goes out of his way to ruin his ownpany. It¡¯s a strange world we live in.¡±

    He then handed a few documents and a check to Oliver, giving a small nod as he said, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, I have other matters to attend to, so I won¡¯t take up any more of your time. I hope we¡¯ll have the opportunity to coborate in the future.¡±

    Kristopher and Carrie didn¡¯t acknowledge him, but he didn¡¯t seem bothered by theirck of attention. With a scornful look at Tristan, he turned on his heel and walked out of thepany.

    Tristan suddenly had an epiphany. Now that the raw material issue was resolved, thepany could easily find a new partner to fulfill the order. Not only would this prevent any financial losses, but it could even turn a substantial profit.

    This project had always been a goldmine, but thepany hadcked the technology and funding to bring it to fruition. Instead of handling it properly, he¡¯d partnered with a shadypany, taking a kickback for himself, leaving Carrie to clean up the mess he¡¯d created.

    With Carrie now in charge, Kristopher would undoubtedly provide the necessary funding and technology. How could Tristan let such a simple profit slip through his fingers?

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 Chapter 422

    ?<strong>Chapter 422:</strong>

    His eyes flickered with calction as he turned to Mr. Ramos, a forced grin spreading across his face. ¡°Mr. Ramos,¡±

    ¡°Ramos, I¡¯ve changed my mind. I want my shares back. In fact, I¡¯d be willing to pay an extra ten percent for them. Heck, we can even talk about twenty percent if you¡¯re interested.¡±

    ¡°Even if you offered me double, I still wouldn¡¯t sell! I¡¯ve already transferred the shares to Ms. Campbell. If I went back on my word for such a petty gain, how could I ever hold my head high in the business world?¡±

    Mr. Ramos dismissed him with a wave, as though swatting away something unworthy. ¡°Mr. Campbell, the contract is clear, and I¡¯ve already paid you. Are you treating this like some kind of childish game?¡±

    The contract had been prepared in two copies. Carrie handed one of the copies to Mr. Ramos.

    Mr. Ramos took the document and, ncing briefly at Kristopher and Carrie, said with a polite smile, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, I have a few more matters to attend to, so I¡¯ll take my leave now. I look forward to any future opportunities to work together.¡±

    Carrie stifled a chuckle. He was clearly on her side, but had to pretend not to know her. She imagined it must have been a bit awkward for him to keep up the facade. She offered a courteous nod in his direction. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Ramos.¡±

    Once Mr. Ramos had left, an older executive spoke up, his voice steady. ¡°Ms.

    ¡°Campbell, I¡¯m willing to stay and help you rebuild. Your mother was the one who gave me a chance when I was at my lowest. Tristan and the other shareholders only thought about quick gains; theypletely destroyed what your mother had worked tirelessly to create.¡±

    Carrie nced up at him. He was dressed in an old jacket, clearly outdated by at least ten years, its color dull from countless washes. She recognized him immediately. He worked in the technical department.

    ording to both her own research and Oliver¡¯s reports, his record was spotless. Despite being paid poorly over the years, he had never once left thepany. She also faintly remembered that he had paid a visit to her mother¡¯s grave once.

    No sooner had he finished speaking than other employees began to express their willingness to stay and support Carrie.

    With the situation having shifted, the previous issues were now resolved, and they now had the strong support of the Norris Group behind them.

    Carrie gave a nod and pulled out a document. ¡°Here¡¯s thepany¡¯s short-term development n. Some of the projects will need adjustments. This is just a draft, so if you have any ideas or feedback, don¡¯t hesitate to let me know. I¡¯ve said all I needed to for today. If anyone else has anything to discuss, now¡¯s the time.¡±

    The employees, who had been dejected before, were now energized and enthusiastically sharing their ideas. Carrie¡¯s leadership had sparked a new wave of hope for the future, and the team felt motivated once more.

    As they shared detailed strategies and suggestions, the room began to buzz with energy. Many employees, who had initially judged Carrie based on Tristan¡¯s disparagingments, now saw her in apletely different light. Her sharp market insights and clear understanding of industry trends were impressive¡ªfar from the clueless housewife Tristan had painted her to be.

    Several secretly felt relieved that they hadn¡¯t said anything offensive earlier. Some even thought that Tristan¡¯s greatest losses in life weren¡¯t his business ventures but the women he¡¯d failed to value¡ªhis ex-wife, who had been the backbone of his family, and Carrie, who had the skills and determination to breathe life back into thepany. Yet, he had foolishly let them slip away.

    Some people just can¡¯t hold onto good fortune, even when it¡¯s handed to them.

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 Chapter 423

    ?<strong>Chapter 423:</strong>

    Meanwhile, Lise was filming an episode of Weekend Party. The show was being broadcast live, and everything had been smooth until the final segment.

    Toward the end, one of the female guests turned to Lise with a curious expression. ¡°Lise, I heard you recently bought a script. Are you nning to transition into producing?¡±

    Lise, everposed, nodded calmly. ¡°Yes, that was my intention. I wanted a project where I could be both the producer and lead actress. However, the scriptpany hired a writer for me who turned out to have giarized from Katrina¡¯s early blog posts.¡± She sighed softly, a trace of regret in her tone. ¡°I¡¯ve always supported originality. Even if it costs me more, I won¡¯t stand for giarized works.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always admired Katrina¡¯s work,¡± Lise continued. ¡°This writer¡¯s style seemed somewhat simr, which is why I decided to give this neer a chance. She imed she was in urgent need of money, so I paid her a sixty percent advance, even though she hadn¡¯tpleted the script.¡±

    One of the other guests raised an eyebrow in disbelief. ¡°A neer? And you paid a sixty percent deposit?¡±

    Lise nodded again, her tone unassuming yet pointed. ¡°The script was priced at one million in total. She hadn¡¯t written anything yet¡ªonly provided a short sample draft. I¡¯m not well-read myself, so I have great admiration for talented and educated people. I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡± Her words hung in the air like a bombshell, causing an immediate uproar.

    Even the host looked stunned. ¡°A neer dared to ask for a million? And sixty percent upfront, before delivering anything?¡± The live chat exploded with heatedments.

    ¡°I¡¯m a writer, and this makes me furious. I¡¯ve written two screenys and still struggle to get decent pay for TV episodes. How did this person think they could demand so much?¡±

    ¡°giarizing Katrina¡¯s work? That¡¯s like copying Harry Potter and trying to sell it as an original fantasy. Absolutely shameless.¡±

    ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t like Lise before, but her firm stance on supporting originality just won me over! Acting skills can improve, and looks can be fixed, but celebrities with such strong values are rare!¡±

    ¡°Does anyone know who this giarist is? They need to be cklisted. We need to nip this in the bud!¡±

    In the dimly lit underground parking lot of the Campbell family¡¯spany, the supplier slipped into his car, ready to leave after his meeting. As he started the engine, his eyes caught a figure lingering behind one of the concrete pirs.

    It was Yara. She was wearing an ultra-short skirt that barely covered her hips, paired with a tight top that revealed her cleavage.

    Her long, smooth legs gleamed under the harsh fluorescent lights. For a brief moment, the supplier¡¯s mind conjured an image of Carrie, but he quickly shook it off. Kristopher¡¯s presence loomed toorge to entertain such thoughts.

    Rolling down the window, he gave Yara a wide grin, his tone dripping with mock concern. ¡°Ms. Campbell, what are you doing here? Need any help?¡±

    Yara¡¯s nose wrinkled slightly in disdain as she noticed his lecherous gaze, but she forced herself to smile. She remembered having seen the man at her house.

    Stepping closer, she leaned down so that her chest was at eye level with him. ¡°You¡¯ve been to my house before, haven¡¯t you?¡± she asked sweetly. ¡°I remember you. My card¡¯s been frozen, and I need money for something urgent. Can you lend me twenty thousand? I¡¯ll have my father repay you tonight.¡±

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 Chapter 424

    ?<strong>Chapter 424:</strong>

    The man¡¯s eyes shamelessly trailed over her body, lingering on her cleavage. He smirked, his expression turning predatory.

    ¡°A hundred thousand,¡± he said with a chuckle, his voice thick with suggestion. ¡°And spend the night with me.¡±

    The man¡¯s already narrow eyespressed into razor-thin slits as heughed¡ªa sound so repulsive it triggered an instinctive wave of revulsion. Even if Yara had fallen to desperate measures, she would never lower herself to associate with someone so grotesque.

    ¡°What gives you the right to even suggest it to me?¡± Yara spat venomously.

    Earlier that day, she had tracked Kristopher and Carrie to thepany, her curiosity burning with a desire to understand their movements. Instead of encountering her intended targets, she found herself face-to-face with this repugnant stranger in the underground parking garage.

    Her stomach churned with the memory of Nate¡¯s ckmail. He had dangled a video of her darkest moment¡ªher assault¡ªover her head, forcing her to team up against Carrie. She loathed Nate with every fiber of her being, but her hatred for Carrie burned hotter.

    Carrie, who should have been drowning in disgrace, cast out by the Norris family and scorned by society, was instead thriving.

    Yara¡¯s n had been simple: use Nate to destroy Carrie and then serve Nate up to the authorities on a silver tter. But ns often go awry, and before she could even meet with Nate, the news reached her¡ªhe had already been arrested.

    The man before her sneered, his words dripping with mockery. ¡°You still think you¡¯re some big-shot heiress, don¡¯t you? At its best, the Campbell family was nothing more than a sh in the pan. Nouveau riche, theughingstock of Orkset. Now that your parents have sold thepany for peanuts, you¡¯ll be lucky if you can scrape together a middle-ss life. Look at you¡ªno charm, no purity. You wouldn¡¯t even catch the eye of a blind man in a crowd.¡±

    ¡°Laugh at a hundred thousand now, but mark my words, there¡¯lle a day when two hundred bucks will seem like a windfall to you.¡±

    He paused to give her a slow, deliberate once-over, his expression curling with disdain. ¡°And to think you share the same blood as Carrie. She¡¯s a goddess walking among mortals, while you¡­¡±

    Yara¡¯s ears shut out the rest. Her lips twisted into a venomous sneer as sheshed out, ¡°Carrie? A goddess? Have you looked in the mirrortely? You¡¯ve got a face only a mother could tolerate¡ªand even she¡¯d hesitate! You¡¯re the spitting image of Voldemort. Even pigs wouldn¡¯t give you a second nce.¡±

    The rage Yara had buried deep within her came roaring to the surface. Why was Carrie always the golden child? Why did even this hideous excuse for a man dare look down on her?

    Seething, she grabbed her handbag and swung it with all her might, the corner of it shing across the man¡¯s face. A thin line of blood appeared, snaking down his cheek.

    For a moment, he froze, almost in disbelief. Then, with a twisted grin, he touched the blood, examined it, and licked it off his fingers as if savoring the moment. The sudden shift in his demeanor was chilling.

    In a sh, he lunged out of the car window, grabbing Yara by her hair. A scream tore from her lips as a sharp pain shot through her scalp, but she dared not struggle too much. The man¡¯s movements were quick and deliberate. With one hand tangled in her hair, he opened the car door, pulled out a rope, and bound her hands behind her back in a few swift motions.

    Fear wed at her chest, but she forced herself to spit out words through the rising panic. ¡°This is kidnapping! My parents know I¡¯m here. If I don¡¯te home tonight, they¡¯ll call the police!¡±

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 Chapter 425

    ?<strong>Chapter 425:</strong>

    The manughed, low and guttural. ¡°Your parents? They just sold thepany for scraps.¡±

    ¡°If they knew you were here, why would they have left you wandering alone in the parking lot?¡±

    He shoved her into the back seat with little effort, his strength unnervingly effortless. Before she could utter another word, he stuffed a rag into her mouth.

    Meanwhile, at the Norris Group building, Kristopher and Carrie arrived in a sleek ck car driven by Oliver.

    Kristopher turned to Carrie, a faint smile softening his otherwise sharp features. Leaning in, he nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Don¡¯t wait up for me tonight. Finish your work, get some rest. I¡¯ve got a contract to sign.¡±

    Carrie, everposed, tilted her head up, adjusting his shirt cor with an almost instinctive grace. ¡°Not in Orkset?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m headed to Ofrubert. I¡¯ll be back tomorrow, and we can have dinner together. Just the two of us.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s hand found hers, his fingers brushing over hers in a way that seemed almost unconscious. For the first time, he realized that even the smallest gestures¡ªsimple, quiet moments like this¡ªcould hold a world of meaning.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Carrie responded quietly.

    Kristopher sped her hand briefly, then hesitantly let go and exited the car. Carrie followed his progress to the door with her gaze, then shifted her attention and settled deeper into her seat.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, shall we return to Bayview Vi?¡± Oliver asked, looking at Carrie through the rearview mirror.

    Her phone buzzed.

    Opening her messaging app, Carrie read the screen and hesitated. Then she said, ¡°No, take me to Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop.¡±

    The WhatsApp chat on her screen disyed two new messages from Daxton.

    ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m in Orkset again. How about dinner? Please don¡¯t find a reason to say no this time?¡±

    Suddenly, Carrie recalled that Daxton was rted to her somehow. When Kristopher had mentioned it, it hadn¡¯t seemed important, but now it felt strangely awkward. A former schoolmate she had admired was now a rtive.

    However, every cloud has a silver lining. Since Daxton was practically family, there was no reason to avoid him. Otherwise, as Mrs. Norris, meeting a male friend alone would be unseemly.

    Lost in thought, her fingers swiftly typed a response, saying, ¡°Sure, dinner¡¯s on me.¡± She then shared the location of Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop with Daxton.

    Oliver, observing from the rearview mirror, saw only Carrie engrossed with her phone, unable to see the disy. After a moment, he redirected his focus to the road and murmured, ¡°Very well, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    At Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop, Carrie had been waiting in the private room for an hour, yet there was no sign of Daxton.

    ¡°I¡¯m here. The first room on the left. Where are you?¡± She sent two messages, but received no reply.

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 Chapter 426

    ?<strong>Chapter 426:</strong>

    Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. She picked up, and Daxton¡¯s soft voice came through, saying, ¡°Carrie, can youe to the police station?¡±

    Outside the police station, Daxton stood wearing a gray tracksuit, his silver-gray metal sses lending him the youthful air of a college student, yet with the poise of a teacher.

    His assistant, driven by curiosity, asked, ¡°Master, you discovered that it was Lise Nash who paid the housekeeper to set up Ms. Campbell. Why not just tell her and let her¡­¡±

    Before the assistant could finish, Daxton¡¯s calm look turned sharp, tinged with a threat. ¡°I told you, don¡¯t call me Master. Just call me Mr. Garcia. I¡¯m just a regr guy; calling me Master is inappropriate.¡±

    His eyes softened once more, as though the intensity from before had been nothing but an illusion.

    ¡°Mr. Garcia, I apologize,¡± the assistant murmured, breaking into a sweat and choosing not to continue his question.

    This was a side of Daxton he had never seen before¡ªso polished yet gentle, causing him to momentarily rx. That fleeting expression reminded him why Daxton was known as ¡°Death.¡±

    The assistant couldn¡¯t help but shudder inside.

    How had he been bold enough to advise against Daxton¡¯s decisions? If he were anywhere other than thewful society of Mothor, such talk could have led to severe consequences.

    After a brief silence, Daxton said in a cold tone, ¡°That must not happen again.¡± His voice came out like ice, cold andcking any trace of warmth.

    G  al  no vel s . holds tales worth reading

    Shortly after, a taxi arrived, and Carrie quickly stepped out.

    As she walked toward Daxton, surprise shed in her eyes. Then, she quickly looked him over with concern. Seeing he appeared fine and unharmed, she rxed slightly and asked, ¡°Daxton, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Noticing the worry in Carrie¡¯s gaze, Daxton¡¯s lips curved into a gentle smile, as naturally warm andforting as the first rays of spring sunshine.

    Watching this unfold, Daxton¡¯s assistant felt a ripple through him. In that moment, he grasped the true meaning of hiding behind an angelic face. Strangely, it was even more unnerving than Kristopher¡¯s icy, detached presence.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Daxton assured, moving to stand next to Carrie. ¡°I¡¯m here to introduce you to someone.¡± As he spoke, he extended a hand toward her face, the gesture leaving her uncertain.

    ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± Carrie asked, her curiosity piqued as she instinctively leaned away, tilting her head to dodge his approaching hand.

    But Daxton didn¡¯t touch her. Instead, he plucked a loose red thread from her shoulder with an easy, casual motion. He held it up briefly, then flicked it into a nearby trash can without a second thought.

    A wave of embarrassment washed over Carrie. Was her imagination running wild? How could she, a married woman, even entertain the idea of Daxton touching her face¡ªespecially outside a police station?

    Flustered, she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and muttered, ¡°It must¡¯ve gotten on me in the taxi.¡±

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 Chapter 427

    ?<strong>Chapter 427:</strong>

    Daxton gave the taxi a brief nce and asked nonchntly, ¡°Mr. Norris didn¡¯te with you?¡±

    Carrie gave a quick nod and replied, ¡°No, he went to Ofrubert.¡± She was aware that Kristopher and Daxton didn¡¯t exactly get along, but she wasn¡¯t sure about the specifics of their conflict.

    Daxton kept his calm, friendly smile and said, ¡°Let¡¯s head in. The police are expecting us.¡±

    As she walked behind him, her eyes caught sight of a pack of cigarettes peeking out from his pocket. She vaguely recalled Daxton disliking cigarettes; he¡¯d even frowned at people smoking near him in public before.

    Unable to contain her curiosity, she asked, ¡°Daxton, since when do you smoke?¡±

    Daxton paused for a moment before pulling out the cigarette pack. ¡°Work¡¯s been roughtely, and the pressure¡¯s been piling up,¡± he admitted casually. ¡°I only smoke once in a while to take the edge off. This brand is pretty mild, kind of like what you¡¯d call light cigarettes.¡± He opened the pack and held one up to Carrie¡¯s nose.

    She inhaled gently, the faint scent of gardenias tickling her senses.

    A sudden realization hit her, and she tilted her head, puzzled. ¡°Wait¡­ aren¡¯t you the owner of Fayedge Hot Spring? Kristopher mentioned it could be very profitable with the right management. Instead of working elsewhere, why not focus on that? You could even bring in bloggers to promote it online.¡±

    Daxton chuckled lightly. ¡°I don¡¯t actually own it. It¡¯s a friend¡¯s project. He¡¯s in a unique situation and can¡¯t reveal his identity, so he used my name instead. Anyway, he¡¯s not doing it for profit¡ªhe¡¯s looking for someone.¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise. ¡°Looking for someone? Why would he set up a hot spring in a county just to find someone? Is it to stay under the radar? Or is the person they¡¯re looking for really that important?¡±

    Her imagination spiraled into countless thriller-like scenarios.

    Daxton let out a quietugh, amused by her overactive imagination. ¡°You really do think like a screenwriter, don¡¯t you? Coming up with all these wild plots. He¡¯s not after anything soplicated¡­ just looking for an old acquaintance. A hot spring in a ce like this might draw in people, making it more likely the person will show up on their own.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, then asked, ¡°How do you even know I¡¯m a screenwriter?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s face remained calm as he replied casually, ¡°I have ties with a few people over at Silver Elephant Media.¡± Considering his connection to the Norris family, it wasn¡¯t surprising that he had contacts across different industries.

    Plus, with Soren¡¯s n to make her identity public, it made sense that a few details had already leaked out.

    Carrie concluded she was probably just overthinking it.

    Daxton continued in aposed tone, ¡°You used to write scripts for short films back in college. It makes sense that you¡¯re a screenwriter now.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s mind wandered back to her university days, a wistful smile tugging at her lips. She scratched the back of her head and replied, ¡°Oh, those barely qualify as scripts. I just found temtes online and figured out the rest on my own.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s voice took on a warm, encouraging note. ¡°Every expert starts off as an amateur. You were just a student back then, but I still remember one of your short films winning a national award.¡±

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 Chapter 428

    ?<strong>Chapter 428:</strong>

    If Daxton had said this to her before, Carrie might not have thought twice about it. But now, knowing he was her nephew, his words carried an unexpected weight, delivered in a tone better suited forforting a child than praising an adult.

    Her thoughts shifted to Kristopher, who, with his razor-sharp critiques, could leave anyone feeling stripped to their core. He had a way of making others doubt themselves. Yet, when it came topliments, Kristopher was as awkward as a fish on drynd.

    Daxton, on the other hand, seemed to embody sunshine after a downpour. He had an uncanny ability to see the silver lining in every storm cloud, spreading positivity and guiding people toward brighter horizons.

    Kristopher was like a thorny rose¡ªbeauty wrapped in barbs, pricking you before you could admire its softness. Daxton, however, was a candle in the darkness, casting light and warmth no matter where he stood.

    As their conversation unfolded, they arrived at the door of an interrogation room. A police officer approached and asked, ¡°Are you Ms.

    ¡°Campbell?¡±

    Carrie nodded, her curiosity drawing her gaze toward the room. To her astonishment, she spotted the sleazy man who had once signed the raw material supply contract with herpany sitting inside.

    The officer rified, ¡°He¡¯s under suspicion for kidnapping.¡±

    Daxton took over, exining smoothly, ¡°I came across him on the road and noticed someone tied up in the back seat of his car. At first, I didn¡¯t realize it was your stepmother¡¯s daughter. I called the police right away.¡± Pausing briefly, he added, ¡°Even if I had known, I still would have reported it. No matter what someone¡¯s done, it¡¯s up to thew to determine their fate.¡±

    The officer gave a nod of approval. ¡°You have a strong moralpass, Mr. Daxton. A lot of what we see online these days glorifies vignte justice, but thew must always be the final arbiter.¡±

    Daxton smiled gently. ¡°I¡¯ve always been a firm believer in following thew.¡±

    Standing off to the side, Daxton¡¯s assistant remained silent, his admiration barely concealed. How Daxton, with his bloodstained history, could make such a im without flinching in front of the police was a marvel in itself. Then again, as a citizen of Mothor, adhering to itsws was a sort of twisted truth in itself.

    Carrie arched an eyebrow, her surprise evident. ¡°How is Yara now?¡±

    The officer¡¯s tone grew serious. ¡°The victim is mostly unharmed¡ªjust shaken, with a few minor injuries. She¡¯s resting in another room while our officers speak with her. We brought you here because this case connects to another one¡ªNate¡¯s kidnapping of you. We need your help with the investigation.¡±

    Carrie nodded thoughtfully. ¡°Thank you for the effort you¡¯re putting in.¡±

    The officer offered a small, earnest smile. ¡°It¡¯s just part of the job.¡±

    After she gave her statement, the officer escorted Carrie to the door and let out a quiet sigh. ¡°Ms. Campbell, we appreciate your cooperation. Unfortunately, there isn¡¯t enough evidence to directly implicate Yara. Charges may not be filed against her.¡±

    Carrie, ever hopeful, replied, ¡°She¡¯s had her fair share of misfortely. Maybe this is just life evening the scales. I believe justice finds its way¡ªwhat goes aroundes around.¡±

    The officer nodded, clearly impressed. ¡°That¡¯s amendable outlook. Rest assured, if Yara is involved, we¡¯ll uncover the evidence. We won¡¯t wrongfully use anyone, but we won¡¯t let the guilty slip away either.¡±

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 Chapter 429

    ?<strong>Chapter 429:</strong>

    With a few more polite words exchanged, Carrie and Daxton left the police station. The night had settled in, cloaking the streets in shadows.

    Carrie nced at the sky and remarked, regretcing her tone, ¡°Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop is probably closed by now.¡±

    Daxton pressed his lips together briefly before speaking. ¡°I made a reservation at a restaurant. It¡¯s my birthday today¡ªso how about we let me pick where we go?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s eyes shone with rity, and a soft smile rested on his lips.

    There was something in his tone¡ªa faint thread of hesitation¡ªthat caught Carrie¡¯s attention, though she couldn¡¯t quite tell if it was real or just a trick of her own overthinking.

    Counting back the days in her head, Carrie grew frustrated with herself. She¡¯d bought a gift only recently but had somehow forgotten it when it mattered. Exining it now would feel awkward, so she decided to hold onto it and wait for a better moment to give it.

    Carrie gave him a quick nod paired with a warm smile. ¡°Happy birthday, Daxton.¡±

    With a yful shrug, she spread her hands wide. ¡°No gift this time, but don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ll make it up to you.¡±

    A flicker of excitement lit up Daxton¡¯s face as he ced his hand lightly over hers. For a moment, Carrie froze, caught off guard by the sudden gesture.

    Just as she was about to pull back, he yfully pretended to hold her hand tighter before letting it go. ¡°The best gift is already mine,¡± he said, grinning.

    galnovels . brings magic to life

    Her gaze dropped to her now-empty palm, the fleeting contact so brief it felt almost unreal.

    ¡°What gift?¡± she murmured, her wide, almost dreamy eyes lifting to meet his.

    The hint of confusion on her face only enhanced her beauty, making her look even more charming.

    Daxton chuckled, his voice low and warm. ¡°The promise to make it up to me? That¡¯s already the best gift I could hope for.¡±

    Just then, a sleek silver-grey car pulled up. It wasn¡¯t overly shy, but its understated design gave it a sophisticated look.

    Daxton moved to the passenger side, holding the door open with one hand and gesturing toward the seat with a gentlemanly sweep of the other.

    Still feeling a little lost, Carrie ducked her head and slid into the seat.

    He shut the door behind her and strolled around to take the driver¡¯s seat.

    It was only as he settled into the car that Carrie realized the assistant wasn¡¯ting along.

    Daxton pulled up near the university and parked, a smile forming on his face. ¡°Does this ce bring back memories?¡±

    ¡°How could I forget?¡± Carrie¡¯s eyes followed his,nding on the familiar two-story building, now transformed with a modern, stylish touch.

    The ce was a Coastton barbecue joint, run by a couple from Coastton who had moved to Mothor after their kids were grown, chasing their lifelong dream. Famous for its fresh ingredients and genuine vors, the restaurant had been a favorite among students thanks to its affordable prices.

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 Chapter 430

    ?<strong>Chapter 430:</strong>

    It had be a go-to spot for group hangouts, holding a special ce in the memories of both Carrie and Daxton. Returning here made Carrie feel a wave of nostalgia, stirring thoughts of just how much time had changed things.

    Reflecting on the shy yet shallow spot she had chosen earlier, she realized she might have unknowingly adopted some habits of the wealthy.

    Out of the handful of people she called friends, Daxton stood apart. He had been her truest friend in her younger years, now her lifesaver, and even, in a way, family.

    She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that in exchange for some sincerity, she had gained a polished kind of social poise.

    ¡°This ce is such a hit now,¡± Daxton chuckled lightly as he unfastened his seatbelt. ¡°I had to book it a day ahead.¡±

    Stepping out of the car, Carrie wasn¡¯t paying attention and nearly stumbled into a hole in the ground. Daxton¡¯s hand shot out to steady her, and before she knew it, she was leaning slightly against him.

    Like the gentleman he was, he helped her regain her bnce and let go instantly. ¡°Watch your step,¡± he murmured.

    He walked over to secure a warning sign, tying it to a nearby tree with a piece of rope.

    Carrie¡¯s eyesnded on the disced b, which had left a gaping hole in the ground.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we just move the b back?¡± she suggested casually.

    Daxton cleaned his hands with a wet wipe before replying calmly, ¡°This thing¡¯s heavy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the kind of b a kid could shift for fun. It has handles, like a manhole cover, and I noticed pipes underneath, so it¡¯s probably for maintenance. If someone¡¯s working down there, putting it back could cause problems.¡±

    Carrie smiled at him. ¡°You¡¯re always so considerate, Daxton.¡±

    Kristopher was thorough and methodical, even more so than Carrie, but he never took the time to exin things to her as gently as Daxton did. It amazed her how different people¡¯s personalities could be.

    Carrie had always been drawn to kind souls. She adored the sweet, selfless second leads in romance dramas, yet somehow, she¡¯d fallen for someone who was distant and full of pride.

    Not far away, inside a parked RV, Lise scrolled through candid photos on her phone, a frosty, detached smile curling on her lips.

    Initially, it was Soren, followed by Asher, and now a new face had appeared. Lise found Carrie increasingly in thepany of men.

    Kristopher might tolerate a couple of men around her, but could he really put up with this forever? It seemed unlikely that a man of his stature would ept being overshadowed.

    After pondering briefly, Lise sent Kristopher a WhatsApp message, saying, ¡°Kristopher, are you currently with Ms. Campbell? I just walked by someone who looked remarkably like her.¡±

    She picked out some particrly provocative photos from her collection and sent them to him.

    Anticipating the drama between Kristopher and Carrie, Lise couldn¡¯t help but feel a thrill.

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 Chapter 431

    ?<strong>Chapter 431:</strong>

    Elva, observing Lise¡¯s fixation, finally voiced her concerns after some hesitation, saying, ¡°You might want to hold off on these antics around Mr. Norris. It¡¯s best not to push him away or make him resent you.¡±

    ¡°What antics are you talking about?¡± Lise responded, clearly annoyed as she set her phone down. ¡°The truth alwayses out. It¡¯s Carrie who¡¯s been reckless, not me. I just caught her in the act. How is this my fault?¡±

    Elva chose not to respond, though she sensed that Lise was squandering a valuable chance.

    At Ofrubert Airport, after getting off the ne, Kristopher checked Carrie¡¯s chat on WhatsApp and noticed there were no new messages.

    Oliver had left him a message, saying, ¡°Mrs. Norris went to Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop to meet a friend.¡± He was about to close WhatsApp when a burst of notifications from Lise caught his eye.

    He paused to think, then chose not to view them and turned off his phone¡¯s screen.

    Meanwhile, in her limousine, Lise watched her chat screen with Kristopher intently, but no typing indicator appeared. Before, her messages would receive immediate responses, even if Kristopher was in a meeting.

    Her anxiety mounting, Lise sent another message, saying, ¡°Ms. Campbell has faced troubles before. I was hesitant, but I felt you should know. I¡¯d regret it if anything happened to her again.¡±

    Just as Kristopher stepped out into the bustling airport, he noticed Lise¡¯s urgent message and opened the chat. He nced at the text and opened the photos she sent.

    ???€?? ¡é?¦Át?¦Å§ñs 1n ga?n?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    They were blurry, due to the distance and poor lighting. But Carrie¡¯s outfit was the same as when she was with him earlier that day.

    Kristopher exited the photos, about to reply with a simple ¡°Got it,¡± when Lise sent another message: ¡°Kristopher, don¡¯t worry too much. It¡¯s near the university, so it shouldn¡¯t be too dangerous, right?¡±

    Kristopher sent a message back. ¡°It¡¯s not her.¡±

    Lise stared at the words on the screen, her frustration almost palpable. Even though the photos were blurry, Carrie¡¯s figure was unmistakable. Kristopher couldn¡¯t possibly not recognize her.

    Kristopher, in order to protect Carrie, was willing to lie to her face. Kristopher loved Carrie far more than she had imagined.

    Kristopher called Oliver. ¡°Which friend did Carrie go to meet? Soren?¡± He recalled thest time he saw her at Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop, dining with Soren.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. When I dropped Mrs. Norris off, the other person hadn¡¯t arrived yet.¡± Oliver felt a chill down his spine, realizing Mrs. Norris had gone to meet a man.

    He quickly added, ¡°I¡¯ll check it out right away.¡±

    Kristopher hung up and sent Carrie a message, asking, ¡°Where are you?¡±

    Carrie was busy grilling meat, watching the beef sizzle and drip with oil, too preupied to check her phone. She picked up a piece of perfectly grilled wagyu, ced it on a lettuce leaf, added some sauce, and rolled it up before popping it into her mouth.

    After a long day, the taste of the self-grilled meat made her squint with happiness.

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 Chapter 432

    ?<strong>Chapter 432:</strong>

    Daxton, watching her, smiled faintly. He rolled up his sleeves, mimicking her, and wrapped a lettuce and beef roll before cing it on her te. His arms weren¡¯t skinny either, with well-defined muscles.

    Carrie looked at the lettuce roll on her te, feeling a bit embarrassed. ¡°Daxton, I¡¯m not a child. You don¡¯t have to take special care of me.¡±

    Having waited a while without a reply, Kristopher decided to call her directly.

    Carrie was taken aback when she saw the iing call. She hurriedly finished the grilled meat in her mouth and answered, ¡°Hey, what¡¯s going on? Weren¡¯t you heading to Ofrubert?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s cold voice came through. ¡°Just because I¡¯m in Ofrubert doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ve flown to Mars. What¡¯s stopping me from calling you?¡±

    Carrie couldn¡¯t help but twitch at the corner of her mouth. Was Kristopher having some sort of mood swing? He¡¯d been fine earlier, but now, only hourster, he seemed to have shifted back to his old ways.

    She held back her irritation and replied, trying to stay calm, ¡°If you really want, you can call me from Mars as well.¡±

    A brief silence hung between them.

    Kristopher, keeping his frustration in check, asked with forced patience, ¡°Where are you?¡± His voice, however, was still distant and cold.

    Carrie responded nonchntly, ¡°I¡¯m near my university.¡±

    Kristopher frowned. ¡°Didn¡¯t you n on going to Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop?¡±

    A sudden realization hit Carrie. She set her fork down, nced at Daxton, then gestured at the phone before standing up and walking away.

    She stepped into a quieter corner, made sure no one was around, and asked coolly, ¡°Are you keeping track of me?¡±

    Kristopher shot back, ¡°What¡¯s so secret that you¡¯re worried I¡¯ll find out? Who are you with? Can¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Carrie, exhausted by the interrogation, exhaled sharply before speaking in one breath. ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing to hide. It¡¯s Daxton¡¯s birthday today, and I nned to take him to Hazelnut Time Coffee Shop. But on the way, he saw Yara getting kidnapped.¡±

    He called the cops, and I went to the station to give a statement about a past case. Afterward, we left the station and came here to grab dinner.¡± She finished her exnation with a sarcastic edge, ¡°Mr. Norris, is that report detailed enough for you? If not, feel free to have Oliver check the surveince along the way and see if I¡¯m lying.¡±

    Kristopher quickly realized that since she was with Daxton, the photos must have been a misunderstanding. His tone eased, though still tinged with concern. ¡°In the future, don¡¯t go out alone with Daxton. Just send me your location, and I¡¯ll have Olivere pick you up.¡±

    Carrie frowned and said, ¡°Kristopher, I get that rtionships in your wealthy family areplicated. But I¡¯ve never gotten in the way of what you have with Daxton. To me, he¡¯s a friend and someone who saved me, and I know where my limits are. I just hope you¡¯ll respect my right to choose my own friends.¡±

    Kristopher sneered at her defense of Daxton. ¡°Limits? Your idea of limits is relying on him? Carrie, he¡¯s also supposed to be your nephew. You may not care about what people say, but could you be a little more considerate about your actions?¡±

    Carrie was surprised at first, then it clicked¡ªsomeone must have witnessed her stumble earlier and told Kristopher about it. Her heart was a whirlpool of emotions. Whether it was a coincidence that someone had seen her or if Kristopher had someone keeping an eye on her, it all led to one painful conclusion¡ªhe didn¡¯t trust her. Now, he was using sharp words to insult her.

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 Chapter 433

    ?<strong>Chapter 433:</strong>

    This wasn¡¯t just a disagreement¡ªit felt like a direct attack on her character and emotions. But the divorce issue had lost its urgency, and bringing it up over and over would start to feel unreasonable.

    After a brief pause, she responded coldly, ¡°First off, if you notice something, just ask me directly.¡±

    ¡°I can exin. There¡¯s no need to y games. If you want us to build a strong marriage, trust has to be at its core. I trusted you enough to let you send Lise to the hospital without questioning where you were. I hope we can have an equal rtionship, where you trust me the same way. And second, I¡¯m your wife¡ªthe person you¡¯re supposed to spend your life with. So, I think you should be more mindful of your words, because they really hurt me.¡±

    Kristopher was caught off guard. He hadn¡¯t expected Carrie to speak so honestly and sincerely instead ofshing out. Realizing his words had been too harsh, he awkwardly muttered, ¡°Thest time we argued, you said worse things¡­¡±

    Carrie answered calmly, ¡°So, because I made a mistake, you¡¯re just going to do the same? You want to hurt me even more? If we keep this back-and-forth going, what¡¯s the point? Are you hoping we both end up hurt?¡±

    The line went silent on the other end.

    After a moment, Carrie spoke coldly, ¡°If you¡¯re not going to say anything, I¡¯m hanging up. I still need to eat.¡±

    Kristopher, looking like a child caught in the wrong, awkwardly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. There are things you don¡¯t know, and I¡¯m just concerned about you.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t push him any further. Remaining calm, she responded, ¡°I hope your apology means more than just words. There are far better ways to show you care, and hurting me isn¡¯t one of them.¡±

    She ended the call and was turning to go back when she froze, seeing Daxton standing silently behind her.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to listen in,¡± Daxton said, stepping forward with a calm demeanor. ¡°I just thought you might need something, so I came to make sure.¡±

    Carrie trusted himpletely; she knew he wouldn¡¯t eavesdrop on purpose. ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she responded, offering a small smile of relief. She was grateful that Daxton hadn¡¯t overheard Kristopher¡¯s words¡ªif he had, she would have been embarrassed.

    Daxton¡¯s voice turned gentler. ¡°Did he get the wrong idea? Do you want me to clear things up?¡±

    Carrie walked over, nonchntly saying, ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I just told him I was celebrating your birthday.¡±

    Daxton hesitated for a moment, his expression changing. His smile faltered, and he gazed at her softly. ¡°You found out?¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Carrie was momentarily confused, then it clicked. ¡°Oh, he mentioned you¡¯re his nephew.¡±

    Daxton followed her back to the table and, after sitting down, said, ¡°Our families haven¡¯t been in contact for years. We¡¯re practically strangers now.¡±

    Carrie bent down to turn the grilled meat. A rare, ufortable silence settled between them, an unusual moment in their otherwise easy conversations.

    In university, being around Daxton was always easy, and awkward silences were unheard of. If one of them ran out of things to say, the other would effortlessly take over the conversation.

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 Chapter 434

    ?<strong>Chapter 434:</strong>

    As she flipped the piece of beef for what felt like the hundredth time, Daxton¡¯s tongs suddenly moved under hers, lifting the meat and setting it aside.

    Carrie nced up at him, her expression filled with confusion.

    Daxton offered a slight smile. ¡°It¡¯s burnt.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, biting her lip in silence.

    Kristopher¡¯s unexpected call had shattered the quiet moment between them.

    Without warning, Daxton shifted the conversation, his voice cutting through the tension. ¡°Are you sure you want to stay with him?¡±

    Carrie hadn¡¯t anticipated such a blunt question. For a brief moment, she couldn¡¯t quite figure out what he was really getting at. She wasn¡¯t about to lie to Daxton.

    After some thought, she answered, ¡°Well, we¡¯ve been together for over two years. There are feelings between us¡­¡±

    ¡°But he doesn¡¯t respect or trust you. If he did, there wouldn¡¯t have been that argument earlier. I know how you are.¡±

    Daxton, who was usually calm and gentle, suddenly turned sharp. While his words were urate and rational, theynded on Carrie like a heavy weight, suffocating her.

    She didn¡¯t want to talk about her rtionship with anyone. Being personally involved, it was hard to look at her rtionship from an objective point of view. There were mistakes on both sides, and no one was entirely innocent or entirely guilty.

    Carrie shrugged and spoke with a hint of indifference. ¡°I have my ws too, ones you probably haven¡¯t seen. But today, he wasn¡¯t disrespecting me. The truth is, he just has a hard time expressing himself. That cold attitude of his? It¡¯s really more of a defense mechanism. Deep down, he¡¯s actually soft-hearted, but he struggles to show it. The real issue is, he just doesn¡¯t know how to love the right way.¡±

    Daxton clearly wasn¡¯t buying her exnation. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re making too many excuses for him.¡±

    Carrie shook her head slowly and said, ¡°I¡¯m not defending him, Daxton. You¡¯re looking at this from an objective point of view, and I¡¯m trying to see it from the same angle. I¡¯m just like him.¡±

    The way I keptpromising wasn¡¯t the right way to love either. Wee from different backgrounds, and our personalities shape how we show affection, but sometimes, it¡¯s the wrong way. If I were speaking from a wife¡¯s perspective, it would be a different story. I would have told you he¡¯s actually a good husband.¡± Before she could finish, she added, ¡°Daxton, I consider you a great friend. But whether as a lifelong friend or as someone connected to my husband, I don¡¯t think this is the right conversation for us.¡±

    Her face, usually so expressive, was now unusually solemn. It was rare for her to speak to him with such formality, and it left him feeling uneasy. He had known her longer than Kristopher, and the tension between them made him question things.

    Daxton¡¯s face rxed again, his voice softening. ¡°I overstepped, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    After that, the air between them stayed tense and a bit ufortable, neither of them knowing how to bridge the gap.

    Noticing Carrie¡¯s difort, Daxton didn¡¯t push for a conversation. Instead, he quietly ced grilled food into her te from time to time, letting the silence linger.

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 Chapter 435

    ?<strong>Chapter 435:</strong>

    The meal passed in an unusual silence, with only the soft sizzle of food on the grill, a kind of silent performance between them.

    When the meal ended, Daxton drove Carrie back to her ce. As they neared Bayview Vi, Carrie noticed that the lights in her house were on, a small detail that caught her off guard.

    She wondered if she had forgotten to switch them off before leaving. But she quickly dismissed the idea¡ªshe had left in the daylight, and the lights shouldn¡¯t have been on at that time.

    She couldn¡¯t think of anyone who would be at her home at this hour, adding to her confusion. If it weren¡¯t for the tight security at Bayview Vi, she might have suspected a break-in, but that didn¡¯t seem likely.

    As the car rolled up to the house, a tall, striking figure emerged, immediately clearing the confusion that had clouded Carrie¡¯s mind.

    Kristopher stood at the doorway, casually holding a shopping bag. He was dressed in a ck suit that looked like it had been through quite a journey.

    As Carrie got out of the car, she noticed his frown, just a little. ¡°Wee back,¡± he greeted, his voice calm.

    Carrie noticed Daxton stepping out of the car as well, but she held back her curiosity. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Kristopher reached over, draping an arm around her shoulders, then turned to Daxton and handed him the shopping bag. It wasn¡¯t until then that Carrie realized the bag held the Morwick pen they¡¯d picked up the other day.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s brings your imagination alive

    Daxton nced at the bag but didn¡¯t make a move to take it.

    Carrie broke the silence. ¡°Daxton, please take it. I thought it would be something you¡¯d like when I saw it. It can be your birthday gift.¡±

    She didn¡¯t add that it was intended as a birthday present, though. She hadn¡¯t realized it was his birthday today, and the more she tried to exin, the more ufortable it became.

    Hearing her, Daxton finally took the bag, giving Carrie a soft look. ¡°Thank you,¡± he said quietly.

    Kristopher spoke in a clipped tone. ¡°Since you¡¯ve escorted my wife back and I¡¯ve delivered the gift, you should be on your way now.¡± He tugged Carrie along, signaling the end of the exchange.

    Carrie didn¡¯t argue with Kristopher¡¯s cold tone. She turned to Daxton and said, ¡°Daxton, it¡¯s gettingte. You should head back.¡±

    ¡°Now, now, no need to drag this on,¡± Kristopher said, gently pulling her hand and leaning in to whisper in her ear, urging her to hurry.

    Daxton stood there, watching them walk away, noticing how easily they seemed to slip back into their affectionate dynamic. Just moments ago, they had been in the middle of an argument, and he had expected a few days of tension. Yet, now, they were already back on track, as if nothing had happened.

    Daxton¡¯s fingers tightened around the bag, and he turned back toward his car. Once in the driver¡¯s seat, he flicked on the overhead light and opened the bag in the dim glow. Inside was a white pen, one that he knew he¡¯d likely appreciate.

    To her, Daxton was like the pen¡ªclean, untouched, and simple. He had always presented himself this way to her, believing that she would prefer someone so pristine. If he had known she would prefer someone like Kristopher, maybe he would have let her see the real him.

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 Chapter 436

    ?<strong>Chapter 436:</strong>

    But he quickly shook off the thought, dismissing it with a small shake of his head. Someone as pure as her deserved to remain in her untarnished world, an ivory tower that would always stay untouched.

    He ced the pen back in its box and drove off into the night, swallowed by the darkness.

    Meanwhile, Carrie trailed behind Kristopher as they entered the living room. As the door clicked shut behind them, Carrie instinctively pulled her hand from his and took a step back, creating a brief distance.

    Her voice was cold as she asked, ¡°Why are you back?¡±

    ¡°I came back because I wanted to,¡± Kristopher answered, pulling her hand once more and guiding her to the sofa. He settled down and then pulled her into hisp. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands sliding under her shirt to softly trace the curve of her skin.

    Hours passed, the anger fading like a storm that had blown over.

    Carrie casually asked, ¡°Did you sign the contract?¡±

    Kristopher shrugged, unfazed. ¡°I left it to my team.¡± He rested his chin on her shoulder, his voice yful. ¡°My wife almost left me for another man, and you think I¡¯d be worried about work?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression hardened, and with a sharp, sarcastic tone, she replied, ¡°Even if I ran away, it wouldn¡¯t be with your nephew. I¡¯m not into that kind of thing. If every man in the world were gone, I still wouldn¡¯t choose anyone from the Norris family.¡±

    Kristopher pinched the soft flesh of her stomach, a yful smile on his face as he admitted, ¡°You¡¯re still upset over that? The ne was shaking, I was stuck writing a contract for hours, and my head was all over the ce. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±

    Seeing him relent, Carrie didn¡¯t push any further. Instead, she quipped, ¡°If Mr. Norris can¡¯t control his mouth, he might as well donate it to charity.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll donate it to you,¡± Kristopher murmured, his voice low and affectionate. He cupped the back of her head and kissed her deeply, stealing her breath away.

    The kiss left him craving more. He lifted her in his arms, smiling. ¡°Maybe there¡¯s something else I¡¯d like to give you¡­ like a daughter.¡±

    Carrie nudged his shoulder with a yful punch. ¡°Why not a son?¡±

    ¡°A son would be just as perfect. I¡¯ll love whatever you give me,¡± Kristopher replied, his dark eyes filled with deep affection as they locked onto hers.

    Kristopher carried Carrie into the bedroom and carefullyid her down on the bed. Carrie noticed a lingering scent of barbecue smoke on her and immediately sat up, pushing Kristopher aside. ¡°I need to clean up.¡±

    Ovee by desire, Kristopher took her hand. ¡°A little smoke doesn¡¯t bother me,¡± he said.

    Carrie teased back, ¡°No way, I can¡¯t stand it.¡± She grinned and added, ¡°But I¡¯ll surprise youter.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes lit up, and he let go of her hand. ¡°No tricks now. If you do, you¡¯re a little liar,¡± he joked.

    ¡°I swear,¡± Carrie said, locking the door behind her as she rushed into the bathroom.

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 Chapter 437

    ?<strong>Chapter 437:</strong>

    The sound of the door locking made Kristopher smile, finding amusement in her little precaution. Honestly, if she hadn¡¯t locked the door, he might have found it hard to resist following her inside.

    He sat up straight, pulled out his phone, and began to focus on some work to take his mind off things. The tension that had built up earlier quickly faded away.

    He had always believed that the mind should be in charge, not the body. In his view, men who let their impulses and physical desires take control were weak.

    Once she finished her shower, Carrie dried her hair and pulled out a package she had hidden in the closet.

    It was a lingerie set she had picked up during a shopping trip with Camille. At the time, it had been neatly packaged, leaving no chance to preview the design. She¡¯d only caught a glimpse of somece and cotton and thought it seemed cute.

    Now, as she unfolded it, she froze in surprise. The so-called ¡°cotton¡± part turned out to be nothing more than a headband, while the rest was an borate disy ofce.

    The two-piece set offered only two tiny, coin-sized cotton patches for the chest, with sheerce cascading below that hardly covered anything at all. The lingerie was so revealing it was practically like wearing nothing at all, yet it carried an undeniable allure.

    It was her first time putting on something so daring, and just the thought of stepping out in it made her cheeks burn with embarrassment. After a moment of debating with herself, she slipped on a bathrobe to cover up and cautiously walked out of the room.

    Kristopher nced up and immediately noticed her bundled up, wrapped tightly in the robe. His brows lifted as he feigned irritation. ¡°So, where¡¯s the big surprise you promised me?¡±

    Truthfully, he hadn¡¯t expected her to prepare anything special, so he wasn¡¯t too disappointed. Setting his phone down, he approached her with a slow, deliberate stride, his voice dropping to a yful murmur. ¡°Guess that makes you a little liar, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Before Carrie could get a word out, he closed the distance between them in a few quick steps. Without hesitation, he reached for the belt of her robe and gently tugged it loose, letting the fabric slide off her shoulders.

    The sight that greeted him was enough to rekindle the spark of desire he had only just managed to temper. For the first time, he fully grasped why such attire existed.

    Carrie¡¯s figure was breathtaking on its own, but the delicate, barely-there lingerie enhanced her beauty in a way that left him utterly captivated. The delicate design highlighted her full chest, slim waist, and long legs, offering just enough coverage to spark intrigue.

    He hadn¡¯t realized how something so minimal could ignite such a powerful reaction. The contrast between her usual cool, refined demeanor and this daring outfit gave her an almost irresistible, forbidden charm.

    With a sly smile, he hooked a finger around the ribbon at her waist, letting it glide against her soft skin as his eyes lingered on her. ¡°You pull this off perfectly.¡±

    ¡°I think you should stock up on more of these.¡±

    Knowing her every sensitive spot, he left her knees weak, and she instinctively clung to his neck for support. Amused by her reaction, he gave her a light, yful smack and effortlessly scooped her up into his arms.

    Gentlyying her on the bed and leaning over her, he noticed her gaze, now hazy with desire. Overwhelmed by desire, Kristopher found himself losing all restraint, captivated by the way she melted under his touch.

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 Chapter 438

    ?<strong>Chapter 438:</strong>

    Their passion carried them deep into the night, the intensity between them only growing. It wasn¡¯t until Carrie¡¯s soft, tearful pleas broke through ¡ª her voice hoarse, her eyes glistening with unshed tears ¡ª that he finally relented.

    Kristopher moved to his side, and Carrie tugged the nket over herself, hiding her face in the pillow. Within moments, her breathing softened, and she drifted into a deep, much-needed sleep.

    Kristopher nced over and caught sight of her long legs peeking out from beneath the nket, marked with faint red traces of his passion. A smug satisfaction filled him, as though admiring a masterpiece he had created.

    Gently, he pulled the nket up to cover her entirely.

    As the sky began to brighten, he leaned back against the headboard, lit a cigarette, and picked up his phone. Earlier that night, Albin had texted him, suggesting they meet up for drinks.

    Kristopher realized that recently, aside from work, his days had beenpletely taken up by Carrie. It had been quite some time since hest went out for drinks with his friends.

    Although he had cut back on social outings, his life felt fuller and more meaningful. His eyes fell on Carrie, sound asleep beside him, cocooned in the nket with just a glimpse of her delicate face showing.

    He couldn¡¯t help but reach out to tweak her adorable nose.

    She flinched, a slight frown crossing her face from the tickling sensation, but she stayed asleep. Instead of waking, she shifted her head away from his touch, tucking her face deeper into the pillow, looking like a sleepy kitten trying to hide.

    After a brief moment of thought, he set his phone down, crushed the cigarette out in the ashtray, and slipped under the covers next to her.

    He pulled her close, and soon, he closed his eyes, letting sleep take over.

    Carrie was abruptly woken up the next morning by the shrill sound of the rm clock. As her eyes fluttered open, the soft glow of the room told her it was still early. Just as she was about to drift back to sleep, she checked the time and froze, realizing it was already noon.

    Suddenly wide awake, she sat up quickly, her gaze falling on Kristopher, who was absorbed in hisptop on the couch. It was then that she noticed the heavy ckout curtains drawn across the window.

    ¡°Up already?¡± Kristopher asked, his eyes lifting as he noticed her stir. He grabbed the remote to let the sunlight in.

    The curtains parted, and sunlight streamed in, bathing the room in a warm glow. It made Kristopher look like someone out of a fairy tale.

    Carrie tossed the covers aside, her skin still bearing the marks from the night before. She could sense Kristopher¡¯s gaze on her, heavy and focused.

    Kristopher caught her embarrassment and smirked. ¡°Is there anything new here? What¡¯s there to be shy about?¡±

    ¡°Shy? Please, with a body like this, I could easily pull off a lingerie show!¡± She pouted, getting up to search for her pajamas.

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 Chapter 439

    ?<strong>Chapter 439:</strong>

    After searching for a bit and not finding them by the bed, she spotted Kristopher¡¯s white shirt draped over a nearby chair. Without much thought, she slipped it on, the fabric falling just enough to highlight her long, straight legs.

    Kristopher moved toward her, his arms wrapping around her waist from behind as he leaned in to kiss her.

    But Carrie turned her head away.

    His lips met her cheek instead.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t brushed my teeth yet, so no kissing,¡± she said,pletely killing the mood.

    Kristopher¡¯s desire evaporated at her words.

    He reached out, pinching the soft curve of her waist yfully. ¡°Who exactly are you showing off to at this lingerie show?¡±

    ¡°It was just aparison,¡± Carrie replied, brushing his hand away.

    Kristopher bent down, his lips brushing her ear with a possessive tone. ¡°I want you all to myself.¡±

    Carrie gently pushed him away, slipping out of his arms as she made her way to the bathroom.

    Just before stepping inside, she turned back with a yful nce and a smirk. ¡°That all depends on how well you impress me.¡±

    Every story starts at galn   ovels ;

    Without waiting for a response, she shut the door quickly, as if afraid he might try to follow her.

    Kristopher watched her antics with an amused, helpless smile before returning to the sofa to order lunch. His work was far from finished, and there was no way he¡¯d have time to cook today.

    After texting Oliver, his phone vibrated with another notification.

    Albin¡¯s name shed across the screen.

    Kristopher guessed it was yet another casual invitation to meet up.

    Opening WhatsApp, he found a message from Albin: ¡°Kristopher, have you seen mytest post?¡± Anticipating that Kristopher might dismiss the message as trivial, Albin promptly took a screenshot of the post and sent it to him.

    Along with the screenshot came another jab: ¡°Kristopher, has your wife ever given you a romantic gift like this in all the years you¡¯ve been married?¡±

    Intrigued despite himself, Kristopher swiped up to take a closer look at the screenshot.

    The image showcased a bouquet constructed of cigarettes, strikinglyrger than the bouquet of flowers Kristopher had once given to Carrie. He estimated there were 99 flowers¡ªck roses, stylish yet masculine.

    Mixed in were dozens of cigarette packs, each meticulously arranged to resemble flowers. They were Albin¡¯s current favorite: the 1918 Mint Rose limited edition, costing about 200 per pack.

    Judging by the arrangement, there were likely 99 packs, perfectly matching the number of flowers. It was an impressive and extravagant gesture.

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 Chapter 440

    ?<strong>Chapter 440:</strong>

    Kristopher recalled that Albin¡¯s girlfriend wasn¡¯t reliant on her family; she¡¯d built her own business and didn¡¯t make much. For her, this gift was no small expense.

    His mind wandered to Carrie, who had been making decent money recently through her acting and screenwriting work. Yet, buying him a meaningful gift clearly hadn¡¯t crossed her mind. Daxton¡¯s heroic act remained etched in her heart. Meanwhile, his own efforts barely registered in her world.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes fell on the green frog in the corner of the bedroom, and a pang of jealousy hit him, sharp and unmistakable. Keeping his expression cold, he picked up his phone and quickly typed, ¡°Smoking is bad for your health. Your girlfriend must be hoping you drop dead so she can move on to someone new.¡±

    Gift or no gift, he wasn¡¯t about to let Albin gloat without a fight.

    Within seconds, Albin called. Without hesitation, Kristopher tapped the red button, rejecting the call. He didn¡¯t need to hear it to know Albin would resort to his usual spineless tactics, flooding him with a stream of pointless justifications.

    Seething but masking it well, Kristopher typed out a seemingly calm reply: ¡°Speaking from experience¡ªunting your love is asking for trouble. It¡¯s smarter to keep things low-key.¡±

    The second he hit send, he regretted it. Considering his own track record, his advice felt hypocritical¡ªalmost like a living example of what not to do.

    Predictably, Albin pounced on the chance to retort, ¡°Kristopher, that¡¯s just an outdated clich¨¦. Your problems with your wife happened because you didn¡¯t show your love.¡±

    ¡°Live quietly, love loudly. These days, love is all about loud gestures.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned icy.

    He texted back with a curt, ¡°Get lost!¡±

    Albin bombarded Kristopher with a string of lengthy voice messages. Realizing that Kristopher would likely ignore his voice messages, Albin finally sent a text: ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯re just being cynical. Love is truly incredible. This has been the most fulfilling experience of my life. If I could live away in Camille¡¯s arms, I would feel like my life isplete.¡±

    While hecked the boldness of Carrie or Camille to outright criticize Kristopher, he still managed to share his emotions. This message clearly didn¡¯t capture everything he felt. He was getting ready to send a long message, eager to exin his thoughts on love in more detail.

    With a look of disgust, Kristopher blocked Albin, as though removing some offensive stain, then grabbed a wet wipe to ¡°cleanse¡± his hands. Without a doubt, Albin¡¯s messages were the most aggravating moment of Kristopher¡¯s day.

    Setting his phone aside, he crossed his legs and ced hisptop on hisp. As he robotically typed out work emails, his mind wandered to whether Carrie had ever gifted him anything over the years. He remembered how she always kept the house in perfect condition and took great care of him, but it seemed like she had never given him any actual gifts.

    His wardrobe was constantly replenished by the boutique with thetest seasonal selections, leaving no need for Carrie to buy him anything. Even when they went to the boutique and he pointed out a tie he liked, Carrie would downy his interest, saying, ¡°There are tons of better ones in the closet that you¡¯ve never even worn. Let me show you, and you can see if any of them catch your eye.¡±

    But then again, he thought, her clothes and belongings were just like his, yet whenever he traveled, he would still buy something special for her as a surprise.

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 Chapter 441

    ?<strong>Chapter 441:</strong>

    Sure, he had everything he needed, but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t value the sentiment of a surprise gift.

    The more he thought about it, the more his frustration grew.

    Just as he was sinking deeper into his thoughts, Carrie walked out of the bathroom in a fresh set of pajamas, leaving only her head and feet uncovered. Her choice of attire only deepened his annoyance.

    Looking up, he asked bluntly, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ever give me gifts?¡±

    Carrie, unfazed, responded casually, ¡°What sort of gift are you talking about?¡±

    With a serious expression, Kristopher replied, ¡°Any kind will do.¡±

    Carrie hesitated briefly before instinctively retorting, ¡°I have given you gifts.¡±

    As she removed her bath cap, her hair tumbled down in waves, dark and smooth like silk, glowing with the freshness of a morning flower.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes brightened, and the weight on his chest seemed to vanish. It felt like he had just figured something out, and though he wanted to show his excitement, he made an effort to stay calm.

    With a yful glint in his eyes, he teased, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re offering yourself as a gift?¡±

    Carrie gave him a look. ¡°Are you really into those cheesy romance dramas now? You know that¡¯s a total clich¨¦. Someone with an IQ over 140 saying that? Are you being ironic on purpose?¡±

    She walked up to him, grabbed the green frog, and tossed it his way. ¡°How about this? Isn¡¯t it a gift?¡±

    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s hosts great fiction

    Kristopher paused, then reached toward her. ¡°Hand me that pen.¡±

    ¡°What pen?¡± Carrie asked, not quite following his train of thought.

    Kristopher clenched his jaw, forcing the words out. ¡°The free pen you got when you picked out Daxton¡¯s birthday gift.¡±

    ¡°You said you didn¡¯t want it,¡± Carrie said, furrowing her brows.

    Kristopher¡¯s face shifted, his indifference feigned. ¡°I¡¯ve had a change of heart.¡±

    ¡°No way, I need it for drafting outlines,¡± Carrie firmly rejected.

    Kristopher thought it over and then said, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll buy that limited edition pen and trade it with you.¡±

    Carrie almost agreed, but then she remembered they weren¡¯t getting divorced anymore.

    Now that they shared everything as a couple, dropping ten million on a pen just to write outlines seemed ridiculous. A yful gleam sparkled in her eyes, and a knowing smile tugged at her lips.

    Kristopher couldn¡¯t shake the growing sense of unease.

    She sat beside him, gently resting her arm on his, her voice soft as she suggested, ¡°How about this¡­ you buy me a pen worth the same, and we can make the trade.¡±

    Kristopher opened his mouth to agree but then froze when she added, ¡°And the other nine million? You can just give it to me in cash.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 442

    ?<strong>Chapter 442:</strong>

    Kristopher hesitated, admiring the glowing smile that graced Carrie¡¯s features.

    He murmured, ¡°Could you exin what you mean by giving it to you in cash?¡±

    With a blink of her big eyes, Carrie responded, ¡°It¡¯s quite simple. You¡¯re prepared to invest ten million in me, whether for a pen or cash¡ªit makes no difference. Isn¡¯t it all the same?¡±

    Observing her closely, Kristopher asked, ¡°Is that really you, Carrie? Or has someone else taken over your body? Just a few months back, you treated money with contempt and dreamed of abandoning everything. Yet here you are, debating the cost of a pen.¡±

    After a brief pause, he smirked and added, ¡°Have the harsh realities of life shown you that even love needs financial support?¡±

    Carrie straightened up and retorted, ¡°What do you mean, debating? I¡¯vee to a realization¡ªyou¡¯ve be quite difficult to talk with. Yes, making money is hard, but managing it is even harder. The money isn¡¯t just yours; it belongs to us both, now that we¡¯re married. I might not bring in as much as you, but I help manage it. Isn¡¯t that worth something?¡±

    Without hesitation, Kristopher pulled out his phone, punched in a sequence of numbers, andpleted the transfer, saying, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send twenty million. Go ahead and buy any pen you like. Just hand over the pen now.¡±

    Rising, Carrie approached the nightstand, retrieved the pen from its box, and presented it to Kristopher.

    He epted the pen, struck a few poses while taking pictures of himself writing, and chose the best one. He opened WhatsApp, only to realize he couldn¡¯t find Albin¡¯s chat because he had blocked him.

    After unblocking Albin, Kristopher sent the photo along with a message, saying, ¡°This is the pen my wife got me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve received so many gifts that I¡¯ve lost the urge to show them off. It¡¯s valued at a hundred thousand¡ªenough to purchase several of your flower bouquets, right?¡±

    On his screen, Albin noticed the cascade of red exmation marks. Just as frustration began to set in, he read Kristopher¡¯s message.

    His eyebrows arched in irritation. Was this actually a contest?

    He quickly replied, ¡°It¡¯s not the price that counts in gifts but the thought that goes into them. Clearly, my gift was more thoughtfully chosen.¡±

    Recalling a dubious piece of advice he saw online, Kristopher typed and responded, ¡°Where there¡¯s money, there¡¯s love.¡±

    Left speechless, Albin had nothing to reply. Kristopher¡¯s candid remark rendered him silent. Never had he imagined that Kristopher, for whom money was merely a series of figures, would utter such a down-to-earth, albeit cliched, statement.

    He responded with an emoji, ¡°You¡¯ve got this one; you win.¡±

    This prompted Kristopher to quirk an eyebrow.

    Following their dinner, Kristopher headed to his office while Carrie made her way to the set.

    Upon her arrival, she noticed a crowd encircling Soren, all engrossed in a lively discussion. Catching sight of her, Soren approached with a cheerful grin.

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    .

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 Chapter 443

    ?<strong>Chapter 443:</strong>

    ¡°Previously, you said you¡¯d given up on ¡®Weekend Party,¡¯ and I¡¯ve been trying to figure out a more fitting moment to reveal your pseudonym, Katrina Spencer, to the public. But who knew such a chance would arise so suddenly?¡±

    Carrie, puzzled, inquired, ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    With a sly smile, Soren suggested, ¡°Take a look at Twitter.¡±

    At the mention of Twitter, Carrie instinctively responded, ¡°Oh no, please don¡¯t say I¡¯m trending again?¡±

    Overhearing this as he left the makeup room, Asher chuckled and said, ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re truly cut out for showbiz. I¡¯ve been around for years, yet I¡¯ve never trended as often as you, and each time it¡¯s a huge uproar.¡±

    A thought struck Carrie, and she questioned, ¡°This isn¡¯t rted to the giarism controversy, is it? I recently adopted a new pen name for a drama script, and halfway through, usations of copying Katrina surfaced. Before I had the chance to rify, I was blocked.¡±

    Soren simply nodded in affirmation.

    Leaning closer, Asher whispered intriguingly, ¡°Do you know who purchased that script?¡±

    Carrie shook her head, admitting, ¡°I didn¡¯t look into that detail.¡±

    Soren replied, ¡°It was Lise.¡±

    At the mention of Lise, memories of past perplexing maneuvers from the scriptpany came flooding back to Carrie, helping pieces fall into ce.

    She retrieved her phone, which was set on ¡°Do Not Disturb.¡± Having not checked Twitter for a while, when she finally opened it, she was bombarded by a wave of notifications. It took her five minutes just to get through to the main screen.

    The headline dominating Twitter read, ¡°Carrie Katrina giarism.¡±

    Both Lise¡¯s and Katrina¡¯s fans wereunching a fierce online assault. Given the delicate nature of giarism, even neutral observers were joining the fray, making the bacsh overwhelmingly negative.

    The gossip ounts spread rumors that Lise had purchased a script, only to discover it was giarized from Katrina. To everyone¡¯s shock, the giarist turned out to be a female celebrity who had recently been making waves on social media. The gossip didn¡¯t mention Carrie by name, but it strongly hinted at a female star with ast name starting with ¡°W¡± who was moonlighting as a screenwriter and had giarized the renowned writer Katrina.

    The clues painted a clear picture, pointing to a neer filming with a top actor whosest name started with ¡°B,¡± almost revealing Carrie¡¯s identity. Thements were as cruel as expected. Carrie skimmed through them quickly before logging out of Twitter. She then turned to Soren and asked coolly, ¡°Should I exin things from Katrina¡¯s ount?¡±

    What she hadn¡¯t anticipated was that it was Lise who had bought the script. Carrie sighed, realizing that sometimes life was even stranger than fiction. Maybe in another life, it wasn¡¯t Kristopher she was tangled up with, but Lise instead.

    Soren nced at Carrie. ¡°Let¡¯s just sit tight and see how this ys out.¡±

    Asher grinned slyly and leaned forward, saying, ¡°Business is business, right? Mr. Rodgers is just trying to cut down on publicity costs.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 444

    ?<strong>Chapter 444:</strong>

    Carrie pulled up a chair and sat down with a shrug. ¡°Well, they say any publicity is good publicity.¡±

    Not long after, Lise took to Twitter, writing, ¡°I have a deep admiration for Ms. Spencer¡¯s work. I feel partly responsible for this giarism, as I didn¡¯t rify things clearly enough. I had mentioned to the scriptpany that I appreciated Ms. Spencer¡¯s style, but the screenwriter misunderstood my intentions. I assure you, this script will not be filmed, and I kindly ask everyone to stop targeting the screenwriter online.¡±

    I also encourage all creators to honor originality.¡±

    Her statement was a textbook example of subtle maniption. While it seemed like she was defending the screenwriter, she effectively confirmed the giarism. Carrie wasn¡¯t concerned about the online bacsh; she doubted even Lise had foreseen this kind of mess. But with Lise involved, she wondered how Kristopher would choose to deal with it.

    Carrie lowered her eyes, hiding the worry she felt. She knew that Kristopher¡¯s usual approach would be to handle the situation in a vague manner. Lise had always been his weakness. Without meaning to, Carrie thought of Daxton. If she treated Daxton the way he treated Lise, how would he react? The thought barely crossed her mind before she quickly pushed it away, reminding herself that Daxton was innocent.

    After a few light conversations, everyone got back to filming. With most of the major scenespleted, the remaining tasks were easy-going. For lunch, there was fried ribbonfish, said to have been caught by Soren himself the night before, making it incredibly fresh and crispy. Carrie, who loved seafood, was excited to try it. But just as it neared her mouth, the strong fishy smell hit her nose. Was it really that fresh? It still smelled overwhelmingly fishy.

    She wrinkled her nose but forced herself to take a bite. The moment she swallowed, a wave of nausea hit her, and she quickly set down her fork, rushing to the side to gag. Seeing this, everyone set down their utensils and rushed to her side with concern.

    ¡°Carrie, are you alright?¡±

    Carrie took the water Asher handed her, rinsed her mouth, and after a moment, waved her hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Maybe the fish wasn¡¯t cleaned properly, and that bite just had an extra strong fishy taste.¡±

    Someone else took a bite of the fish and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t taste fishy at all.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s actually quite sweet.¡±

    Carrie remembered how poorly she had slept the night before and told everyone, ¡°Maybe I just didn¡¯t get enough rest. My stomach¡¯s off, and I¡¯m not really hungry.¡± No one suspected anything more and quickly advised, ¡°Don¡¯t push yourself too hard. You can separate scriptwriting from filming.¡±

    Soren, with his usual authoritative tone, casually offered, ¡°If you¡¯re in a bind and need money fast, just give me a script title. I can pay you sixty percent upfront, and you¡¯d have a year to finish it. Avoid taking on projects that could cause problems. Creativity should be fueled by inspiration, and squandering it on trivial,mercial work isn¡¯t worth it.¡±

    Carrie nodded. ¡°Got it. Thanks, Mr. Rodgers.¡±

    Soren waved off her thanks. ¡°No need to thank me. Your scripts are a guaranteed investment, always a smart buy. If anyone should be grateful, it¡¯s me for getting the chance to work with you.¡±

    They exchanged polite words, both agreeing on the matter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 445

    ?<strong>Chapter 445:</strong>

    Carrie wasn¡¯t feeling well, so the filming ended earlier than nned. The filming location was near the Myers family¡¯spany. As Carrie stepped out to catch a cab, she bumped into Kailee, who wasughing and chatting with a group of friends. It appeared she had juste from drinking, her cheeks flushed, and her eyes had a zed, distant look.

    When Kailee saw Carrie, she stumbled a bit, froze in ce, and gave her a quick, sideways nce. Pointing at Carrie, Kailee slurred, ¡°You¡¯re such an embarrassment! Writing that ridiculous script and then stealing from Katrina? How could Kristopher marry someone like you, a bad luck charm?¡±

    The people around them quickly recognized Carrie as Kristopher¡¯s wife. They weren¡¯t from top-tier families, but they came from wealthy backgrounds more affluent and influential than the Campbell family. They were both jealous and resentful of Carrie¡¯s marriage into the Norris family. Seeing Carrie standing alone, they couldn¡¯t help but mock her.

    ¡°Cindere might marry into the royal family, but she still carries that cheap feeling. You trying to make a quick buck off anything?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s only good for her looks, and those are barely passable.¡±

    A blonde woman stepped forward, her voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°A woman from a new money family must be great at pleasing men, huh? Maybe she¡¯s good in bed. Someone like Mr. Norris probably has a thing for cleanliness, doesn¡¯t he? He wouldn¡¯t go for someone too messy, so he keeps her around, I guess. What¡¯s the term for that again? A kept woman?¡±

    The group erupted intoughter before she could even finish her sentence.

    The sound echoed through the space, but suddenly, a sharp p broke the moment, silencing them all. The woman who had been pped stood frozen, utterly shocked, clearly caught off guard by Carrie¡¯s direct retaliation. Her face quickly reddened, swelling with the sting of the p.

    ¡°How dare you hit me?¡± The woman shrieked, her face twisted in fury as she lunged toward Carrie, attempting to p back. Carrie, standing taller than the rest, took a small step back and swiftly grabbed the woman¡¯s wrist. With a calm but piercing look, she turned her gaze to Kailee.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to rein in your friend? Or should I call Kristopher and let him know how you and your friends are harassing me?¡±

    Kailee hadn¡¯t expected Carrie to threaten her so openly. After a beat, she shot back, ¡°What can you do, besides whining to Kristopher? Is that all you¡¯re capable of?¡± Carrie blinked, a slight smile tugging at her lips.

    ¡°I learned from the best. Aren¡¯t you the one who acts all helpless with your aunt? I¡¯m not some naive girl just waiting for you to destroy my life.¡±

    Kailee shook with fury, her voice shaking as she finally managed to say, ¡°But you were the one who hit my friend first! How can you still beining?¡±

    Carrie yanked the blonde woman and shoved her toward Kailee, letting go. The woman stumbled and copsed to the ground from the force. Standing over Kailee, Carrie spoke with icy precision.

    ¡°I am Kristopher¡¯s legal wife, the young mistress of the Norris family. Your friend insulted me, called me a kept woman. She didn¡¯t just offend me, but she also disrespected the entire Norris family. Consider this a lesson.¡±

    ¡°What gives you the right to teach me?¡± Kailee snapped, backing away as she continued. ¡°My friend¡¯s right. How do you even deserve Kristopher?¡±

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    .

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 Chapter 446

    ?<strong>Chapter 446:</strong>

    Carrie opened her mouth to respond, but then her gaze shifted past Kailee. Her lips parted, yet the words she had nned to say were left hanging in the air.

    Kailee stumbled back, bumping into a firm chest. She turned around and was startled to see Kristopher standing right behind her. Oblivious to the anger in his eyes, Kailee pouted and whined, ¡°Kristopher, your wife pped my friend and insulted us. On top of that, her giarism scandal is making the Norris family look awful. You should just end things with her.¡±

    Before she could finish her rant, Kristopher raised his hand without warning and pped her across the face. His expression was as cold as ice when he spoke, his voice steady and full of authority.

    ¡°Carrie doesn¡¯t need to handle this. I¡¯ll be the one to teach you a lesson.¡±

    Kailee pressed her hand to her face, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at Kristopher. ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± He gave Kailee a sharp look, and she instantly quieted down, her gaze bitter and heavy with unshed tears as she shot a look of fury at Carrie.

    Ignoring the people around them, Kristopher moved straight to Carrie and took her hand. Their eyes met, and his cold expression softened into something warmer, his gaze mirroring her own. Even though the summer evening air was warm, her hands were chilled. He held them briefly, wanting to warm them, but the coldness lingered.

    ¡°I know about the script situation. I¡¯ll speak to Katrina about it. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Kristopher reassured her softly.

    After speaking, he cast a quick nce toward Kailee¡¯s friends. They were all young, many still in school, using their family¡¯s wealth as a way to push people around. Kristopher was only a few years older than they were, yet they always treated him with the respect reserved for an elder, unable to shake an odd, unspoken fear when he was around. Even their parents spoke of him with a quiet respect, acknowledging his power.

    Kristopher spoke casually, his tone cold but firm. ¡°If you disrespect my wife, you disrespect the Norris Group. In that case, the Norris Group won¡¯t be doing business with you anymore. All future projects between your families and the Norris Group are officially canceled.¡±

    The young women, barely in their twenties, felt as if the ground had crumbled beneath them. Tears welled up in their eyes, and they couldn¡¯t manage a single word. It was over.

    Completely over.

    They knew their families had depended on Kailee¡¯s father to secure connections with the Norris Group, and those deals were the lifeline to theirvish way of life. Compared to the sting of the p earlier, Kristopher¡¯s words now cut even deeper, leaving Kailee with a feeling of utter humiliation.

    Trying to hold onto whatever dignity she had left, Kailee stammered, ¡°Kristopher, those projects were approved by Aunt! You can¡¯t just take them away!¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t respond. He simply released her hand and guided Carrie toward the car waiting behind them. After settling Carrie in the car, Kristopher turned his gaze back to Kailee, his voice cold as ice. ¡°Go back and tell Cory. He carries the Myers name and doesn¡¯t have much to do with the Norris family. Tell him to stop using the Norris name in his business dealings, or I¡¯ll have to take back the money my mother gave you.¡±

    Kailee¡¯s face drained of color, and she took a step back. It was done. The weight of Kristopher¡¯s anger hit her, undeniable and fierce. Never in her wildest dreams did she imagine Kristopher would cut off her family over Carrie.

    Carrie sank into the car, her exhaustion clear as she kicked off her shoes and curled up on the seat. As she shifted to getfortable, something sharp poked painfully into her back. With a sigh, she propped herself up and reached beneath her for the object. It was a book.

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    .

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 Chapter 447

    ?<strong>Chapter 447:</strong>

    Just as she grasped it, Kristopher gently took it from her, setting it beside him. His touch was soft, almost reverent, as he carefully smoothed out the creased corner, treating it like something precious. The streetlights outside bathed the car in their soft glow, highlighting the sharp angles of his face, every feature striking and defined.

    Whenever Carrie wrote about a male protagonist with sharp brows and bright eyes, this face always appeared in her mind. Every detail seemed to align perfectly with what she found appealing, as though he was the embodiment of her ideal. His looks alone could make anyone swoon, but it was his skill and abilities that truly set him apart from the rest.

    Kristopher yfully pinched her cheek, a teasing smirk pulling at his lips. ¡°What¡¯s got you staring?¡±

    Before she could answer, Kristopher¡¯s hand shifted to her chin, tilting her head up as his lips met hers. Their kiss lingered for a heartbeat before he pulled back, his gaze still locked on hers. The air inside the car grew warmer, and Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed, a mix of innocence and subtle allure. He let go of her, straightened his jacket, and leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs to fight the growing desire within him.

    He had always been indifferent to matters of romance, even avoiding simple pleasures. His rational mind had always kept his instincts in check. But with her, reason slipped away. All he could think about was having her, hearing her voice break as she begged him.

    Kristopher then changed the subject, saying, ¡°I had Oliver reach out to Katrina, but there¡¯s still no reply. Writing often oveps in inspiration. If there are simrities, it¡¯s not the end of the world¡ªjust exin it clearly.¡±

    Carrie froze for a moment, surprised that he believed in her so strongly. She asked, ¡°Why did you think I wouldn¡¯t giarize?¡±

    Kristopher looked at her briefly and replied, ¡°Even though I haven¡¯t seen your work, I know your character wouldn¡¯t resort to something like that.¡± The trust he showed her, without her needing to prove herself, was something they had always been missing.

    A rush of warmth flooded her chest. Carrie started, but before she could reveal her secret, Kristopher¡¯s phone rang. He nced at Albin¡¯s name, hesitated for a moment, and then answered. His voice turned icy. ¡°You have one minute to talk business. Cut the nonsense.¡±

    Albin, taken aback, quickly blurted, ¡°Kristopher, forget about Katrina. I found something on Camille¡¯s phone. You won¡¯t believe who Katrina really is.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face hardened. ¡°If you keep dragging this out, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±

    Before Albin could say another word, Oliver mmed on the brakes, causing Kristopher to lose his grip on his phone. Ignoring the phone, Kristopher swiftly reached out to steady Carrie, who almost collided with the front seat from the sudden stop. The car came to a halt, and a familiar, mischievous voice called out from the front. ¡°Is the great CEO of the Norris Group nning to simply run away after hitting someone?¡±

    Sun Emilio, Willow¡¯s son, braced himself against the car¡¯s hood before awkwardly shuffling toward the backseat. ¡°Boss, he ran out from the side alley so suddenly, I barely had time to hit the brakes,¡± Oliver said, his toneced with frustration as he unbuckled his seatbelt.

    As Oliver stepped out of the car, Emilio clutched his leg dramatically. ¡°You broke my leg! You think you can just drive off like nothing happened?¡± he used, his voice rising with indignation.

    Oliver nced skeptically at Emilio¡¯s leg, noting that it appearedpletely fine. A quick check of the car¡¯s front confirmed there wasn¡¯t even a scratch. Besides, he had hit the brakes in time. The so-called ¡°impact¡± had been nothing more than a soft nudge, barely enough to make an impression.

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    .

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 Chapter 448

    ?<strong>Chapter 448:</strong>

    Undeterred, Emilio dered, ¡°You¡¯ll have to cough up twenty thousand for my medical check-up.¡±

    Kristopher, his voice cold and cutting, suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t we call the police? They¡¯d love to handle an extortion case like this.¡±

    At his words, Emilio¡¯s confidence evaporated. His defiant expression melted into a nervous grin as he stammered, ¡°Wait, no need for that. Mr. Norris, it¡¯s me! My mom works for your family as a housekeeper. I¡¯ve been to Bayview Vi, and you¡¯ve seen me before. Remember?¡±

    Carrie raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. Despite the controversy surrounding Willow¡¯s dismissal, it seemed her son had no idea about her termination.

    Intimidated by Kristopher¡¯s icy demeanor, Emilio backtracked. ¡°I¡¯m serious, Mr. Norris. I did get hit, but just a little. How about two thousand? That¡¯s all I need for a doctor¡¯s visit.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not much to ask, right?¡± Emilio pressed, a hint of arrogance still lingering in his voice.

    Carrie shot a nce at him, a dull headache starting to creep in. She couldn¡¯t tell if it was from the stress of recent events or the biting chill of the wind, but she felt unwell, her body heavy with growing drowsiness. Letting out a weary sigh, she waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Just give him the two thousand, Oliver,¡± she said.

    Turning toward Kristopher, she added, ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well. I don¡¯t have the energy for this. Just handle it and get rid of him, please.¡±

    Kristopher, unfazed, gave a short grunt in acknowledgment. He despised being manipted, but it was clear Emilio feared him enough not to push his luck further. Besides, Emilio had already dropped his outrageous demand from twenty thousand to a far more reasonable two thousand. Given how minor the situation was, two thousand seemed like a small price to pay for some peace. He decided it was worth the expense to avoid further drama.

    Oliver, acknowledging the decision made by Kristopher and Carrie, pulled out his phone. His tone was curt as he addressed Emilio. ¡°Name and bank ount.¡±

    Emilio¡¯s demeanor shifted to one of exaggerated gratitude. He bowed slightly, shing a sheepish grin. ¡°Thank you, Mr. Norris. Thank you, Mrs. Norris.¡± Then, turning to Oliver, he added, ¡°Emilio Reed. The ount number is 34¡­¡±

    When she heard his name, Carrie hesitated, finding it vaguely familiar. However, the difort weighing on her was too much to dwell on. She simply drew her legs closer and sank deeper into herself.

    Kristopher noticed her unease immediately.

    Without a word, he picked up a nket and draped it over her. ¡°Should I have Dr. Molinae by the house?¡± he asked softly.

    Carrie shook her head weakly, her words barely audible. ¡°No need. I think I just caught a chill standing outside. It¡¯s nothing serious. I had some fish on set earlier¡ªit was way too fishy. I¡¯ve been feeling nauseous since. I just need to rest.¡±

    Meanwhile, Oliver finished the transfer and nced back at Emilio with a sharp warning. ¡°The money¡¯s been sent. But let me be clear¡ªeverything today was captured on the dashcam and street cameras. If you try anything like this again, you won¡¯t get off so easily. Also, your mother, Willow, was dismissed long ago. She has no ties to the Norris family anymore.¡±

    ¡°Dismissed?¡± Emilio muttered, pulling out his phone to check his mobile banking app. The transaction alert stared back at him.

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 Chapter 449

    ?<strong>Chapter 449:</strong>

    Oliver didn¡¯t bother responding. He returned to the car, shut the door with a decisive click, and fastened his seatbelt. Without another nce at Emilio, he merged into the steady flow of traffic.

    Inside the car, Kristopher reached out to touch Carrie¡¯s forehead with the back of his hand. Finding her temperature normal, he let out a small breath of relief. That¡¯s when his eyes fell on the phone lying forgotten on the carpeted floor.

    At some point, Albin¡¯s call had ended, but Kristopher showed no interest in finding out who Katrina was. He simply picked up the phone and tucked it into his pocket without a second thought.

    Seeing the call cut off abruptly, Albin assumed Kristopher was busy and decided not to call back. He had only meant to tease Kristopher a bit, a little revenge for the sarcastic jabs Kristopher had thrown about his gift thest time they spoke. But noticing Kristopher preupied, Albin chose to let it go for now.

    Turning his attention to Camille, who was cross-legged and absorbed in a game, Albin leaned over, resting his head on herp. ¡°Babe, what¡¯s the deal with Carrie being so impressive? Why keep it under wraps all this time?¡±

    Without hesitation, Camille shoved him off. ¡°Not everyone¡¯s like Kristopher, unting everything they¡¯ve got.¡±

    Albin jumped to Kristopher¡¯s defense. ¡°Kristopher doesn¡¯t brag¡ªhe¡¯s just too brilliant to keep under the radar. I mean, have you ever seen anything that can block out the sun?¡±

    Camille was momentarily at a loss for words, but hisst statement handed her the perfecteback. Giving him a look that screamed ¡°idiot,¡± she shot back, ¡°Ever heard of clouds? You don¡¯t see the sun when they¡¯re around, do you?¡±

    Albin was left with nothing to say.

    Upon arriving home, Carrie was found fast asleep,fortably nestled in her seat. Kristopher lingered in the car momentarily, observing her. Seeing she showed no signs of waking, he quietly exited the vehicle, circled to her side, and prepared to carry her inside.

    The sudden shing ring of a phone shattered the quiet. Carrie woke with a start, her eyes fluttering open. ¡°Are we home already? Why didn¡¯t you wake me?¡±

    She reached for her phone as Soren¡¯s name lit up the disy.

    Kristopher¡¯s face hardened at the sight of her phone. Irritated, he said, ¡°Does Soren not know it¡¯ste? You should be coborating on a project, not serving as his assistant.¡±

    ¡°It might be about the giarism usations,¡± Carrie said quickly, sitting upright and taking the call. She threw off the nket and moved to exit the car when a chill wind made her recoil.

    Kristopher nced at her, took the nket, and draped it over her again. Without speaking, he lifted her into his arms.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Carrie uttered in surprise.

    On the phone, Soren¡¯s voice was tinged with worry. ¡°Carrie, what¡¯s going on? Are you alright?¡±

    With a frown, Carrie lightly tapped Kristopher. ¡°Put me down, I can walk,¡± she murmured.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 450

    ?<strong>Chapter 450:</strong>

    Kristopher looked down at her bare feet. ¡°And how do you n to walk like that?¡±

    Before she could reply, he addressed the caller with a frosty tone. ¡°Mr.

    Rodgers, aren¡¯t you overstepping some boundaries? Is it really appropriate to speak so casually to someone else¡¯s wife?¡±

    Soren stood his ground, his voice growing louder in response. ¡°Mr. Norris, it was your assistant who contacted me earlier regarding Katrina. Aren¡¯t you aware that Carrie is Katrina? It seems you¡¯re not fully aware of your wife¡¯s abilities.¡±

    Kristopher stopped in his tracks, his gaze turning sharply towards Carrie.

    On the other end of the call, Soren smirked, pleased with the evident unease he¡¯d caused Kristopher.

    Carrie, feeling ufortable, looked away from Kristopher and quickly interjected, ¡°Ignore him, Mr. Rodgers. Was this call about Katrina?¡±

    Soren¡¯s tone became grave. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s crucial. You need to ess Katrina¡¯s ount and make a rifying post. I¡¯ll also reveal your true identity on thepany¡¯s profile.¡±

    While Carrie remained in Kristopher¡¯s arms, continuing her conversation, he couldn¡¯t help but gently tap her on the backside.

    After wrapping up the conversation with Soren, Carrie hung up the phone.

    Kristopher then brought Carrie into the living room, setting her gently on the couch while still embracing her closely. He looked deeply into her eyes and questioned, ¡°So, Soren knows you¡¯re Katrina, Albin does too¡ªseems like everyone knew except me?¡±

    Feeling a bit remorseful, Carrie shifted ufortably. ¡°It¡¯s not exactly public knowledge. I¡¯ve managed to keep it under wraps quite well.¡±

    Kristopher studied her face, his expression soft despite the revtions. He affectionately tweaked her cheek. ¡°Let¡¯s keep no more secrets from each other, okay?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips formed a pout. ¡°I mentioned my scriptwriting to you when I started. You didn¡¯t seem interested, so I didn¡¯t bring it up again.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a secret. You just weren¡¯t paying attention.¡±

    Nestled in the nket, she resembled a sulking child.

    Kristopher chuckled lightly. ¡°Oh, so this is somehow my fault now?¡±

    With a firm nod, Carrie replied, ¡°Exactly, as long as you acknowledge that.¡±

    Kristopher half-heartedly reached for a cigarette but then thought better of it, instead taking her hand in his. ¡°You never let anything slide, do you?¡±

    Carrie tilted her head back proudly. ¡°Why should I? I stand my ground, wrong or right. But if I¡¯m right, I never give in.¡±

    Their yful exchange was interrupted by another ring from Kristopher¡¯s phone.

    Expecting it to be Albin, he was ready to ignore the call until he saw Lise¡¯s name appear on the disy.

    Both Kristopher and Carrie looked at each other, understanding that Lise¡¯s call was likely rted to the giarism controversy.

    He hesitated, not answering immediately, instead looking at Carrie.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 451

    ?<strong>Chapter 451:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s smile lingered on her lips, but the warmth in her eyes had vanished, reced by a cold, detached look. Straightening her posture, she spoke softly but firmly. ¡°Just get to the point.¡±

    Kristopher hesitated before continuing, his tone defensive. ¡°Lise didn¡¯t know it was you who wrote the script at first. But once she found out, she rified things for you on Twitter and even spoke up on your behalf.¡±

    Before Kristopher could say more, the phone vibrating in his hand fell silent, the message notification blinking away as the tension between them thickened.

    Carrie¡¯s chest tightened. His inability¡ªor unwillingness¡ªto see through Lise¡¯s maniptive behavior suffocated her. Their rtionship had seemed to thaw recently, moments of tenderness and intimacy bridging the gap. Yet those moments were deceptive, like ss: polished and beautiful on the surface, but ready to shatter with the slightest pressure.

    She had convinced herself that their reconciliation was the result of Kristopher¡¯s genuine concessions. Sending Lise to Izrosa had felt like a turning point. But deep down, Carrie knew their reconciliation was actually the result of her emotions overpowering her reason.

    The resolve she once had to end their marriage had slowly eroded, worn down by fleeting warmth and a string of shared memories. But the unresolved tension over Lise was always lurking, waiting to tear through the thin veneer of their fragile peace.

    And as soon as the physical passion and hazy emotions faded, the cracks in their rtionship became ringly obvious. Now, as Kristopher sat across from her, his words bringing Lise into the center of their conversation once again, Carrie¡¯s doubts were no longer whispers¡ªthey were deafening.

    Their gazes met, and for a split second, Carrie caught a flicker of panic in Kristopher¡¯s eyes before he quickly looked away. Her lips curved into a faint, ambiguous smile. ¡°Do you really think she was speaking up for me on Twitter?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s mouth opened, but Carrie didn¡¯t give him a chance to respond. ¡°If she truly wanted to defend me,¡± she continued coolly, ¡°why post at such a critical moment? Those gossip ounts never directly named me. By posting then, wasn¡¯t she just confirming whatizens were already specting? Was she stopping the cyberbullying, or was she fueling the fire and making sure the usations stuck?¡±

    Kristopher pressed his lips together, unable to respond. Carrie¡¯s smile deepened, but it held no warmth. ¡°You¡¯re smart, Kristopher. Maybe you just don¡¯t understand the games women y behind the scenes. But can¡¯t you see through such a petty trick in the entertainment industry?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze dropped to the strands of hair falling near her forehead. He reached out, brushing them aside as he muttered, ¡°Lise didn¡¯t grow up in a good environment. She has her ws, but she¡¯s not a bad person. Her heart is good¡­ She¡¯s just a girl who wasn¡¯t raised properly.¡±

    Carrie pulled away from his hand, her tone sharp. ¡°She¡¯s in her twenties. Sixteen is old enough to be legally responsible for one¡¯s actions. How long are you going to excuse her behavior?¡±

    Kristopher rubbed his temples, frustration flickering in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this. Don¡¯t hold it against her. She¡¯s leaving for Izrosa soon.¡±

    Carrie let out a softugh tinged with bitterness. ¡°I thought sending her to Izrosa was your way of choosing me. That it was a concession for our marriage. I thought I was finally more important.¡±

    ¡°But now¡­ I get it. It wasn¡¯t for me. You just wanted to give her a free pass. No matter what she does, you expect me to forgive her because she¡¯s ¡®about to leave.''¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 452

    ?<strong>Chapter 452:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°Carrie, don¡¯t be like this¡ª¡±

    Carrie stood up abruptly. After a pause, she finally relented. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll let this go. She tried to kick me while I was down, but I turned her little stunt into an opportunity to gain attention. But mark my words¡ªif she pulls anything else, I won¡¯t let it slide. Instead of asking me to pardon her, maybe you should focus on keeping her in check.¡±

    Carrie stepped closer, her eyes locking with his. ¡°If you¡¯ve chosen to stay married to me, then act like it. Stop trying to have it both ways. We live in a civilized society, Kristopher. A society that frowns at polygamy¡­ and side chicks too.¡±

    With that, she turned and headed upstairs, her voice trailing back as she said, ¡°I want to sleep alone tonight.¡±

    Once inside the master bedroom, Carrie locked the door behind her and dragged a cab over to wedge it. She wasn¡¯t naive about Kristopher¡¯s persistence¡ªhis stubbornness was one of the reasons they had reached this impasse.

    Sitting on the edge of the bed, Carrie stared nkly at the floor. The drowsiness that had been pulling at her earlier was long gone, reced by the buzz of their argument. She pulled her phone from the nightstand and logged into Katrina¡¯s Twitter ount, intending to review thetest mentions andments about Lise¡¯s so-called defense.

    A notification caught her eye. In her private messages, a familiar name sat at the top of her inbox.

    Lise sent a private message to Katrina¡¯s ount: ¡°Hello, Katrina. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve seen the uproar online about the controversy surrounding Carrie giarizing your blog content. Whether as your fans or as professionals in the field, we strongly oppose such dishonest giarism. We have all her submission records and chat logs from her creative process. If you¡¯re considering legal action for infringement, we are fully ready to support you.¡±

    Furious, Carrie let out a bitterugh. Lise was clearly desperate to destroy her, scheming at every opportunity, trying to find ways to undermine her. Carrie responded shortly with just two words: ¡°No need.¡± Lise, clearly glued to her phone and expecting a reply, shot back almost immediately. ¡°Katrina, you must have solid evidence then. I¡¯m eager to hear about your victory. Justice always prevails. I trust that our country¡¯s legal system will hold all giarists ountable.¡±

    Carrie paused, a sly smile dancing in her eyes. Her fingers moved quickly across the screen as she typed, ¡°I am Carrie.¡±

    Lise sat on her brand-new leather sofa, staring nkly at Carrie¡¯s message. After a long silence, she passed the phone to Elva. ¡°What¡¯s going on with Katrina¡¯s message? Is she messing with us?¡±

    But Elva didn¡¯t respond to the question. Instead, her eyes stayed locked on the screen as she said, ¡°Check out what Katrina just tweeted.¡±

    Lise furrowed her brows, closed the private message, and navigated to Katrina¡¯s Twitter page. The moment she saw the pinned post, any confusion she had vanished, reced by sheer disbelief.

    ¡°Hey everyone, I¡¯m Katrina, the screenwriter. I¡¯m also Carrie, the actress. Writing scripts was just a personal hobby. We all have different sides, and I wanted to write the stories I love under a pen name. Thanks to the love and support of readers and viewers, those stories gained recognition. Recently, due to personal reasons, I took on amercial script. In bncing my creative work with real-life responsibilities, I used a new pseudonym. Along the way, I carelessly included some of my old blog posts in the script. This was just a misunderstanding, one that could¡¯ve been quietly settled. But after the scriptpany demandedpensation and didn¡¯t receive it, they cut ties with me. Now, I¡¯m left with no choice but to address this openly. Thank you to everyone who defended me against giarism. Your support is why creators like us can maintain our belief in originality.¡±

    The forced reveal, a consequence of all the chaos, ended up having a far greater impact than if she had chosen to reveal her identity on her own. Twitter¡¯s servers were overwhelmed almost instantly. Ten minutester, a new trending topic surged to the top: ¡°Carrie Revealed As The Famous Screenwriter Katrina.¡± The twist was so unbelievable it seemed like fiction: a struggling soap-opera actress revealed to be one of the most famous screenwriters in the industry. Fans started digging into Carrie¡¯s past, even discovering why Asher had always been so protective of her. Turns out, Katrina was Asher¡¯s idol, someone he had publicly praised countless times. Carrie was instantly elevated to icon status. The chaos that followed far exceeded anything Soren and his team had ever imagined.

    Lise was thrust back into the harsh re of public scrutiny, with some keen-eyedizens catching the hidden sarcasm in her Twitter posts. For those who didn¡¯t understand the full history between Carrie and Lise, opinions remained split. Some argued that Lise had meant well but had just gone about it the wrong way. Lise could never have foreseen such a ridiculous and shocking turn of events.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 453

    ?<strong>Chapter 453:</strong>

    Her hand went limp, and her phone slipped from her fingers, falling onto the marble floor. The screen shattered in a web of cracks.

    Why? Why was Carrie so lucky?

    Kristopher sat on the couch for a good half-hour, his face reflecting his hesitation. Eventually, he got up and headed toward the bedroom. When he reached for the door handle, he felt it wouldn¡¯t budge. It took him a second to realize that Carrie had locked it from the inside. But since all the locks in the house were synced to his fingerprint, her small act of defiance wasn¡¯t enough to stop him.

    Just as he was about to press his finger to the lock sensor, his phone started ringing. He pulled out his phone and saw Lise¡¯s name shing on the screen. He lowered his hand and walked down the staircase before answering the call.

    The moment he picked up, Elva¡¯s voice burst through the line, frantic and shaky. ¡°Mr. Norris! It¡¯s Lise¡ªshe had a heart attack. They¡¯ve taken her to the hospital.¡±

    At Bayview Vi¡­

    A faint noise made Carrie look up from her phone. She walked to the window, catching a glimpse of Kristopher¡¯s car pulling out of the driveway. She stood there and watched the sleek ck vehicle vanish into the night, merging with the shadows. A chill crept through her chest, leaving her feeling uneasy. No matter how much she tried to push the thought away, reality wouldn¡¯t let her. Leaving at this hour could only mean one thing: Kristopher was on his way to see Lise.

    Just as the weight of her thoughts threatened to pull her under, Camille appeared at her door five minutester, carrying two bags of barbecue and a case of beer. The moment Carrie unlocked the door, Camille pushed the barbecue into her hands and marched inside with the beer.

    ¡°I saw the news on Twitter and thought, why not celebrate with your favorite barbecue? Drama like this? Top-tier entertainment. Even the craziest soap operas couldn¡¯tpete.¡±

    Carrie looked at the crinkled paper bag and smiled faintly. This barbecue wasn¡¯t just food¡ªit was nostalgia. It came from a tiny street vendor, famous for its unbeatable vors. No delivery apps, no shy promotions¡ªjust a crowd of loyal regrs who kept its reputation alive. She realized how long it had been since she¡¯d tasted it. Only Camille would think of something so thoughtful¡ªand so perfectly timed.

    With a small shrug, Carrie felt a bit of the heaviness in her heart lift. She shut the door and trailed after Camille. Camille, true to form, kicked her shoes off without a care, leaving them wherever theynded, and flopped down cross-legged on the plush carpet. The beer box left dusty marks on the spotless white rug.

    The rug was one of Kristopher¡¯s extravagant purchases¡ªa handcrafted luxury item that most would disy as art. Naturally, Kristopher had decided it should serve as an everyday carpet. Carrie¡¯s mind did the math in seconds: cleaning that rug alone would set them back over a thousand dors. Then again, whether the damage was a faint smudge or a full-blown disaster, it hardly seemed to matter anymore. Deciding it wasn¡¯t worth stressing over, she grabbed the barbecue and joined Camille on the floor.

    Camille ripped open the bag, grabbed a skewer of chicken wings, and wiped her greasy fingers carelessly on the priceless rug. Carrie threw up her hands in silent surrender. After devouring a wing, Camille nced around as though noticing the emptiness for the first time.

    ¡°Speaking of which, where¡¯s Kristopher? Pulling an all-nighter?¡±

    Carrie took a bite of her sausage, her expression unreadable. ¡°He left shortly after I posted on Twitter. Probably headed to see Lise.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 454

    ?<strong>Chapter 454:</strong>

    Camille cracked open a beer with her teeth and passed it to Carrie. ¡°Seriously, what¡¯s the deal with Lise? She¡¯s not that special.¡±

    Carrie took the beer from her, gulping down a long swig, feeling the fizz and alcohol work its way through her senses. After a brief silence, she spoke in a t tone. ¡°Old habits die hard.¡±

    Camille paused to gather her thoughts before adding, ¡°I actually spoke to Albin about this¡­¡± She raised her hand defensively. ¡°I swear, I wasn¡¯t selling you out. I just thought, since Albin¡¯s Kristopher¡¯s friend, he might have a different perspective.¡±

    Carrie turned her gaze towards Camille, intrigued. ¡°And then?¡±

    Camille paused, then said, ¡°Albin thinks Kristopher doesn¡¯t have romantic feelings for Lise. He sees it more like a brother-sister thing.¡±

    Carrie furrowed her brow, then let out a dryugh. ¡°That¡¯s a pretty flimsy excuse.¡±

    ¡°How can two unrted adults just be ¡®siblings¡¯? What, are they some kind of emotional brother and sister?¡±

    Camille shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know how to exin it. But something feels off, like there¡¯s more to the story than we¡¯re being told.¡±

    Camille popped open another beer with the same exaggerated ir and took a gulp. ¡°I¡¯m with Albin now, so I¡¯m not one to criticize. But seriously, we can¡¯t both be stuck in miserable rtionships, can we?¡±

    Carrie sighed and shook her head slowly. ¡°Kristopher isn¡¯t that type of person. If something was going on, he would have told me by now. What kind of secret could possibly be so huge that he¡¯d rather fight with me every single day than just sit down and exin it?¡±

    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;

    She paused, her voice softening with frustration, then sighed deeply again. ¡°Honestly, maybe this is just fate. Maybe, in a past life, I did something really horrible¡ªlike I wiped out Lise¡¯s entire family or something, and now she¡¯s here, haunting my marriage like some kind of ghost. It¡¯s like she¡¯s refusing to let me have even a moment of peace.¡±

    ¡°Okay, enough with the sad talk. Tonight, we¡¯re celebrating your sudden rise to fame!¡± Camille lifted her beer and tapped it against Carrie¡¯s bottle.

    The two of them gulped down their beers at the same time, drinking straight from the bottles. Camille let out a loud burp before pulling out her phone and opening Twitter.

    Silver Elephant Media had retweeted Katrina¡¯s post, turning the moment into a promotional opportunity for Agarwood. Katrina, the famous screenwriter, was also a beautiful woman, ying the female lead in her own drama, portraying a strong, independent woman¡­ People online were calling it a perfect example of life imitating art, like the heroine had somehow stepped right out of the show and into real life, transforming a romantic drama into an unexpectedly inspiring sess story.

    Camille scrolled throughment afterment, each one showering Carrie with praise.

    She looked even more thrilled than if thepliments had been aimed at her. Burping again, she grinned wide. ¡°Talent always gets its time to shine. Carrie, you¡¯re absolutely killing it! I¡¯m so excited for you. I never imagined it would take off like this.¡±

    What neither of them sawing was that Carrie¡¯s ount had gained a jaw-dropping eight million followers overnight, overtaking Katrina¡¯s by three million.

    Kristopher reclined silently on the sofa in the doctor¡¯s office. Illuminated by stark, cold light, he resembled a perfectly sculpted figure¡ªstoic and impassive. A dark blue shirt hung loosely on his frame, its cuffs undone, while his brow furrowed in thought. A cigarette dangled from his lips.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 455

    ?<strong>Chapter 455:</strong>

    The doctor studied him carefully before finally breaking the silence. ¡°Ms. Nash¡¯s condition has worsened significantly. If her emotional state continues to destabilize, her system may initiate a defensive rejection. We might then have to consider another transnt.¡±

    In previous visits, it had been clear to the doctor that Lise wasn¡¯t genuinely ill. As a private institution ustomed to indulging the theatrics of young lovers, they had overlooked such trivial matters. But now, the gravity of the situation demanded a preemptive warning to Kristopher¡ªto prevent any potential outburstster.

    With measured precision, Kristopher removed the cigarette from his lips, tapping it against the ashtray¡¯s rim before extinguishing it. Turning his steely gaze to the doctor, he asked, ¡°And what bes of the original heart should a second transnt be necessary?¡±

    ¡°Hmm?¡± The question caught the doctor off guard. He had expected concern for Lise, not the organ itself. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he replied, ¡°A second procedure would result in the original heart no longer existing.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed further. ¡°Is it possible then to re-transnt the original heart into another?¡±

    Pen hovering midair, the doctor paused. ¡°Highly unlikely. Any rejection wouldpromise its functionality.¡±

    Kristopher stood, his demeanor hardening. ¡°Prioritize the heart¡¯s preservation.¡±

    ¡°I want minimal rejection risk.¡± The doctor¡¯s voice held a note of caution. ¡°Some of the stronger medications might harm her more than help.¡± Kristopher¡¯s face remained impassable. ¡°At all costs, preserve the heart.¡±

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    ¡°Very well, Mr. Norris.¡± It was painfully clear now¡ªKristopher¡¯s concerny more with the heart inside Lise than with Lise herself.

    Later that night, after several drinks, Carrie and Camille were slightly inebriated. One sprawled across the coffee table, the other slouched against the couch, mumbling incoherently.

    In the middle of the night, Kristopher arrived home. Upon entering the room and observing the chaos, his expression soured. He paused in the doorway and decisively called out to Albin, his tone cold as hemanded, ¡°Come over to Bayview Vi immediately and pick up your woman.¡±

    Startled awake by the firmness in Kristopher¡¯s voice, Albin bolted upright in bed. Still disoriented, he began dressing, not fullyprehending who Kristopher referred to as ¡°your woman.¡±

    Circling the disarray, Kristopher stopped by Carrie, who, semi-conscious, was mumbling under her breath. His name asionally surfaced amid less-than-ttering remarks.

    Attempting to lift her, he touched her shoulder, causing her eyes to flutter open. Noticing the polished leather shoes before her on thevish carpet, Carrie¡¯s expression turned into a scowl.

    He had expected her to either ignore him or confront him angrily. Instead, she weakly shoved at his leg, d in fine trousers, saying, ¡°Move away! Those shoes will ruin the expensive carpet.¡±

    With a quietugh, Kristopher responded, ¡°Worried about the carpet now? You¡¯ve treated this luxury piece worse than garbage.¡±

    ncing around, Carrie took in the sight of empty liquor bottles, beer stains marring the once-spotless carpet, and chicken bones tangled in its fibers. A pang of remorse struck her, and she straightened up, attempting to obscure the disaster from his view.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 456

    ?<strong>Chapter 456:</strong>

    With a mocking tone, Kristopher taunted, ¡°Hiding it again?¡±

    ¡°Think that will make it all vanish?¡±

    As he spoke, he leaned slightly, peering around her to survey the extent of the damage.

    Staggering to maintain her bnce and propping herself against the couch, Carrie retorted sharply, ¡°It¡¯s just a rug. I¡¯ll get a new one.¡±

    She recalled the money Kristopher had recently given her for a pen; to her, recing a million-dor carpet seemed trivial.

    Kristopher, understanding her intent instantly, sat down beside her and asked, ¡°nning to use the pen money to cover this, then?¡±

    Struggling to stay upright, Carrie copsed beside him, saying, ¡°You always have to make everything about profit! Can¡¯t you stop being a businessman, even with your wife?¡±

    With a casual shrug, Kristopher removed his jacket and replied, ¡°A million hardly justifies scheming. Feel free to try and hustle that amount. I won¡¯t interfere.¡±

    Carrie grimaced, pondering where she could possibly conjure such a sum.

    As if anticipating her thoughts, Kristopher added with a smirk, ¡°Realistically, I¡¯m the only one you could possibly swindle out of a million dors.¡±

    Carrie red at Kristopher for what felt like forever, but her thoughts were clouded, dulled by the alcohol, and she couldn¡¯t find the words to respond.

    Just as they were talking, Albin rushed in. The door to the living room was slightly open, so he pushed it the rest of the way and stepped in.

    ¡°Kristopher, you asked me to pick¡­¡± He hadn¡¯t even finished his sentence when his eyesnded on Camille, passed out on the coffee table.

    He quickly crossed the room, knelt beside her, and gently patted her. ¡°Baby, why are you sleeping here? Let me take you home.¡±

    Camille stirred groggily and slowly stood up. As Albin reached out to steady her, he identally knocked over a bottle of beer, spilling it all over the ce.

    Suddenly alert, Carrie pointed at the beer spilling on the floor and said to Albin, ¡°You¡¯ve ruined the carpet. Pay up. It was imported from abroad, worth over two million dors.¡±

    Albin stepped back, eyes widening as he looked at the carpet¡ªonly to knock over a few more bottles, turning the floor into a small river of beer.

    He turned to Kristopher for help, his voice unsure. ¡°Kristopher¡­¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t even bother to look up, casually replying, ¡°Hmm, just give two and a half million.¡±

    Albin¡¯s eyes went wide with disbelief. ¡°Seriously, how can a carpet be worth that much?¡±

    Kristopher replied,pletely unfazed, ¡°Bank transfer?¡±

    At the mention of a transfer, Carrie quickly reached into her pocket for her phone¡ªbut it wasn¡¯t there.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 457

    ?<strong>Chapter 457:</strong>

    Kristopher noticed what she was doing and nced over her shoulder before reaching out to take her phone. But before he could hand it back to her, she quickly snatched it away, narrowing her eyes at him.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked, her tone cautious.

    He sighed. ¡°Weren¡¯t you looking for your phone?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah, right,¡± Carrie mumbled, still a little out of it.

    Turning away from him, she pulled up the QR code on her phone and held it out to Albin. ¡°Scan it.¡±

    Albin chuckled. ¡°Carrie, this app doesn¡¯t allow transfers of that size.¡±

    Carrie thought for a moment, then withdrew her phone. Just as Albin thought it was over, Carrie opened her mobile banking app and handed it to him, her speech slurred. ¡°Bank transfer then. Here¡¯s my ount number.¡±

    Albin looked at Kristopher, seeking some kind of support. ¡°Kristopher,e on, you can¡¯t actually be serious about this, can you?¡±

    However, Kristopher¡¯s face remainedpletely neutral, giving away nothing as he replied, ¡°Business is business, Albin. Even if we¡¯re friends, that doesn¡¯t change the facts.¡±

    Albin gritted his teeth, pulled out his phone, and quickly transferred two and a half million to Carrie, muttering, ¡°You two are scammers, I swear.¡±

    Kristopher responded calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous. Scamming is illegal. I¡¯m a straightforward and honest businessman.¡±

    Albin didn¡¯t dare argue with him. He tucked his phone away and lifted Camille in his arms. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m leaving now.¡±

    Once they had left, Kristopher turned to Carrie with a calm expression. ¡°Okay, now go ahead and transfer one and a half million to me,¡± he said in a casual tone.

    Slipping her phone into her pocket, Carrie raised an eyebrow. ¡°Why should I? I earned that money myself; there¡¯s no reason to hand it over.¡±

    Kristopher let out a dryugh, shaking his head. ¡°Because you and your friend trashed the carpet. You said you¡¯d pay me back for it, remember?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze wavered, and she blinked, her vision splitting into two Kristophers. Shaking her head to clear it, she replied, ¡°The carpet belongs to both of us. Why should I foot the bill? Besides, I¡¯ll have someonee clean it tomorrow. It¡¯s only a few thousand at most, and it¡¯s just some spilled beer, not like it¡¯s destroyed.¡±

    ¡°Or, if you prefer, I can send you the cleaning fee, and you can take care of it yourself.¡± She grabbed her phone, tapped away in a payment app, and slid it back into her pocket.

    Giving Kristopher a light pat on the shoulder, she said, ¡°I sent you ten thousand. Keep the change¡ªit¡¯s your pocket money now.¡±

    Kristopher looked at the transfer notification on his screen and smirked. ¡°You have a knack for business, you know.¡±

    Carrie waved dismissively. ¡°Everyone has their calling.¡±

    The buzz from the alcohol surged again, and she felt exhaustion take over. Like a balloon losing air, she sank down and hugged a nearby pillow.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 458

    ?<strong>Chapter 458:</strong>

    Kristopher epted the transfer with a quick tap, slipped his phone into his pocket, and got to his feet. Leaning down, he carefully scooped her up in his arms. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get you to bed,¡± he said softly.

    Too drained to open her eyes, Carrie didn¡¯t protest and curled upfortably in his arms.

    Kristopher carried Carrie to the bedroom and carefully ced her on the bed. But just as he tried to pull away, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. He lost his footing and tumbled forward,nding on top of her, his frame pressed against her soft form. His throat tightened, and he hesitated as he leaned closer for a kiss. But at that moment, her hold on his neck ckened. She released him, turned away, and snuggled into the nkets. Within moments, her breathing became steady as she drifted off to sleep.

    Kristopher froze for a moment, his gaze lingering on her. After a quiet sigh, he straightened himself and turned, heading toward the bathroom without a word.

    The following morning, when Carrie stirred awake, the bed beside her was empty, but faint noises drifted up from downstairs. She figured Kristopher was in the kitchen and didn¡¯t give it much thought. With azy stretch, she sat up, catching the faint scent of alcohol still clinging to the sheets. shes ofst night¡¯s events, including her bold demand for money from Albin, came rushing back. She cautiously opened her mobile banking app. As expected, there it was¡ªa fresh deposit of $2.5 million.

    She suddenly understood why wealthy men were so tempting to others. It had been absurdly easy¡ªshe¡¯d been steredst night and still walked away with $2.5 million.

    After taking a shower and slipping into somefy home clothes, Carrie made her way downstairs. She wasn¡¯t sure how to face Kristopher. They¡¯d been giving each other the silent treatment, butst night¡¯s drunken blunder made the act feel a little forced.

    Still, the issue with Lise wasn¡¯t something she could easily overlook. As Carrie entered the living room, she noticed Kristopher was nowhere in sight. Her eyes caught the open door leading to the garden, where Mny was tending to the flowers with a watering can, while Shawn sat close by, engrossed in a newspaper with his reading sses perched on his nose. Carrie hesitated for a split second before quickly stepping outside.

    ?????????v?????.co?? for more reading

    ¡°Shawn, Mny, what a surprise! What brings you here?¡± Carrie greeted them with a smile.

    Mny paused mid-action, turning with a warm smile. ¡°Ah, Carrie, you¡¯re up already?¡±

    Carrie hurried over, gently taking the watering can from Mny¡¯s hands and setting it aside. Linking her arm with Mny¡¯s, she said with a small grin, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me when you arrived?¡±

    Mny gave her hand a light pat and smiled. ¡°There was no need to disturb you. You¡¯ve been working so hardtely¡ªyou deserve all the rest you can get.¡±

    Carrie guided Mny to the seat beside Shawn, then greeted him softly, ¡°Shawn.¡±

    ¡°Mm,¡± Shawn responded without lifting his gaze from the paper.

    Reaching into her bag, Mny pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal an exquisite jade bracelet. The bracelet was breathtaking, crafted fromvender jadeite with a smooth, radiant finish. It was a rare piece, blending remarkable beauty with immense value. With a gentle smile, Mny took Carrie¡¯s hand and slid the bracelet onto her wrist.

    ¡°I found this lovely piece a few days ago and thought of you. Purple jade is said to bring good luck; may it add to yours.¡±

    Carrie gazed at the softvender hue on her wrist, feeling a wave of warmth in her chest. ¡°Thank you, Mny.¡±

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 Chapter 459

    ?<strong>Chapter 459:</strong>

    ¡°We¡¯re family; no need to thank me,¡± Mny replied warmly before smoothly changing the topic. ¡°How¡¯s the baby nninging along with Kristopher?¡±

    Carrie paused, her hand brushing over her t stomach awkwardly. ¡°Nothing yet.¡±

    Mny didn¡¯t seem the least bit disappointed. She gave Carrie¡¯s hand a gentle, reassuring pat. ¡°These things take time.¡±

    ¡°The more you stress, the harder it bes. Just take it easy and let nature do its thing.¡±

    Carrie gave a small nod. ¡°Mm,¡± she murmured, her eyes wandering across the room, evidently searching for Kristopher.

    Mny picked up on it immediately. ¡°Kristopher left for the office. He won¡¯t be home for lunch, but don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll keep youpany.¡±

    Carrie quickly assessed the pantry in her mind, considering the elderly couple¡¯s tastes and dietary needs. Rising promptly, she said, ¡°Mny, Shawn, we¡¯re a bit short on supplies at home. Please make yourselvesfortable here. I¡¯ll step out and grab what we need.¡± Her instinct to take charge kicked in¡ªnot from a need to impress, but from a genuine desire to care for them and express her love for the visiting elders.

    Mny, catching her by the arm with a chuckle, teased, ¡°You appear so calm, yet you rush into action so quickly. We¡¯ve barely begun our conversation, and you¡¯re already off to shop for dinner. There¡¯s no hurry. We have plenty of time before we eat.¡± Her voice was warm, filled with fondness rather than criticism.

    Recognizing their affection for her, Carrie paused and returned to her seat obediently. As she settled down, Mny added, ¡°We¡¯re here to spend time with you, not to watch you busily cook and clean for us. We might not be as active as we once were, but we don¡¯t want to be a burden. Actually, I¡¯ve already sent some people out to pick up groceries. They¡¯ll be back shortly. Rx, sit with me, and let¡¯s enjoy a good chat.¡±

    No sooner had Mny finished her reassurance than the Norris Mansion staff entered,den with shopping bags. They said, ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris.¡± Upon noticing Carrie, they offered a respectful nod. ¡°Mrs. Carrie Norris.¡±

    After the servants took the groceries into the house, Mny¡¯s demeanor shifted as she addressed Carrie with gravity. She said deliberately, ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m aware of the challenges you¡¯ve faced in this marriage, particrly with Lise. It seems Kristopher is bewitched, turning a deaf ear to our advice. Now that he oversees the Norris legacy, we cannot simply reprimand him as if he were still a child¡ªit would not only embarrass him but also diminish our family¡¯s reputation.¡±

    Softly, Carrie responded, ¡°Mny, I truly appreciate your understanding and the kindness you and Shawn extend to me.¡±

    Mny¡¯s expression brightened with relief, her voice softening appreciatively. ¡°Your willingness to reconsider things with Kristopher suggests that your love for him hasn¡¯t waned, and there¡¯s still hope for him. My hope is that this time around, you both will cultivate your bond more attentively.¡±

    Carrie found herself bewildered. Was this the sole reason for their visit?

    Mny, noticing Carrie¡¯s bemused expression, exined, ¡°We visited the hospital yesterday and saw Lise. Her condition appears to be deteriorating.¡±

    With this revtion, Carrie realized why the elders had arrived. They likely witnessed Kristopher¡¯s interaction with Lise and, recalling the rumors of a possible divorce, wanted to offer her reassurance. Yet, Lise¡¯s predicament wasn¡¯t Carrie¡¯s concern. Instead, she sped Mny¡¯s hand, her gaze sweeping worriedly over both elders. Relieved to see them appearing robust and vivacious, she voiced her concern gently, saying, ¡°How are you both? Nothing serious at the doctor¡¯s, I hope?¡±

    ¡°It was merely a routine visit,¡± Mny said, touched by Carrie¡¯s genuine worry. Within the Norris family, expressions of concern weremon, yet they often masked deeper, selfish motives. To Mny and Shawn, Carrie¡¯s earnestness was a breath of fresh air.

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 Chapter 460

    ?<strong>Chapter 460:</strong>

    In their twilight years, surrounded by a lifetime of power and pretense, genuine affection was what they valued most. Setting aside his newspaper, Shawn interjected thoughtfully, ¡°Kristopher may not have been the most attentive husband recently, but he and Lise do share a history. It would be heartless of him to remain indifferent to her struggles.¡±

    ¡°I see your point, Shawn,¡± Carrie replied, although she harbored reservations. She recognized the challenge for Shawn, once a patriarch, to fully grasp her perspective, given their different life experiences and generational gaps. Despite these differences, she respected that their intentions were good, choosing not to debate the nuances of the situation. Adults understand that life isn¡¯t just ck or white; it¡¯s aplex spectrum of gray, where motives and truths intertwine.

    Just then, a servant approached them. ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, Mrs. Carrie Norris, dinner is served.¡±

    Carrie turned to the servant with a grateful smile. ¡°Your cooking is always so delightful. I seem to eat too much every time I visit Norris Mansion.¡±

    Mny chimed in cheerfully, ¡°I heard your cook left recently. Since you enjoy the food here so much, why not have her stay on at Bayview Vi? You¡¯re looking a bit slender, especially if you¡¯re considering a baby soon. You¡¯re quite photogenic as is, no need to chase after some unrealistic ideal of slimness.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Mny,¡± Carrie responded warmly, assisting Mny to her feet. Pulling at the newspaper in Shawn¡¯s hand, Mny urged, ¡°Put that away, Shawn. Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    As Carrie assisted Mny towards the dining table, her phone began to ring. She ensured Mny was settled in her chair before answering the call. On the screen, the caller ID read ¡°Daxton.¡±

    Catching sight of the name, Mny¡¯s eyebrow arched in intrigue. She leaned towards Shawn, asking softly, ¡°Daxton¡­ isn¡¯t he¡­?¡±

    Shawn nodded and responded, ¡°He¡¯s Kristopher¡¯s nephew.¡±

    Mny¡¯s confusion grew. ¡°Aren¡¯t Kristopher and the Garcia family estranged?¡±

    ¡°Daxton was actually ahead of me in college,¡± Carrie replied. ¡°Back then, I was unaware of his ties to Kristopher¡¯s family.¡±

    A knowing smile crossed Mny¡¯s face. ¡°Such a small world, isn¡¯t it? Keeping in touch with rtives is generally a positive thing.¡±

    Yet, her smile faded into a contemtive sigh. She continued, slightly wistful, ¡°Kristopher often seems detached. In families like ours, it¡¯s easy to feel like blood rtions are just distant connections. However, some bonds, unseen, persistently pull us together. Ignoring them doesn¡¯t make them vanish.¡±

    While Carrie had never delved deeply into the dynamics between Kristopher and the Garcia family, believing familial distances were normal, Mny¡¯sments now sparked her interest. Turning to Mny, she inquired, ¡°Is there a specific issue between Kristopher and Daxton?¡±

    Mny looked taken aback. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Kristopher discussed this with you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes dropped, and she shook her head. ¡°Kristopher tends tomunicate more like a director than a partner. He¡¯s only warned me to keep away from Daxton, without much exnation.¡±

    Mny affirmed with a nod. ¡°Indeed, the rift between Kristopher and the Garcia family stemmed from business disagreements. As you might know, the Norris family strictly prohibits any association with gambling, drugs, or simr vices.¡±

    Carrie acknowledged this with a nod. Historically, the Norris family enterprises steered clear of any ventures linked to these frowned-upon industries, even in regions where gambling was legal. Notably, they had never ventured into the casino business.

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 Chapter 461

    ?<strong>Chapter 461:</strong>

    This information led Carrie to grow suspicious. She turned to Mny, asking cautiously, ¡°Is it possible that Daxton was caught up in such activities?¡± Though she posed the question gently, Carrie internally dismissed the thought almost immediately. Given Daxton¡¯s reputable character, she found it hard to believe he would engage in such misconduct.

    Mny exined both affirmatively and negatively, ¡°In a manner of speaking, yes. However, it was his father who had the gambling issues. Shawn had to intervene, ultimately removing him from the Norris Group to confront his addiction. Shawn was notoriously headstrong.¡±

    After a brief pause, Mny looked affectionately at Shawn and replied lightly, ¡°The Norris men do share a trait¡ªthey¡¯re as stubborn as can be.¡±

    Shawn, maintaining a grave demeanor, replied, ¡°Hold on, why involve me in this? Focus on his actions, not ours.¡±

    Watching the elderly pair quibble brought a smile to Carrie¡¯s face. She pondered if she and Kristopher might one day find themselves in a simr, yful dispute.

    Mny, with augh, continued, ¡°Daxton¡¯s father didn¡¯t stop there; he went on to gamble on horse races in Ofrubert, where he amassed a considerable sum, then relocated to Fairwyn and established himself as a sessful junket operator, earning a significant reputation.¡±

    Shawn sighed, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Cillian is a strong-willed man,pletely unlike Roberto. If Roberto had even half his determination, Kristopher wouldn¡¯t have had to shoulder the entire Norris family¡¯s burden at such a young age. Things wouldn¡¯t have turned out like this.¡±

    Roberto was Kristopher¡¯s father, and from Shawn¡¯s words, Carrie could infer that Cillian was likely Daxton¡¯s father.

    Mny shook her head, her expression heavy with disapproval. ¡°Determination without boundaries can be dangerous. Gambling is one thing, but he¡¯s tangled up with criminals abroad. If he keeps this up, it¡¯s only a matter of time before something serious happens.¡±

    Carrie, startled by the revtion, leaned forward slightly. ¡°Does Daxton know about this?¡±

    Mny shrugged, her tone uncertain. ¡°I don¡¯t know if he does. Ever since Kristopher severed ties with the Garcia family, we haven¡¯t kept in touch. Their affairs are a mystery to us. But Daxton¡¯s father has been living abroad for years, and they barely see each other. They¡¯re practically strangers.¡±

    Shawn added thoughtfully, ¡°There was a time, a few years ago, when Daxton went abroad for his studies. It seemed like their rtionship might have improved then.¡±

    Mny gave a skeptical hum. ¡°I doubt Cillian would involve Daxton in his business dealings. Daxton¡¯s always been well-mannered, polite, and clean-handed. He¡¯s nothing like his father.¡±

    After a pause, Mny turned to Carrie with a small smile. ¡°Since you and Daxton already know each other, I think it¡¯s good to stay in touch. After all, family connections are important. And you, Carrie¡ªyou¡¯re like a ray of sunshine.¡±

    ¡°Your positive energy could be a good influence on him.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, her phone began to ring again.

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 Chapter 462

    ?<strong>Chapter 462:</strong>

    Mny nced at the phone. ¡°It might be something urgent. You¡¯d better answer.¡±

    Carrie hesitated only briefly before taking the call, her voice calm as she greeted, ¡°Daxton.¡±

    There was nothing inappropriate about her friendship with Daxton, and Carrie didn¡¯t want to avoid the call in front of Kristopher¡¯s grandparents, as it could lead to unnecessary spectionter.

    Daxton¡¯s voice came through the line, warm and familiar. ¡°Have you eaten yet?¡±

    Carrie nced at the dining table and replied, ¡°I¡¯m about to. Kristopher¡¯s grandfather and grandmother are here.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s tone shifted, sounding apologetic. ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡±

    The room was quiet enough that Shawn and Mny could clearly hear Daxton¡¯s voice.

    Carrie turned to the elderly couple and said, ¡°Shawn, Mny, please go ahead and eat. Don¡¯t wait for me.¡±

    She made a move to help serve the elderly couple, but Mny waved her off with a chuckle, already picking up her fork. ¡°Shawn and I can manage just fine. You don¡¯t have to fuss over us.¡±

    Carrie focused back on the call. ¡°Daxton, is something wrong? Do you need something?¡±

    There was a brief pause on the line before Daxton spoke, his tone careful. ¡°The person Lise transferred money to¡ªEmilio¡ªis your housekeeper Willow¡¯s son.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    Emilio¡­

    The name suddenly clicked into ce.

    She remembered Emilio from the ¡°car ident.¡±

    She now realized why it had sounded familiar at the time.

    A flood of memories washed over her¡ªWillow¡¯s inexplicable hostility, her over-eager interest in Carrie¡¯s affairs, the suspicious moments that Carrie had brushed aside in the past. All the pieces fell into ce. Willow wasn¡¯t just nosy or resentful. She was working for Lise.

    Daxton¡¯s voice brought her back to the present. ¡°Carrie? Are you okay?¡±

    Carrie quickly masked her shock with a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m fine. Thank you for telling me this, Daxton.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a n?¡± Daxton asked gently. ¡°Is there anything I can do to help?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll manage on my own, thank you. This matter is personal and within the family,¡± she said politely.

    As Carrie¡¯s other hand rested on the table, her fingers began to trace unconscious patterns. Though she spoke with outward calm, her thoughts were in disarray, swirling with confusion.

    ¡°Very well, just know that you can contact me if you need anything,¡± Daxton replied, his voice tinged with a subtle undertone of disappointment.

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 Chapter 463

    ?<strong>Chapter 463:</strong>

    Once the call ended, Mny halted mid-reach for her meal and turned her attention to Carrie. ¡°What¡¯s the trouble? I overheard something about Lise transferring funds to your housekeeper¡¯s son. Can you fill me in?¡±

    With her skilled insight from years as the Norris family matriarch, Mny quickly pieced together the essence of the situation.

    Elsewhere, not far from Bayview Vi, a Mercedes-Benz business sedan stood parked along the roadside. Inside, Daxton finished his phone conversation and began idly tapping on his device.

    Shrouded in the car¡¯s shadows, his expression was obscured, recing his typically affable manner with an air of aloofness and reserve.

    The man seated next to him inquired, ¡°Mr. Garcia, you didn¡¯t inform Ms. Campbell previously, so what prompted you to reach out to her now? With Kristopher¡¯s grandparents there, they¡¯re bound to defend him.¡±

    A cold smile crept across Daxton¡¯s face. ¡°Without knowledge, they remain on the edge. It¡¯s crucial that they understand the full picture, as they¡¯re likely to support Kristopher when it matters most. This alignment ensures that if things fall apart again, Carrie will have no soft corners to retreat to. She tends to be overly influenced by what she perceives as family loyalty.¡±

    Hispanion expressed confusion. ¡°But they¡¯ve just mended things.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it too soon for another fallout?¡±

    Daxton met his gaze,den with implication, yet remained silent. He flicked through his phone and chuckled at an embarrassing snapshot of Carrie, caught vomiting on the set.

    To the astonished elderly couple, Carrieid out the plot. Lise had not only paid the housekeeper to spy but also enlisted Emilio to orchestrate a smear campaign against her with online mercenaries.

    A gasp escaped Mny, her features twisted in disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe Lise would stoop so low! I always knew she wasn¡¯t the nicest, but this is downright wicked.¡±

    Without a word, Shawn¡¯s expression darkened, his lips tightly sealed.

    Noticing their reluctance to side with Kristopher, Carrie reassured them. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry anymore. I¡¯ve let the housekeeper go.¡±

    Shawn added firmly, ¡°Moreover, I¡¯ll ensure her family is relocated far from Orkset, never to return.¡±

    Just then, the door swung open as Kristopher entered. Casting a nce at those gathered at the dining table, he teased, ¡°What, no one thought to wait for me?¡±

    Shawn faced him with a hard gaze. ¡°Are you still nning to join us for dinner?¡±

    Pausing, Kristopher slipped into the slippers offered by a servant, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Really now, what have I done to be denied dinner?¡±

    Standing by Carrie, Mny chimed in, ¡°So, when do you n on sending Lise away?¡±

    As he approached, Kristopher exined casually, ¡°I told you bothst night about her heart issue; she needs extra care right now.¡± He had hoped his grandparents would ry his message with kindness, yet here they were, confronting him directly.

    Mny¡¯s voice was cold as she dropped her fork with a clink. ¡°What does her heart problem have to do with you? Shouldn¡¯t you be more concerned about your wife, especially if you want to start a family?¡±

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 Chapter 464

    ?<strong>Chapter 464:</strong>

    Sitting beside Carrie, Kristopher shed a roguish grin, tucking a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. ¡°It¡¯s all about bnce. If we don¡¯t slow down now and then, it¡¯ll be too much, especially for her.¡±

    Carrie brushed his hand aside with a re, signaling him to mind his manners before the elders.

    Shawn intervened, ¡°The best heart specialists are in Weblon. Consider sending her there; a dedicated team might improve her condition significantly.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not. She needs to be where I can keep an eye on her.¡± Kristopher¡¯s immediate response was defensive.

    Misunderstanding

    Kristopher cast a sideways nce at Carrie, catching the unmistakable displeasure in her expression. ¡°Let¡¯s move on from this,¡± he said with a calm tone that betrayed his unease.

    Waving at the servant, he added, ¡°Bring me another set of utensils. I haven¡¯t eaten yet.¡±

    In truth, he wasn¡¯t hungry at all. He was simply trying to shift the conversation.

    Carrie sat quietly for a moment, her gaze steady on him. She decided it was better to address the issue now, while everyone was present, instead of letting it fester. Straightening her back, she spoke softly but firmly. ¡°The trending news about me wasn¡¯t a coincidence,¡± she began. ¡°It was orchestrated by Emilio. He hired the online trolls, and Lise transferred money to him.¡±

    The servant returned, cing a new set of utensils in front of Kristopher, but his hand paused mid-reach. His expression shifted faintly before he quickly masked it. He¡¯d already pieced together the likelihood of this in his mind, but confronting Lise directly in her fragile state would only make things worse¡ªat least in his view.

    For updates, visit ?¦Ál?ov??s.co?

    epting the utensils, Kristopher spoke as if trying to reason things out. ¡°She met Willow before, and they seemed to get along. It might just be a coincidence. Emilio has always been a swindler¡ªyou saw how he staged that car ident to scam money.¡±

    The calmness of his defense sent a chill through Carrie¡¯s heart. She hated how readily Kristopher brushed aside Lise¡¯s actions. But since all of this had urred before their recent reconciliation, she forced herself not to press further¡ªfor now.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± she replied coolly, her tone making it clear she didn¡¯t believe him. She picked up her utensils and returned her attention to her meal.

    cross the table, Mny shot Kristopher a sharp re. Unbothered, Kristopher reached over and patted her hand gently, as if soothing her. ¡°Grandma, you don¡¯t need to worry about our affairs,¡± he said lightly.

    His words served both as a reassurance and a subtle reminder that their marital issues were for them to resolve.

    Turning back to Carrie, Kristopher ced a piece of meat into her bowl. His voice softened. ¡°I¡¯ll have Oliver look into this.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t believe he had any real intention of finding out the truth. Any investigation would likelye up fruitless.

    Carrie nced briefly at the meat before calmly moving it aside and selecting some vegetables instead. Her tone was steady but cold. ¡°No need. My friend already looked into it. If you don¡¯t believe me, that¡¯s fine. I¡¯ve already said I¡¯m willing to let go of past issues¡ªI don¡¯t want to stir up unnecessary trouble. But while she¡¯s recovering in the country, I hope you¡¯ll make sure she doesn¡¯t create more problems.¡±

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 Chapter 465

    ?<strong>Chapter 465:</strong>

    Kristopher frowned, his brow furrowing slightly. ¡°Which friend? Camille?¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond immediately, instead continuing to eat without sparing him a nce. After a few moments, she finally said, ¡°The main issue here is Lise. If you want to pretend nothing¡¯s wrong, I won¡¯t stop you. But don¡¯t try to shift the me onto someone else¡ªit¡¯s pointless. This isn¡¯t just some fabricated story. If there¡¯s smoke, there¡¯s fire. Instead of covering things up, you should tackle the problem at its root.¡±

    With that, she picked up the piece of meat Kristopher had ced in her bowl and returned it to his.

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, amused by her defiance, and ate the piece of meat himself.

    Turning to his grandparents, he joked, ¡°Grandpa, Grandma, you see? Her temper is getting worse.¡±

    Mny, quick to respond, smiled and said, ¡°If your wife has a bad temper, then it¡¯s your job to humor her. A good man knows how to spoil his wife. Only useless men try to act like kings in their own homes.¡±

    Though her words were yful, Mny¡¯s underlying concern was evident. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that the current calm between Kristopher and Carrie was fragile¡ªlike a storm brewing just below the surface. Lise¡¯s lingering presence felt like a time bomb waiting to go off.

    After dinner, Shawn and Mny retired to the guest room. Carrie took care to arrange for Mny¡¯s maid to stay in Willow¡¯s old room. While cleaning, the maid discovered a bag tucked beneath the bed. Curious, she picked it up and realized it was the same health supplement Billie had once prepared for Carrie back at the Norris mansion.

    Assuming it had simply been left behind, the maid carried it to the kitchen without giving it much thought.

    Just as Carrie was passing by, the maid stopped her. ¡°Mrs. Norris, should this supplement be taken before bed?¡±

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    Carrie¡¯s gaze fell on the bag, and she immediately assumed Mny¡¯s maid had brought it from the Norris mansion. With no reason to question it, she nodded. ¡°Yes, heat it up and bring it to my room before I go to sleep.¡±

    Neither of them paused to consider the implications. The supplement Carrie had brought with her previously had already been taken by Willow. If this was a new batch, where had ite from?

    After her conversation with the servant, Carrie turned to find Kristopher leaning casually against the wall, his expression inscrutable. He offered a slight smirk as her gaze met his. ¡°The Frees seem to embrace you as if you were their granddaughter, yet here I am, feeling like a stranger in my own house.¡±

    Carrie responded with a nomittal ¡°Mm,¡± her disinterest clear.

    Unsatisfied with her indifference, Kristopher continued, ¡°Are you still bothered by the issue with Lise? We¡¯ve discussed this, haven¡¯t we? Her project isn¡¯t finished, and her current treatment won¡¯t prolong her stay. I¡¯m not scheming to keep her around.¡±

    Carrie wondered if their disconnect was rooted in gender differences or simply shing perspectives, irritation in on her face. ¡°Is that all?¡±

    He paused, collecting his thoughts. ¡°I¡¯m looking into that rumor about you. If Lise is behind it, I assure you, she won¡¯t be protected.¡±

    After a brief silence, he added, ¡°But it¡¯s all history now. Whatever the oue, we should move beyond it.¡± His protective stance toward Lise made it clear the truth was secondary.

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 Chapter 466

    ?<strong>Chapter 466:</strong>

    ¡°Understood,¡± Carrie said, brushing past him briskly.

    She resolved to head upstairs, change, and distract herself by going shopping with Camille. The bright sunlight seemed to pierce even the cold of the air-conditioned house.

    Carrie chose a chic purple backless T-shirt and paired it with breezy white pzzo pants.

    Silently, Kristopher entered, selected another T-shirt from the wardrobe, and handed it to her. cing his hands on her shoulders, he frowned slightly. ¡°This choice doesn¡¯t suit you. Try this on instead.¡±

    Carrie slipped out from under his grasp, eyeing the shirt skeptically. ¡°I just finished my makeup. A tight T-shirt like that would ruin it.¡±

    Kristopher set the shirt aside and grabbed a denim jacket, handing it to her with concern. ¡°Consider a jacket over that; it¡¯s quite revealing.¡±

    Carrie rolled her eyes. ¡°That jacket¡¯s way too heavy. It¡¯s zing hot outside¡ªhow do you expect me to wear that?¡±

    Determined to find a suitable alternative, Kristopher searched the closet, finally presenting her with a few options. ¡°Any of these should be fine. Just cover up your back a bit. It¡¯s too exposed.¡±

    Carrie was at a loss for words. The T-shirt was hardly scandalous, with only a modest cutout norger than a hand. She was taken aback by Kristopher¡¯s unexpectedly conservative views on women¡¯s attire.

    Preferring not to debate such a minor issue, she snatched a shirt from the assortment he offered and quickly slipped it on. ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡±

    However, Kristopher¡¯s dissatisfaction lingered. ¡°That shirt¡¯s somewhat transparent. I can still see¡­¡±

    In response, Carrie dramatically began unbuttoning the newly donned shirt. ¡°Then maybe I should wear nothing at all.¡±

    Kristopher hastily retreated. ¡°No, no¡ªthat one is eptable, just barely.¡±

    Carrie stopped, grabbed her purse, and headed for the door.

    Since Katrina¡¯s true identity became public, Carrie found herself easily recognized. To minimize disturbances, she and Camille decided to meet at a boutique known for its exclusivity and privacy.

    The boutique, tucked away inside an office building and operating by appointment only, catered to a selective clientele. It offered a mix of essible luxury items and rare, collectible pieces, ensuring privacy and exclusivity for its patrons.

    ssmates

    Carrie stepped into the boutique, knowing Camille was still caught in traffic. The boutique¡¯s owner, a woman in her early thirties, radiated a blend of youthful charm and quiet confidence. She approached with a beautifully arranged afternoon tea and set it down before Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, do give this a taste. I prepared it myself after training in Izrosa to master dessert-making.¡±

    Carrie lifted a slice of the delicateyered cake. The soft texture melted in her mouth as the fruity aroma blended harmoniously with the creamy sweetness. It struck the perfect bnce¡ªnot overly sweet, yet deeply satisfying. ¡°This is incredible,¡± sheplimented earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s even better than the desserts in those famous Izrosa shops in Orkset.¡±

    Before the shop owner could respond, a loud voice came from the doorway.

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 Chapter 467

    ?<strong>Chapter 467:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie? What a surprise to see you here.¡±

    Carrie and the shop owner turned toward the door to find a woman dressed in obvious wealth standing there. She was draped in a chunky tweed coat, holding a limited-edition handbag with its handle wrapped in a silk scarf. Every piece of her attire screamed luxury.

    Inparison, Carrie looked understated. Her outfit bore no prominent logos, and her only designer essory was a simple bag that wasn¡¯t overly pricey. She had picked the bag with little thought, opting for one big enough for a shopping trip.

    Carrie hesitated briefly but regained herposure and replied coolly, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s been a while.¡±

    The woman was Ailyn, a former high school ssmate of Carrie¡¯s. They¡¯d never been close, and apart from Camille, Carrie hadn¡¯t stayed in touch with many of her peers.

    Carrie had always been distant, her reserved demeanor and striking looks forming a natural wall around her. From what she remembered, Ailyn came from humble beginnings, with both parents working factory jobs. Carrie wasn¡¯t one to judge people too harshly, but even she had to admit that Ailyn wasn¡¯t the sharpest. She often struggled with things that seemed simple to others and didn¡¯t exactly make up for it with hard work or determination. Rather than working to ovee her ws, Ailyn had spent her school years plotting ways to catch the eye of affluent ssmates.

    Now, it appeared she had achieved her goal, marrying into wealth and living the life she had always envisioned.

    With a flick of her immactely styled hair, Ailyn took a seat opposite Carrie and directed amanding gaze at the shop owner. ¡°Atte, if you will.¡±

    The shop owner, unfazed by her imperious tone, smiled politely and moved toward the coffee machine. ¡°We just got in some Geisha beans¡ªmy personal favorite.¡±

    Ailyn curled her lip dismissively. ¡°Geisha? Sounds unfamiliar. I stick to Blue Mountain.¡±

    The shop owner quietly made two cups of coffee, and as she approached with them, her gaze briefly met Carrie¡¯s. They exchanged a quiet, knowing smile, both recognizing Ailyn¡¯s attempt to fake her understanding. With Geisha beans costing over two thousand per poundpared to Blue Mountain¡¯s modest three hundred, the price gap was staggering. Yet, for casual drinkers, Blue Mountain¡¯s reputation made it more recognizable.

    Carrie picked up her cup, appreciating the intricatette art¡ªa whimsical cloud with tiny raindrops beneath it. Taking a sip, shemented, ¡°The floral and fruity undertones are incredibly pronounced.¡±

    Ailyn gave a derisiveugh. ¡°Thattte art? It looks like something a kid would doodle. Most cafes offer much more borate designs. I¡¯ve heard this ce hyped up by society women, but frankly, it¡¯s overrated.¡±

    The shop owner, though young, had a calmness that seemed much older than her age. She smiled quietly, not at all bothered by Ailyn¡¯s rudeness.

    ssmate¡¯s Husband

    With no one else around, Ailyn grew restless and shifted her attention to Carrie. ¡°Are you here alone? Where¡¯s your husband?¡±

    Carrie absentmindedly took a sip of her coffee before responding, ¡°He¡¯s at work.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 468

    ?<strong>Chapter 468:</strong>

    Ailyn raised an eyebrow, slightly amused. ¡°Working overtime on the weekend? Whichpany is he with?¡±

    ¡°Norris Group,¡± Carrie replied, feeling that Ailyn¡¯s presence was beginning to spoil her mood and appetite. She had been feeling under the weather recently, and her appetite had been off. Every time she thought she could enjoy her meal, Ailyn¡¯s constant chatter disrupted her like a fly, making it harder to rx.

    Setting her coffee down with interest, Ailyn leaned forward, reaching to grab Carrie¡¯s arm. ¡°Norris Group? My husband¡¯s part of the Norris family. What department does your husband work in? Maybe they¡¯ll end up working together someday. I¡¯ll have a chat with him to make sure he keeps an eye out for your husband.¡±

    As Carrie suspected, Ailyn¡¯s words confirmed her hunch. She hadn¡¯t realized that Ailyn had ties to the Norris family. The Norris family had deep roots in Orkset, with so many rtives spread across various sectors. Carrie couldn¡¯t even begin to guess which one Ailyn might be talking about. But the real question was, how could anyone from the Norris family be interested in someone like Ailyn?

    Carrie subtly pulled her arm away from Ailyn¡¯s grasp, her face unreadable. ¡°No need for that. It¡¯s unlikely that he would work with your husband currently.¡±

    Recently, Kristopher had been consumed by all projects outside his area of expertise, devoting all his energy to mastering new skills. Oliver had been taking care of all his work in his ce.

    However, Ailyn misunderstood, assuming that Carrie¡¯s husband was too low-ranked to have any dealings with the higher-ups.

    She wasn¡¯t offended, though. Letting her hand fall back into herp, she said with a thoughtful expression, ¡°I¡¯ve always wondered why, after all these years as a stay-at-home wife, you suddenly decided to dive into the entertainment industry. Looks like you didn¡¯t marry into the right family.¡±

    She looked at Carrie¡¯s perfectly manicured fingers, then unted her own extravagant nails. ¡°You¡¯re so beautiful ande from money. We all assumed you¡¯d marry into a prominent family. Who would¡¯ve guessed you¡¯d end up with just a factory worker?¡±

    Ailyn blinked before continuing, ¡°Don¡¯t take it the wrong way, Carrie. We¡¯ve known each other for years, and I just want what¡¯s best for you. Just because your husband works at Norris Group doesn¡¯t mean everything¡¯s perfect. The bigger thepany, the more they take advantage of those at the bottom. Now that you¡¯re famous, you¡¯ll meet more people. Keep an eye out for a better match¡ªolder businessmen won¡¯t care that you¡¯ve been married before.¡±

    Her eyes gleamed with mockery as she spoke. She had always secretly envied Carrie¡¯s beauty. Before the college entrance exams, Ailyn had confessed her love to a wealthy senior, but he rejected her coldly, telling her to take a good look at herself. Coincidentally, Carrie walked by, and the seniorplimented her, which nted a seed of resentment in Ailyn thatsted ever since.

    Little did she know, the tables would eventually turn, giving her a chance to outshine Carrie.

    Carrie froze for a moment, a thought suddenly crossing her mind. While her marriage wasn¡¯t public, most of the Norris family knew who she was, save for the more distant rtives. With a curious nce at Ailyn, she asked, ¡°What connection does your husband have to the Norris family? A distant rtive?¡±

    Ailyn fired back immediately, ¡°Who do you think you¡¯re talking down to? Why should I only be tied to a distant rtive of the Norris family? My husband has a powerful role there. Even Kristopher would have to answer to him.¡±

    Carrie froze as the words sank in, her mind racing through the faces of everyone in the Norris family. Her thoughts finally lingered on Shawn¡¯s face. A chill coursed down her spine, and she hastily pushed the unsettling images from her mind.

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 Chapter 469

    ?<strong>Chapter 469:</strong>

    Shawn had always seemedrger than life, the embodiment of power and control. It was inconceivable that he would stoop to having such a foolish woman as his mistress.

    Determined to stop her runaway imagination, she asked directly, ¡°Since when did the Norris family have someone like that?¡±

    Ailyn, catching the flicker of curiosity in Carrie¡¯s tone, straightened with triumph. For once, it seemed, Carrie¡¯s interest had shifted to her husband. Ailyn allowed herself a smug pause before revealing, ¡°He¡¯s Kristopher¡¯s uncle¡ªCory.¡±

    Ailyn smirked. Even Carrie, who was typically detached, seemed to feel drawn into the web of gossip. After all, power like that cast an irresistible shadow. This was all due to her man reaching the pinnacle of Orkset.

    Carrie was struck dumb.

    Just then, having heard, Camille strolled into the shop. ¡°What? Ailyn, why on earth would you settle for an old man?¡± Camille nted herself squarely in front of Carrie, her expression dripping with disdain as she appraised Ailyn.

    Ailyn, momentarily startled, quickly recovered. She ced a hand theatrically on her chest as if to steady her nerves.

    Ailyn said, ¡°Camille! You¡¯ve gotten so bold¡ªwhat happened to the quiet girl from school? You nearly scared me to death! And old man? Please! Cory is mature, not old.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯d still go for those aimless boys from college. I¡¯ve grown out of high school crushes and fleeting flings, thank you very much.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s thoughts drifted to the whispered rumors about Cory¡¯s wandering eye, orchestrated marriage, and supposed indiscretions. She never imagined one of her former ssmates would be tangled in such drama.

    She sized up Ailyn. Despite the designerbels that screamed luxury, there was no denying her looks were unremarkable.

    After a pause, Ailyn countered, ¡°Camille, let me ask you¡ªare you married yet?¡±

    Camille pulled out a chair beside Carrie and dropped into it. ¡°Why so nosy? That¡¯s hardly your concern.¡±

    Taking her cue, Carrie cast a sidelong nce at Ailyn and added coolly, ¡°If I recall, Cory already has a wife. Andst I checked, she¡¯s not you.¡±

    Camille chuckled. ¡°Maybe you¡¯re just bitter because you can¡¯t find anyone to marry you.¡±

    Ailyn¡¯s expression changed. ¡°What do you two know? Cory and his wife? That¡¯s not a marriage¡ªit¡¯s a business deal. She¡¯s just another spoiled woman born into wealth.¡± Pausing for effect, Ailyn continued, ¡°Speaking of wealth, Camille, your family¡¯s pretty well-off too, aren¡¯t they? Better hope your future husband doesn¡¯t end up like Cory¡ªdisinterested and disloyal. Or maybe you should aim for someone like Carrie¡¯s husband. At least an ordinary employee is easy to keep in line.¡±

    ¡°Ordinary?¡± Camille turned sharply to Carrie, surprised.

    Carrie barely heard her. Kristopher¡¯s stern, unyielding face flickered in her mind. She stifled augh, wondering how he¡¯d react to being described as ¡°easy to keep in line.¡±

    Ailyn reached for her coffee but withdrew her hand when she noticed it had gone cold. With a dramatic sigh, she stood up, her tone turning dismissive. ¡°I¡¯m done with this conversation.¡±

    After all, both our lives and our opinions have changed since we graduated. Anyway, there¡¯s a ss reunioning up, and you¡¯re both invited. Will you be there?¡±

    .

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 Chapter 470

    ?<strong>Chapter 470:</strong>

    Carrie opened her mouth to decline, but Camille interjected quickly, ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll be there. And we¡¯ll bring our partners. Let¡¯s hope your mature man doesn¡¯t chicken out of attending something so public!¡±

    Ailyn sneered, slinging her handbag over her shoulder. ¡°Oh, he¡¯ll be there! Unlike some people¡¯s insignificant husbands, minemands respect. And Carrie, if you¡¯re tired of being married to a useless man, let me know. Cory can introduce you to someone who matters.¡±

    With that parting shot, Ailyn nced disdainfully around the shop and dered, ¡°Honestly, nothing here is worth my time. I won¡¯t be back.¡±

    Camille turned to Carrie. ¡°You have to bring Kristopher. I want to see the look on Cory¡¯s face when he realizes the ¡®insignificant employee¡¯ is anything but.¡±

    Carrie stared down at her coffee cup, thette art now nothing more than a swirling mess. Her thoughts felt just as blurred. It wasn¡¯t that she doubted Kristopher would attend. The issue was the growing instability in their rtionship. With so much tension, ying the role of a high-profile couple could do more harm than good.

    Just as Kristopher was finishing up at the office and thinking of inviting Carrie to dinner, his phone interrupted his ns by ringing. The caller ID showed it was Lise.

    Upon answering, Kristopher heard Lise¡¯s voice,ced with a teasing tone, saying, ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m out for dinner and forgot to bring any cash. Unfortunately, this ce doesn¡¯t take cards.¡±

    ¡°Are you not at the hospital? Where¡¯s Elva?¡± Kristopher inquired, a sense of concern evident in his expression.

    Lise¡¯s voice trembled with urgency as she responded, ¡°Please, don¡¯t let Elva know. She was at the office today, and I slipped away. The meals at the hospital are so dull; I can¡¯t stand another day of it. I¡¯d waste away before getting better.¡±

    This revtion left Kristopher momentarily disoriented, as the youthful voice on the line conjured a distant memory.

    ¡°Just send me where you are. I¡¯m on my way,¡± Kristopher said briskly before ending the call. He nced at the screen and saw Carrie¡¯s contact still disyed. He promptly closed the contacts app and locked his phone.

    Camille had been shopping extensively, picking out clothes and essories. Carrie tried on various pieces; her natural elegance made each outfit stand out, though she felt the process was repetitive.

    On her way out, a tie caught her eye, its ck material interwoven with silver threads creating a gxy pattern. Recalling Kristopher¡¯s fondness for thoughtful presents, she handed the tie to the shopkeeper. ¡°Could you giftwrap this for me?¡±

    Camille, stepping out in hertest ensemble, caught this moment. Anticipating a critique for her apparent infatuation, Carrie was instead met with Camille¡¯s casual question.

    ¡°Is that avable in green? I think Albin would like one too.¡±

    Upon Carrie¡¯s arrival back at Bayview Vi, the older couple had departed.

    The housekeeper, wiping her hands, came forward. ¡°Mrs. Norris, have you had anything to eat? Mr. Norris informed me he won¡¯t be joining you for dinner.¡±

    Nonchntly discarding her shoes and sliding into her slippers, Carrie responded casually, ¡°Something light will do, I¡¯m not very hungry.¡±

    She proceeded to the bedroom, ced Kristopher¡¯s gift on the small table by his favorite sofa, and changed outfits in the dressing room.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 471

    ?<strong>Chapter 471:</strong>

    Descending the stairster, Carrie encountered the housekeeper presenting a dish of crab roe noodles. ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s been tough to find good crab roe recently. I had to open several to get enough for a small bowl. I¡¯ve also made some crab meat rolls with avocado and a mango sauce as a starter.¡±

    The mention of crab immediately cheered Carrie, who was fond of the delicacy. She hastened to the dining table, pulling out a chair with enthusiasm. Yet, as the dish was set before her and she reached for her fork, a sudden gag reflex overtook her.

    Quickly turning aside, she grabbed a trash bin and retched, expelling only gastric juices.

    The housekeeper swiftly fetched a ss of warm water for Carrie to rinse her mouth and offered her a tissue. Carrie gestured dismissively, saying, ¡°You enjoy the noodles. Just whip up some in noodles for me with a bit of chili.¡±

    With a concerned tone, the housekeeper inquired, ¡°Mrs. Norris, are you feeling alright? Do you want me to call Dr. Molina?¡±

    Carrie waved off the suggestion. ¡°No, that won¡¯t be necessary. My stomach¡¯s just been sensitivetely, probably just a minor stomach flu.¡±

    After a pause, the housekeeper cautiously offered another suggestion. ¡°Mrs. Norris, maybe it¡¯s worth checking with a pregnancy test?¡±

    Carrie froze, her ss halfway to her lips, and echoed in disbelief, ¡°A pregnancy test?¡±

    Carrie finished her dinner and retreated to the bedroom, craving a quiet evening. She sank into the plush sofa, her ns to watch a ssic foreign film dissolving as sleep imed her.

    Leaning against the soft cushions, she drifted off, her breathing steady and serene.

    When Kristopher returned home, the first thing he saw was Carrie, fast asleep on the sofa. She was curled up in cozy loungewear, the kind that made her look effortlessly charming. The room was warm, the air conditioning off, and a fine sheen of sweat glimmered on her forehead. The soft light from themp kissed her skin, making the tiny golden hairs on her arm shimmer faintly.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered for a moment, and then, almost without thinking, he reached out to touch her bare calf. Her skin was cool to the touch, kissed by the faint breeze from the slightly open window¡ªa refreshing contrast to the summer heat. Unable to resist, he let his hand linger, gently wrapping it around her calf, his touch warming the coolness of her skin.

    Quietly, Kristopher shrugged off his suit jacket andid it neatly over a chair. He bent down to lift her, his movements deliberate and careful so as not to wake her. Just as he slid an arm under hers, Carrie¡¯s eyelids fluttered open.

    Still caught in the haze of her dreams, she blinked sleepily. ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± she murmured, her voice soft and full of drowsy innocence.

    Kristopher paused, her groggy charm bringing a smile to his lips. Letting her arm fall back gently, he teased, ¡°What were you dreaming about? Looked like you were about to drool all over my expensive sofa.¡±

    Carrie sat up abruptly, her sleepy eyes darting to the armrest. Then, on instinct, she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

    Realizing there was nothing there, she caught sight of Kristopher¡¯s grin and narrowed her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re impossible!¡± she huffed, feigning annoyance.

    Kristopher stretched out like a lounging cat, his voice tinged with amusement. ¡°Guilty as charged. Got any ns to fix that?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 472

    ?<strong>Chapter 472:</strong>

    The yful banter wrapped around them like a warm nket, dissolving the day¡¯s tension.

    Carrie scrunched her nose, more irked by his smirk than his teasing. This version of Kristopher¡ªthe chatty, mischievous one¡ªwas somehow more annoying than his usual distant demeanor.

    Kristopher¡¯s attention drifted to a small gift box on the side table. He picked it up, turning it over in his hands. ¡°What¡¯s this? A surprise for me?¡±

    Carrie folded her arms, her pout deepening. ¡°It¡¯s for a certain someone who¡¯s a real pain.¡±

    Amusement sparkled in his eyes as his grin widened.

    He opened the box, pulling out a sleek tie. Holding it up to his chest, he asked, ¡°What do you think? Does it suit me?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze traveled to his chiseled features, framed perfectly by the tie. For a moment, words eluded her. Finally, she muttered, ¡°It¡­ looks good.¡±

    Kristopher tucked the tie back into the box with care. ¡°Great. I¡¯ll wear it to work tomorrow. You can tie it for me.¡±

    Carrie stifled a yawn, her curiosity surfacing. ¡°Why are you back sote? Where¡¯d you go?¡±

    Her voice was casual, but the way her neckline dipped slightly as she tilted her head gave her an air of unintentional allure. The soft curve of her corbone caught the light, drawing his gaze for a fleeting moment.

    Kristopher quickly turned his head, hiding the sudden warmth creeping up his neck. ¡°Just office stuff,¡± he replied.

    But Carrie, uninterested in the details, yawned again and stretched as she rose. ¡°I¡¯m off to shower and hit the hay. I¡¯ve been so sleepytely¡ªit¡¯s like my body¡¯s trying to tell me something.¡±

    As she turned, Kristopher moved faster, slipping his arms around her waist and pulling her close. His voice dipped, filled with a teasing warmth. ¡°You¡¯re all set for bed, and here I am, starving.¡±

    She blinked up at him, confused. ¡°You haven¡¯t eaten? What were you doing during all that overtime? Want me to whip up some noodles? I think we¡¯ve got some in the pantry.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze fell to her lips, slightly flushed and impossibly tempting. He leaned closer, his breath mingling with hers. ¡°I don¡¯t need noodles,¡± he murmured, his voice barely a whisper.

    Before she could reply, his lips brushed hers in a kiss that spoke volumes, the words he left unsaid melting into the warmth of their embrace.

    The kiss stretched on, unhurried and intoxicating. Carrie tilted her head upward to meet his lips. The posture was taxing, and an ache began creeping into her lower back. She tried to break away.

    Kristopher seemed to sense her intention. His arms tightened around her waist, drawing her closer¡ªpreventing any possibility of retreat.

    The kiss continued, bing almost suffocating in its intensity. Just as Carrie felt she might lose her breath, she noticed a slight parting of Kristopher¡¯s lips.

    .

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 Chapter 473

    ?<strong>Chapter 473:</strong>

    Seizing the moment, she murmured breathlessly, ¡°I¡¯m tired,¡± her voice tinged with a yful petnce.

    A doting warmth flickered in his eyes, quickly consumed by a smoldering desire that threatened to ignite them both.

    Without a word, Kristopher scooped her into his arms, the silk hem of her pajama pants sliding upward. Her bare legs dangled in the air, slender and smooth, like lotus stems glistening under moonlight.

    Heid her on the bed with deliberate care, his hand brushing along her calf before venturing higher, fingers tracing the elegant curve of her thigh.

    His touch was electric, the roughness of his calloused palm a tantalizing contrast to the softness of her skin. As his hand lingered, exploring her curves, he moved to unfasten her pajamas.

    The intricate knot closures defied his efforts, and after two futile attempts, he resorted to tearing the fabric apart with a swift, decisive motion.

    The rip echoed softly in the quiet room, its raw finality carrying a carnal edge.

    Carrie, never one to let an opportunity slip, broke the moment with a sly jab. ¡°That was custom-made, you know. Not exactly cheap.¡±

    Kristopher chuckled, recognizing her yful retaliation for his earlier teasing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you ten more,¡± he rasped, his voice low and rough.

    His breathing was uneven, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that sent shivers racing down her spine.

    The torn pajama top revealed more than her skin¡ªit unveiled hernguid sensuality.

    Her ink-ck hair spilled in wild waves over her chest, partially obscuring her bare form like shadows dancing over moonlit water.

    She looked both vulnerable and untouchable, a perfect contradiction that left him momentarily stunned.

    Under his scorching gaze, Carrie felt the first stirrings of self-consciousness but quickly smothered them with practiced ease.

    Raising a leg, she draped it over his  shoulder, her toes brushing his ear with yful precision.  Kristopher¡¯s restraint shattered.

    In one swift motion, he unfastened his belt, the metallic clink slicing through the charged silence as he freed what had been straining against his resolve.

    When Carrie moved to lower her leg, he caught her ankle, holding it in ce as if iming her entirely.

    Then, he bent down, pressing a reverent kiss to the arch of her foot an act so unexpected it sent a wave of warmth cascading through her body.

    The gesture felt almost sacred like a knight kneeling before his queen.

    The tenderness in that kiss stirred something deep within her, an emotion she couldn¡¯t quite name, but it spread like wildfire, igniting every nerve in her body.

    As Kristopher finally entered her, his lips trailed over her shoulder and down her neck, each kiss a mark of possession, each nibble a soft demand.

    His hot breath caressed her skin, sending her pulse racing as her breath hitched in unison with his.

    His gaze fell to the faint marks left by his teeth and lips, mingling together like a constetion scattered across her skin.

    The sight filled him with a primal satisfaction.

    His hands roamed, tracing the lines of her body, lingering on each curve as ifmitting it to memory.

    When his fingers skimmed her waist, he marveled at how effortlessly perfect she felt beneath his touch. Carrie¡¯s eyes fluttered open, locking with his in a moment of raw vulnerability. Her gaze, clear and tear-bright, seemed to hold his reflection within, as though she could see straight through him. A sudden wave of fragility washed over her, a reminder of the precarious bnce in their rtionship. The intensity of pleasure could create the illusion of closeness, but beneath ity an undeniable fragility she couldn¡¯t ignore. Out of nowhere, a question tumbled from her lips, soft and searching. ¡°Have you ever lied to me about anything?¡± Her tonecked usation. Instead, it carried a quiet yearning, a desire for reassurance to anchor her amidst the swirling emotions. Kristopher froze. The recent lie he had told echoed in his mind. His heart skipped a beat as he nervously responded, ¡°No.¡± durante 12 segundos

    When his fingers skimmed her waist, he marveled at how effortlessly perfect she felt beneath his touch. Carrie¡¯s eyes fluttered open, locking with his in a moment of raw vulnerability. Her gaze, clear and tear-bright, seemed to hold his reflection within, as though she could see right through him.

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 Chapter 474

    ?<strong>Chapter 474:</strong>

    A sudden wave of fragility washed over her, reminding her of the precarious bnce of their rtionship. The intensity of pleasure could create the illusion of closeness, yet beneath ity an undeniable fragility she couldn¡¯t ignore.

    Out of nowhere, a question tumbled from her lips, soft and searching. ¡°Have you ever lied to me about anything?¡± Her tone held no usation, only a quiet yearning for reassurance amid the torrent of emotion.

    Kristopher froze. The recent lie he had told echoed in his mind. His heart skipped a beat as he nervously responded, ¡°No.¡±

    The night unfolded into a symphony of delicate affection, leaving Carrie enveloped in a fatigue so profound that sleep imed her without contest.

    Awaking the following morning, she was greeted by a notification on her phone: a WhatsApp message from Ailyn outlining the specifics of their uing reunion. Ailyn¡¯s message also carried a ¡°considerate¡± reminder.

    ¡°Make sure to bring your husband. If he¡¯s tied up at work, just let me know¡ªI¡¯ll get my husband to talk to his boss about it.¡±

    Kristopher, his eyes veiled by the tranquility of sleep, shifted beside her and extended azy arm to encircle her waist. His fingertips identally grazed her phone.

    Nestling closer, his voice, husky and tinged with morning drowsiness, floated through the air. ¡°Who¡¯s got you texting so early, hmm?¡±

    His breath, warm and teasing, fluttered against her ear, coaxing an involuntary shiver and a yful attempt to escape his tickles.

    ¡°One of my old high school friends asked me to join them at a reunion,¡± she replied, turning off her phone with a soft click and setting it aside.

    She then rotated to face him, sinking into thefort of the pillow. Even with his eyes closed, Kristopher¡¯s presence was less daunting, his features softened by the shadows hisshes threw across his cheeks.

    Carrie, feeling a burst of affection, gently tapped his nose, provoking a mischievous grin from Kristopher.

    He captured her hand and effortlessly pulled her into a closer embrace. ¡°So, when is this reunion?¡± he asked, his voice mellow and inviting.

    She adjusted her hair behind one ear and settled morefortably against him. ¡°It¡¯s the day after tomorrow. Would you like toe with me?¡±

    His eyelids lifted, revealing a gaze that was both deep and inviting, as his voice, deep and sonorous like a well-tuned cello, enveloped her in its timbre. ¡°Do you want me to be there?¡±

    Their gazes locked. Gently cradling his cheeks, Carrie beamed at him. ¡°Isn¡¯t this an invitation already?¡± she teased.

    Kristopher, ever patient, rified his question. ¡°What I need to know is¡ªdo you want me there with you? Just tell me yes or no.¡±

    Letting her hands fall, Carrie¡¯s voice softened into a yful lure. ¡°Okay, yes, I do want you to join me for the reunion.¡±

    At her words, a look of contentment spread across Kristopher¡¯s face. He answered softly, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be there.¡±

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    .

 Chapter 475

    ?<strong>Chapter 475:</strong>

    The day of the reunion arrived in no time. The event was set near the scenic Bayview Vi. Carrie didn¡¯t fuss much over it; she stuck to her regr schedule. In the morning, she went to the movie set, and by noon, she was back at home. With Kristopher buried in overtime work, she shared lunch with their live-in maid.

    In a hushed tone, the maid ventured, ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯ve missed your health supplement for a few days now. I¡¯ll bring it up a bit earlier today.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for Carrie to understand that the maid could have overheard the passionate exchanges between her and Kristopher during the night. A blush tinged her cheeks as she responded, ¡°I think I¡¯ll pass on the supplement for now. My stomach¡¯s been a bit off; I¡¯ll resume it in a couple of days. It¡¯s just for general health, so there¡¯s no hurry.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± the maid replied with a nod, her face brightening with visible relief. Casting a quick nce at Carrie¡¯splexion, the maid mused to herself, ¡°With how often she and Mr. Norris are together, she likely doesn¡¯t need any supplement.¡±

    After lunch, Carrie retreated to the bedroom and quickly sumbed to sleep. When Camille¡¯s call came through, Carrie was deep in slumber.

    Answering the phone in a groggy voice, she heard Camille¡¯s yful tease. ¡°Sweetheart, how do you find the time to nap with such a big event just around the corner?¡±

    Carrie yawned and stretched as she sat up, brushing sleep from her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling incredibly tiredtely. I meant to review the script for a while, but I dozed off as soon as my head touched the pillow.¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than she realized something didn¡¯t feel right. Despite a seemingly lighter schedule ofte, her fatigue was more pronounced than usual.

    Before she could ponder this further, Camille let out a theatrical sigh. ¡°Tell me about it. Ever since Albin came into the picture, my days have been overwhelmingly tiring. My back is aching constantly.¡±

    Hearing those words, Carrie shook herself free from her wandering thoughts. It was true¡ªspending time with Kristopher, whose vigor seemed inexhaustible, was more draining than her usual workmitments.

    Carrie ended her call with Camille and moved towards the dressing room without much enthusiasm. Her gaze drifted across thevish gowns, feeling they might be overly opulent for a simple ss reunion.

    A song yed softly from her phone, and as the singer crooned, ¡°Purple really suits you,¡± her eyes settled on a purple dress. This moment of serendipity, an external cue influencing her choice, demonstrated how external stimuli could guide decisions.

    She selected the purple dress, which hugged her figure closely with its pencil design and pleated midsection that ttered her slim waist. The dress ended just above her knees, offering a look that was both alluring and sophisticated.

    From the jewelry disy, she chose a pearl ne, its double strands of high-quality Akoya pearls shimmering with a captivating luster.

    Now dressed, she texted Kristopher to meet her at the hotel after he was done with hismitments, then got ready to head out. Standing by the door in high heels, she hesitated whether to have a servant drive her or to hail a taxi, when Daxton appeared at the garden gate.

    Daxton approached, speaking through the iron gate bars. ¡°Carrie, are you going somewhere?¡±

    As she opened the gate, Carrie answered, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m off to dinner. What brings you here, Daxton?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 476

    ?<strong>Chapter 476:</strong>

    ¡°Just visiting a friend nearby.¡± Daxton noticed her attire. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t drive in those heels. Where are you headed? Let me drive you.¡±

    Carrie began to decline, saying, ¡°There¡¯s no need, I¡¯ll just have¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, a servant said, ¡°Mrs. Norris, Mrs. Mny Norris has bought some seasonal fruits for you, and I need to run to the Norris Mansion to collect them.¡±

    ¡°Is that so?¡± Carrie acknowledged with a nod.

    Turning back to Daxton, she saw his reassuring smile.

    He said, ¡°Can you ept my offer this time?¡±

    Letting go of the door, Carrie stepped forward. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Daxton moved aside, saying, ¡°My car is parked outside.¡± Carrie, eager to engage, stepped beside him. ¡°We¡¯ve got a ss reunion today.¡±

    Turning to face her, Daxton replied, ¡°Is it your ss reunion? I might recognize a few faces there.¡± He had once been deeply involved in student government and various clubs at college, well-acquainted with many who would be her ssmates.

    Shaking her head, Carrie smiled. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s from high school. I doubt you¡¯ve met them.¡±

    Upon reaching the curbside, Daxton fetched his keys and approached a red Ferrari, saying grandly, ¡°Hop in, princess.¡±

    The sight of the shy sports car briefly stunned Carrie, yet she regained herposure and slid into the vehicle, saying, ¡°This isn¡¯t the type of car I pictured you choosing.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t mine; it¡¯s a loaner from home while mine¡¯s getting fixed,¡± Daxton exined as he shut the door, adding softly, ¡°That purple really looks good on you.¡± Hisment echoed her own thoughts, reminding her of past conversations.

    It seemed Daxton always had a knack for reading her mind, knowing her sentiments without needing words. Such a connection suggested a deep, unspoken understanding between them.

    Caught in the moment, Carrie felt an unusual shyness. She averted her gaze, forced a smile, and murmured, ¡°Oh? Thanks.¡±

    Daxton was just gettingfortable in the driver¡¯s seat, one leg still outside. Turning to her with a sincere tone, he said, ¡°Carrie, remember, you¡¯re not rted to the Norris family by blood. And remember, we knew each other long before you met Kristopher. There¡¯s no need for you to adhere to their family rules with me. So, let¡¯s keep things informal.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s gaze bore into Carrie with an intensity that made her ufortable, as if silently using her of some emotional transgression.

    Her heart fluttered unexpectedly.

    Throughout the years, she had harbored a deep admiration for Daxton¡ªa tonic connection that transcended typical boundaries of friendship. To Carrie, their rtionship was like a delicate thread connecting two kindred spirits, existing beyond the constraints of constant interaction. He felt like a fragment of her soul, scattered across the vast universe.

    This sensation wasn¡¯t unique to people; sometimes she experienced simr inexplicable connections with a drifting cloud or a mesmerizing painting.

    Though she struggled with emotional nuances and typically remained slow to recognize romantic undertones, something about Daxton¡¯s current behavior seemed peculiar.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 477

    ?<strong>Chapter 477:</strong>

    Did he harbor feelings for her?

    The thought startled her, causing her fingers to curl involuntarily in herp. ¡°I¡¯m married to Kristopher,¡± she emphasized, her voice steady. ¡°So I should follow his family¡¯s generational hierarchy.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s expression softened. He retracted his leg into the car and closed the door with measured movements. ¡°Kristopher and I don¡¯t see eye to eye,¡± he exined patiently. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t want to acknowledge this family connection or benefit from the Norris family.¡±

    His gaze met hers, a mixture of vulnerability and resignation crossing his features. ¡°For someone older than you, it¡¯s challenging to ept that a girl I¡¯ve always considered my junior is suddenly a generation above me.¡±

    Carrie studied him, her eyes clearing as if dispelling an illusory moment. She searched his eyes, finding no trace of intimacy or guilt. Her curled fingers gradually rxed.

    Embarrassment crept in.

    If Daxton had truly liked her, he would have confessed during their college years. Back then, she was just a young girl, and he had shown no romantic interest. Now, with her being married to his least favorite rtive, the idea seemed absurd.

    She bit her back teeth, silently chastising herself. With age, she was bing increasingly self-absorbed.

    Upon seeing Carrie, Ailyn turned to the room with a dramatic flourish. ¡°Stop chatting, everyone,¡± she announced with a bright, almost performative smile. ¡°Our campus belle has arrived. I wonder how many hearts will break tonight, seeing her all settled and spoken for.¡±

    M??? ?¦Ñ????? ?? ?????¦Í???.???

    As soon as the voice resonated, the once vibrant private room turned eerily quiet, and all eyes darted towards the door.

    Time had etched lines on the faces of those gathered¡ªexcept for Carrie. Deep down, they had harbored a hope that Carrie¡¯s radiant beauty would have dimmed, that the once untouchable goddess had descended to their mortal realm.

    Yet, to their astonishment, she had transformed, her allure magnified. Time had graced her with a refined elegance. Compared to her high school days, she was like a budding flower that had bloomed into its full glory.

    The men found themselves unable to look away. The vision of their youthful desires stood before them, more enchanting than ever, yet her heart was pledged to another¡ªa man they deemed undeserving.

    A wave of regret, bitterness, and the sharp pang of lost chances swept through them.

    Meanwhile, the women huddled, whispering fervently, ¡°Notice the shimmer of the pearls around her neck? Absolutely stunning.¡±

    ¡°And that gown¡ªsurely it¡¯s the work of a top-tier designer¡¯s recent collection?¡±

    Before Carrie¡¯s arrival, Ailyn had been busily weaving malicious gossip about her.

    Suddenly, someone questioned, ¡°Isn¡¯t her husband a mere junior staff member? The jewelry, her gown¡ªit must¡¯ve cost a fortune. Not even a senior manager at Norris Group could unt such extravagance. Are they stretching their finances too thin? Or is this akin to ¡®The Ne¡¯ by Maupassant¡ªa facade masking their reality?¡±

    ¡°Look, we¡¯re living in modern times. Getting a decent imitation doesn¡¯t have to break the bank. With all the counterfeits out there, you can snag a passable set for a couple hundred bucks.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 478

    ?<strong>Chapter 478:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie, where¡¯s your husband? Why didn¡¯t he make it today? Couldn¡¯t snag some time off?¡± Ailyn advanced with a warm smile as she greeted Carrie.

    Daxton lingered unseen behind the elevator¡¯s control panel, and as Carrie moved toward the doorway, her figure obscured him, making it appear she was the only one in the elevator. Just as Ailyn was about to step closer, Daxton emerged from behind Carrie.

    Catching sight of his face, Ailyn halted in her tracks. The typically smug and irritating grin she wore dissolved into a bashful, youthful blush. ¡°Daxton? Daxton, is that really you?¡±

    Carrie turned toward Daxton, her expression one of surprise. ¡°You two know each other?¡±

    Daxton offered Ailyn a slight, somewhat regretful smile. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t quite recall. Perhaps you were a junior in one of my college organizations? You know¡­¡± The multitude of admirers he had back then made it impossible to remember them all¡ªhow could he? Out of respect for Ailyn¡¯s dignity, he chose to leave some thoughts unspoken.

    That ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± wasn¡¯t just an admission of his failing memory concerning Ailyn. It was more about his inability to address Carrie¡¯s inquiry.

    Carrie picked up on the subtlety of his response and gave a knowing smile.

    Carrie was utterly devoid of sympathy for Ailyn. She firmly believed that those who appeared downtrodden usually had themselves to me. Reflecting on how Ailyn had deliberately chosen to be Cory¡¯s mistress, Carrie viewed her current infatuation with Daxton as a tarnish on his esteemed reputation.

    Ailyn¡¯s face was a vivid tableau of disappointment, her eyes betraying a flicker of hope that refused to die. ¡°We were schoolmates in middle school, remember?¡± she urged, her voice tinged with desperation. ¡°We used to frequent the same little stationery shop. Once, I found myself without any cash, and you graciously bought me a pen. That very pen still lies in my drawer to this day.¡±

    Regrettably, Daxton¡¯s response was apologetic but distant. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I really don¡¯t remember that incident.¡±

    ¡°Helping others in such a way isn¡¯t something unusual for me; it¡¯s not particrly memorable. Whether it¡¯s a ssmate or a mere stranger¡ªeven an old beggar¡ªI¡¯d readily part with my spare change.¡± His tone remained gentle, though it now held a measure of detachment.

    For Ailyn, his indifferent words struck her like a harsh rebuke. In his eyes, was she no more significant than a beggar on the street?

    As she grappled with this painful realization, a sudden suspicion sparked within her. She cast a wary look between Carrie and Daxton, her voice shaky with uncertainty. ¡°Did you twoe here together?¡±

    Carrie responded to Ailyn¡¯s inquiry with a calm and nk expression. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see it?¡±

    Ailyn¡¯s disbelief was almostical. ¡°Your husband isn¡¯t¡­ isn¡¯t Daxton, is he?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°No.¡±

    A fleeting look of disappointment shed across Daxton¡¯s face, so brief it was almost imperceptible. His lips curved into a faint smile as he added, ¡°I am not that lucky.¡±

    The soft glow of the corridor lights reflected in his eyes, creating a shimmer like shattered stars. The genuine regret in his tone made Carrie¡¯s heart waver for a moment.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 479

    ?<strong>Chapter 479:</strong>

    The suspicion from earlier grew. Daxton¡¯s gaze lingered for just a second longer before he swiftly masked his emotions. With the ease of someone used to hiding their vulnerabilities, he said, ¡°You can continue chatting with your ssmates. I need to meet a client.¡±

    As Daxton walked away, Ailyn¡¯s gaze shifted back to Carrie, filled with resentment. Her fingers clenched tightly at the hem of her clothes, knuckles turning white.

    She had always hated Carrie, even during their school days. Carrie, who seemed to effortlessly attract everything Ailyn desired but could never have.

    Teachers adored Carrie. ssmates admired her. Even the cafeteria staff treated her better, sneaking her extra servings of food.

    How could someone like Carrie, unloved at home, be so adored by the world? Ailyn thought bitterly, ¡°It¡¯s all because of her face. Everyone is shallow, drawn to her appearance.¡± But Daxton? He was different.

    He wasn¡¯t the type to be swayed by something as superficial as beauty. No, Daxton must have been deceived by Carrie.

    Ailyn¡¯s mind spiraled.

    Carrie must have seduced him.

    And Daxton¡­ he was clearly still willing to ept her, despite her being married.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live

    If Carrie could have him despite being married, why couldn¡¯t she try harder since she was single? She was no longer the insecure little girl she once was.

    She had seen the world, experienced thefort of wealth, and gained a confidence she never had before.

    With renewed determination, Ailyn took a deep breath and called after him. ¡°Da¡­ Daxton.¡±

    Daxton stopped, turning back to look at Ailyn.

    His expression was polite but distant, his puzzlement evident.

    Ailyn fumbled with her phone, pulling it out of her bag. ¡°Since we¡¯ve met again by chance, why don¡¯t we add each other on WhatsApp? We can keep in touch.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s face remained unreadable as he replied evenly, ¡°I think you¡¯re mistaken. We didn¡¯t know each other before, so there¡¯s no reason to keep in touch now.¡±

    Carrie, who had been observing quietly, smiled at Ailyn and said lightly, ¡°You¡¯re quite bold, adding men on WhatsApp so casually. Doesn¡¯t your husband mind?¡±

    Ailyn¡¯s face flushed red with anger. ¡°Carrie, stop talking trash! I¡¯m not married yet. Do you think I¡¯m like you? You have a husband and still get so close to other men. Does Daxton even know you¡¯re married?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s gaze softened as he looked at Carrie. ¡°As long as she doesn¡¯t mind, I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    She had handled yful teasing countless times before, brushing off advances with ease.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 480

    ?<strong>Chapter 480:</strong>

    But this was different¡ªbecause it was Daxton.

    His sincerity made her defenses falter.

    Ailyn¡¯s jaw dropped, her eyes widening in disbelief.

    What? Did he truly mean that if Carrie wanted it, he would willingly be her cicisbeo?

    The dignified, noble gentleman Ailyn had admired had just uttered something so¡­ humble, almost self-deprecating.

    Carrie¡¯sposure returned as she addressed Ailyn. ¡°By family hierarchy, Daxton should probably refer to your boyfriend as a senior rtive.¡±

    Ailyn stiffened. ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡±

    Daxton turned his gaze to Carrie, puzzled.

    Carrie¡¯s smile deepened. ¡°Her boyfriend is Kristopher¡¯s uncle.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s expression immediately darkened, his polite demeanor shifting into one of visible disgust.

    Without a word, he instinctively took a step back, as though recoiling from something unpleasant.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Ailyn stammered, her face turning red as she struggled to exin.

    But Daxton didn¡¯t wait for an exnation.

    He walked past her, his steps firm, and left without looking back.

    Ailyn stood frozen in ce, her phone still raised in mid-air.

    Around her, the ssmates who had witnessed the exchange began whispering among themselves.

    What was meant to embarrass Carrie had turned into Ailyn¡¯s own humiliation.

    Just then, the elevator doors slid open once more, and Camille walked out, gently tugging Albin along beside her.

    Camille¡¯s hair was styled in soft, bouncy curls, and her halter-neck red dress highlighted the elegance of her smooth, captivating back.

    Albin was dressed sharply in a ck suit ented with deep red tones, a rose pinned to hispel thatplemented Camille¡¯s attire perfectly.

    When Camille stepped forward, her gaze immediatelynded on Carrie and Ailyn waiting at the elevator doors.

    Arching her eyebrows faintly, she slipped her arm free from Albin¡¯s and strolled over to hook her arm through Carrie¡¯s. ¡°Sweetheart, why are you lingering here instead of heading in?¡±

    Albin nced at his now-empty arm, hesitated for a moment, and then broke into a mischievous smirk.

    Sliding his hand into his pocket, he casually made his way over. ¡°Carrie.¡±

    Carrie responded with a slight nod, her greeting understated and calm.

    Without so much as a nce at Ailyn, the trio turned and headed for the private room, leaving her awkwardly standing in ce.

    The group of ssmates loitering near the door shuffled clumsily out of the way to let them pass.

    One of the ssmates at the front, a little on the heavier side, forced a wide, ingratiating smile and stepped up to Albin with both hands extended. ¡°Ah, Mr. Murray! What an honor to finally meet you. Mypany is hoping to work with the Murray Group on an uing project. If you could mention us, it would mean a lot. Back in the day, we yed volleyball with Camille and always made sure she won.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 481

    ?<strong>Chapter 481:</strong>

    He shot a quick look at Camille, silently pleading for her to back him up.

    Albin eyed the man¡¯s extended hand but didn¡¯t take it. Instead, he nced at Camille with a yful smirk. ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°You used to y volleyball with the boys all the time?¡±

    Carrie spoke up with a steady tone. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. Camille was really reserved back then. When the girls picked their teams, they usually stuck to their cliques. Since Camille wasn¡¯t part of a group, she often got ced with the boys.¡±

    After hearing her exnation, Albin finally reached out and gave the man a quick handshake.

    The man¡¯s forehead glistened with sweat, overwhelmed by how much weight Albin seemed to give Camille¡¯s words. After all, the Murray family was a powerhouse in Orkset¡¯s elite circle, with strong connections to the Norris family. Despite Albin¡¯s notorious yboy image, he was in a league far above their own.

    The man¡¯s attitude toward Camille changed, his expression now tinged with respect. Everyone knew about Albin¡¯s infamous reputation¡ªalways surrounded by women yet never tied down to any. These weren¡¯t the same clueless students from years ago.

    Sensing the shift, they wasted no time piling on thepliments: ¡°Camille, who¡¯d have guessed you¡¯d be the luckiest of us all, so adored by Mr. Murray?¡±

    ¡°Mr. Murray is an incredible catch, and you¡¯re stunning. You make such an ideal pair.¡±

    ¡°So, when¡¯s the big day? We¡¯re all waiting for your wedding.¡±

    Carrie, noticing their overly ttering tone, gently took Camille¡¯s hand and gave a soft smile. ¡°That entirely depends on Camille¡¯s answer.¡±

    The message was unmistakable¡ªultimately, the choice was Camille¡¯s to make.

    Albin jumped in with a grin, ¡°Exactly. If Camille says no, it only means I need to try harder. But don¡¯t worry; I¡¯ll keep at it until she agrees.¡±

    A short distance away, Ailyn observed the scene, and her eyes burned with jealousy.

    Why? How could Carrie, a married woman, capture Daxton¡¯s interest? And why did Camille, once an outcast, attract such attention from the heir of the Murray family? It didn¡¯t make sense.

    Meanwhile, here she was, stuck with a repulsive, middle-aged man, forcing herself to endure the disgust she felt every time heid a hand on her.

    Why did life have to be so unfair? She wasn¡¯t as beautiful or charming as Carrie or Camille.

    What was supposed to be a reunion to put those women in their ce had ended up being a stage for them to shine, stealing the spotlight and making her feel even smaller.

    Ailynposed herself, stepping forward with a strained smile stered on her face. Her tone was sweet, but the sharp edge underneath was unmistakable. ¡°Carrie, where¡¯s your husband? Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d bring him along? So, why did you show up with Daxton instead? Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s too embarrassed to show his face now that you¡¯re leaning on Daxton to save you.¡±

    Carrie met Ailyn¡¯s gaze with unruffled calm, her expression as unreadable as a nk page. ¡°He¡¯s still at work,¡± she replied evenly. ¡°But he¡¯ll be here soon. Running into Daxton was just a coincidence.¡±

    Her eyes driftedzily across the room, pausing just long enough to make her audience feel scrutinized. A faint, sardonic smile tugged at the corners of her lips. ¡°Speaking of partners, your boyfriend isn¡¯t here either, is he? Why¡¯s that? Did his family finally put their foot down?¡±

    The casual barbnded like a firework in a quiet room. Everyone knew who Ailyn¡¯s boyfriend was¡ªCory Myers. The Myers family held significant sway in Orkset, and it didn¡¯t take much digging to uncover Cory¡¯s ring truth: he was married. Yet, the business world was a ce where turning a blind eye often served self-interest. Many tolerated Ailyn¡¯s affair, hoping she¡¯d forge a stronger connection to the Norris family. But Carrie¡¯s pointedment cracked that fragile pretense. Those who¡¯d grown weary of Ailyn¡¯s airs couldn¡¯t help but chuckle behind their hands, their amusement poorly disguised.

    Ailyn¡¯s face darkened, her irritation bubbling over. ¡°Compared to your useless husband,¡± she snapped, ¡°my boyfriend is extremely busy. You wouldn¡¯t understand his kind of workload. You ordinary workers have no clue what it¡¯s like to be in charge. I¡¯m sure you think bosses just sit around all day, don¡¯t you?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 482

    ?<strong>Chapter 482:</strong>

    Albin, who had been quietly observing, shot a puzzled nce at Camille. ¡°Useless? Ordinary worker? Are those words supposed to describe¡­¡±

    Before he could finish the sentence with ¡°Kristopher,¡± Camille jabbed him sharply in the ribs with her elbow.

    ¡°Not another word,¡± she hissed under her breath, giving him a pointed look. ¡°Unless you want to embarrass yourself.¡±

    Albin, though clueless about the undercurrent of the situation, wisely chose to keep his mouth shut.

    Sensing the tension thickening in the air, a ssmate tried to break the awkward silence. ¡°Alright, no need to linger at the door. Let¡¯s head in and grab seats,¡± they suggested cheerfully. ¡°Once Ailyn¡¯s and Carrie¡¯s partners get here, we can finally order.¡±

    The mention of Carrie¡¯s partner was clearly tacked on as an afterthought. The real curiosity hung on Ailyn¡¯s boyfriend, the supposedly illustrious Cory, who had promised to host the dinner.

    With polite chatter and scatteredughter, the group began to file into the private room. A few of the men, eager to y the role of gentlemen, pulled out chairs for Carrie, Camille, and Albin.

    Ailyn, still fuming, felt the sting of betrayal as the attention shifted. Just moments ago, the same people had been hanging on her every word, and now they were cozying up to Carrie and her circle instead.

    Returning to her seat with a huff, Ailyn yanked out her phone and fired off a WhatsApp message to Cory. ¡°Darling, where are you?¡± she typed quickly.

    Cory¡¯s reply was immediate but curt. ¡°I told you I¡¯ming. Stop nagging. It¡¯s annoying.¡±

    Your favorite tales are on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§ànn

    A flush of embarrassment crept up Ailyn¡¯s cheeks. She hastily exited the app and tucked her phone away, terrified someone might catch a glimpse of the exchange.

    As she tried topose herself, the elevator chimed again. A man who had yet to sit down turned instinctively toward the sound. The doors slid open to reveal Kristopher, striding toward the private room with the effortless confidence of someone who knew he belonged wherever he went.

    The man froze mid-step, his eyes widening in disbelief. ¡°M-Mr. Norris?¡± he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

    His reaction caught everyone¡¯s attention, and heads turned toward the doorway. The atmosphere shifted in an instant, as though the very air had been electrified. A stunned silence settled over the group before it broke into a flurry of murmurs.

    ¡°He¡¯s so young¡­ and that face!¡± ¡°My God, look at those legs. He could be a runway model!¡± ¡°How can someone like him exist? He¡¯s unreal¡­¡± ¡°Why is he here?¡±

    The private room was alive with energy, reminiscent of the buzz one feels when spotting a beloved celebrity at a live show. Just as Kristopher reached for the door, he abruptly stopped to answer a call, lingering in the hallway. From afar, Carrie admired his silhouette. Amidst the crowd, his presence shone brightly, overshadowing the other men.

    A surge of joy filled her as she realized that the incredible man was truly her husband. Carrie, long celebrated for her beauty and brains, had be numb to praise over the years. Seeing her old ssmates admire Kristopher gave her a deep sense of pride, far greater than any praise she had ever received before.

    In the past, she felt as if she was merely dust at Kristopher¡¯s feet, revered only through his reflected glory. Now, her mindset had changed. She understood that she belonged alongside him at the peak, not merely at its base.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 483

    ?<strong>Chapter 483:</strong>

    With a slight shake of her head to dispel these thoughts, Carrie quietly sipped her tea. It was the standardplimentary brew from the hotel¡ªdecent but notably bitter. She frowned lightly and returned the cup to the table.

    Ailyn had organized this dinner at the Norris Group¡¯s hotel, unting her generosity, yet sparingly on the meal and beverages. As Kristopher paused at the doorway, murmurs spread among the guests. ¡°Is Mr. Norris here specifically for us? Or is he just passing through?¡± One person eyed Albin and guessed, ¡°Could it be because of Mr. Murray?¡± Another dismissed the notion, saying, ¡°Attending a good friend¡¯s girlfriend¡¯s ss reunion seems a stretch.¡± Yet another chimed in, ¡°Given that Ailyn¡¯s partner is Mr.

    Norris¡¯s uncle and this is a Norris Group hotel, perhaps Mr. Myers sent him to cover our costs.¡± Thisst suggestion seemed the most likely to the group, and they turned to Ailyn with ttering remarks, saying, ¡°Ailyn, we¡¯re truly fortunate today to have Mr. Norris among us. It¡¯s like hitting the jackpot!¡±

    Ailyn sat stunned, her usual bravado faltering as she faced the reality of Kristopher standing before her. She had believed Kristopher had gone out of his way to attend just for her. The thought that Kristopher hade for her quickened her pulse. She muttered under her breath, ¡°Maybe he was just passing through.¡±

    Camille rolled her eyes. ¡°The audacity of some, iming connections wherever possible. Do you even realize your ce? You¡¯re merely the partner of Kristopher¡¯s rtive. The Norris family would hardly acknowledge you. And to think Kristopher would attend a ss reunion for you? You¡¯re lost in a daydream, and it¡¯s already nightfall.¡±

    Albin gave Camille a fond look and took her hand, indifferent to the others around them. Though Ailyn shot Camille a sharp look, she held her tongue because of Albin¡¯s presence and instead redirected her irritation toward Carrie. Her eyes darted from Camille to Carrie. ¡°If Mr. Norris isn¡¯t here for me, then who? Surely not for Carrie?¡±

    ¡°Actually, I am here for my wife,¡± Kristopher said, then without another word, he strode confidently into the room.

    ¡°Wife?¡± A hush fell over the room as puzzled looks were exchanged, everyone wondering who among them was Kristopher¡¯s wife.

    Camille¡¯s eyes darted around the room, studying the faces of those nearby with the satisfaction of a cat that had just caught a mouse. A subtle smirk curved her lips as she turned to the man sitting on Carrie¡¯s other side and quipped, ¡°Hey, can¡¯t you see her husband¡¯s here? Maybe it¡¯s time you scoot over and make some space for him.¡±

    Bewildered, the man nced around, his eyes darting between the girls before settling back on Carrie with an expression of pure disbelief. ¡°You mean¡­ Carrie? She¡¯s Mr. Norris¡¯s wife?¡±

    ¡°Wife? Carrie?¡± Every head turned toward Carrie, then shifted to Kristopher as if they were watching a live tennis match. The revtion hit like a thunderbolt, leaving the crowd momentarily stunned. But when they took a moment to weigh the looks and demeanor of all the women in the room, the scales tipped decisively in Carrie¡¯s favor¡ªshe was the only one who fit the bill.

    No one was more bbergasted than Ailyn, who burst out, her voice an octave higher than usual, ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Isn¡¯t Carrie¡¯s husband just some low-level employee at the Norris Group?¡±

    Kristopher, unbothered by the whispers, strolled up to Carrie with the kind of confidence only a man at the top of the food chain could pull off. The man sitting next to her scrambled to his feet, nearly upending a ss in his haste. Grabbing a napkin, he clumsily wiped down the chair as though it needed a royal polish, then gestured respectfully. ¡°Mr. Norris, please, have a seat.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flicked to the napkin with mild amusement before he sank into the chair next to Carrie, his movements deliberate, almost theatrical. Leaning closer, he reached out and flicked her nose lightly, his smile warm and teasing. ¡°So, this is how you introduce me to your old friends? A low-level employee?¡±

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 Chapter 484

    ?<strong>Chapter 484:</strong>

    ¡°At Norris Group? Is that really all I am in your eyes?¡± Kristopher¡¯s words flowed smoothly, his tone yful yetced with a touch of mock hurt. They had performed this routine so many times it was second nature by now. Kristopher delivered his lines with such natural charm that no one could doubt his sincerity. The tenderness in his voice carried the unmistakable air of a man utterly besotted.

    Carrie gave a small, knowing smile, her eyes sliding toward Ailyn like a de. ¡°I never said that. She just came up with it on her own.¡±

    The temperature in the room seemed to drop as a collective shiver ran through the crowd. Before Carrie¡¯s arrival, plenty of people had cozied up to Ailyn by taking cheap shots at Carrie. Now, they were breaking out in cold sweats, mentally retracing their steps to see if they¡¯d crossed any lines. Once they convinced themselves they hadn¡¯t gone too far, they sighed in relief, emboldened enough to inch closer to Kristopher, who had suddenly be the center of their universe.

    Ailyn, on the other hand, looked as though she¡¯d been pped across the face. She stumbled back into a chair, her humiliation painted vividly across her features. But no one paid her any mind. The rest of the group was too busy trying to figure out how to worm their way into Kristopher¡¯s good graces.

    The ss president, quick to seize the moment, grabbed the most expensive champagne bottle on the table¡ªa vintage priced at over two thousand on the market but marked up to five thousand here at the hotel. Not so long ago, everyone had oohed and aahed over it, but now, in Kristopher¡¯s presence, it might as well have been sparkling water.

    A ssmate whose family ran a factory called over the waiter with a flourish. ¡°Bring us a bottle of ¡¯82 Lafite!¡± Kristopher barely spared him a nce. His voice was calm, almostzy, as he addressed the waiter. ¡°Just bring three bottles of my wine.¡± His eyes, however, never left Carrie, as if no one else in the room was worth a fraction of his attention.

    The factory heir quickly jumped in, nodding so eagerly it was a wonder his head stayed attached. ¡°Yes, yes! Do as Mr. Norris says!¡±

    The waiter, unimpressed by the man¡¯s theatrics, nodded politely before heading off. When he returned, the three bottles he brought immediately stole the show. A man in the wine business leaned in to get a closer look and whistled low under his breath. ¡°These bottles¡­ they¡¯re each worth around a million dors. Absolutely staggering.¡±

    Hearing this, the women in the group quickly abandoned their wistful nces at Kristopher, redirecting their envy toward Carrie. In a sh, they had their phones out, snapping pictures of the rare wines as though capturing a mythical beast. Even if Kristopher was out of their league, this was their golden ticket to social media glory¡ªproof they had brushed shoulders with luxury. Who knew? Maybe the photos would catch the eye of a wealthy suitor.

    The men, meanwhile, weren¡¯t far behind, though their motivations were less about unting and more about leveraging connections. The ss president, ever the opportunist, poured two sses from one of the million-dor bottles and approached Kristopher with the air of someone about to meet royalty. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯s an absolute honor to finally meet you. Thanks to our ss beauty here, I get the chance to toast with you. Would you do me the honor of epting this ss?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze shifted from the offered ss to Carrie. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± he asked softly, ¡°may I have a drink?¡±

    The room once again plunged into stunned silence. Even Albin, usually soposed, straightened in his seat. The cigarette dangling between his fingers burned down to ash, utterly forgotten. He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around what he was seeing¡ªKristopher, the man he had admired as something akin to a deity, now acting like a doting, attentive husband? It was as if the heavens themselves had flipped upside down.

    Camille cast a pointed nce at Ailyn, whose face had grown stiffer with each passing moment. Then she leaned toward Carrie, nudging her with a sly grin. ¡°Mrs. Norris, don¡¯t just sit there all quiet! Look at our poor ss rep¡ªhe¡¯s been holding that ss up for so long that I think his arm¡¯s about to fall off! If you don¡¯t give your blessing, I doubt Mr. Norris will even think of epting his toast.¡±

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 Chapter 485

    ?<strong>Chapter 485:</strong>

    Laughter rippled through the room as the crowd joined in with yful teasing. ¡°Exactly! Carrie, you remember us from high school, right? We weren¡¯t all bad! Cleaning duty, helping you out¡ªwe did our share. Come on, cut us some ck here. We¡¯re not trying to steal your husband. Just let us toast him¡ªmaybe some of his sess will rub off on us!¡±

    Amused, Carrie nced at Kristopher, her heart swelling with pride. She gave a small nod, her voice soft but confident. ¡°Go ahead, have a drink.¡±

    That was all it took. Everyone, except for Ailyn, rose to their feet, raising their sses with eager smiles. They drained their drinks in a single gulp, while Kristopher, in contrast, merely took a small sip, barely moistening his lips. The gesture wasn¡¯t lost on anyone in the room. Very few people in Orkset¡ªor anywhere, really¡ªcould boast of convincing Kristopher Norris to drink an entire ss with them.

    As the toasts continued, the waitstaff began bringing in dish after dish, each one more extravagant than thest. These weren¡¯t the original items listed for the evening. Instead, a lineup of rare and luxurious seafood had taken their ce. Everyone knew the reason why. This sudden upgrade was thanks to Kristopher¡¯s presence¡ªa benefit Carrie had effortlessly brought about. And it had absolutely nothing to do with Ailyn.

    Ailyn, once the queen bee of the gathering, now sat in the shadows, her shoulders stiff with humiliation. Thevish dishes that graced the table¡ªdelicacies she rarely had the chance to enjoy¡ªand the sight of million-dor wine bottles, once an unattainable dream, only deepened her misery. Knowing it was all because of Carrie snuffed out any appetite she might have had. Clutching her fork tightly, she stared nkly at the food in front of her, her eyes simmering with resentment.

    Around her, the lively chatter and bursts ofughter felt like echoes from a distant world, one she was no longer part of. Camille, catching sight of Ailyn¡¯s defeated expression, felt her spirits lift considerably. Even Kristopher¡ªwhom she typically had mixed feelings about¡ªseemed far more tolerable in this moment.

    Leaning closer to Carrie, she murmured with a half-joking sigh, ¡°You know, love really is about destiny. Watching how much Kristopher has changed for you, I¡¯m d I didn¡¯t push harder to talk you into a divorce back then.¡±

    Carrie smiled, her expression warm yetposed. ¡°And Albin treats you well too,¡± she replied softly. Their eyes met for a brief moment, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Beneath the yful banter, there was a genuine wish for each other¡¯s happiness.

    ???§ÁE ??P?¦«T¦®? I§ª G¦«?§ª?V¦®??.???

    Kristopher, having showered Carrie with subtle affection all evening, had clearly earned her admiration. She decided to return the favor, fully intending to y the role of the perfect wife by peeling shrimp and crab for him. But just as she reached for the crab, Camille pushed a bowl toward her. It was already filled with perfectly peeled shrimp and crab meat, courtesy of Albin¡¯s meticulous efforts.

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother dirtying your hands. Just eat this,¡± Camille said lightly, as though it were nothing out of the ordinary. Carrie epted without hesitation, spooning some into her own bowl and Kristopher¡¯s. Watching their interaction, Albin suppressed a smirk. These three were untouchable. Best not to stir unnecessaryplications.

    Ailyn, meanwhile, seethed internally. Her frustration erupted in silent mental screams. Each nce at Carrie and Camille was like a dagger to her chest. She couldn¡¯t believe the twist of fate that had ced them on such high pedestals while leaving her floundering in the dirt. Her thoughts spiraled bitterly.

    ¡°Carrie! Camille! What on earth makes them so special?¡± she raged inwardly. ¡°Why do they get partners who are rich, handsome, and perfect¡ªlike they¡¯ve stepped straight out of a fairy tale? And me? I¡¯m stuck with an unattractive middle-aged man with nothing but his wallet to offer. Neither of them is wless. So why them and not me?¡±

    As animated conversations filled the room, a solitary figure materialized at the private room¡¯s entrance.

    .

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 Chapter 486

    ?<strong>Chapter 486:</strong>

    His Uncle Cory had meticulously styled his hair,vishly applying gel until it gleamed, sculpting a dramatically slicked-back look. Attempting a youthful ir, his ensemble¡ªfeaturing a high-end sweatshirt adorned with whimsical cartoon prints and casual jeans¡ªshed strikingly with his more mature, lined face, lending him a somewhatical appearance.

    Ailyn¡¯s gaze drifted from Cory to Kristopher, who stood confidently beside Carrie, then to Albin, who was casually leaning near Camille. To her side, Cory, who could easily be mistaken for her father in terms of age, and to her other side, men who seemed to have stepped out of the pages of fashion magazines¡ªcharming and poised. For the first time, she truly perceived the ring contrast.

    Previously, Cory hadn¡¯t seemed so out of ce. Born into wealth, his demeanor carried an effortless elegance that distinguished him from the typical youthful crowd. When Ailyn brought him to her old neighborhood, her neighbors would often whisper in awe, ¡°Ailyn, your boyfriend looks like a high-ranking executive.¡± As they strolled through the mall, even the charming, youthful sales associates showered Cory withpliments, a fact that had always filled Ailyn with a sense of pride.

    But now, standing there, Ailyn felt apelling urge to vanish into the background, to meld into the shadows on the wall. She hoped fervently that Cory would not spot her, that he would simply continue on his way, oblivious to her presence.

    A man previously acquainted with the Myers family was the first to stir, his excitement palpable. With a gesture of recognition, he eximed, ¡°Mr. Myers, you¡¯ve arrived? Ailyn is just over there!¡±

    Before Cory could even nce in Ailyn¡¯s direction, his gazended on Kristopher at the head of the table. His smile vanished, reced by a cold stare as he demanded, ¡°Kristopher, what brings you here?¡±

    Kristopher, meanwhile, gathered a few tes, gently setting them down before Carrie with a tender smile. ¡°Please, try these; they¡¯re the handiwork of our new chef,¡± he murmured.

    Drying his hands methodically, he answered in a deliberate tone, ¡°I¡¯m attending the reunion with my wife, Uncle. And you? Surely, you aren¡¯t one of Carrie¡¯s ssmates, are you?¡±

    Nearby, Camille leaned toward Albin, her voice a hushed murmur filled with concern. ¡°Kristopher¡¯s remarks are quite biting.¡±

    Albin responded with a tight-lipped smile, ¡°It seems your best friend shares the same traits.¡±

    The people around were far from oblivious. Witnessing Kristopher¡¯s overt disregard for Cory, they grasped the underlying tension between Mr. Norris and his uncle. Those who had entertained thoughts of ingratiating themselves with Cory now discreetly focused on their tes, feigning ignorance.

    Humiliated in front of the younger onlookers, Cory marched up to the table, mmed his briefcase down with a resounding thud, and eximed, ¡°Kristopher, remember, I am your uncle! You¡¯re supposed to uphold the Norris family¡¯s dignity with your behavior. Is this how the Norris family taught you to address your elders? Have you no respect?¡±

    Kristopher delicately brushed his fingertips against the edge of his cup, his voice gentle and quiet as he remarked, ¡°Respect isn¡¯t handed out freely; it¡¯s earned. Reflect on your own deeds¡ªdo any truly reflect the dignity expected of an elder? Or¡­¡±

    His voice trailed off as he slowly shifted his gaze to Cory, a subtle smirk ying at the corners of his mouth. ¡°Perhaps I should ask Aunt to intervene and settle our little dispute?¡±

    Cory¡¯s face hardened as he processed Kristopher¡¯s direct challenge. The stability of his position in thepany hinged on his wife¡¯s influential family. The revtion of his affair would surely plunge his year into turmoil.

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 Chapter 487

    ?<strong>Chapter 487:</strong>

    Attempting to diffuse the tension, Cory cleared his throat and softened his approach. ¡°You¡¯re all gathered for a reunion, so I¡¯ll leave you to enjoy it. I need to attend to some matters at the hotel. Let¡¯s arrange another dinner soon.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s presencemanded the room; no one dared to counter him. A heavy silence hung in the private dining room, punctuated only by the asional clink of silverware.

    Feeling the weight of the room¡¯s scrutiny, Cory awkwardly adjusted his nose and shot a chilly nce towards Ailyn, who was lingering in a corner. ¡°Join me outside for a moment,¡± he said, his tone cold.

    Ailyn paused briefly, then pushed herself to stand and follow Cory, all while feeling the weight of the crowd¡¯s curious and judgmental eyes on her.

    As soon as they stepped out of the private room, Cory raised his hand and pped her sharply across the face. The sharp crack of the p echoed through the air, causing everyone to freeze. It was a move no one had seening¡ªCory hitting a woman in public.

    The room fell silent as everyone exchanged uneasy nces, unsure whether to step in. But when they saw Kristopher, unfazed, calmly serving food to Carrie as though nothing had happened, they kept their mouths shut and returned to their meals, hesitant to challenge the scene.

    Outside, Ailyn pressed her hand to her stinging cheek, staring at Cory in shock. In a low, tense voice, Cory muttered, ¡°Kristopher¡¯s here, and you pulled me into this mess? My wife was introduced through my sister. If Kristopher tells his mother, do you have any idea what kind of trouble I¡¯ll be in? And don¡¯t assume you¡¯ll get off easy either.¡±

    Tears filled Ailyn¡¯s eyes and spilled down her cheeks. ¡°I¡¯m carrying your child! How could you hit me like that? How was I supposed to know Kristopher would be here? And how could I have known his wife was Carrie? You never share anything about your family with me. If you¡¯d just told me even a bit, none of this would have happened!¡±

    Cory looked at her stomach briefly, then seized her chin with a harsh grip. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for this baby, do you really think I¡¯d have slept with you again? And you¡¯re not even a virgin. How do I know the kid¡¯s mine?¡±

    After his wife gave birth to their daughter, she struggled to conceive again. Cory had always believed the issue was with her, but after years of being with other women and still failing to get anyone pregnant, he finally decided to get tested. The results revealed that his sperm had low motility, making it incredibly difficult for him to father a child.

    As the sole heir in the Murray family, Cory knew that without a son, his family¡¯s legacy would die with him.

    She spat on the floor in disgust and muttered to herself, ¡°Disgusting pig.¡±

    She nced at a metal cab nearby, using its reflection to touch up her makeup and erase the evidence of her tears. After a deep breath to steady herself, she gathered herposure and walked back into the private room.

    A look of contempt now filled everyone¡¯s faces. It was one thing to know she was a mistress, but witnessing her humiliation firsthand brought a whole new wave of judgment. The dramatic scene hadpletely changed how they all saw Ailyn. The ttery that had once surrounded her evaporated, reced now by the cold sting of scorn and pity from the women who had once envied her.

    Ailyn sank into the chair, but it felt as though a thousand needles were pricking at her skin. She had thought she had reached the top, like a phoenix sitting proudly on a high branch. But now, that branch seemed more like a stage where she was the one making a fool of herself.

    Carrie and Camille shared a brief, knowing nce. They had overheard parts of the argument outside and could easily piece together what had happened. It became clear that Ailyn was using her pregnancy as a stepping stone, a way to climb higher on the socialdder. Neither woman felt sorry for her, but they couldn¡¯t stand Cory¡¯s cruelty either.

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 Chapter 488

    ?<strong>Chapter 488:</strong>

    After a long stretch of silence, Ailyn suddenly turned to Carrie with a sneer. ¡°Carrie, are you enjoying the show? Does it amuse you to watch me humiliated?¡±

    Then, one night in a drunken haze at a bar, he ended up with Ailyn. To his surprise, that single encounter led to her pregnancy. This was the only reason Cory had been showing any sort of care¡ªhe needed her to carry the child.

    Ailyn¡¯s eyes went wide with shock. ¡°How can you say that? Since I¡¯ve been with you, I haven¡¯t been around any other men! If it¡¯s not yours, then whose could it be? If you don¡¯t trust me, go ahead and get a paternity test!¡±

    Cory gave a cold, mockingugh. ¡°Oh, I¡¯ll get a paternity test, no doubt. And I¡¯m not waiting until the baby¡¯s born. As soon as it¡¯s far enough along to figure out the gender, we¡¯ll do it. If it¡¯s a boy, we¡¯ll test.¡±

    The meaning behind his words was unmistakable. If it turned out to be a girl, he wouldn¡¯t care whose child it was¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t want it at all.

    Ailyn¡¯s heart dropped in her chest. The man who had once charmed her now seemed chillingly cruel. With a harsh shove, Cory dropped her chin. ¡°Keep your head down for the next few days. I¡¯ve got things to handle this month, so don¡¯t bother me. Stay home, think about what a fool you¡¯ve been.¡±

    Cory¡¯s mind flickered with images of other women¡ªthose with fuller figures and prettier faces. Ailyn¡¯s clinginess and endless threats of abortion or breakups had kept him from exploring other options, but he had never found her appealing to begin with. Now, with this mess offering the perfect excuse, he felt a sense of freedom he hadn¡¯t known in a while.

    A grin tugged at the corners of Cory¡¯s mouth as he fished his phone out of his pocket, striding toward the elevator. As soon as the doors slid shut, he dialed another woman¡¯s number. Ailyn¡¯s eyes narrowed at his smug expression, and she could already guess what he was about to do.

    Carrie paused mid-bite, her brows furrowed in genuine confusion. ¡°Why would I be happy?¡±

    gal¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s.c?m is your update source

    Her question was so guileless, so devoid of malice, that it struck Ailyn like a p. The sincerity in Carrie¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t intentional, but itid bare the truth: Ailyn¡¯s existence was utterly insignificant to her. It was a stark reminder that life doesn¡¯t alwayse with an audience.

    Ailyn had spent years cultivating an imaginary rivalry with Carrie, convinced she needed to outshine her. Their recent encounter at the store had only fueled that fire. Yet, to Carrie, Ailyn wasn¡¯t even a blip on the radar.

    Back in school, Carrie had been both the admired beauty and the top student, a natural leader who outshone everyone else. Now, she was a celebrity, married to Kristopher Norris, the most powerful man in Orkset. How could someone standing so high even notice Ailyn, who was still wing her way through the mud?

    Ailyn deted, slumping back in her chair. No one had expected the reunion to end on such an awkward note. As the meal wound down, someone enthusiastically suggested heading to a karaoke bar. It was clear their interest wasn¡¯t in singing¡ªthey simply wanted more time with Kristopher and Albin. Opportunities to rub shoulders with men like them were rare.

    Carrie was about to decline when she suddenly gagged, her hand flying to her mouth. Kristopher was at her side in an instant, his hand rubbing gentle circles on her back. His face darkened with concern. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Carrie took a sip of warm water, calming herself. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

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 Chapter 489

    ?<strong>Chapter 489:</strong>

    ¡°My stomach¡¯s been off thest couple of days. I just overdid it tonight.¡±

    Her exnation seemed to appease everyone. They quickly backed off, offering well-wishes and encouraging her to rest.

    As the group dispersed, Carrie, Kristopher, Albin, and Camille headed toward the elevator.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t consume alcohol tonight,¡± Camille said, ncing at Carrie. ¡°I¡¯ll drive you home.¡±

    Carrie smiled, her eyes flickering toward Albin, who was visibly tipsy. ¡°Take Albin home instead. We¡¯ll call a driver.¡± The hotel was a Norris property, so arranging a driver was no trouble at all.

    Camille hesitated for a moment, then nodded. She helped Albin into the elevator.

    Albin draped himself over her like a drunken scarf. ¡°I want a kiss,¡± he mumbled, pouting.

    Camille rolled her eyes fondly, ruffling his hair. ¡°We¡¯re almost home. Be patient.¡±

    Carrie watched them disappear behind the elevator doors, a faint smile lingering on her lips. When she turned back, Kristopher¡¯s gaze was on her, hot and unrelenting.

    Caught in the moment, and perhaps emboldened by Camille¡¯s disy of affection, Carrie stepped forward, stood on her toes, and nted a quick kiss on his cheek.

    Before she could pull away, Kristopher¡¯s arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. He tilted her chin upward and captured her lips in a deeper, more passionate kiss.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes widened, and she pushed at his chest. ¡°We¡¯re in public,¡± she murmured against his lips.

    ¡°There¡¯s no one here,¡± Kristopher replied, his voice low and husky. His hands slid from her waist to her hips, holding her firmly.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze darted toward the security camera in the hallway. ¡°There¡¯s a camera,¡± she pointed out.

    ¡°It¡¯s our own hotel,¡± he answered,pletely unbothered, his lips brushing against her ear.

    He pressed her gently against the wall, his movements bing bolder.

    Carrie nced down the dimly lit hallway. The doors to the three private rooms on this floor were open, and the darkness within confirmed that everyone had left.

    Her tension eased, and she let herself go, responding to him with growing fervor.

    Kristopher knew all her sensitive spots, skillfully coaxing her into a state ofplete surrender.

    Her arms wrapped around his neck, and before long, her legs were around his waist. She clung to him, meeting his intensity with her own.

    Just a short distance away, Daxton stepped out of the restroom.

    The sight of them froze him in his tracks. He stood watching, unable to make himself turn around.

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 Chapter 490

    ?<strong>Chapter 490:</strong>

    For such a reserved, conservative woman to surrender herself so freely in such a setting¡ªit could only mean one thing. She loved him.

    Daxton¡¯s chest tightened painfully, and he took an involuntary step back, retreating into the shadows.

    Daxton¡¯s hand slid to the edge of the sink. His fingers curled tightly around the ss diffuser sitting there. The pressure mounted as the emotions he¡¯d kept bottled up surged to the surface.

    The diffuser shattered under his grip, shards slicing into his palm. Blood began to drip onto the sink and floor, the crimson stark against the white porcin.

    But Daxton didn¡¯t even flinch. His lips curled into a faint, bitter smile as he stood motionless, letting the pain ground him.

    Daxton hadn¡¯t realized how much time had passed until he saw Kristopher carry Carrie into the elevator. Only then did he finally turn and leave.

    Rather than heading home, he found himself at the VIP Club. As a regr client, he usually visited for business, never onceing on his own. Tonight, though, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to go home alone.

    Seeing Daxton¡¯s troubled state, the manager decided to call for a woman to attend to him. She stood tall and slim, her graceful curves entuated by a moon-white dress that exuded both elegance and a sense of quiet dignity. Her alluring eyes added an extrayer of timeless, sophisticated beauty. She seemed like the perfectpanion for someone as polished and schrly as Daxton.

    ¡°Madilyn, make sure to look after Mr. Garcia,¡± the manager instructed, giving her a quick nod before he shut the door behind him.

    As Madilyn stepped into the room and saw Daxton¡¯s face clearly, her heart skipped a beat. He was lounging on the sofa, eyes gently shut, his expression calm and peaceful. There was something almost otherworldly about him, like a gentleman from another time, radiating an effortless elegance that made him stand out in a way she wasn¡¯t used to.

    Check g?ln¦Òv???s?c?m for more chapters

    In her profession, she rarely got to choose her clients, and most of the men were the typical, middle-aged types¡ªgreasy, with no real charm. But Daxton was different. He was strikingly handsome. She even thought that, had she the means, she wouldn¡¯t mind paying to have a drink with someone like him.

    She sat beside him, uncorked a bottle of wine, poured herself a ss, and gently asked, ¡°Mr. Garcia, what¡¯s troubling you today?¡±

    Daxton kept his eyes shut, trying to rx, but his mind wouldn¡¯t let him. All he could see was the image of Carrie and Kristopher locked in a passionate kiss. But as he focused, that image began to shift, and Kristopher¡¯s face slowly morphed into his own.

    Madilyn poured the wine, and seeing Daxton¡¯s eyes still closed, she cautiously ced her hand on his thigh, caressing it lightly. ¡°Mr. Garcia, if you¡¯re feeling low, I could join you for a drink.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s eyes flew open, his once calm gaze now sharp and icy. The calm and gentle demeanor he had shown earlier was nowpletely gone, as though he had transformed into someone entirely different.

    Without a word, he reached out and gripped her wrist firmly, his eyes narrowing into something darker and full of resentment, like a storm ready to break.

    Madilyn may not have looked anything like Carrie, but there was a familiar coldness to her that reminded him of the same distant, untouchable air. Yet, instead of using that aloofness to protect herself or stand strong, she was using it to lower herself, trying to seduce him.

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 Chapter 491

    ?<strong>Chapter 491:</strong>

    The thought made him feel disgusted. Carrie would never behave like this. She would always maintain her distance, pulling away at the slightest hint of anything inappropriate. Even if this woman bore some resemnce to Carrie, her vulgar actions felt like a sacrilege to the memory of Carrie.

    Terrified, Madilyn attempted to pull her hand away, her voice trembling as she whimpered, ¡°Mr. Garcia, you¡¯re hurting me.¡±

    Daxton didn¡¯t acknowledge her plea, his grip only growing firmer. Madilyn winced in pain, but she didn¡¯t dare push him away.

    Instead, with her free hand, she offered him the wine ss. ¡°Mr. Garcia, please, have a drink.¡±

    After a beat, Daxton finally released her, settling back into the sofa with a soft, coldmand: ¡°Get out.¡±

    Reluctant to let go of such a handsome client, Madilyn pressed on, holding up the wine ss. ¡°Mr. Garcia, what don¡¯t you like about me? Is it my outfit? I can change into something else if you¡¯d prefer. Maybe ck stockings? Or a uniform? Just tell me what you like.¡±

    As she spoke, she reached up, swiftly undoing the sp at her cor, letting it fall open to reveal a glimpse of her curves.

    Daxton¡¯s patience snapped. He snatched the wine ss from her hand and poured it over her head without an ounce of remorse.

    As the liquid dripped down, he muttered coldly, ¡°I have cleanliness issues.¡±

    Madilyn¡¯s eyes filled with tears, her cheeks flushed with humiliation. During her time at the Oasis Club, Madilyn had met many from the upper echelons of society. Even the most brazen ones, who didn¡¯t hesitate to be bold in public, always kept up appearances.

    But this was the first time someone had openly called her ¡°dirty¡± right to her face. The insult stung deeper than she ever expected.

    In Daxton¡¯s world, the divide wasn¡¯t between men and women¡ªit was simply Carrie and everyone else.

    Madilyn, with her striking beauty and charm, was used tomanding attention and softening even the hardest of hearts. Any other man might have been swayed by her vulnerable expression. Yet, as she stood before Daxton, her efforts were met with nothing but cold disdain.

    Madilyn, realizing her defeat, swallowed her pride. She stood up and left the room quietly, her heels clicking softly against the floor.

    As she exited, a bitter thought crossed her mind: Those sleazy, middle-aged men at least knew how to indulge a woman¡¯s charm. Compared to Daxton, they might not be so bad after all. At least they weren¡¯t this¡­ twisted.

    The manager, stationed anxiously outside the door, panicked at the sight of Madilyn leaving, her hair dripping with spilled alcohol. ¡°Madilyn, what happened? How did you offend Mr. Garcia?¡±

    Daxton Garcia wasn¡¯t an ordinary patron. The manager both respected and feared him.

    Thest time Daxton had visited the Oasis Club, he had brought a group of foreign men with identical tattoos on their necks. While the manager hadn¡¯t known who they were at first, a powerful figureter exined that the tattoos were the symbol of a notorious international gang. It wasmon knowledge in their line of work¡ªsomeone who keptpany like that likely had blood on their hands.

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 Chapter 492

    ?<strong>Chapter 492:</strong>

    Working at the club meant dealing with all kinds of people, knowing how to talk the right way to each one. And Daxton wasn¡¯t just anyone.

    His demeanor, his connections, and the air of danger that surrounded him demanded careful handling.

    The manager gestured for Madilyn to leave quickly, not wanting to provoke Daxton further. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves and opened the door to the private room.

    Inside, Daxton satzily, his sharp gaze cutting through the room like a knife.

    ¡°Mr. Garcia,¡± the manager began nervously, bowing slightly. ¡°Madilyn is new, she didn¡¯t mean to offend you. Whatever went wrong, I deeply apologize on her behalf. If you prefer a different type, I can find someone else for you.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s assistant, a man in a sleek ck suit, stepped forward before Daxton could respond. ¡°No need,¡± the assistant said coldly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing for you to handle here. You can leave.¡±

    The assistant walked over to Daxton and said respectfully, ¡°Mr. Garcia, I¡¯m here to take you back to rest.¡±

    The manager quickly nodded and began backing out of the room.

    ¡°Wait,¡± the assistant called after him.

    The manager froze, his heart pounding. ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

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    The assistant¡¯s tone was icy. ¡°In the future, when Mr. Garciaes alone, don¡¯t send any women to his room. Do you understand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, of course,¡± the manager stammered, sweat beading on his forehead. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure it doesn¡¯t happen again.¡±

    As he left, a strange thought crept into his mind. If Mr. Garcia didn¡¯t like women¡­ could it be that he preferred¡­

    The idea startled him, and he nearly tripped over his own feet.

    Daxton, so polished and refined, might have those kinds of preferences?

    ¡°The wealthy always have their peculiar tastes,¡± he concluded, shaking his head as he hurried away.

    Daxton leaned back on the leather sofa, his expression unreadable. He reached for a ss on the table, but his assistant moved swiftly, pouring wine into the ss and offering it to him with both hands.

    Daxton didn¡¯t take the ss. Instead, he grabbed a nearby bottle of whiskey. He tilted his head back and downed nearly a third of it in one go, then tossed the bottle carelessly to the floor. He watched as the amber liquid pooled across the polished tiles.

    Rolling his neck to release the tension, he spoke slowly, his voice low and firm. ¡°Find me an underground fight club.¡±

    Meanwhile, Kristopher led Carrie to his exclusive presidential suite on the top floor of the Norris-owned hotel. Her cheeks flushed, her eyes glimmering with affection as she nced up at him. She looked fragile yet captivating, like a blooming flower swaying in the wind.

    Kristopher¡¯s heart pounded as desire stirred deep within him. Her delicate beauty and the subtle trust in her gaze only intensified his need to im her, to make her his.

    Kristopher shut the door and pressed Carrie against it firmly. He kissed her passionately, his hand naturally finding its way to the gentle slope of her neck. His fingers tenderly brushed her skin, tracing her pulsing heartbeat up her neck until his grip tightened.

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 Chapter 493

    ?<strong>Chapter 493:</strong>

    Feeling lightheaded from theck of oxygen, Carrie experienced a conflicting surge of pleasure while gasping for air. Kristopher made love to her twice, pausing only when he remembered her earlierint of an upset stomach. Afterward, he cleaned her up and made sure she wasfortably tucked into bed.

    Carrie watched him from under the covers, her eyes peeking out, tracking his every move. He caught her watching and softly suggested, ¡°Try to get some rest. I need to join a video call.¡±

    Her hand emerged from the nket, clutching at him, pleading, ¡°Stay with me.¡±

    Turning off his camera, he grabbed hisptop and settled next to her on the bed. She curled up beside him, idly ying with the drawstring of his pajamas.

    At the underground fight club, a man wearing a sinister mask and a white shirt sttered with vivid blood stood ominously in one corner of the stage, his presence as haunting as a scene from a horror film. Even those who knew him well could not reconcile this merciless fighter with the usually mild-mannered Daxton.

    At his feet, a muscr many shirtless and writhing in agony on the ground. When the club¡¯s doctor arrived, the man had already stopped moving entirely. After examining him, the doctor stood, shaking his head solemnly. ¡°He¡¯s dead.¡±

    Without a second nce at the dead man, Daxton instructed the man next to him, ¡°Send three hundred thousand to his family forpensation.¡±

    Underground battles often came with life-or-death agreements, and it wasn¡¯t umon for them to end fatally, particrly when vast sums of money were at stake. Tonight¡¯s crowd, however, consisted of mere tourists looking for entertainment, and they were horrified to witness an actual death unfold before them. The shock rendered everyone motionless.

    Clearly, the fighter on stage regarded human life as nothing more than a spectacle. The onlookers held their breaths, afraid that Daxton might notice and direct his deadly attention towards them.

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    With a stoic expression, Daxton stepped across the lifelesspetitor and deftly leaped from the stage, making his way to the backstage area. Once in the dressing room, he removed his mask and swapped his clothes. His assistant noticed a cut on his arm and promptly said, ¡°Mr. Garcia, you should have that looked at.¡±

    Looking down, Daxton observed the blood seeping from a minor cut on his arm. He remembered that the injury had urred during a brutal takedown, where he had mmed the muscr man¡¯s head repeatedly. During the scuffle, the man¡¯s eye socket had ruptured, sshing fluid onto Daxton. In his distress, the man had scratched Daxton.

    The cut was minor, and the rush of adrenaline had masked any pain Daxton might have felt. An impulsive thought hit him. Eyeing a pair of scissors on the table, he deliberately deepened the cut, allowing the blood to run. A slight smile yed on his lips. This severe injury would surely cause her concern.

    ¡°Hold on a second,¡± he called to his assistant, who was on the verge of stepping out. ¡°Take me to the hospital, and then inform Carrie.¡±

    Daxton was eager to see what decision Carrie would make. Would she choose to stay with Kristopher, or rush to his side upon hearing of his injury?

    At the hotel¡­

    Kristopher waspletely absorbed in his work. He sat in front of hisputer, listening intently to a reporting through on the other side while typing out notes into a document. Meanwhile, Carriey beside him, bored out of her mind, mindlessly scrolling through her phone when, out of nowhere, an unfamiliar number shed on the screen.

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 Chapter 494

    ?<strong>Chapter 494:</strong>

    She paused for a moment, trying to figure out who could be calling at such an odd hour. Pressing her tongue against the back of her teeth in thought, Carrie answered the call, her curiosity piqued.

    A polite voice on the other end asked, ¡°Is this Ms. Campbell?¡±

    ¡°Yes, what is it?¡± Carrie responded, her voice sharp with curiosity.

    On the other end, the man exined, ¡°Hello, Ms. Campbell. Mr. Daxton Garcia was injured while helping someone and is now in the hospital. We need to settle the payment. Could you¡­?¡±

    Without hesitation, she threw off the covers and sat up, her tone serious. ¡°Send me the location.¡±

    Hanging up the phone, she quickly grabbed Kristopher¡¯s shirt and headed toward the bathroom.

    Kristopher removed his Bluetooth headset and turned to her. ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    As she squeezed toothpaste onto her brush, Carrie answered, ¡°To the hospital. And can you call room service for a fresh set of clothes?¡±

    Kristopher set hisputer aside, stood up, and made his way to the bathroom door. He leaned against the frame, his gaze fixed on her as he asked, ¡°Who¡¯s in the hospital?¡±

    Carrie quickly spit out the water, wiping her mouth as she stepped out of the bathroom. ¡°Daxton. He was injured while helping someone. I¡¯m going to take care of his medical bills.¡±

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    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, skepticism written all over his face. ¡°Helping someone?¡± he repeated, a slight smirk tugging at the corners of his lips. ¡°He¡¯s got family, assistants, and housekeepers. Why does it fall on you?¡±

    Just then, the doorbell rang. Carrie walked over to open it, ncing back at Kristopher. ¡°It¡¯s normal for him not to want to trouble his family. I heard he¡¯s badly hurt, so I¡¯m going to check on him. We¡¯re friends, after all. It¡¯s nothing major.¡±

    The attendant came in with a few sets of clothes¡ªboth women¡¯s and men¡¯s. Carrie picked out a ck sweatshirt and khaki wide-leg cargo pants from the pile by the sofa, making her choice quickly.

    Kristopher walked over and sank into the sofa. ¡°So, you¡¯re really going to leave me here in the hotel while you go off to help him?¡±

    Carrie casually shrugged off her shirt, revealing her figure as she met his eyes. ¡°Leave you alone? If you¡¯re not busy,e along. I never said you couldn¡¯te.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered on her waist for a brief moment, his eyes following the delicate traces of their intimacy. He quickly looked away, picked out a matching sweatshirt and cargo pants, and with a yful sigh, said, ¡°I suppose I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Carrie changed clothes quickly, ignoring hisment but murmuring with concern, ¡°He¡¯s so refined, yet here he is, getting hurt trying to help someone. It¡¯s almost like he¡¯s inviting trouble.¡±

    Kristopher stopped at the bathroom door and nced back at her. ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t really know him.¡±

    By the time Kristopher and Carrie arrived at the hospital, it was already early morning. As they walked into the lobby, their eyes immediatelynded on Daxton by the emergency room door. He was the only one sitting on the bench in the dimly lit corridor, the harsh glow of the fluorescentmps casting a cold light that made him look even more isted.

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 Chapter 495

    ?<strong>Chapter 495:</strong>

    Kristopher headed toward the window to handle the payment, but Carrie gently pulled on his sleeve. ¡°I¡¯m going to check on him first,¡± she said, her voice soft.

    Kristopher shot her a quick, indifferent nce. ¡°What could possibly be wrong with him? He¡¯s just sitting there, isn¡¯t he?¡±

    Carrie blinked in surprise before yfully punching Kristopher on the shoulder. ¡°He¡¯s your nephew, after all. Mind your words!¡±

    Kristopher pressed his tongue against his back teeth, a hint of indifference flickering across his face. He didn¡¯t argue back.

    With her hands tucked into the oversized pockets of her hoodie, looking almost childlike, Carrie approached Daxton and softly called his name, ¡°Daxton.¡±

    He lifted his head, his pale face devoid of color, his lips almost white. Despite his obvious exhaustion, he forced a weak smile. ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m sorry for bothering you sote.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression turned slightly concerned. ¡°Daxton, if you keep being so polite with me, I¡¯ll get mad.¡±

    She pulled a small thermos from her pocket and held it out to him. ¡°It¡¯s red date and brown sugar tea. I got it from ate-night snack shop on the way here. I kept it warm in my pocket, so it¡¯s still hot.¡±

    Daxton hesitated, his hand motionless. Instead, he smiled faintly and replied, ¡°I¡¯m not into sweet drinks like youdies.¡±

    Carrie frowned, her voice firm yet gentle. ¡°What does it matter if you¡¯re a man or a woman? You look like a ghost right now¡ªyou need this to replenish your blood.¡± Her gaze drifted to his bandaged arm. Blood had seeped through the gauze, blooming like a dark red flower against the stark white.

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    Reluctantly, Daxton took the cup with his uninjured hand. Carrie bent down and twisted the lid open for him. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulder, brushing against his cheek. The faint scent of gardenia from her shampoo filled the air, perfectly matching her demeanor¡ªfresh, soft, yet elegant.

    Up close, Daxton noticed a faint red mark peeking out from behind Carrie¡¯s ear through her hair. His throat tightened, and the memory of her passionately kissing Kristopher flooded his mind, a twisted mix of pain and longing.

    Carrie sat down beside him, settling close to his injured arm. She tilted her head, her eyes filled with concern. ¡°Is it serious? Where exactly are you hurt?¡±

    Daxton shrugged as if it were nothing. ¡°It¡¯s just a scratch. I wasn¡¯t paying attention and got nicked by a brat with scissors.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, a nurse emerged from the nearby treatment room. She had overheard the conversation and immediately chimed in, ¡°A scratch? The wound was nearly to the bone¡ªyou needed over forty stitches! You must take good care of it at home and keep it dry. With this heat, an infection could get serious fast.¡±

    Carrie immediately nodded, her voice polite. ¡°Thank you, doctor. I¡¯ll make sure he listens.¡±

    The nurse turned to Carrie with a warm gaze and joked, ¡°Your girlfriend is so beautiful. You really should listen to her.¡±

    Carrie froze for a moment, unsure how to respond. Before she could correct the nurse, Kristopher stepped forward, his arm sliding possessively around her shoulders. ¡°You misunderstood,¡± he said curtly. ¡°He¡¯s our nephew.¡±

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 Chapter 496

    ?<strong>Chapter 496:</strong>

    ¡°Huh?¡± The nurse nced between Kristopher and Daxton, her face flushing with embarrassment. ¡°Oh, I¡¯m so sorry! I didn¡¯t realize. My mistake.¡± She hurried off, mumbling apologies.

    Daxton remained quiet, his deep eyes shing briefly with aplicated emotion as Kristopher approached. ¡°All settled,¡± Kristopher said tly, ignoring the tension in Daxton¡¯s expression. He pulled a receipt from his pocket and stuffed it into Daxton¡¯s shirt. ¡°Pay me back when you get home.¡±

    Carrie turned to Kristopher, her tone lightening as she tried to ease the atmosphere. ¡°Let¡¯s take Daxton to get something to eat before we drop him off.¡±

    ¡°He looks like he hasn¡¯t eaten in days,¡± Carrie said, reaching for Kristopher¡¯s hand with a yful pinch. But he grabbed her hand firmly, holding it in ce. His gaze turned cold as he replied, ¡°Your friend is at our ce. I¡¯ll have Oliver take you home now.¡±

    Carrie furrowed her brows. ¡°Camille? How did she end up at our house?¡± She pulled out her phone and checked her messages, but there were no notifications from Camille on WhatsApp.

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened as he tried to keep his tone even. ¡°How would I know? She¡¯s full of surprises. Maybe her phone died.¡±

    Carrie squinted at him, doubtful. His answer seemed usible, but something about his calm demeanor made her uneasy.

    After a moment of hesitation, she turned to Daxton with concern etched across her face. ¡°What should we do with Daxton now?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was immediate, his voice calm but tinged with irritation. ¡°I¡¯ll escort him home. Even if I can¡¯t stand him, I¡¯m not about to kick him while he¡¯s down.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, her unease growing. ¡°But¡­¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s frustration finally surfaced. ¡°But what? When I took a hit for youst time, that was way worse than what he¡¯s dealing with now. I sure didn¡¯t see you fussing over me like this.¡±

    Carrie flinched at his words. She opened her mouth to argue, but seeing Daxton¡¯s calm gaze, she swallowed her retort. Instead, she rattled off instructions. ¡°Fine. But be careful with him. Don¡¯t bump his injured arm. Make sure he eats something on the way home. Help him clean up, and make sure his bandages don¡¯t get wet.¡±

    Kristopher tilted his head slightly, his expression mocking. ¡°I¡¯m not his nursemaid. He has staff who can handle all that.¡±

    Turning to Daxton, Carrie softened her tone. ¡°I¡¯lle see you tomorrow, okay?¡±

    Daxton, reclining against the wall, gave a faint smile. ¡°You don¡¯t need to trouble yourself, Carrie. It¡¯s just a small injury. I¡¯ll be fine.¡± His tone was even, almost too polite. ¡°Besides, I wouldn¡¯t want to disrupt your routine. We all have our own lives, and this is hardly something worth worrying about. More so, in this state, I won¡¯t be much fun to be around.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze darkened, Daxton¡¯s calm and considerate tone only fueling his frustration. Earlier, at the hotel, Kristopher had been certain Daxton¡¯s injury was no ident, convinced it was another of his calcted moves.

    Just then, Oliver appeared, his footsteps brisk. He greeted them all with a respectful nod. ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris, Mr. Garcia.¡±

    Kristopher gesturedzily with one hand. ¡°Oliver, take Mrs. Norris back to Bayview Vi.¡±

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 Chapter 497

    ?<strong>Chapter 497:</strong>

    Oliver¡¯s sharp eyes flicked toward Daxton before returning to Kristopher. ¡°And Mr. Garcia?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll escort him home and head back myself,¡± Kristopher replied curtly.

    ¡°Understood,¡± Oliver said with a slight bow before turning to Carrie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, this way, please.¡± Carrie said a quick goodbye to Daxton and followed Oliver toward the car.

    Through the corridor window, Kristopher waited until he saw Carrie step into the vehicle and watched it drive off into the distance. Only then did he turn back to Daxton, his demeanor shifting instantly. ¡°What exactly are you trying to pull here?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was sharp, like the crack of a whip, every trace of warmthpletely gone from his expression.

    ¡°What are you using me of now?¡± Daxton raised his injured hand slightly, offering a faint, lopsided smile. ¡°I¡¯m hurt. I¡¯ve got no cash on me. Can¡¯t I ask a friend for a hand?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t y the innocent act with me,¡± Kristopher shot back. His tone was biting, his dark eyes narrowed. ¡°Only Carrie falls for your nice-guy routine. With you, not making things worse for everyone else counts as doing good.¡±

    Daxton let his hand drop, his posture rxed. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, that¡¯s on you.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s frustration boiled over. Without warning, he swung his fist,nding a hard punch squarely on Daxton¡¯s jaw. The impact sent Daxton sprawling to the floor.

    Propping himself up on one knee, Daxton wiped the corner of his mouth, smearing blood across his hand. His pale face remained expressionless, but his deep eyes gleamed with amusement. ¡°You¡¯ve still got quite the temper. What do you think Carrie would say if she saw this scene?¡±

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    Kristopher stepped closer, grabbed Daxton by the cor, and hauled him to his feet. Hended another punch, harder this time, sending Daxton¡¯s head snapping to the side. ¡°What¡¯s your n, huh?¡± Kristopher growled, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°Do you actually care about her, or are you just trying to drag her down to hell with you?¡±

    Daxton and Kristopher exchanged a brief, intense stare before both cracked a smile.

    Daxton tilted his head and spat out a mouthful of blood with a grimace.

    In the blink of an eye, a deadly spark lit up his gaze as his fist shot toward Kristopher. The punch was aimed straight at Kristopher¡¯s temple. Every move Daxton made was a calcted threat.

    Kristopher, however, was quicker. As soon as Daxton swung his arm, Kristopher let go of his cor and smoothly dodged the punch. Daxton¡¯s fist collided with Kristopher¡¯s arm instead. The force of the punch was intense¡ªfew would have been able to endure it, even if it onlynded on their arm.

    Kristopher rose to his feet with ease, casually brushing off nonexistent dust from his clothes, his movements smooth and controlled.

    Daxton wasn¡¯t caught off guard; he knew just how capable Kristopher was. Mercenaries across the world whispered about him in fear. Today, Daxton saw it with his own eyes.

    Daxton stood as well, regaining his usual refined and collected demeanor as though the altercation had never happened. With a smirk, Daxton eyed Kristopher and remarked, ¡°Your hands aren¡¯t so clean either. They call you the devil incarnate; your world must be one hell of a ce.¡±

    Kristopher shot him a frosty look. ¡°Don¡¯t put me in the same category as you. I have a code, boundaries I don¡¯t cross.¡±

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 Chapter 498

    ?<strong>Chapter 498:</strong>

    Daxton slowly made his way to a nearby chair, sitting down with an almost casual air, though his eyes briefly lingered on his arm where the wound had reopened, blood seeping through the bandage.

    He shrugged it off. ¡°Let¡¯s stop with the pointless talk. We¡¯ve both spilled blood¡ªneither of us is better than the other.¡±

    He paused, his gaze sharpening. ¡°You know what I hate most about you, Kristopher? It¡¯s how we¡¯re the same, yet you carry yourself like you¡¯re above it all. You weren¡¯t always the saint you pretend to be. It was you who caused your sister¡¯s death.¡±

    At those words, Kristopher kicked out. If his punches earlier were a mere fraction of his power, this kick was pure force. It sent a bench sliding across the floor, carving a deep scratch in its wake.

    Daxton winced as pain shot through his chest¡ªmaybe a rib was broken¡ªbut he still managed a smirk. ¡°What¡¯s this? Feeling guilty? Looks like the truth you¡¯ve been hiding so hard is slipping out.¡±

    His eyes were filled with a fiery intensity as he continued, ¡°If you hadn¡¯t cut ties with my family years ago, I wouldn¡¯t have gone abroad to study. Carrie and I could have been together by now. I knew her long before you even crossed her path. Kristopher, both of use from dark ces. We¡¯re both drawn to someone like Carrie, whose brilliance is impossible to ignore. But you had her and took her for granted. If you and she ever find yourselves at odds, don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you¡ªI¡¯ll make sure she ends up back with me.¡±

    Kristopher scoffed. ¡°Don¡¯t try to drag me down to your level. No matter howplicated my past is, I¡¯ll never let Carrie be affected by it. I¡¯ll always make sure she¡¯s safe from that world.¡±

    Kristopher stood, his back to the light, his face half-hidden in the shadows, making his features seem even more intense.

    Daxton scoffed, the sound of hisugh only adding to his pain. He winced but pressed on. ¡°But you¡¯re the one who hurts her the most, you know. You keep doing it for Lise. What does that wicked woman have over you that you¡¯re willing to go this far to protect her?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze turned cold as he looked down at him. ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡±

    ¡°Some things are better left untouched. Keep asking, and I¡¯ll make sure your whole family finds its way to hell.¡±

    The nurse, who had left earlier, rushed back in, her eyes widening at the sight of Daxton drenched in blood. ¡°Oh my goodness, what happened?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s strength finally gave out, his vision fading to ck as he crumpled to the floor in a heap.

    Kristopher cast a final, cold nce at the scene before turning on his heel and heading toward the hospital entrance. As he stepped outside, he pulled out his phone and sent a voice message to Carrie. ¡°I¡¯ve sent him home. Do you want anything for ate-night snack?¡±

    Carrie returned home to find the house spotless, with no trace of anyone having been there. The maid had clearly gone to bed. She turned to nce at Oliver, who quickly lowered his gaze, his posture tense. His guilty expression was impossible to miss.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, it¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll head home now,¡± he stammered before hurrying out the door.

    Carrie watched as Oliver got into his car and sped off, his taillights vanishing into the night. She didn¡¯t bother calling Camille to confirm anything. She wasn¡¯t naive¡ªthis was just Kristopher¡¯s signature bait-and-switch tactic.

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 Chapter 499

    ?<strong>Chapter 499:</strong>

    Surprisingly, she didn¡¯t feel upset. She understood that going out in the middle of the night for Daxton was bound to provoke Kristopher¡¯s jealousy.

    Yawning, she slipped into her soft slippers and headed upstairs. It had been a long day, and now exhaustion hit her like a wave. Truthfully, she was a little thankful Kristopher had tricked her intoing home. At least now, she could finally rest.

    She changed into her pajamas, crawled under the covers, and quickly drifted into a deep sleep.

    When Kristopher arrived home, the living room was softly lit with warm light, casting aforting glow across the space, even without anyone present. The lighting wasn¡¯t his preference¡ªhe had always liked cool tones¡ªbut Carrie had insisted on warm lighting, arguing it made the house feel more like a home.

    Now,ing homete at night, he found himself grateful for it. He carried a box ofte-night snacks upstairs.

    As he entered the bedroom, he noticed the light was still on, but Carrie was already curled up under the covers, fast asleep. He smiled faintly. Carrie usually couldn¡¯t fall asleep with the light on. She must have been truly exhausted.

    The faint metallic scent of blood lingered on his ck jacket. Though the fabric concealed any stains, he couldn¡¯t ignore it.

    Kristopher set the box down on the nightstand and walked into the bathroom to shower. After washing off the day, he changed into fresh pajamas. He debated tossing his jacket but remembered it was part of a matching set Carrie had picked out. Instead, he threw it into theundry basket, carefully covering it with a robe. Satisfied, he opened the bathroom door.

    Carrie stirred at the sound, her half-lidded eyes peeking out from under the nket. Sleep clung to her expression, making her look soft and vulnerable.

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    Kristopher walked over, picking up the snack box and sitting on the edge of the bed. She stretched out a hand from under the covers and sped his. Her fingers were warm and delicate, anchoring him in the moment.

    ¡°Do you want to keep sleeping, or would you like a bite?¡± he asked softly.

    ¡°What is it?¡± Carrie¡¯s voice was husky with sleep, the wordsing out almost like a yful whine.

    He touched the box, checking its temperature, then opened it and held it up. ¡°Your favorite fried chicken from that ce you like.¡±

    The aroma of the fried chicken wafted up, and Carrie¡¯s stomach betrayed her with a soft growl. Sheughed sheepishly, pushing herself up against the headboard. ¡°Just a few bites.¡±

    Kristopher picked up a drumstick and held it out for her. Carrie hesitated for a moment.

    In the past, she would have taken the drumstick and eaten it herself, keeping her interactions with him reserved and independent. But now, she had learned that love wasn¡¯t a solo act. It was a partnership, a delicate bnce where both gave and took, each small gesture forming a bridge between their hearts.

    She leaned forward, taking a bite, her gaze lingering on Kristopher¡¯s sharp profile. ¡°Delicious,¡± she said, her lips curling into a genuine smile.

    Seeing her happy brought an unexpected warmth to Kristopher. He realized, for the first time, that caring for someone wasn¡¯t a burden¡ªit could feel deeply satisfying. He brought the drumstick to her lips again, urging her to take more bites.

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 Chapter 500

    <strong>Chapter 500:</strong>

    Carrie took two more bites before leaning back, rubbing her stomach. ¡°I can¡¯t eat anymore. What a waste.¡±

    Without hesitation, Kristopher brought the drumstick to his own mouth, taking a bite of her leftovers.

    Carrie froze, her heart skipping a beat. Kristopher¡ªwho had always been so meticulous, so particr¡ªwas eating her leftovers without a second thought. It wasn¡¯t the act itself that stunned her, but the intimacy of it. To her, this small gesture felt deeper than any physical closeness they had shared.

    It was an unspoken expression of trust and care, something she had always found difficult to give or ept. Even parents only ate their children¡¯s leftovers when they were young.

    Once Kristopher was done with the drumstick, Carrie leaned her head on his leg and looked up at him, pouting yfully. ¡°I want to brush my teeth.¡±

    She had strict preferences for her sleep¡ªno light, no noise, the AC set to a cooler temperature, thick nkets, and pillowcases made of silk. She couldn¡¯t sleep if there was even a hint of food taste left in her mouth.

    Kristopher set the wonton bowl on the bedside table. ¡°Do you want me to carry you?¡±

    Carrie pouted again. ¡°No, I don¡¯t feel like moving. I just want to brush my teeth in bed.¡±

    Kristopher got up. ¡°Wait here.¡±

    He cleaned the bedside table with a wipe, opened the window to let in fresh air, and then took out the trash.

    Carrie was used to seeing him do these little homey things. Once he had disposed of the trash, Kristopher returned to the bedroom and then made his way to the bathroom.

    A few momentster, he reappeared, carrying a small basin in his hands. As he walked over to the bed, he carefully set the basin down. Inside, there was a cup of water and a toothbrush, already loaded with toothpaste, waiting to be used.

    Carrie propped herself up in bed and began brushing her teeth, taking her time to rinse her mouth afterward. When she was finished, Kristopher reached for a disposable face towel and gently wiped away the remnants of toothpaste from the corners of her mouth.

    Feeling satisfied, Carrie snuggled back into the warmth of the covers. Kristopher cleaned up, turned off the lights, and slipped into bed beside her. He pulled the nkets around them both, drawing her close and wrapping his arms around her small, warm body.

    The next morning, Carrie woke up early. Before even opening her eyes, she could smell a fresh scent in the air.

    Carrie blinked in surprise as her eyesnded on a bouquet leaning gracefully against the bedside table. The arrangement was stunning, with smoky purple Manta roses rising one after another, their long stems stretching up to about a meter in length. It was a long-stemmed rose bouquet that had been trending onlely.

    The day before, while watching short clips on social media, she¡¯d casually mentioned it to Kristopher. ¡°This is what a girl¡¯s candy stick should be.¡± She certainly hadn¡¯t expected Kristopher to remember it, let alone rush out first thing in the morning to get exactly what she¡¯d mentioned.

    Compared to the huge, expensive gifts worth millions at home, this bouquet seemed small and simple. But the thoughtfulness behind it was enough to lift her spirits right away. Waking up to such a lovely surprise made Carrie feel excited about the day ahead. Anyst bit of sleepiness was gone, reced by happiness.

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 Chapter 501

    ?<strong>Chapter 501:</strong>

    She stretched, quickly threw off the covers, and jumped out of bed. Her feet sank into the soft carpet, theforting texture making her smile. She searched the room barefoot and finally found a tall, fancy vase she¡¯d never used, hidden in the cab. The vase, crafted from colorful ss, caught the sunlight and reflected shades of blue and purple, perfectlyplementing the roses¡¯ vibrant colors.

    Carrie filled the vase with water, unwrapped the bouquet, and carefully arranged the flowers inside. Sunlight poured over the roses, making them glow in a warm golden light. Sitting by the window, lost in the beauty of the flowers, her phone rang.

    It was Soren, letting her know about ast-minute promotional event she needed to attend. She was thankful she had applied the ointment the night before, as the red marks on her skin had already faded.

    Today, she decided on a matcha-colored halter dress. The cutouts at the waist highlighted her elegant curves. Her hair fell softly around her shoulders, held in ce by a delicate pearl hairpin, while tassel ear cuffs dangled from her ears, adding a subtle touch of mour.

    She had never gotten her ears pierced because she was scared of the pain. Instead, the designer earrings Oliver sent were always carefully modified into ear cuffs just for her.

    By the time she arrived at the event, a crowd had already gathered. To her surprise, she saw fans holding signs, cheering her on. It was her first time having fans, and it filled her with joy. A group of strangers, drawn to her work, was offering her validation in a way she¡¯d never imagined.

    Before the event kicked off, she took photos and signed autographs for each fan. Noticing them sweating in the heat, she thoughtfully ordered bubble tea for them.

    What she didn¡¯t know was that the fans posted photos of the pictures and bubble tea on Twitter, creating a small buzz. The mutual appreciation and support felt incredibly special¡ªa rare and valuable connection in the world of fandom.

    The event was a promotional gathering for Agarwood. Silver Elephant Media had poured a lot of money into the drama, hosting a range of events, big and small. The event featured Q&A sessions, along with interactive opportunities for the audience to engage in ying and plot experiences, adding ayer of excitement and connection.

    With so many parts to the event and the fans¡¯ intense enthusiasm, it stretched on for a long time. Carrie, in her stilettos, felt especially drained after standing for what seemed like forever. She noticed her stamina wasn¡¯t what it used to be. In college, she could race between lecture halls in heels without batting an eye, but now, simply standing left her exhausted.

    During the break, she slipped away to the restroom and headed to the backstage lounge. She kicked off her heels, rested her feet on the edge of a chair, and softly massaged her tired ankles. On the table sat an unfinished takeout meal, and the cold pork soup had hardened, looking greasy. The rancid, oily smell spread through the warm air.

    At first, Carrie tried to ignore it, but the longer she breathed in the stench, the more queasy she became. Her stomach twisted in difort, and before she knew it, the urge to vomit hit her. Quickly, she pulled her feet off the chair, grabbed the nearby trash can, and vomited into it.

    From the corner of her eye, she saw a figure standing by the door. She nced up and saw Lise standing there, dressed in a white dress.

    Her expression was oddly nk, a stark contrast to her usual provocative or yful attitude. Carrie actually found her less irritating in this mood. She remembered seeing something about Lise attending a store opening at this mall just a few days ago. The phrase ¡°it¡¯s a small world¡± seemed to ring true again¡ªno matter how random, they always seemed to cross paths at events like this.

    Carrie turned her gaze away from Lise, ignoring her, and casually grabbed a bottle of water to rinse out her mouth. Honestly, she hadn¡¯t thrown up much. Since Kristopher wasn¡¯t home, she¡¯d only managed a few bites before hurrying out. The event had dragged on for hours, and those few bites had already been digested by the time she had a moment to herself.

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 Chapter 502

    ?<strong>Chapter 502:</strong>

    After cing the water bottle down and straightening herself, she noticed Lise was still there, standing by the door and watching her. Just as Carrie wondered why Lise hadn¡¯t left, thetter walked in and stood over her with an unreadable expression.

    Lise asked without hesitation, ¡°Why are you throwing up? Are you pregnant?¡±

    Carrie froze, caught off guard. She had wondered the same thing before. Symptoms like morning sickness, tiredness, nausea, and overall exhaustion could point to pregnancy, but they weren¡¯t certain signs. She had pushed the thought aside, especially with everything happeningtely. But now that Lise had brought it up, her doubts returned in full force.

    She kept her cool, not letting her thoughts show, and replied, ¡°This isn¡¯t your business, is it? You¡¯re just Kristopher¡¯s ex now. Why should I tell you anything?¡±

    Lise couldn¡¯te up with aeback and snapped in frustration, ¡°Kristopher doesn¡¯t love you. His heart belongs to me.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why aren¡¯t you pretending to be all sweet and innocent anymore?¡± Carrie asked, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

    She slipped her heels back on, her movements calm yet deliberate. ¡°Where his heart is doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is that he¡¯s with me now. We spent the night together. And hey, I should probably thank you, his ex, for teaching him all those tricks.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t need to say anything more, but it was enough to send Lise¡¯s mind racing with the worst possible thoughts.

    Lise¡¯s fists tightened in fury, her long nails digging painfully into her palms. The harsh truth hit her like a punch to the gut. Kristopher had never touched her. From the very beginning to the very end, she had never been what he wanted.

    She had once depended on her heart to keep him close, but ironically, it was this very heart that kept them from being a normal couple, unable to even kiss or be intimate. Kristopher had always been held back by moral and ethical constraints, brought on by this heart.

    Lise¡¯s silence lingered, but the anger in her re was unmistakable. Carrie straightened her skirt and stood with calm resolve.

    ¡°Are you nning to fake a medical emergency?¡± she asked, her tone sharp but restrained. ¡°Kristopher is in Orubert today; he won¡¯t be rushing back anytime soon. If you¡¯re not pretending, then I have an event to attend. Please move aside.¡±

    For a moment, Lise seemed ready to retort but bit her tongue, stepping grudgingly to the side.

    The ribbon-cutting ceremony today would attract many influential people, making it a great opportunity for her to expand herwork. Now that Kristopher no longer indulged her like he used to, she needed to find an alternative.

    As Carrie walked out of the lounge, Lise¡¯s earlier words echoed in her mind, gnawing at her thoughts.

    Later that day, after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Carrie made a detour to a nearby pharmacy. Something had shifted in her since this morning, a nagging intuition she couldn¡¯t shake.

    Back at the mall, she found herself rushing to the restroom, pregnancy test in hand. She followed the instructions carefully, her hands trembling slightly.

    Two lines appeared on the test strip¡ªone dark, the other faint. Her heart skipped a beat as her breath caught. She searched online for what this result meant, and the answer stared back at her: Possible early pregnancy.

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 Chapter 503

    ?<strong>Chapter 503:</strong>

    Her mind went nk. She couldn¡¯t process the thought of suddenly bing a mother. She had no idea how to react.

    She stared at her reflection in the restroom mirror, her hands gently pressing against her t stomach. Was it real? Could there truly be a life growing inside her¡ªa child that belonged to her and Kristopher?

    She had heard that children conceived out of love thrived well in life.

    She stepped out of the restroom, her steps slow and deliberate, as if moving through water.

    At the mall¡¯s entrance, a baby store caught her eye. Drawn by an inexplicable pull, she walked inside.

    Unbeknownst to Carrie, as she exited the restroom, the door of the adjacent stall creaked open. Kailee emerged, her sharp eyes darting around. She spotted the discarded pregnancy test in the trash bin.

    Curiosity piqued, she nced around to ensure the restroom was empty before fishing it out with a tissue. Her eyes widened as she saw the two lines.

    Kailee pulled out her phone, her hands shaking slightly, and snapped several photos of the test. She stuffed the evidence into her bag and hurried out of the restroom, her mind racing with ns.

    Carrie was pregnant!

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c§à??, your storytelling home

    The Myers family business had been in turmoil ever since Kristopher cut ties with them over Carrie. Her parents¡¯ constant arguments had turned their home into a war zone, and her father would always disappear for days after every argument.

    To add salt to the wound, Albin¡ªher infatuation¡ªwas now dating Camille, Carrie¡¯s best friend.

    Kailee seethed. She med Carrie for everything. Her family¡¯s misfortune, her shattered love expectations, her growing istion¡ªall of it, in her mind, was Carrie¡¯s fault.

    And now Carrie was pregnant? Kristopher¡¯s heir. The thought was unbearable. If Carrie gave birth, it would cement her position as Mrs. Norris forever, ensuring her power and influence within the family.

    Kailee vowed to make Carrie pay for everything she was going through¡ªtenfold.

    The baby store¡¯s d¨¦cor was cheerful and inviting, with pastel hues and plush animals everywhere. There was a time when she had eagerly imagined having a child, but life had hardened her. She had buried that dream, convinced it wasn¡¯t the right time, or perhaps that it would never be.

    But now, looking at the miniature onesies and strollers, those thoughts resurfaced, fragile yet persistent.

    She adjusted her sunsses and pretended to browse, trying to blend in.

    A store clerk approached her with a warm smile, quickly assessing her youthful, fashionable appearance. ¡°Miss, are you shopping for a gift?¡±

    Carrie hesitated for a moment before nodding. ¡°Yes,¡± she said softly, deciding to y along. ¡°Just looking for something suitable.¡±

    The test wasn¡¯t definitive. Early results could be inurate, and until she was sure, there was no need to overthink it. She wasn¡¯t ready to tell the news to anyone¡ªnot to a stranger.

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 Chapter 504

    ?<strong>Chapter 504:</strong>

    Besides, Lise had alreadymented on her morning sickness earlier that day.

    The clerk beamed. ¡°Do you know if it¡¯s for a boy or a girl? I can make some rmendations.¡±

    ¡°Boy or girl?¡±

    If it¡¯s a boy, he might end up being the next Norris family heir, and his future wouldn¡¯t really be his to decide¡ªnot for himself, and not even for his parents. Carrie understood the weight that came with wealth and ambition, but she had no craving for the Norris family¡¯s influence or riches. She knew all too well that every gain demanded a sacrifice. Being the head of the Norris family came with burdens too immense to bear. For her, money should serve its purpose and nothing more.

    If it were a girl, backed by the Norris family¡¯s wealth, she might enjoy a life of ease and freedom. Perhaps a daughter would be the better choice.

    ¡°Miss?¡± The shop assistant¡¯s voice broke through, drawing Carrie out of her drifting thoughts.

    Carrie gave a soft smile. ¡°The baby hasn¡¯t arrived yet, so we don¡¯t know the gender.¡±

    The shop assistant nodded and said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t really matter. For babies, gender isn¡¯t that important. There are so many colors that suit both boys and girls.¡±

    galn¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m opens doors to new adventures

    Sheid out a few sets of baby clothes, bottles, and pillows, exining each one in detail.

    Carrie picked a pink outfit, thinking it looked adorable for either a boy or a girl. She even found the idea of boys in pink to have its own unique charm.

    Suddenly, an image of Kristopher dressed in pink shed through her mind. Hisposed, almost austere personality shing with the cheerful color created an oddly captivating contrast.

    As Carrie left the store with her purchase carefully wrapped, her phone buzzed with a call from Camille.

    ¡°Carrie, did you hear? Cory¡¯s wife just found out about Ailyn.¡±

    Carrie froze in surprise and asked, ¡°Who told you that?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Camille muttered, her words muffled by whatever she was eating. ¡°In this circle, people are always sucking up to the powerful and stepping on the weak.¡±

    At the reunion, Kristopher made it obvious that he¡¯s not on good terms with his uncle. So, of course, someone thought siding with him like this would win them favor.¡± Camille paused to swallow before adding, ¡°I doubt she¡¯ll even be able to keep that so-called ¡®prince¡¯ she¡¯s carrying.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes lingered on the busy street as she said pensively, ¡°Whoever¡¯s behind it, Ailyn¡¯s going to me us for it.¡±

    Camille shrugged indifferently. ¡°And what can she do about it? If she loses the baby, it¡¯s not like I can magically give her another. Even if she wanted me to, it wouldn¡¯t matter. I¡¯m not nning on having kids.¡±

    Camille muttered a few more things, but when Albin appeared, she quickly hung up.

    Standing motionless, Carrie felt a wave of unease rising within her. Without thinking, her hand drifted to her stomach. Camille¡¯s casualment hit a sensitive spot. For the first time, Carrie felt she had a real vulnerability. No matter what, she wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to harm her child.

    As Carrie gged down a taxi to head home, her phone buzzed with a call from Kristopher.

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 Chapter 505

    ?<strong>Chapter 505:</strong>

    ¡°Are you finished?¡± His deep, calming voice immediately eased the tension in her chest. She realized she hadn¡¯t checked her phone since she¡¯d texted him before the event started.

    Opening the car door, Carrie slipped into the back seat and answered softly, ¡°It¡¯s done. I¡¯m in a cab on my way home.¡±

    Her eyesnded on the baby clothes beside her, and she hesitated, debating whether to share the news with Kristopher.

    Kristopher¡¯s voice came through the line, calm and steady. ¡°I¡¯ve got a few more things to wrap up here. Head home first.¡±

    ¡°The venue ns should¡¯ve been delivered to the house¡ªlook them over and pick the one you like.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Carrie blinked, snapped back to the moment. ¡°What venue?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice softened. ¡°The venue for our wedding,¡± he said simply.

    For a moment, Carrie was speechless. Then, as the words sank in, a tender smile bloomed across her face.

    The warm aroma of freshly prepared food greeted Carrie as soon as she stepped through the door, offering aforting wee after a long day. She didn¡¯t bother to look at the dishes; instead, her eyes scanned the room.

    The maid, hearing the sound of the door, emerged from the kitchen and smiled knowingly. ¡°Mrs. Norris, are you looking for the wedding ns?¡±

    Caught off guard, Carrie felt a flicker of embarrassment but nodded slightly. The maid wiped her hands on a towel, walked over to the coffee table, and picked up a small stack of booklets. ¡°The nner stopped by earlier and dropped these off. All the materials are here¡ªpictures, descriptions, everything you might need. Would you like to look at them now, or¡­?¡±

    ¡°Bring them to the dining room. I¡¯ll go through them while I eat,¡± Carrie replied, slipping off her shoes and heading to the sink to wash her hands.

    Seated at the dining table, Carrie eagerly opened the first catalog while the maid set the table. The first wedding venue featured a golden vintage theme, oozing opulence. Champagne-colored roses lined the runway, while feathers and tassels swayed gently overhead, casting a soft elegance over the grand metallic tones. At first nce, it conjured images of royalty¡ªluxurious and graceful. What stood out most was the note emphasizing that the pearls on the table decor and the crystals on the drapes had to be made from natural materials.

    The second venue was simpler but no less breathtaking. A seaside cliff wedding, where the aisle was paved with seashells and the stage was surrounded by minimalist ss columns that doubled as glowing lights.

    The scenic view of the ocean merging with the sky gave the venue a serene yet dramatic charm. Despite its simplicity, the cost of the cliffside setting rivaled the first venue. Carrie flipped through more options, each one more extravagant than thest.

    Though she had been married to Kristopher for so long, browsing the catalogs stirred a quiet excitement in her chest. She had once yearned for a beautiful ceremony, and now, as she flipped through the pages, the thought of reliving that day felt bittersweet yet enticing.

    The maid approached, breaking her reverie. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please eat before the food gets cold. Reheated dishes won¡¯t taste the same.¡±

    Reluctantly, Carrie put the catalogs aside and turned to her meal. The meal that evening was simple yet satisfying¡ªmostly light vegetable dishes with minimal meat. Carrie¡¯s eyes fell on the cabbage and tofu soup, and for the first time that day, her appetite seemed to return. She scooped up a spoonful of tofu. Its texture was soft, almost melting in her mouth, infused with the delicate sweetness of the vegetables.

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 Chapter 506

    ?<strong>Chapter 506:</strong>

    The maid, watching from the side, seemed pleased. ¡°You didn¡¯t eat much at lunch, so I thought your appetite might be poor today. That¡¯s why I prepared more vegetable-based dishes.¡±

    Carrie smiled faintly, murmuring, ¡°It¡¯s perfect, thank you.¡±

    What the maid didn¡¯t know was that Carrie was keeping a secret. She hadn¡¯t told anyone about her suspected pregnancy¡ªnot even Kristopher. Sharing the news too early felt risky. What if the test had been a false rm? She didn¡¯t want to get everyone¡¯s hopes up only to disappoint them, especially Mny and Billie, who had eagerly awaited the possibility of a child.

    Her thoughts drifted back to earlier in the car. She had almost told Kristopher but held back at thest moment.

    This wasn¡¯t something to share lightly; she would wait until she was certain. Later that night, Carrie went through her bedtime routine and climbed into bed, the events of the day still reying in her mind. She didn¡¯t hear Kristopher return until muchter.

    He entered the room after his shower, his hair damp and his presence calming. He sat down beside her, holding the catalogs in one hand. Before long, their conversation shifted to quietughter and lingering touches. His hand slid across her waist, his kisses trailing down her neck. The warmth of his touch was familiar and intoxicating, drawing her into the moment.

    But suddenly, a thought pierced through the haze: intimacy during early pregnancy could lead toplications. Her heart raced, and she gently pushed him away. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling well tonight.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kristopher asked, his brows furrowed with concern.

    Carrie searched for an excuse. ¡°My stomach¡¯s a little upset, and I¡¯m really tired.¡±

    The worry on his face softened. He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll let you off the hook tonight.¡±

    A few dayster, Foxfire¡¯s nned tourist area was beginning to take shape. The charm of the quaint town remained intact; the renovations had been careful, preserving the character of the guesthouses and the town¡¯s unique ambiance. Though Agarwood hadn¡¯t premiered yet, the powerful draw of Katrina¡¯s and Asher¡¯s names alone had thrust Foxfire into the spotlight. Tourists, lured by the growing online buzz, arrived in droves and found a ce more breathtaking than the curated photos. A hidden gem had been discovered.

    At the Norris Mansion, the weekend brought a family gathering at the sprawling Norris estate. Kristopher and Carrie had been invited for dinner. With work matters to discuss, Kristopher brought along a few executives. The evening promised to be a blend of business and family warmth.

    Carrie had grown ustomed to the executives¡¯ polite indifference during previous interactions¡ªalways respectful but distant, as though unsure how to regard her. This time, the change was striking. As soon as they stepped inside, the executives greeted her with warm smiles.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, we truly owe the sess of this project to you,¡± one of them said, his enthusiasm almost boyish.

    ¡°Absolutely! What you¡¯ve aplished is nothing short of extraordinary,¡± another chimed in. ¡°Transforming an overlooked little town into the top tourist destination¡ªwell, that¡¯s no small feat.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯ve been so modest about your contributions that we never realized how instrumental you¡¯ve been,¡± someone added. ¡°Your work as a screenwriter created more buzz than all our marketingbined.¡±

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 Chapter 507

    ?<strong>Chapter 507:</strong>

    Kristopher, who had just stepped away from a phone call, walked into the room and ced a hand on Carrie¡¯s shoulder.

    His touch was casual, but the pride in his expression was unmistakable. ¡°Of course,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°This project¡¯s sess is thanks to my wife.¡± His voice carried a teasing note as he turned to the group. ¡°When the bonuses roll in, don¡¯t forget who deserves a share.¡±

    The executives nodded eagerly, their respect genuine. ¡°Of course, Mrs. Norris! Just name it, and it¡¯s yours.¡±

    Carrie smiled, her cheeks flushing faintly under their praise. She gave Kristopher a yful nudge, her tone self-deprecating. ¡°It wasn¡¯t all me. Timing yed a big role. If the film had been shot a year earlier orter, it wouldn¡¯t have coincided so perfectly with the government¡¯s ns.¡±

    ¡°That may be true,¡± one executive replied, his tone light. ¡°But luck favors the talented.¡± He paused, then added with a flourish, ¡°With your intelligence, poise, and charm, Mrs. Norris, you¡¯re like a queen from the old legends¡ªdestined to bring prosperity wherever you go.¡±

    Carrie stifled augh, lowering her gaze to hide her amusement. Their words were over-the-top, like something pulled straight from a melodrama, but she had to admit¡ªthey were skilled at ttery.

    Nearby, Billie watched the scene with quiet satisfaction. Her daughter-inw hade a long way, earning respect in ways Billie hadn¡¯t anticipated. ¡°Dinner is ready,¡± she said warmly, stepping into the room. ¡°Let¡¯s all sit down and eat.¡±

    ??T€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ¨ªn galn?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    Billie was d to see Carrie help Kristopher excel in his work. Her biggest concern had always been that Carrie¡¯s family background didn¡¯t match the Norris family, making her seem like nothing more than a decorative wife. But Carrie had proven that even without her family¡¯s support, she could still be an invaluable partner to Kristopher.

    As the group moved toward the dining room, Kristopher¡¯s grandmother, who had been watching from the sidelines, spoke up with a chuckle. ¡°Our Carrie really was a hidden gem, wasn¡¯t she? It¡¯s wonderful to see her finally shine.¡±

    The executives, perhaps remembering their earlier indifference, nced at one another, guilt flickering briefly in their eyes. One of them cleared his throat and spoke earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s not that Mrs.

    ¡°Norris was overlooked. It¡¯s just that we were too blind to see her brilliance.¡±

    ¡°Exactly!¡± another said, seizing the opportunity to redeem himself. He turned to Kristopher, his tone half-joking. ¡°Mr. Norris, you have an exceptional eye¡ªnot just for projects, but for partners. While the rest of us were clueless, you¡¯d already secured the most invaluable asset. Honestly, if we were yourpetitors, we¡¯d be doomed.¡±

    Billie quietly observed their conversation before suddenly reaching for the serving fork and spoon, cing some food on Carrie¡¯s te. ¡°You should eat more. You¡¯ve gotten so thin. I may not fully understand the nature of your work, you¡¯re surrounded by the best of the business world, and they all acknowledge your efforts. Of course, I¡¯m proud of you too. But as a member of the Norris family, your main duty is to have a child.¡± Mny quickly backed up Billie, adding, ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand her¡ªit¡¯s not meant to pressure you. You¡¯re still young, and your body will recover just fine. When Billie had her kids¡­¡± Before she could finish, a noticeable shift swept through the room. While a few of the executives maintained neutral expressions, most of the family members¡¯ faces showed obvious rm. Billie, caught off guard, even dropped her spoon in surprise. Deep in thought, Carrie¡¯s hand drifted instinctively to her lower abdomen. Ever since taking the pregnancy test, she often felt as if she could sense the baby¡¯s heartbeat. Of course, she knew it was likely just her mind ying tricks on her. After all, herte-night inte searches told her that a fetal heartbeat wouldn¡¯t appear until six weeks at the earliest. Still, the bond between a mother and her unborn child was something beyond the reach of medical exnations. She opened her mouth to say something. ¡°I¡­¡± But Mny swiftly steered the conversation away. ¡°Here, try this. It¡¯s organic chicken from our housekeeper¡¯s family farm.¡± The executives, assuming Carrie was too young to think about children, jumped in to ease the tension. ¡°Mrs. durante 13 segundos

    Billie quietly observed their conversation before suddenly picking up the serving fork and spoon and cing some food on Carrie¡¯s te. ¡°You should eat more. You¡¯ve gotten so thin. I may not fully understand the nature of your world¡ªyou¡¯re surrounded by the best in the business world, and they all acknowledge your efforts. Of course, I¡¯m proud of you too. But as a member of the Norris family, your main duty is to have a child.¡±

    Mny quickly backed Billie up, adding, ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand her¡ªit¡¯s not meant to pressure you. You¡¯re still young, and your body will recover just fine. When Billie had her kids¡­¡±

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 Chapter 508

    ?<strong>Chapter 508:</strong>

    Before she could finish, a noticeable shift settled over the room. While a few of the executives kept neutral expressions, most of the family members¡¯ faces showed obvious rm. Billie, caught off guard, even dropped her spoon in surprise.

    Deep in thought, Carrie¡¯s hand drifted instinctively to her lower abdomen. Ever since taking the pregnancy test, she often felt as though she could sense the baby¡¯s heartbeat. Of course, she knew it was likely just her mind ying tricks on her; after all, herte-night inte searches told her that a fetal heartbeat wouldn¡¯t appear until at least six weeks. Still, the bond between a mother and her unborn child was something medicine couldn¡¯t fully exin.

    She opened her mouth to speak. ¡°I¡­¡±

    But Mny swiftly changed the subject. ¡°Here, try this. It¡¯s organic chicken from our housekeeper¡¯s family farm.¡±

    The executives, assuming Carrie was too young to seriously think about having children, jumped in to ease the tension. ¡°Mrs.¡ª¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris is still so young¡ªbarely more than a kid herself. There¡¯s really no need to rush.¡±

    Mny caught Billie¡¯s distracted expression and decided to let it go. ¡°Yes, of course. These things happen in their own time.¡±

    With everyone chiming in, Carrie decided now wasn¡¯t the right moment to bring up her pregnancy. Besides, her morning sickness had eased uptely, and her hectic workdays had made her forget to schedule a prenatal check-up. For now, there wasn¡¯t any solid confirmation anyway. With these thoughts swirling in her mind, she sipped the chicken soup the maid served and chose to stay quiet.

    Kristopher broke the silence with a firm statement. ¡°I¡¯ve decided we¡¯ll have a wedding ceremony.¡± His tone left no room for debate; it wasn¡¯t a suggestion but an announcement.

    Billie blinked out of her distracted state, frowning. ¡°You¡¯ve been married for more than two years. What¡¯s the point of a wedding now?¡±

    Mny nodded in agreement. ¡°You should¡¯ve done this ages ago. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and it deserves to be special.¡±

    Billie didn¡¯t share the sentiment but decided to hold her tongue. With Carrie now known as a sessful screenwriter, the Norris family no longer had any reason to feel ashamed of their daughter-inw.

    Shawn, who had remained quiet until then, set down his fork and inquired, ¡°Have you decided on the venue?¡±

    Kristopher responded with two simple words: ¡°Not yet.¡±

    Carrie felt the need to step in, exining, ¡°Kristopher had the wedding nnere up with a few proposals, but we¡¯re still in the process of selecting a venue.¡±

    Billie immediately adopted a lecturing tone upon hearing this. ¡°Proposals? Let me see them. Your wedding represents the Norris family¡¯s reputation, so it can¡¯t be done carelessly.¡±

    ¡°This is something you two haven¡¯t managed before, and there¡¯s more to it than you realize. Show me the ns.¡±

    Mny gently ced her hand over Billie¡¯s. ¡°Billie, let the kids take care of it. The younger generation has different tastes from ours. Carrie isn¡¯t a child anymore. You have to loosen up a bit and trust them to handle their own matters.¡±

    The executives shared quiet, knowing nces. They were experienced enough to stay silent and keep to themselves. Billie, feeling embarrassed in front of so many people, appeared visibly displeased.

    .

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 Chapter 509

    ?<strong>Chapter 509:</strong>

    Carrie jumped in to ease the tension. ¡°I¡¯m still figuring things out, Billie, so I¡¯ll definitely be counting on your guidance whenever I need help with something I¡¯m not familiar with.¡±

    Billie shrugged dismissively, pretending to be uninterested. ¡°I¡¯m just the one doing all the work.¡±

    Carrie grinned warmly. ¡°That¡¯s because you¡¯re somitted to the family.¡±

    Billie¡¯s expression softened in response. Carrie couldn¡¯t help but reflect as she thought to herself. Despite all the quiet efforts she¡¯d made, Billie still hadn¡¯t warmed up to her. Yet, a simple gesture of kindness seemed to have had more impact. It was like offering someone a whole cake when they just wanted a slice and then getting upset when they¡¯re not happy.

    In that moment, Carrie realized that she needed to rethink her approach to handling rtionships.

    Once dinner was over, Kristopher and the executives moved to the study to continue their work discussions. Billie and the elderly couple retreated to their rooms, leaving Carrie alone in the spacious living room.

    She was far less reserved now, lounging on the sofa with her legs tucked underneath her, savoring dessert as she scrolled through short videos. She had been watching an educational video when Camille sent her a racy one featuring Asher, wearing a white deep V-neck suit.

    ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re living the dream! The top star is truly one of a kind¡ªmore thrilling than Albin!¡±

    Just as Carrie was about to respond, a bowl of golden cherries was ced in front of her. Thinking it was the maid, she instinctively reached for it, but the person on the other side didn¡¯t let go. As she grew confused, a soft voice above her spoke.

    ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re living the dream. Perhaps you can skip the cherries.¡±

    Startled, Carrie swiftly hid her phone in her palm and looked up to find Kristopher¡¯s half-smiling face. He leaned in, his voice soft by her ear.

    ¡°Am I not doing enough to keep you happy in bed?¡±

    The mere sound of his voice made Carrie¡¯s waist ache with desire. She pouted, closed the chat, and handed him the phone.

    ¡°You¡¯re being unfair! Camille sent it to me¡ªI didn¡¯t watch it on purpose. If you don¡¯t believe me, go ahead and check my browsing history.¡±

    Kristopher nced at the screen, set the bowl in herp, and seized the moment to gently nibble her ear.

    ¡°Wait for me at home tonight!¡±

    That night, when they returned home, Carrie took a bath and quickly crawled into bed, pretending to sleep. Kristopher had a video conference, so he let her off the hook for the time being.

    The following day, the Foxfire government was filming a promotional video and needed to conduct some interviews. Kristopher stood by the bed, illuminated from behind, wearing a ck suit with a deep V-neck. The sunlight spilled around him in a golden glow, giving him an almost ethereal presence, like a prince straight out of a fairy tale. Normally, he wore more traditional suits, always paired with a T-shirt or shirt beneath.

    Carrie, still drowsy in bed, suddenly realized why he was dressed like this¡ªit was because of Asher¡¯s video. She raised two fingers. ¡°You¡¯re actually holding a grudge over this?¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t bother denying it as he walked over, his toneced with a hint of amusement. ¡°You spend your time on petty distractions instead of appreciating the real treasures at home. Seems like you haven¡¯t had a taste of anything truly worthwhile.¡±

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 Chapter 510

    ?<strong>Chapter 510:</strong>

    Carrie gave him a thorough look. Since it was a local event, he wore no essories, not even his usual watch. Just as Carrie was about to joke about his simplicity, she noticed small cufflinks on his sleeves that shimmered with a distinct glow. Carrie squinted, realizing they were yellow diamond cufflinks valued at $4.4 million. She quickly retracted her earlier remark, tossed the covers aside, and sat up.

    Kristopher walked over to her, gently tucked her messy hair behind her ear, and asked in a soft tone, ¡°Would you like toe with me?¡±

    Carrie paused for a moment, then shook her head. ¡°I think I¡¯ll stay in and focus on the script. The new characters are a bit off, so it¡¯s the perfect opportunity to dive into some quiet thinking.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t press further, and after a quick moment of affection, he left. Carrie stayed in bed for a few moments before finally getting up to freshen up. Once at her desk, she stared at theputer, her thoughts scattered. Noticing the time¡ªit was still early.

    She absentmindedly ced a hand on her abdomen, and that¡¯s when the pregnancy check-up came to mind. She made up her mind to visit the hospital that very day. Originally, she had nned to visit the hospital where Gracie was staying, but then she realized that would definitely draw Kristopher¡¯s attention. So, she opted to register at a high-end hospital instead. She figured it would be best to take care of everything today, leaving her free to exin things to the elderster.

    Carrie stepped into the hospital alone, the quiet of a weekday making everything feel oddly still. Just a couple of young women sat across the hall, waiting for their numbers to show up.

    One of the women noticed Carrie in sunsses and a mask, looking a bit secretive. She leaned in and whispered, ¡°Are you a mistress too? Is that why you¡¯re dressed like that, to keep the wife from noticing?¡±

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    Carrie froze, her mind scrambling for a response. She couldn¡¯t even find the words. What kind of greeting was that? Was she dreaming? She had to be. Who starts a conversation like that?

    The woman didn¡¯t seem to care if Carrie responded. She just kept talking, her voice trailing off into a ramble. ¡°A few days ago, I saw this wife dragging her husband¡¯s mistress here for an abortion. The mistress was dressed in all designer stuff, showing off like she was untouchable. The wife was yelling at her, calling her a harlot, messing up her hair. She was so embarrassed, she had no dignity left at all.¡±

    Wrapping up her story, the woman looked at Carrie and warned, ¡°You should think about ending the pregnancy before the wife finds out. You don¡¯t want to end up like that woman from yesterday, trust me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s first instinct was to brush her off as crazy, but then the word ¡°abortion¡± hit her like a punch to the gut. Calling her a mistress was one thing, but talking about her child like that? That was a whole different level.

    Furious now, Carrie stood up, muttered, ¡°You¡¯re crazy,¡± and marched toward the doctor¡¯s office without another word. The woman¡¯s voice followed her, still ranting, ¡°How can you just call someone crazy like that?¡±

    The doctor asked her a few routine questions, then handed her a form. ¡°Please head over to theb for a blood test to check your progesterone and HCG levels.¡± Carrie stepped out of the doctor¡¯s office and made her way toward theb, unaware of Daxton, who had just returned from downstairs with water, watching her from the staircase.

    It wasn¡¯t until she vanished from view that Daxton¡¯s gaze shifted upward, where the sign clearly read ¡°Gynecology.¡± Daxton strolled over to a nurse who had been stealing nces at him and pointed to the door Carrie had entered. ¡°Excuse me, what was the woman who just went in there being examined for?¡±

    During his time at the hospital, the nurses had witnessed countless luxury carsing and going, and they had been specifically instructed to treat him well. Even without knowing exactly who he was, it was obvious that he held wealth or status. A young, handsome, and wealthy bachelor¡ªnaturally, the nurse never imagined he would have anything to do with a pregnant woman.

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 Chapter 511

    ?<strong>Chapter 511:</strong>

    She answered straightforwardly, ¡°All three women who came today are here for pregnancy tests.¡±

    ¡°Pregnancy test?¡± Daxton¡¯s eyes shifted momentarily, a storm of emotions shing across his face, impossible to read, as the mood around him seemed to darken.

    The sudden shift in his demeanor startled the nurse. ¡°Mr. Garcia? Is something wrong?¡±

    At the sound of her voice, Daxton¡¯s eyes softened, the coldness fading as his usualposed, gentle air returned. The nurse blinked, feeling momentarily disoriented, as if what she had just witnessed was a trick of her mind.

    Before she could even process what happened, Daxton had already turned and walked away, as if nothing had happened. Pulling out his phone, he made a quick call. ¡°Come up with a reason to dy Carrie¡¯s pregnancy results.¡±

    Meanwhile, Ailyn, alone and with her IV drip in tow, was¡­

    Ailyn was heading to the restroom when she turned and spotted a woman in full disguise walking down the gynecology corridor. She stared at the woman¡¯s back, her mind racing. ¡°Carrie? What is she doing here, in the gynecology department? Could she be¡­¡±

    A suspicion crossed her mind, and after the initial shock, her eyes darkened with malice. Carrie had shattered her world, and Ailyn swore she would drag her down into the depths, even if it meant burning herself in the process.

    At the set of amercial shoot, Lise reclinedfortably on a deck chair beneath the sunshade, her attention fully absorbed by her phone. She sipped her coffee through a straw, her left leg nonchntly draped over her right in a tomboyish pose that contrasted her typically demure image.

    Elva scanned the bustling set, ensuring no one was watching, then grabbed a straw from the table and lightly tapped Lise¡¯s bobbing leg. ¡°You know, ady should sit with a bit more decorum. What if someone snaps a photo?¡±

    Lise just shrugged dismissively. ¡°So what? Once I¡¯m overseas, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve quit the showbiz scene. Why should I bother about the opinions of those ridiculous fans? They say they admire me, yet criticize me incessantly. I¡¯m utterly fed up with them.¡±

    Elva massaged her forehead, feeling the strain. In all her years managing talent, she¡¯d never heard a celebrity so tantly scorn their own supporters. Trying to remainposed, she attempted once more to sway Lise. ¡°You¡¯re still in the middle of heart treatment, and the future¡¯s uncertain. A turning point mighte. For now, it¡¯s better to stay on your best behavior, just in case things take a turn.¡±

    At that, Lise¡¯s patience snapped. She hurled her coffee to the ground in a fit of irritation, the liquid sshing up and staining Elva¡¯s light-colored dress.

    Elva pressed a wet wipe against the fabric, attempting to blot the stubborn coffee stains, but it was futile. The dress¡ªa sumptuous gift from Kristopher, chosen specifically for today¡¯s meeting with brand executives¡ªwas irreparably stained.

    Kristopher hadvished Lise with an endless array of designer treasures, far more than she could ever hope to wear. The pieces that failed to capture her fancy were sent by Elva to be sold on second-hand tforms, yet Elva herself never received a single gift from Lise.

    However, Kristopher, despite his esteemed reputation, made it a point to asionally surprise Elva with modest presents. There were moments when Elva found herself wishing that Kristopher had originally assigned her to work with Carrie instead. But, as fate would have it, life offered no second chances.

    Caught up in the urgency of the moment, Elva briskly cleaned up the mess and cautioned Lise, ¡°Your situation is really precarious this time. You need to keep your temper in check.¡±

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 Chapter 512

    ?<strong>Chapter 512:</strong>

    Just then, an alert for a new message shed on Lise¡¯s phone from an unknown sender. ¡°Carrie is pregnant.¡±

    Lise¡¯s fingers flew over the keyboard as she responded, ¡°Who are you? Why are you telling me this?¡±

    The reply was swift and cryptic. ¡°My identity is irrelevant. We both desire to see Carrie¡¯s downfall.¡±

    ¡°Acting all mysterious!¡± Lise muttered under her breath, frustration simmering as she attempted a callback. The call was abruptly cut off by a chilling automated response. ¡°Sorry, the number you dialed is not in service. Please try againter.¡±

    Lise paused, a slow realization dawning on her that the sender had intended to stay hidden. She racked her brain but could not think of anyone in Carrie¡¯s circle who would have a motive to share such news.

    Gazing up at Elva, Lise dered, ¡°You¡¯re right. There might just be a turning point.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Elva, focused on cleaning up the spilled mess,pletely missed what Lise was getting at.

    With aposed tone, Lise instructed, ¡°Check if Carrie is pregnant.¡±

    With the cleanup done, Elva pushed herself up, drying her hands carefully. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± she queried, a hint of intrigue in her tone.

    A sinister glint sparkled in Lise¡¯s eyes as she remarked, ¡°Make her lose the baby if she¡¯s pregnant, and tie it all back to Kristopher. That¡¯ll drive a wedge so deep they¡¯ll never recover.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ll be the end of them. No mother would ever forgive the one who cost her a child.¡±

    Meanwhile, in the hospital corridor, Carrie had been anxiously waiting. A nurse came over and informed her, ¡°Miss, there¡¯s a hup with our equipment today, so we can¡¯t get your pregnancy test results. Please head home. We¡¯ll contact you as soon as it¡¯s fixed.¡±

    It was the first time that Carrie attended a pregnancy check-up, and she was unfamiliar with the process, so she now felt a bit lost. As Carrie and the nurse were conversing, the woman who had been seated beside her collected her examination reports and departed.

    Watching their retreating backs, she frowned and asked, ¡°Everyone else, both before and after me, has their reports. Why am I still waiting?¡±

    The nurse, showing slight annoyance, replied, ¡°Their tests were different from yours, and they¡¯re not neers here. Do you think I¡¯m misleading you?¡±

    A snippet of conversation about a mistress surfaced in Carrie¡¯s mind; she recalled the woman mentioning previous visits to the hospital. Standing up, Carrie offered an apologetic nod. ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This is all new to me. Could you let me know when my results are ready?¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± the nurse replied curtly before turning her attention elsewhere. Unseen by Carrie, the nurse let out a small sigh of relief as she walked away.

    Foxfire.

    The recording session concluded, and the crew invited Kristopher to stay for the evening meal.

    .

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 Chapter 513

    ?<strong>Chapter 513:</strong>

    ¡°Ah, my wife has strict rules, and I dare not break curfew.¡± Regretfully, Kristopher declined with a light chuckle. His rxed, genuine tone made his eyes twinkle with warmth.

    The room erupted inughter. ¡°Who would have guessed? Mr. Norris, just as intimidated as any of us!¡±

    After a few more exchanges, Kristopher strode to his sleek ck car.

    Just as he was about to slide into the vehicle, a cautious voice stopped him. ¡°Mr. Norris, one moment, please.¡±

    He turned, recognizing the speaker behind the unremarkable voice. It was Aspyn Gray, whose father spearheaded the local tourism initiative. Despite countless attempts by others to catch his attention, Aspyn¡¯s modest looks and small-town origins made her bold approach all the more unexpected.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned cold, his impatience palpable as he straightened. ¡°What do you want?¡± The cool shift in his demeanor triggered unpleasant memories for Aspyn of theirst meeting. Gripping her skirt tightly, she hesitated, her lips trembling, her gaze conflicted.

    With a cold tone, Kristopher said, ¡°Speak now, or I¡¯m leaving.¡±

    Her resolve solidified abruptly. Aspyn looked up and blurted out, ¡°Is it Lise you¡¯re returning to?¡±

    His face remained impassive, his dark eyes intimidating. ¡°And how does that concern you?¡±

    Young and clearly shaken, Aspyn felt a cold run through her. Yet, despite her fear, she summoned an unexpected boldness. ¡°Lise is no saint. I know her well¡ªher father¡¯s a gambler who caused a terrible ident¡­¡±

    Kristopher replied coldly, ¡°Stay out of matters that don¡¯t concern you.¡±

    Without another nce, he climbed into his car. Oliver, after closing the car door, turned to Aspyn with a stern expression. ¡°Whatever you think you know about Ms. Nash and her family, keep it to yourself. She¡¯s not someone you want to mess with.¡±

    His smile was polite, but the warning in his eyes was unmistakable. In an instant, all the courage Aspyn had summoned dissolved, leaving her feeling small and defeated. She could only stand there, watching as the ck car faded into the distance.

    Eventually, she bowed her head and whispered so softly that her words were nearly lost in the breeze, ¡°Kristopher, what will you do when you discover the woman you love is the daughter of your adversary?¡±

    Kristopher returned to Bayview Vi, immediately spotting Carrie crouched in the garden, carefully watering the gardenias. His grandparents had brought the flowers during their recent visit, and Carrie had taken a particr liking to them. Since discovering her pregnancy, Carrie had stopped wearing perfume, preferring the natural fragrance of fresh blooms.

    She wore a simple white loungewear set, and the soft glow of the setting sun cast a golden light around her, softening her usually cool demeanor and making her appear warm and radiant.

    Carrie looked up at the sound of his arrival, her eyes catching his. ¡°Why are you home so early?¡±

    Kristopher raised the bag he was holding, a faint smile on his face. ¡°I noticed you haven¡¯t been eating muchtely, so I got you some lemon chicken¡ªyour favorite.¡±

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 Chapter 514

    ?<strong>Chapter 514:</strong>

    As he approached, Carrie suddenly frowned. Her nose crinkled slightly as she sniffed the air. ¡°Why do you smell like someone else¡¯s perfume?¡± She had be more sensitive to smellstely, and the sweet, fruity scent on him stood out sharply against his usual cool, woody cologne.

    Kristopher knelt down beside her, his smile widening as he gently wiped a droplet of water from her cheek. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the smell of jealousy?¡±

    Carrie leaned in slightly, her brows knitting in suspicion. ¡°Don¡¯t change the subject,¡± she said, her eyes flicking to the bag in his hand.

    Kristopher let out augh, one that echoed warmly in the quiet of the yard.

    Carrie¡¯s expression grew stern as she realized the meaning behind his teasing. Standing up, she crossed her arms, her hands still stained with soil, and red at him. ¡°I¡¯m not jealous! But if you¡¯re sneaking around behind my back, I¡¯ll¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, Kristopher rose and covered her mouth with his hand, cutting her off with a yful grin. ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that word. You¡¯re sounding more and more like Camille these days, saying whateveres to mind. You know, sometimes your words can really sting.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s re didn¡¯t soften. ¡°And you¡¯re starting to sound like Albin, smooth-talking your way out of trouble.¡±

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. ¡°Smooth-talking? Whether I am or not, that¡¯s something you¡¯ll have to find out for yourself.¡±

    Before Carrie could react, he captured her lips in a deep kiss, his movements confident and unyielding. Caught off guard, Carrie barely managed to nce at the soil on her hands before mischievously pressing them against his face. She pulled away just enough to admire her handiwork.

    Kristopher¡¯s wless face now bore several dirt smudges, and despite the mess, his charm somehow remained intact. In fact, the rugged look only enhanced his appeal. Fate really had a way to make a handsome man remain handsome no matter how disheveled he might look¡­ same goes for unattractive men.

    Kristopher chuckled, his deep voice reverberating through her. He pulled her in for a longer kiss. ¡°You¡¯re getting bolder, aren¡¯t you?¡± he murmured.

    Before she could respond, he scooped her up effortlessly, hoisting her over his shoulder and headed inside, to their bedroom. Startled, Carrie let out a yelp and began pounding on his back. ¡°Put me down, Kristopher!¡±

    He delivered a yful smack to her rear and said teasingly, ¡°Do you admit your mistake?¡±

    ¡°Put me down first! I hate being upside down!¡± Carrie snapped, her tone sharper than usual. She was being extra cautious¡ªnot because she was being fussy, but because of the fragile little one growing inside her.

    Kristopher immediately picked up on her unease. Lowering her carefully, he adjusted his hold, cradling her in his arms instead.

    His expression softened as he looked down at her. ¡°You¡¯re getting more delicate these days.¡±

    Carrie almost blurted out, ¡°It¡¯s not me¡ªit¡¯s your son,¡± but she bit her tongue. The lingering fruity scent on him snapped her back to her earlier concern. She fixed him with a pointed look and said, ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m serious. Where did that perfume smelle from? Don¡¯t try to change the subject again.¡±

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 Chapter 515

    ?<strong>Chapter 515:</strong>

    ¡°What perfume?¡± Kristopher paused, sniffing at his shirt absentmindedly. Then, as if realizing something, he said, ¡°Oh, right. Before I left Foxfire, Aspyn came to talk to me. Maybe I picked up her perfume then.¡±

    He gave her a helpless smile, adding, ¡°You really do have a sensitive nose. She didn¡¯t even touch me, and we were standing at least a meter apart. How could you smell her perfume?¡±

    Carrie thought for a moment and then asked, ¡°Aspyn?¡±

    Kristopher rified, ¡°She¡¯s Mr. Gray¡¯s daughter. It was him who arranged for your team to stay at the inn in Foxfire before.¡±

    Realization hit Carrie, and she shot him a disdainful nce. ¡°Ah, I see. She¡¯s the girl you snuck into her roomte at night.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t go to her room; she came to mine,¡± Kristopher said, his voice ice-cold.

    Carrie toyed with the buttons on his suit, her tone dismissive. ¡°What¡¯s the difference? It¡¯s all about sex, right?¡±

    Kristopher shot her a cold look. ¡°Ms. Campbell, be careful with your words. The Norris Group has legal counsel. Nothing happened between us, not back then and not today.¡±

    Carrie shrugged. ¡°So what if you have awyer? Worst case, you¡¯ll sue me for nder.¡±

    Kristopher scooped Carrie up and carried her into the room. He set the bag on the coffee table and then gently pressed her onto the sofa. He was barely an inch away from her. ¡°The courts have enough on their te. We shouldn¡¯t waste their time. I¡¯ve decided to handle this rumor myself.¡±

    Catching sight of a maid in the kitchen, Carrie quickly pushed him away. ¡°Okay, okay, I was wrong.¡±

    Kristopher mimicked her tone, repeating her usual line. ¡°What¡¯s the point of an apology when it¡¯s already done?¡±

    Carrie realized she had just made things worse for herself. She quickly adjusted her approach, softening her voice and blinking at him with a pleading look. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    Aware that she was doing it deliberately, Kristopher softened his tone. ¡°You can ask questions, but don¡¯t speak nonsense.¡±

    ¡°Words can hurt more than anything,¡± Kristopher said softly.

    Carrie batted hershes and lowered her gaze, speaking in a soft, almost apologetic tone. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Only then did Kristopher stand and let go of her. ¡°Your hands are all dirty. Go wash them before you eat,¡± he said, gently guiding her toward the bathroom.

    Carrie trailed behind him, silently thinking that a woman who yed coy had it made. The skill of being coy always worked. It was no surprise Lise had managed to charm Kristopher for so long.

    Kristopher guided her to the sink, put some soap in her hands, and gently washed them, making sure every bit of dirt was gone. Afterward, he dried her hands carefully.

    Carrie allowed him to pamper her like a child, then casually asked, ¡°What did Aspyn want? Did she profess her love to you again?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, then responded tly, ¡°No.¡± Carrie could tell he was keeping something from her, so she pouted. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to say, then don¡¯t.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 516

    ?<strong>Chapter 516:</strong>

    Kristopher turned his gaze to hers. ¡°If I don¡¯t tell you, will you stop overthinking?¡±

    Carrie stared back at him. ¡°You can choose not to speak, and I can choose to think whatever I want. You can¡¯t control what goes on in my mind, can you?¡±

    Kristopher sighed, finally giving in. ¡°She somehow found out about some things concerning Lise¡¯s family¡­¡±

    Carrie was aware that Lise¡¯s family was pretty average,ing from a small town near Orkset. Mr. Gray had a bit of local influence, so it wasn¡¯t difficult for Aspyn to uncover some details about Lise¡¯s past.

    Feeling curious, Carrie asked, ¡°Why did Aspyn suddenly bring up Lise?¡±

    Kristopher paused for a moment before answering. ¡°I mentioned I was going home to have dinner with my wife. She might have misunderstood and thought I was talking about Lise.¡±

    Carrie was momentarily taken aback. She couldn¡¯t help but picture Kristopher acting the doting husband in front of a group of middle-aged people.

    Her cheeks turned pink immediately. A public disy of affection like that felt a bit awkward.

    Kristopher leaned down and kissed her on the head. ¡°Can you stop overthinking and just enjoy your meal?¡±

    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love

    ¡°Mm.¡± Carrie nodded in agreement.

    In the presidential suite of a luxurious hotel, the glow of city lights spilled through the floor-to-ceiling windows, painting the room in soft golden hues. Lise reclined on the sofa, her silk nightgown gliding over her curves as she swirled a ss of red wine. Her gaze lingered on the sprawling skyline, but her expression was distant, her lips pressed in a faint line.

    Behind her poised elegance was a flicker of something raw, hidden just beneath the surface.

    On the other side of the room, a rugged man sat slouched in a chair. His jacket was frayed, and his tattooed arms were folded as he fidgeted ufortably. He watched Lise with a mix of hesitation and unease.

    Lise broke the silence, her tone detached. ¡°The view¡¯s spectacr, isn¡¯t it?¡± she mused, her eyes still fixed on the lights. ¡°All this beauty¡­ it¡¯s only possible with money and power.¡±

    The man shifted, rubbing his hands against his jeans. Finally, he spoke, his voice breaking the calm. ¡°Lise, there¡¯s¡­ a problem. Someone¡¯s looking into your dad¡¯s ident. Someone actually saw it happen. I don¡¯t know why they¡¯ve stayed quiet all these years, but now¡­¡±

    Lise¡¯s gaze dropped to her winess as she set it down on the coffee table. Slowly, she lifted her eyelids, her voice ice-cold. ¡°So what? Kristopher knows my dad was a gambler. What difference does it make if someone dredges up a drunk-driving ident?¡±

    Sheughed bitterly, the sound hollow. ¡°He doesn¡¯t care about me¡ªhe never really did. And if he doesn¡¯t care about me, why would he care about my family?¡± Her lips twisted into a sardonic smile.

    She was, admittedly, vain. But when a man like Kristopher¡ªradiating wealth, strikingly handsome, and with a patience that seemed boundless¡ªstood by her, she could afford to be reckless.

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 Chapter 517

    ?<strong>Chapter 517:</strong>

    The man hesitated, his expression hardening. ¡°Lise, it¡¯s not just about the ident. The victim¡­ that girl. Her background is¡ª¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve done enough for me already,¡± Lise interrupted, standing abruptly and crossing the room to a nearby table. She retrieved a leather envelope and walked back to him, cing it in hisp. ¡°You took the fall for my dad when no one else would, and you introduced Emilio to me, both of which I¡¯m grateful for.¡±

    She gestured toward the envelope, her movements sharp. ¡°Take this. It¡¯s enough to start something small. A caf¨¦, maybe. Live quietly. You don¡¯t need to be concerned about the past anymore.¡±

    The man stared at the envelope, its corners worn, revealing the thick stack of cash inside¡ªabout forty to fifty thousand. He shook his head vehemently. ¡°Lise, I didn¡¯te here for money. I volunteered to take the fall for your dad, and you already gave me a hundred thousand. I¡¯m not greedy. You know that.¡±

    ¡°Take it,¡± she cut him off, her voice t but firm. Turning her back to him, she walked toward the window and folded her arms across her chest. ¡°There¡¯s no need to talk about the past. I called you here because I need your help with something.¡±

    The man quickly rose to his feet, clutching the envelope. ¡°Don¡¯t call it help,¡± he said, his tone almost desperate. ¡°Just tell me what you need, and I¡¯ll do it.¡±

    Lise turned around slowly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. ¡°That woman¡¯s pregnant.¡± Her voice cracked, but she swallowed hard and pushed through. ¡°If she has the baby, Kristopher will have a family of his own.¡±

    ¡°And me?¡± Her voice lowered to a whisper. ¡°There¡¯ll be no ce for me anymore.¡± She sank back onto the sofa, pressing her hands to her temples. Her words came out choked. ¡°I can¡¯t go back to the way things were¡­ I just can¡¯t. After living like this, after tasting what life could be¡ªgoing back would be worse than dying.¡±

    The man¡¯s jaw tightened. He looked at her, torn between guilt and determination. Finally, he said, ¡°I understand. I won¡¯t let that child be born. Don¡¯t worry, Lise. Whatever you want, I¡¯ll do everything to make it happen.¡±

    At the dining table, Kristopher leaned back in his chair, his phone pressed to his ear. Across from him, Carrie sat quietly, her focus on her meal.

    ¡°The production team is asking about the broadcast schedule for the variety show,¡± Kristopher said, his voice steady as he nced at Carrie. ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t look up, poking at her food with a fork. ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m fine with anything.¡±

    Now that Katrina¡¯s identity had been revealed and everything settled, the announcement wouldn¡¯t carry much weight.

    Kristopher frowned, his sharp gaze settling on her. ¡°Whatever? This is our official announcement. Why aren¡¯t you taking it seriously?¡±

    Carrie sighed, setting down her fork. She looked at him thoughtfully for a moment before responding. ¡°After the wedding, maybe? What do you think?¡±

    Kristopher studied her for a moment, before nodding in satisfaction. He turned back to his phone. ¡°Two weeks from now.¡±

    Carrie blinked, surprised. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit rushed?¡±

    Kristopher ended the call and set the phone aside, leaning forward. ¡°Why wait?¡± he said, his tone casual but firm. ¡°Let¡¯s not drag this out.¡±

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 Chapter 518

    ?<strong>Chapter 518:</strong>

    Several days had passed. At the headquarters of Nathan Films, Carrie was in discussions about renewing her contract, which was nearing its expiration. The sess of Agarwood and the public revtion of Katrina¡¯s true identity had significantly shifted thepany¡¯s previously lukewarm interest in Carrie.

    Upon discovering that Carrie was married to Kristopher, thepany proposed elevating her contract to S-level, a distinction typically reserved for the most celebrated figures, with the CEO taking a personal interest in overseeing the signing. This type of contract was designed for the industry¡¯s top stars. Although Carrie had risen to considerable fame, she had not yet achieved the status typically required for such an elite contract.

    Clearly, the generous offer was a result of Kristopher¡¯s considerable sway within the business world. The Norris Group, with its substantial investments in the film industry and extensive portfolio of endorsements, wielded considerable clout. Even if Kristopher¡¯s wife had been less notable, she likely would have received simr contractual benefits due to his position.

    The CEO of Nathan Films now regretted his earlier misjudgment. Previously, he had underestimated Carrie when the Norris Group discreetly covered her contract breach fees. He had assumed she was merely a mistress to a high-ranking executive, failing to recognize her as Mrs. Norris. This oversight had inadvertently benefited theirpetitor, Silver Elephant Media.

    Seated across from the CEO, Carrie maintained aposed demeanor. Her fingers were neatly sped in herp, and her face betrayed no emotion. The same CEO who had once dismissed her now approached with a congenial smile.

    He said, ¡°Carrie, if there are any aspects of the contract you¡¯d like adjusted, we¡¯re happy to amodate. Additionally, considering Ruby¡¯s inexperience, we¡¯re contemting assigning you a more experienced manager. I recall an audition where Lise was chosen over you due to a managerial oversight. With a more experienced manager, such errors would not ur.¡±

    Ruby, who was present in the room, turned pale at thement. Before Ruby could respond, Carrie nced up nonchntly and said, ¡°Ruby¡¯s been fantastic. I doubt I could have made myeback without her.¡±

    Her response served as a subtle rebuke, reminding the CEO of thepany¡¯s initial disregard for her talents. The CEO, sweating nervously, hadn¡¯t expected such amanding presence from someone so young. It was clear why she was Kristopher¡¯s wife. A man of his stature would naturally be paired with someone exceptional.

    The CEO quickly replied, ¡°Absolutely, if you¡¯re satisfied with Ruby, she¡¯ll remain your manager¡­¡± But Carrie didn¡¯t let him finish.

    ¡°I appreciate your kind words,¡± she interjected. ¡°But I¡¯ve decided not to renew my contract. My priorities might shift more toward family life.¡±

    The CEO scrambled to keep her on board. ¡°Please, don¡¯t worry about tight schedules. We can be flexible, just as we¡¯ve been in the past.¡±

    Carrie stood firm. ¡°There¡¯s no need for exceptions. Contracts should be respected, and I shouldn¡¯t receive special treatment.¡±

    Taking a step back, she added, ¡°I¡¯m grateful for thepany¡¯s support at the start. Even though I¡¯m not renewing, we might still find ways to coborate in the future.¡±

    Left with no alternatives, the CEO reluctantly epted her decision. ¡°Please consider us your extended family. Should you decide to write any scripts, we¡¯ll offer you twice what Silver Elephant Media does.¡±

    Carrie nodded gracefully. ¡°Thanks for the offer.¡±

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 Chapter 519

    ?<strong>Chapter 519:</strong>

    Considering her uing maternity leave and postpartum period, acting roles weren¡¯t feasible for now. However, scriptwriting remained a viable way to contribute, and both Nathan Films and Silver Elephant Media stood to benefit from her talents.

    After the discussion, the CEO apanied Carrie to the exit. ¡°Carrie, where are you headed next? Should I call a driver for you?¡±

    With a gracious smile, Carrie declined. ¡°There¡¯s no need. I have a rideing. I¡¯m going to meet Kristopher at the Norris Group.¡±

    As she finished speaking, a luxury vehicle pulled up to the entrance. Oliver stepped out of the driver¡¯s seat, swung open the rear door, and said, ¡°Mrs. Norris, your car is ready.¡± Carrie climbed into the vehicle, which pulled smoothly away from the curb.

    As the car disappeared, the CEO¡¯s smile faded. He turned to Ruby, his tone cold. ¡°I recall Carrie even stayed at your ce when she restarted here. Why didn¡¯t you inform us of her circumstances? Do you realize the losses thepany has incurred because of this?¡±

    Rubyughed sarcastically and responded, ¡°Boss, how was I supposed to hide something I didn¡¯t even know? I had no idea who Carrie¡¯s husband was at first¡ªit¡¯s her personal life. Besides, she wasn¡¯t trying to be a pop idol, and there¡¯s nothing in the contract that forbids rtionships or marriage. What right did I have to pry into her private affairs?¡±

    The CEO retorted, ¡°This is the entertainment industry, not a mechanical assembly line. It¡¯s not just about following the rules. As her manager, shouldn¡¯t you have exercised some discretion?¡±

    Unfazed, Ruby lit a cigarette, letting the CEO¡¯s criticism roll off her. Being reprimanded was nothing new in this job.

    Just as she thought the lecture was over, the CEO added sternly, ¡°Ruby, it would be best if you considered resigning voluntarily. You¡¯ve shown effort but delivered no tangible results. If I were to dismiss you, it might damage your chances with other employers.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s eyes widened with disbelief. How could he im she had ¡°no achievements but hard work¡± when she had sessfully managed several artists and significantly boostedpany profits?

    ¡°Since you will resign on your own, you won¡¯t receive any severance,¡± the CEO said, avoiding her gaze. ¡°However, your skills are such that this likely won¡¯t concern you. Plus, given your age and your affluent family background, perhaps it¡¯s time to think beyond this industry. After all our years working together, I truly believe it¡¯s in your best interest to settle down and maybe start a family. Why endure the stress of the corporate world? Look at how many executives have personal lives in shambles. Isn¡¯t a stable family life more valuable than any career?¡±

    Ruby had never been so patronizingly dismissed. She crushed her cigarette out, her voice cold. ¡°Your concern is noted.¡±

    The CEO, oblivious to her sarcasm, added nonchntly, ¡°Could you grab me a coffee from next door?¡±

    With a cold smile, Ruby replied, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m a little preupied with resigning. After that, it¡¯s off to get married and maybe have some children. So, I won¡¯t have time to run your errands.¡±

    Turning on her heel, she walked back into the building, leaving the CEO speechless.

    At the Norris Group, Carrie entered the lobby, a coffee cup in hand, and immediately noticed the previous receptionist had been reced by two eager young women. Upon her arrival, they stepped forward from behind their desk, bowed deeply, and greeted her excitedly. ¡°Hello, Mrs. Norris!¡±

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 Chapter 520

    ?<strong>Chapter 520:</strong>

    The girl with the round face eximed, ¡°Mrs. Norris, you look even more stunning in person than in your posters! Could I please have your autograph?¡±

    Startled, Carrie took a step back and turned to Oliver, confused. ¡°What¡¯s happening here?¡±

    Before Oliver could respond, the other receptionist picked up a photo album and a poster from the desk. ¡°Mr. Norris made sure your photo albums and posters were distributed to all departments so everyone would recognize you immediately,¡± she exined.

    Carrie¡¯s smile remained poised, but inwardly, she squirmed with awkwardness. Her toes curled tightly inside her shoes as she signed autographs and posed for pictures with the two overly enthusiastic receptionists.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯re so gorgeous and confident!¡± they gushed.

    The other receptionist giggled. ¡°Honestly, I thought no woman could ever match our CEO¡¯s level. But seeing you¡ªa woman with both beauty and personality going home to that walking ice block? It¡¯s almost a shame. You could do so much better!¡±

    Meanwhile, upstairs in his office, Kristopher sneezed unexpectedly. He wondered how on earth he¡¯d caught a cold in the middle of summer.

    After finally bidding farewell to the receptionists, Carrie stepped into the private elevator, a cup of coffee in hand, and headed for Kristopher¡¯s office. As soon as the doors slid open to Kristopher¡¯s office floor, she froze.

    Opposite the elevator was a massive poster of herself, disyed prominently on the wall. Her lips parted in surprise as she stared at it. The photograph was beautifully shot¡ªher hair flowing, her eyes sparkling¡ªbut the sheer boldness of its cement caught her off guard.

    Kristopher had always been reserved, almost guarded, about their rtionship in public. For the longest time, no one even knew they were married. She had thought she didn¡¯t mind his preference for privacy, but now, seeing this unabashed disy, a strange warmth spread through her chest.

    If they had been this open from the beginning, perhaps Lise wouldn¡¯t have dared to return, and those who had scorned her wouldn¡¯t have been so tant.

    Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of voicesing from inside the office.

    Curious, Carrie walked forward and found herself standing before an unexpected scene. Several young women¡ªnone of whom looked like Norris Group employees¡ªwere gathered in Kristopher¡¯s office. Their bright outfits shed with the sleek, minimalist decor. The desk was cluttered with decorative packaging, ornate boxes, and ribbons spilling across the surface.

    Kristopher stood in the middle of the chaos, his brow furrowed as he surveyed the mess like a general strategizing for battle. The moment he heard the elevator chime, his head snapped up. His serious expression softened instantly at the sight of her, and in a few strides, he was by her side.

    ¡°What brings you here?¡± he asked, his voice warm.

    Carrie held up the coffee cup with a slight smile. ¡°Thought you could use a pick-me-up.¡±

    Kristopher took the coffee, his fingers brushing hers briefly before he slipped his hand into hers and led her inside. The young women immediately straightened up, their chatter quieting as they greeted her politely.

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 Chapter 521

    ?<strong>Chapter 521:</strong>

    ¡°Hello, Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher guided Carrie to the sofa. He gestured at the table piled with packaging. ¡°These are party favors, wedding sweets, and the bridal bouquet options,¡± he exined. Then, realizing he was being vague, he turned to the women. ¡°Go on. Exin the differences to her.¡±

    One of the women stepped forward, holding out a sleek box. ¡°These are the guest gifts, Mrs. Norris. Every guest will get one. Each set includes luxury perfume, gourmet choctes, custom-designed keepsakes, and scented candles.¡±

    From the corner, Oliver chimed in helpfully, ¡°Mr. Norris has been so busy, he had everything brought here to choose while he worked.¡±

    Kristopher added, ¡°I thought they all looked the same, so I nned to bring them home tonight for you to pick. But since you¡¯re here now, you can decide.¡±

    Carrie nced over the items. The options were undeniably fancy, but to her, they seemed overly simr, with the differences being negligible. She raised an eyebrow. ¡°Isn¡¯t this the sort of thing wedding nners are supposed to handle?¡±

    Kristopher shook his head, his tone firm. ¡°We can¡¯t leave everything to them. This is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Every detail should be perfect¡ªand we should be involved in making it that way.¡±

    He paused, then added with a thoughtful smile, ¡°Though, maybe it¡¯s not strictly once in a lifetime. If you want, we could do it again every year. Different ces, different styles. I heard about a celebrity couple who staged proposals in different countries. We could get married again and again somewhere new each time.¡±

    Carrie stared at him, momentarily speechless. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary,¡± she said quickly, shaking her head. ¡°A proposal just needs one bouquet and one ring. A wedding? It¡¯s way too much work. Once is enough.¡±

    One of the young women, clearly smitten by the couple¡¯s chemistry, sighed dreamily. ¡°Mr. Norris and Mrs. Norris, seeing how loving you two are makes me so excited for the wedding day. It¡¯s going to be like a fairy tale.¡±

    After finalizing the ns for the gifts, bouquets, and other wedding details, Carrie found herself uncertain about how to spend her afternoon. Just then, Billie called her, mentioning that a fewdies wereing over to y poker and they were short one yer. She invited Carrie to join.

    It was rare for Billie to extend such friendliness, so Carrie decided not to overthink it. She agreed to join them without hesitation.

    After hanging up, Kristopher reached for her hand, his fingers brushing hers gently. ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like going, just say the word. I can make an excuse for you,¡± he offered. ¡°Or, if you¡¯d rather wait, I can finish signing these papers and go with you.¡±

    Carrie shook her head with a small smile. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything nned for the afternoon. Besides, the Norris Mansion isn¡¯t exactly a ce I need you to hold my hand through.¡± Pulling her hand free from his, she stood up, ready to leave.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned somber as he leaned back in his chair. ¡°You really don¡¯t care, do you? Leaving just like that?¡±

    Carrie paused, amused by his mncholy tone. Leaning down, she pressed a quick kiss to his forehead. Oliver took the cue and exited to the adjacent lounge, shutting the door behind him. They now had the spacious office to themselves.

    Kristopher closed his eyes briefly at the touch, but as Carrie started to straighten up, his arm shot out, pulling her back down into hisp. Before she could protest, he imed her lips, turning the light peck into a deep, passionate kiss. His hold tightened as his breath grew heavier, his hands beginning to wander.

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 Chapter 522

    ?<strong>Chapter 522:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s cheeks flushed as she pushed against his chest, slipping out of his arms. ¡°Billie¡¯s waiting for me.¡±

    ¡°I have to go,¡± she said hurriedly.

    Smoothing her hair, she nced nervously at the lounge door. Although she knew the office was soundproof, the thought of Oliver unexpectedly walking in made her uneasy. Grabbing her phone, she quickly dialed Oliver¡¯s number.

    ¡°Oliver, can you drive me to the Norris Mansion?¡± she asked.

    Oliver answered promptly, ¡°Of course, Mrs. Norris.¡± Momentster, the door to the adjacent lounge opened, and Oliver stepped out. Kristopher¡¯s gaze darkened as he adjusted his shirt and unbuttoned his cor. His voice was icy. ¡°Oliver, where did you disappear to? Growingzier by the day, are we?¡±

    Oliver hesitated, unsure of Kristopher¡¯s mood but quick to respond. ¡°I was just sending some emails, Mr. Norris.¡± It wasn¡¯t aplete lie¡ªhe had been replying to work messages while giving the couple some privacy.

    Kristopher tugged at his cor, keeping a straight face. In a bid to escape the situation, Oliver quickly added, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take Mrs. Norris to the Norris Mansion.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips thinned, but he didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Hmm,¡± was all he said. However, his sharp gaze lingered on Carrie, making her squirm.

    Relieved to escape the suffocating atmosphere, Carrie hurried out of the office and stepped into the elevator.

    At the Norris Mansion, the poker game was already underway by the time Carrie arrived. A maid had temporarily filled in for the missing yer. The two other women in the room were Mrs. Quinn, whom Carrie remembered as the one who had brought her health supplements during a previous visit, and Mrs. Diaz, a regr guest in Billie¡¯s social circle.

    Diaz often yed poker with Billie, and while Carrie recognized her, she didn¡¯t know much about her or her background. Previously, when Kristopher had kept Carrie at arm¡¯s length and Billie hadn¡¯t warmed up to her, the women in this social circle had barely acknowledged her presence. Today, however, was different.

    As soon as Carrie entered the room, even before she could greet them, Mrs. Quinn looked up and eximed with a warm smile, ¡°Carrie! Last time I came by with some health supplements, you left in such a hurry I barely got to see you. But today, you look radiant¡ªmore beautiful than when you first got married!¡± She leaned closer, studying Carrie as if trying to solve a delightful mystery. ¡°No wonder they say fame adds a glow. I didn¡¯t believe it before, but seeing you, I¡¯m tempted to try my luck in the entertainment circle myself!¡±

    Mrs. Diazughed, her tone teasing. ¡°At your age, trying to step into the entertainment circle? Be careful you don¡¯t throw your back out dancing and end up bedridden for half a month.¡±

    Mrs. Quinn yfully pped Mrs. Diaz¡¯s arm, and the two women chuckled. Carrie smiled politely, walking further into the room. ¡°Billie, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Diaz,¡± she greeted.

    Mrs. Quinn¡¯s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gave Carrie another thorough once-over. Then, turning to Billie, she said with feigned nonchnce, ¡°Billie, don¡¯t you think Carrie looks like she¡¯s gained a bit of weight? Could it be¡­ she¡¯s pregnant?¡±

    Hearing Mrs. Quinn¡¯s words, Billie nced at Carrie, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since you saw her, so you might remember it wrong. She¡¯s always as thin as a rail. I don¡¯t think she¡¯s put on a single pound.¡±

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    .

 Chapter 523

    ?<strong>Chapter 523:</strong>

    Carrie hesitated. The hospital hadn¡¯t contacted her about her test results yet, and she hadn¡¯t experienced any morning sicknesstely. A nagging doubt crept into her mind: perhaps it was just a passing stomach bug. If she were to suddenly announce her pregnancy and it turned out to be a false rm, it would make her and the entire Norris family theughingstock of the social scene.

    After a moment, Carrie forced a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been taking it easytely, maybe that¡¯s why I¡¯ve gained a bit of weight.¡±

    Mrs. Quinn, her eyes narrowed with skepticism, interjected, ¡°My family¡¯s doctor is renowned as a top fertility expert. Several of my rtives conceived after following his treatments. You really should go to the hospital for another check-up. This is your first pregnancy, and without experience, you might be blissfully unaware.¡±

    Carrie nodded obediently. ¡°I had a check-up a few days ago. I should have the results in a couple of days.¡±

    ¡°Three in a row! I¡¯m on a roll,¡± Mrs. Quinn eximed, triumphantly snatching a card from the maid. ¡°You imed to know how to y, but you¡¯re losing money hand over fist. Go back to your chores!¡± Billie snapped at the maid, her irritation evident. She then gestured for Carrie to take the maid¡¯s seat.

    These women were gambling with stakes far beyond what a maid¡¯s meager wages could cover.

    The maid was merely a ceholder, her losses directly impacting Billie¡¯s wallet. After several unlucky hands, Billie¡¯s heart began to sink. As they resumed the game, the women¡¯s chatter filled the room.

    g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s is your story hub

    Carrie focused intently on building the strongest possible hand, aiming for powerful flushes and impressivebinations rather than settling for small, easy wins. Lost in the game, Carrie ignored the idle gossip, treating the game as serious business.

    Mrs. Diaz, having lost multiple hands to Carrie¡¯s skillful ys, was visibly upset. Her expression darkened. Suddenly, Mrs. Diaz broke the silence. ¡°There¡¯s a saying online that men only behave when they¡¯re six feet under. Cory seemed so honest, but who would have thought he¡¯d fall for that unremarkable woman?¡±

    Billie¡¯s face soured. ¡°Cory¡¯s always been naive. He desperately wanted a son, and that scheming woman took advantage of him.¡±

    From their conversation, Carrie realized that Mrs. Diaz was rted to Cory¡¯s wife¡¯s family. No wonder she was so hostile towards Carrie.

    ¡°Or maybe he wasn¡¯t fooled. That woman may seem ordinary, but who knows what kind of mastermind is pulling her strings.¡± Mrs. Diaz¡¯s gazended on Carrie. ¡°I heard that this sly homewrecker graduated from the same high school as you.¡±

    Carrie paused momentarily, then replied calmly, ¡°Ailyn was a ssmate, but we lost touch years ago. I only learned about what happened when I saw Cory at the ss reunion.¡±

    Though Mrs. Diaz hadn¡¯t explicitly named Ailyn, the connection between Carrie and Ailyn was clear. The subtle implication was that Carrie might have introduced a troublemaker into Cory¡¯s life. Billie, oblivious to the underlying jab, frowned at Carrie. ¡°We should keep our family¡¯s dirtyundry private. If you knew about this, you should have told me immediately.¡± Billie had always prioritized her brother Cory over anyone else. Even though her attitude toward Carrie had softened, her loyalty to Cory remained unwavering.

    Carrie remained polite andposed. She sidestepped the issue, saying quietly, ¡°Kristopher was there at the time.¡±

    Mrs. Diaz raised an eyebrow and smirked. ¡°Your daughter-inw has a sharp tongue, Billie. She silenced you with a single sentence.¡±

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 Chapter 524

    ?<strong>Chapter 524:</strong>

    ¡°My wife has always been gentle. This is the first time I¡¯ve heard her described that way. Mrs. Diaz, care to borate on your perception of my wife?¡±

    All eyes turned to the voice. Kristopher stood in the doorway, a faint, enigmatic smile ying on his lips. As his gaze met Carrie¡¯s, his smile deepened, his eyes radiating a warm, affectionate glow.

    Mrs. Diaz froze, her expression stiffening. Though she had always looked down on Carrie, she knew better than to cross Kristopher. His quiet authority was enough to silence even the boldest personalities. Forcing a smile, Mrs. Diaz quickly backtracked. ¡°Just joking, of course. You know how it is at the table¡ªpeople say all sorts of things in jest.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t even nce in her direction. Instead, he moved over to sit beside Carrie, his attention settling on her hand of cards. She was working on a flush in clubs, hoping for the Four of Clubs. She had already realized it wasn¡¯t in the deck, though. Carrie hesitated, weighing whether to abandon her flush and switch strategies. Her fingers hovered over the Three of Hearts, debating whether to discard it.

    Mrs. Diaz seized the moment to needle her again, her tone dripping with sarcasm. ¡°Carrie, it¡¯s just a casual game. No need to act like winning a hand is life or death. Anyone watching might think Mr. Norris doesn¡¯t give you an allowance.¡±

    Carrie ignored the jab, letting out a soft sigh as she prepared to toss the Four of Clubs and move on. Before she could, Kristopher¡¯s hand covered hers. Gently, he plucked the Three of Hearts from her fingers and discarded it instead.

    Carrie shot him a nce, her eyes silently conveying what she thought: The Four of Clubs is a dead card.

    Unperturbed, Kristopher adjusted her hand, breaking up a set of Sixes and reconfiguring her cards. The Four of Clubs now fit into a new strategy, shifting her focus from an impossible flush to abination that needed the Five or Six of Clubs.

    As if on cue, Mrs. Diaz yed the Five of Clubs.

    ¡°Flush,¡± Kristopher said calmly, taking the card andying down Carrie¡¯s hand in a clean, winning sequence. ¡°A clean flush in clubs.¡±

    He turned to Carrie, his voice warm. ¡°A game¡¯s only fun if you y it with style. My wife always strives for the best. Money is thest thing she worries about.¡±

    Coming from anyone else, the statement might have sounded pompous, but Kristopher¡¯s quiet confidence gave it weight. No one dared to challenge him.

    Mrs. Diaz¡¯s smile faltered as she stared at the spread of cards, her earlier winnings swept back into Carrie¡¯s corner. Her expression darkened, though she tried to mask it.

    Sensing the rising tension, Billie interjected in a lighthearted tone. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte, and dinner¡¯s ready. The chef prepared some top-grade seafood, and I hear it¡¯s quite the catch.¡±

    Reluctantly, Mrs. Diaz pushed her cards away and rose to her feet, her displeasure barely concealed.

    Dinner was strained. Mrs. Diaz barely touched her food, her bitterness palpable.

    Afterward, the guests made their excuses and left in haste, eager to escape the heavy atmosphere. As the cars departed from the Norris Mansion, Carrie¡¯s car followed closely behind Mrs. Diaz¡¯s.

    At the foot of the hill, a figure stood cloaked in shadows, her pale face briefly illuminated by the passing headlights. Ailyn, recently discharged from the hospital, watched the cars disappear into the city traffic. Her fragile frame trembled as she clutched the hem of her coat. Her face was ashen, her eyes sunken, but her gaze burned with fury.

    It was Carrie¡ªCarrie, who had exposed her secrets and cost her everything. Her child, her luxurious life, her future¡ªall ripped away because of that woman. Carrie!

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 Chapter 525

    ?<strong>Chapter 525:</strong>

    She silently vowed to make Carrie feel the same pain.

    A few dayster, Daxton returned to his estate, discharging himself from the hospital earlier than advised. His home was abuzz with activity. Trusted associates, household staff, and a team of international medical specialists crowded the expansive living room, tending to his every need.

    One of his subordinates approached him, concern etched on his face. ¡°Mr. Garcia, why did you stay in that public hospital for so long? What if it dyed your recovery?¡±

    Daxton waved him off, allowing the staff to help him settle onto a plush couch. His voice was calm, almost dismissive. ¡°In Orkset, it¡¯s better to keep a low profile. A minor injury like this didn¡¯t require special treatment. Anypetent hospital would suffice.¡±

    The foreign medical team ran their final checks, confirming that his wound was healing well. After administering a nutrient drip, they left him to rest.

    Daxton reclined on the couch, scrolling idly through his phone when a call came in. The voice on the other end trembled with fear. ¡°Sir, Ms. Campbell called earlier, asking about the results. A new intern identally gave her the pregnancy report¡­ She already came by and took it.¡±

    One of his aides stepped forward immediately. ¡°I¡¯ll track down Ms. Campbell and rece it with a fake report.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. But then, a faint smile curved his lips¡ªcold and unreadable. He held up a hand, stopping the aide.

    His voice was soft but firm. ¡°No need. Leave it. Perhaps this is fate,¡± he murmured. ¡°Her child¡­ I see no reason why I can¡¯t regard it as my own.¡±

    The hospital hallway buzzed with the faint hum of footsteps and conversations, but to Carrie, it all felt distant. She stepped outside, the crisp air brushing her face as she held the pregnancy report close to her chest. Her heart brimmed with a quiet yet indescribable joy. On the ultrasound, the baby was nothing more than a tiny bud¡ªa faint, almost imperceptible spark of life. But that spark would grow arms, legs, and a beating heart. The thought sent a wave of warmth coursing through her, filling her with hope and anticipation.

    Pulling out her phone, she quickly dialed Kristopher. Her smile was wide as she pressed the phone to her ear. ¡°Kristopher¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± His voice came through instantly, warm and soothing as always, though tinged with the sound of hurried movement.

    Carrie didn¡¯t notice the urgency in his tone, too caught up in her excitement. She nced down at the report in her hands and teased lightly, ¡°Which would you prefer¡ªa boy or a girl?¡±

    On the other end of the line, Kristopher nced at his watch, his steps quickening. He assumed the question was prompted by some family member¡¯s curiosity and replied gently, ¡°Either is fine. You¡¯re doing well in your career right now. Don¡¯t stress about things like this. Just let nature take its course.¡±

    Carrie, already sensitive by nature, felt even more vulnerable now that she was pregnant. Her smile faltered. His words, so casually spoken, hit her like a sudden gust of wind. Her grip on the phone tightened as she stood still, the brightness in her eyes dimming.

    Let nature take its course? So, he wasn¡¯t excited about the baby?

    Before she could gather her thoughts, another voice drifted faintly through the receiver¡ªa woman¡¯s voice, unmistakably familiar. ¡°Kristopher, the private jet¡¯s ready. We should board now.¡±

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 Chapter 526

    ?<strong>Chapter 526:</strong>

    The warmth vanished entirely from Carrie¡¯s expression, reced by a sharp edge. Her tone turned cold. ¡°You¡¯re with Lise? Where are you two going?¡±

    Kristopher, bncing the conversation and the urgency to board, quickly exined, ¡°There¡¯s a project issue overseas, so I need to go to Steu Skua. Lise¡¯s heart medication ran out, so I¡¯m bringing her along to refill it. It¡¯s just convenient timing.¡±

    Carrie let out a soft, bitterugh. ¡°How very convenient.¡±

    The wind whistled loudly through the phone, and Kristopher didn¡¯t seem to catch the bite in her tone. He continued, ¡°Don¡¯t be weighed down by the elders¡¯ expectations. We don¡¯t have to push ourselves. Before, we only talked about nning for a baby to reassure my family. You shouldn¡¯t feel pressured.¡±

    He paused briefly before adding, ¡°I¡¯ll handle everything as quickly as I can ande back soon. Oliver is managing the wedding details, so nothing will be dyed. I have to board now and turn off my phone.¡±

    Carrie swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper as she said her goodbye. The line went dead.

    For a long moment, Carrie stood frozen, the phone still pressed to her ear as if clinging to the conversation. Slowly, she lowered the phone and stared at the pregnancy report in her other hand. So, the talk of trying for a baby had only been to appease his family. Nothing more.

    She had believed that his desire for a wedding with her came from love, that his talk of a child was part of building a life together.

    But now, it seemed like everything had been an illusion ¡ª a story she had spun for herself. Around her, life went on¡ªpeople moved past her, chatting andughing, oblivious to the hollow ache taking root inside her. Eventually, she pulled herself together, tucking the report and her phone back into her bag. Lowering her gaze, Carrie ced a hand over her abdomen and whispered softly, ¡°Baby, tell me¡­ Am I making the right choices?¡±

    Her eyes lifted to the street ahead, watching the bustling crowds go about their lives. The same loneliness she had battled for years crept back, settling into her bones. Carrie¡¯s chest tightened as a wave of loneliness crashed over her. Her mother was gone. Gracie was still in poor health. She had no one to confide in, no one to share this moment with. She had once thought Kristopher was her rock, her one refuge. But even the strongest rocks could crack. And when the cracks appear, the pieces cut deeper than anything else.

    After a long moment, she reached into her bag, pulling out her phone. Scrolling through her contacts, she paused on Camille¡¯s number. At least kindness had brought her one good friend. Just as she was about to press call, a gentle voice came from ahead, pulling her from her thoughts. ¡°Carrie, what are you doing here?¡±

    A sleek ck Audi glided to a stop in front of Carrie, its polished exterior gleaming under thete afternoon sun. The rear window rolled down smoothly, revealing Daxton leaning forward. Despite the lingering pallor of recovery softening his sharp features, his presence carried an undeniable fragility yet maism.

    ¡°Daxton?¡± Carrie stepped closer, startled by the sight of him. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Daxton smiled gently, his tone casual yet warm. ¡°Just came for a follow-up at the hospital. And you?¡±

    Carrie hesitated briefly, pressing her lips into a smile as she held up the report in her hand. ¡°I¡¯m here to pick up my pregnancy report,¡± she said softly. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡±

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 Chapter 527

    ?<strong>Chapter 527:</strong>

    For a moment, Daxton¡¯s usuallyposed demeanor gave way to surprise. His eyes widened, and without a second¡¯s hesitation, he pushed open the car door. ¡°Where are you headed? Let me give you a ride. It¡¯s not safe for you to be out alone¡ªespecially now.¡±

    Carrie considered his offer, and though part of her hesitated, she couldn¡¯t deny the convenience. She climbed into the car, settling into the seat beside him.

    Daxton immediately handed her a small cushion. ¡°Here, for your back,¡± he said, his tone almost instinctive. ¡°Do you know yet if it¡¯s a boy or a girl?¡±

    Carrie ced the cushion behind her and rested a protective hand on her abdomen. ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell. But I¡¯m hoping for a girl, and that she will be happy and carefree,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with hope.

    Daxton¡¯s expression softened as he watched her. ¡°You¡¯ll be a wonderful mother,¡± he said with quiet conviction.

    After a brief pause, his voice took on a curious edge. ¡°But you¡¯re expecting, and he lets you run around on your own? No one¡¯s with you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s forced smile faltered.

    The question pierced deeper than she had expected. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know yet.¡± Her voice dropped as a flicker of sadness crossed her face. She didn¡¯t want to speak ill of Kristopher¡ªnot to Daxton, of all people¡ªbut the truth weighed heavily on her chest.

    Trying to shift the conversation, she added quietly, ¡°My mom¡¯s gone, so when the baby¡¯s born, it won¡¯t have a grandmother¡¯s love.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he said gently, ¡°I could be the child¡¯s godfather. That way, there¡¯s one more person to love and cherish the baby.¡±

    The unexpected suggestion made Carrieugh softly, breaking the tension. ¡°That would be¡­plicated, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s voice grew quieter, tinged with an emotion she couldn¡¯t quite read. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything between me and the Norris family,¡± he said simply.

    Carrie understood what he meant. Daxton¡¯s history with Kristopher was fraught, to say the least. Still, the idea of him being involved in her child¡¯s life felt strange, especially given the tangled web of their rtionships. She didn¡¯t argue but tried to think of an alternative instead.

    After a brief pause, Daxton suggested, ¡°I can just be her uncle, then.¡±

    Carrie nodded, a faint smile ying on her lips. Lowering her gaze, she ced a protective hand over her stomach. ¡°Then I¡¯ll say thank you in advance.¡±

    Daxton studied her for a moment longer before adding with a faint grin, ¡°Your daughter will be a little princess, just like you.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s hand drifted to her stomach again. ¡°I don¡¯t care if she looks like me,¡± she said softly. ¡°I just want her to be happy, always.¡±

    When they arrived at Bayview Vi, the car slowed to a stop in the driveway. Daxton¡¯s sharp eyes caught a shadow moving near the trees. His instincts red¡ªthis was a quiet area, far from the bustling streets, and strangers rarely passed by. Daxton didn¡¯t believe in coincidences.

    If someone was there, something was amiss. Careful not to rm Carrie, Daxton stepped out first. Circling around the car, he opened her door and offered his hand, his body subtly angled to keep the figure in his line of sight. Daxton thought he saw the glint of a phone. Was the person taking pictures?

    Carrieughed lightly, pulling her hand back. ¡°You¡¯re overdoing it, Daxton. I¡¯m not made of ss, you know. I¡¯m not due tomorrow¡ªI can manage.¡±

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 Chapter 528

    ?<strong>Chapter 528:</strong>

    Daxton didn¡¯t smile. His voice, though quiet, carried a note of seriousness. ¡°The first few months are critical,¡± he said. ¡°More delicate than the final weeks. You need to take care of yourself, Carrie. You¡¯re not just living for yourself anymore¡ªyou¡¯re a mother now.¡±

    His words hit her harder than she expected. The reality of her pregnancy settled over her again, heavy but grounding. The baby growing inside her wasn¡¯t just hers to protect¡ªit was hers to nurture, hers to care for, regardless of anyone else¡¯s involvement.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she said softly, nodding. ¡°I should be more careful. I¡¯ll start reading up on this. I need to be prepared.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± Daxton¡¯s tone softened slightly, and he stepped back to let her go. He climbed back into the car, leaning into the seat with a sigh. The faint scent of her perfume lingered in the air, stirring something deep within him. He closed his eyes, his hand drifting absently to his side, where an old wound throbbed faintly¡ªa phantom reminder of a different pain.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back,¡± he said to the driver in a quiet tone.

    Time slipped away like water through a sieve, and before anyone knew it, the wedding was just two days away. Bayview Vi had undergone a breathtaking transformation, both inside and out. The wedding nners had left no stone unturned, weaving joy and festivity into every nook and cranny. Even the maids couldn¡¯t resist the contagious excitement. They hummed merry tunes as they bustled about, asionally conjuring up new recipes inspired by the celebratory mood.

    Yet, amidst the revelry, Carrie felt like a ghost at her own feast. She sat curled up on the sofa, engrossed in a book titled The Comprehensive Pregnancy Guide. She had stumbled upon the book through a sharing tform, where it had garnered endless rmendations¡ªnot from expectant mothers, surprisingly, but from soon-to-be fathers.

    At one point, Carrie had imagined Kristopher pouring over such a book, trying to master the art of fatherhood. But reality painted a different picture. Since the day she¡¯d seen the positive result, Kristopher remained blissfully unaware of her pregnancy. She hadn¡¯t even mustered the courage to tell his grandparents.

    The initial thrill she¡¯d felt holding the medical report had dwindled, leaving only hesitation in its ce. The joy of sharing her news had withered on the vine. Kristopher¡¯s attention, such as it was, came in the form of one or two dry, obligatory text messages each day. Calls, on the rare asion she attempted them, went unanswered. His number was perpetually unreachable.

    Oliver exined that hispleteck ofmunication was due to no signal where he was located.

    Her mind wandered back to the early days of their marriage when Kristopher would often vanish on business trips abroad. Back then, she¡¯d wait for weeks, frequently seeing him return with mysterious injuries. Over time, those trips became less frequent, but the questions in her mind never ceased. Although he never shared details, she knew his work carried risks.

    She tried to reflect on her own shorings as well. As the head of the Norris family, Kristopher bore burdens she couldn¡¯t fully understand. Shouldn¡¯t she make an effort to be more supportive? People often said pregnant women had a tendency to overthink. Carrie reminded herself to stay level-headed. Yes, her body was in flux, but she couldn¡¯t let those changes hijack her emotions.

    But just as she steadied herself, a single WhatsApp message from Camille sent her carefully constructedposure crashing down. Camille¡¯s text was apanied by a screenshot. ¡°I saw this on Albin¡¯s phone,¡± Camille wrote, clearly annoyed. ¡°What¡¯s the deal with this? Who¡¯s the ¡®someone she likes¡¯? Is it Kristopher? And what¡¯s all this about liking girls? Is she talking about an unborn baby? How did this even be a topic of discussion between them?¡±

    In the screenshot, Lise had posted a picture of a dainty hair clip with the caption: ¡°The person I like, likes girls.¡± Carrie¡¯s eyes glued themselves to the image. She read the caption over and over, her mind racing, her fingers frozen on her phone.

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 Chapter 529

    ?<strong>Chapter 529:</strong>

    Without responding to Camille, she tossed the phone onto the couch. Kristopher didn¡¯t seem to care about her pregnancy¡ªbut could Lise be pregnant too? Had he hurried off to Steu Skua under the pretense of work to be at Lise¡¯s side for the birth?

    Her thoughts spiraled further. Stories of influencers secretly flying to Steu Skua to give birth flickered in her mind. Could that be Lise¡¯s n, too?

    The more she thought about it, the more usible it seemed. What if sending Lise abroad had been part of Kristopher¡¯s n all along? Her stomach churned at the thought. She couldn¡¯t stomach the idea of Lise having a ce in Kristopher¡¯s life¡ªlet alone in her marriage. Could he truly have plotted to juggle two families, one overseas and one at home?

    Just as she teetered on the edge of these stormy thoughts, the shrill ring of the doorbell snapped her back to reality. The maid, drying her hands on a kitchen towel, answered the door. Momentster, Dr. Molina, the family doctor, walked in, his medical kit in hand.

    ¡°Dr. Molina, good evening,¡± Carrie greeted, shaking off her muddled thoughts. ¡°Are you here for the maid?¡±

    ¡°No, no, Mrs. Norris,¡± the maid interjected quickly, holding up a small bag. ¡°It¡¯s this supplement. You haven¡¯t been drinking ittely, and I wanted Dr. Molina to check if it¡¯s expired. There¡¯s no date on thebel.¡±

    Dr. Molina nodded and unpacked a small device from his kit, one that could analyze the supplement¡¯sposition. The moment the results appeared, his face drained of color. He rushed to Carrie, his voice urgent. ¡°Mrs. Norris, have you been taking this?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze flickered to the health supplement in Dr. Molina¡¯s hand. It was the same one Billie had asked Mrs. Quinn to deliver. ¡°I¡¯ve only taken it once,¡± she said softly, her voice tinged with confusion. ¡°Why? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Dr. Molina¡¯s expression darkened further. ¡°This supplement is harmful, Mrs. Norris. Prolonged use could lead to infertility. I strongly rmend you undergo a full medical check-up.¡± The words struck Carrie like a thunderp. For a moment, she sat stunned, but herposure quickly returned.

    Billie had always been fixated on her having a child¡ªwhy on earth would she give her something so dangerous? Billie had handed the first batch of the supplement to her directly, which Willow had tried to smuggle out. Carrie had disposed of it back then, fearing that something might go awry.

    So, the problem must lie with this new batch broughtter by the maid.

    Turning to the maid, Carrie asked pointedly, ¡°Did Billie give this to you herself?¡±

    The maid shook her head, answering truthfully, ¡°No, Mrs. Norris. I found it in the room assigned to me after I arrived here. But I remember seeing the same packaging when you brought the supplement from the Norris Mansion.¡±

    The puzzle pieces clicked into ce in Carrie¡¯s mind. Her thoughts raced, retracing the sequence of events. It became clear: Willow hadn¡¯t been trying to steal the supplement that day. Someone had orchestrated a n to switch them with poison.

    But when Willow left, Oliver had kept a close watch on her. She hadn¡¯t been able to take the tainted supplement with her.

    A cold realization settled over Carrie. Lise¡¯s schemes were far darker than she had imagined. This wasn¡¯t just about keeping tabs on her or causing petty trouble. Lise had gone as far as to jeopardize both Carrie¡¯s life and the life of her unborn child.

    Instinctively, Carrie ced a protective hand over her stomach. A cold sweat broke out on her back as the gravity of the situation sank in. She hade terrifyingly close to losing everything.

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 Chapter 530

    ?<strong>Chapter 530:</strong>

    Taking a deep, steadying breath, she reached for her phone, her fingers hovering over Oliver¡¯s number. But then she froze, herst conversation with Kristopher reying in her mind. If Oliver got involved, Kristopher would inevitably learn of everything. And when he did, the truth would point squarely at Lise.

    This wasn¡¯t just about betrayal anymore. Lise¡¯s actions had threatened their child¡ªa line that could never be crossed. But would Kristopher side with their unborn baby, or would his loyalty remain with Lise? The mere thought made Carrie¡¯s chest tighten. She couldn¡¯t face the possibility that this might destroy what was left of their marriage.

    Yet, one thing was certain: she would not let Lise escape the consequences this time. A mother¡¯s love was said to be as fierce as a storm, and Carrie felt that strength surging through her veins now. For her child, she would do whatever it took to eliminate the threat Lise posed.

    Turning back to the room, Carrie straightened her posture and spoke with quiet authority. ¡°Leave the supplement here for now. Put it in a sealed box and don¡¯t touch it. Most importantly, don¡¯t tell anyone¡ªnot Kristopher, not anyone from the Norris Mansion.¡± Dr.

    Molina hesitated, his brow furrowing. ¡°Mrs. Norris¡­¡±

    Carrie cut him off, her voice calm but resolute. ¡°Kristopher is tied up with work, and his grandparents are already in poor health. I don¡¯t want to burden them with this.¡±

    A faint smile touched her lips, though it didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°Dr. Molina, do you think I have no influence in this household? If I asked Kristopher to rece our family doctor, do you think he¡¯d refuse?¡±

    Dr. Molina stepped back, shaking his head respectfully. ¡°Of course not, Mrs. Norris. I didn¡¯t mean to suggest otherwise. I understand. I won¡¯t breathe a word of this. But I urge you to stay away from this supplement¡ªit¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Carrie replied, her tone softening. ¡°Thank you for your vignce today. Without you, we wouldn¡¯t have discovered this.¡±

    She turned to the maid. ¡°Fetch half of the century-old ginseng and some imported health supplements from the pantry. Give them to Dr. Molina¡ªthere¡¯s no way we¡¯ll use them all, and he¡¯ll make good use of them.¡±

    Dr. Molina bowed slightly, a grateful smile crossing his face. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris. That¡¯s very kind of you.¡±

    Carrie nodded, satisfied. By epting the gift, Dr. Molina gave her his unspoken assurance that he would keep his promise.

    She then looked at the maid, her tone lighter but still firm. ¡°That luxury skincare set that arrived yesterday¡ªit¡¯s yours. I don¡¯t care much for that brand. Consider it a thank-you for being attentive and bringing this issue to light.¡±

    The maid¡¯s eyes widened with surprise. ¡°Thank you, Mrs. Norris. I was just doing my duty.¡±

    Carrie waved off the gratitude with a small yawn. Fatigue was catching up with her again. ¡°I¡¯m heading upstairs to rest. Please see Dr. Molina out.¡±

    In her bedroom, Carrie tossed restlessly on the bed, sleep eluding her. The more she dwelled on her situation, the more her anxiety grew. Drawing her knees to her chest, she wrapped her arms around her abdomen in a protective embrace.

    Regardless of her tumultuous rtionship with Kristopher, she was resolute about one thing: protecting her unborn child. The thought of anyone threatening her baby was unbearable. But what should she do next? Almost subconsciously, she reached for her phone and opened a conversation with Camille. She started typing a message, then erased it immediately.

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 Chapter 531

    ?<strong>Chapter 531:</strong>

    Camille had been inseparable from Albintely. Since Camille had ess to Lise¡¯s social media through Albin¡¯s phone, he might see Carrie¡¯s messages through Camille¡¯s phone too. And Albin, fiercely loyal to Kristopher, would undoubtedly side with him.

    Suddenly, her phone vibrated, an iing call from Daxton lighting up the screen. Memories shed through her mind: their brief encounters¡ªoutside the hospital, his timely rescue from the yacht mishap, and his visit to her mother¡¯s grave. Their infrequent interactions had nheless forged a bond of trust that Carrie deeply valued.

    She answered the call. Daxton¡¯s calm voice greeted her. ¡°I¡¯ve heard through the grapevine about your uing wedding.¡± Daxton hadn¡¯t been informed about the event. Given the strained ties between the Norris and Garcia families, Carrie hadn¡¯t felt it appropriate to invite him.

    ¡°Daxton,¡± she said, faltering as she searched for the right words.

    Daxton¡¯s lightughter came through the phone, softening the tension. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I wouldn¡¯t attend anyway¡ªit would just be too awkward.¡±

    Relieved, Carrie let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding. Daxton¡¯s understanding nature always made him aforting presence for her.

    ¡°I missed your first wedding,¡± he continued. ¡°So this time, I¡¯ve sent a gift to make up for it. It arrived today, didn¡¯t it?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze shifted to the gift bag on her bedside table. She had received it at noon, initially mistaking it for a wedding essory because of its separate delivery. The gift bore the hallmark of a renowned diamond brand¡ªfamed for its opulent designs and steep price tags. It was a brand synonymous with elegance and sophistication, one that never needed advertising. Inside the boxy a ne. Sapphires in round and teardrop shapes, arranged from light to dark, cascaded like a waterfall. The design was fluid and refined, culminating in a sapphire centerpiece asrge as a pigeon¡¯s egg.

    She remembered seeing this exact ne in a magazine, its value listed in the millions. When Carrie remained silent, Daxton asked softly, ¡°Have you opened it, Carrie? I¡¯m sure Kristopher has something even more spectacr nned for you, so you might not wear this for the wedding. But still, I¡¯d love to see it on you someday.¡±

    Closing the box, Carrie replied decisively, ¡°Daxton, this is too extravagant. I can¡¯t ept it.¡±

    ¡°You have to,¡± Daxton replied, his tone gentle yet firm. ¡°The guests at Kristopher¡¯s wedding will undoubtedly bring extravagant gifts. I need to ensure you don¡¯t appear any less than them.¡±

    His words reinforced the warmth Carrie often felt toward Daxton¡ªlike that of a protective older brother.

    With a yful lilt, he added, ¡°And think of it this way: when I get married, you¡¯ll be expected to give me something even morevish in return.¡±

    The teasing remark left Carrie no room to decline further.

    Carrie spoke with conviction. ¡°Daxton, when it¡¯s your turn to get married, rest assured, I¡¯ll return the favor with something equally grand. You won¡¯t be embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± he replied softly, though his usual smile had faded.

    The warmth of their conversation made Carrie feel as if she were talking to family. Encouraged by this, she said, ¡°Daxton, may I ask for your help with something?¡±

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 Chapter 532

    ?<strong>Chapter 532:</strong>

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to think of it as a bother,¡± Daxton responded gently.

    Carrie took a deep breath and shared the unsettling incident¡ªLise directing Willow to tamper with her medication.

    Daxton¡¯s voice was steady and reassuring. ¡°Leave it to me. I¡¯ll take care of gathering the evidence.¡±

    Carrie expressed her gratitude and was just about to end the call when the bedroom door suddenly opened.

    Kristopher lingered at the doorway, his travel-worn demeanor and weary expression betraying a rare moment of exhaustion. Seeing Carrie still clutching her phone, he asked casually, ¡°Who were you chatting with?¡±

    Unsure of how much he¡¯d caught, she decided to keep it straightforward. ¡°Daxton sent us a wedding gift.¡±

    Kristopher crossed the room, sitting down on the edge of the bed. His eyes flicked to the bag resting on the nightstand. He pulled out the ne, gave it a quick once-over, and tossed it back into the bag with little interest.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said tly, brushing it off like a speck of dust.

    To him, the ne¡ªregardless of its steep price¡ªheld no more charm than a trinket from a flea market. Money, at this point, was little more than numbers on a screen to him.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special

    Carrie, however, felt a small wave of relief that he hadn¡¯t outright discarded it. She shifted closer, her gaze sweeping over him, searching for any signs of injury. Satisfied that he was unscathed, she let out a soft sigh of relief. ¡°Did you manage to sort everything out?¡±

    Kristopher reached for her hand, leaning in to nuzzle her nose affectionately. ¡°Did you miss me?¡±

    The weight of the past few days pressed on her chest, making it hard to voice the answer lingering in her mind. Instead, she leaned back deliberately, wrinkling her nose. ¡°You smell like you¡¯ve been rolling in dust.¡±

    Kristopher sniffed his shirt, a yful smile tugging at his lips. He tapped her nose lightly. ¡°Your nose is sharper than ever. They¡¯re tearing up the roads near the airport. I wasn¡¯t even there long¡ªjust hopped straight into the car.¡±

    Despite his teasing words, he stood up, creating a little space between them. ¡°Let me hit the shower first,¡± he said, his tone light but the hint unmistakable.

    ¡°You go ahead,¡± Carrie replied with mock obliviousness, slipping into an innocent tone. ¡°I¡¯ll call Camille and check on the bridesmaid dress.¡±

    For a split second, Kristopher¡¯s disappointment flickered across his face, but he didn¡¯t push the matter. After all, he wanted everything to be perfect for their wedding¡ªno loose ends, no regrets.

    In the bedroom, Kristopher emerged from the shower, his hair damp and torso bare, only to find Carrie missing. He settled onto the sofa, his gaze drifting to a few papers that had fallen out of her bag onto the floor. Curious, he picked them up.

    The top one seemed to be a routine medical report¡ªnothing out of the ordinary. Before he could flip to the next page, his phone buzzed. He slid the papers back into her bag, ced it beside the sofa, and answered the call.

    If he had flipped just one more page, he would have seen the pregnancy test report hidden beneath.

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 Chapter 533

    ?<strong>Chapter 533:</strong>

    It was Lise. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m home. Everything¡¯s fine,¡± she said.

    ¡°Alright. Got it,¡± he replied.

    There was a pause before Lise spoke again, her tone tentative. ¡°Your wedding¡¯s just around the corner. Once it¡¯s official, everyone will know Carrie is your wife. That¡¯ll be the end of¡­ well, everything between us. Could we meet for dinner? Just once¡ªto say a proper goodbye?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, the silence heavy, before finally agreeing. ¡°Alright.¡±

    In the living room¡­

    Carrie was actively on the phone with Camille when Kristopher walked down the stairs. This time, he wasn¡¯t in his usualid-back attire. He¡¯d changed into formal clothes, sharp and polished.

    Carrie¡¯s brows lifted in mild surprise. ¡°Heading out again?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face flickered with a trace of guilt, but he quickly masked it. ¡°There¡¯s a problem with one of the projects. I need to handle it.¡±

    She didn¡¯t press for details. ¡°Will you be back for dinner?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be workingte. Get some rest¡ªyou don¡¯t need to wait up,¡± he said, leaning down to nt a kiss on her forehead.

    On the other end of the call, Camille had overheard the exchange. Her voice chimed through the receiver. ¡°Carrie, I¡¯ve got a makeup artist here for a trial run. Since you¡¯ll be home alone, why note over and help me pick a look for the bridesmaids?¡±

    Carrie nodded as if Camille could see her. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll head over.¡±

    Carrie was actively on the phone with Camille when Kristopher walked down the stairs. This time, he wasn¡¯t in his usualid-back attire. He¡¯d changed into formal clothes, sharp and polished.

    Carrie¡¯s brows lifted in mild surprise. ¡°Heading out again?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face flickered with a trace of guilt, but he quickly masked it. ¡°There¡¯s a problem with one of the projects. I need to handle it.¡±

    She didn¡¯t press for details. ¡°Will you be back for dinner?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be workingte. Get some rest¡ªyou don¡¯t need to wait up,¡± he said, leaning down to nt a kiss on her forehead.

    On the other end of the call, Camille had overheard the exchange. Her voice chimed through the receiver. ¡°Carrie, I¡¯ve got a makeup artist here for a trial run. Since you¡¯ll be home alone, why note over and help me pick a look for the bridesmaids?¡±

    Carrie nodded as if Camille could see her. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll head over.¡±

    Carrie followed the location Camille had sent and drove to a sprawling apartment nestled in the heart of downtown¡¯s most coveted district. It was close to where she¡¯d once lived in Ripples Complex, just a street over. The neighborhood was as prime as it got in the CBD, and this apartment, a spacious 500-square-meter retreat, was no exception.

    The ce belonged to Albin¡ªa private hideaway known only to his closest circle, Kristopher included. Forrger gatherings, Albin preferred hosting at his vi, leaving this apartment as his personal sanctuary.

    Carrie parked her car in one of themunity¡¯s shared spots and made her way to the private elevator, which whisked her straight to the designated floor. At the entrance, Albin greeted her, dressed in a crisp white casual outfit.

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 Chapter 534

    ?<strong>Chapter 534:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie, Camille¡¯s inside getting her makeup done. Let me take you to her.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s observant gaze took in his transformed appearance. His once mboyant hairstyle was now a neat ck crop, lending him an unexpected air of youthful groundedness. The carefree attitude he once brandished had softened, reced by a hint of domestic warmth.

    Slipping into the provided slippers, she followed him inside. The apartment¡¯s aesthetic echoed the Bayview Vi but with a lighter gray palette that felt less austere. Scattered throughout the space were mismatched decorations¡ªdolls, anime figures¡ªa clear testament to Camille¡¯s yful influence.

    Four professional makeup artists had spent hours with Camille, who had meticulously tried six different looks before finally selecting her bridesmaid makeup for the wedding.

    As the artists departed, Camille dramatically flopped onto the sofa, pulling Carrie beside her. ¡°Darling!¡± she called to Albin, raising her hand theatrically. ¡°Fetch the chilled crayfish and beer from the fridge.¡±

    Turning to Carrie with an infectious smile, Camille raved about the beer. ¡°This is incredible¡ªit¡¯s like a fizzy fruit soda. You can barely tell it¡¯s alcoholic!¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t drink,¡± Carrie replied simply. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant.¡±

    Camille¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Wait, what?¡±

    Carrie nodded with a soft smile. ¡°I had it confirmed at the hospital.¡±

    Camille¡¯s expression shifted from shock to indignation. She smacked the sofa with enough force to make it shake. ¡°And you still drove yourself here? What on earth is Kristopher doing? Why hasn¡¯t he got a driver taking you everywhere?¡±

    At that moment, Albin returned from the kitchen, a tray of crayfish in his hands. Hearing Camille¡¯s words, he nearly dropped it. He quickly set the tray on the coffee table and sat down across from Camille, giving her arm a discreet nudge in an attempt to steer the conversation elsewhere.

    Camille swatted his hand away without missing a beat. ¡°Oh, quit it. Just because a wedding¡¯sing up doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m going to keep my mouth shut.¡±

    Carrie, sensing Albin¡¯s growing panic, interjected in a soft voice. ¡°I haven¡¯t told him yet¡ªor anyone else, for that matter.¡± Her gaze dropped to her hands, her expression unreadable.

    Albin let out a visible sigh of relief and shot Camille a pointed look. ¡°See? I told you. Kristopher wouldn¡¯t just ignore something like this.¡±

    Then, as if struck by inspiration, his eyes lit up. ¡°Wait¡ªare you nning to tell him on the wedding day? Like, a big surprise?¡±

    The idea gave Carrie pause. She hadn¡¯t thought much about how or when to share the news. But maybe the wedding day really would be the perfect moment. She nodded slightly. ¡°Yes.¡±

    Albin pped his hands together, grinning. ¡°Brilliant! Pregnant women love sour stuff, right? I¡¯ll grab you some juice and mango crepes.¡± He sprang to his feet, turning back to Camille as he headed to the kitchen. ¡°Honey, I¡¯ll join you for crayfish and beerter.¡±

    Camille leaned against Carrie, resting her head on thetter¡¯s shoulder with a yful pout. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯ll eat whatever Carrie¡¯s having.¡±

    Albin shot her a mock salute. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡± He returned the tray to the fridge with theatrical obedience.

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 Chapter 535

    ?<strong>Chapter 535:</strong>

    Carrie nced down at Camille, her lips twitching into a teasing smile. ¡°You¡¯ve got him wrapped around your little finger, don¡¯t you?¡±

    An hourter, Carrie set her empty juice ss on the table and stood up. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I should head home.¡±

    Camille reached out to stop her. ¡°It¡¯s toote to drive. Call Kristopher toe pick you up.¡±

    After a brief hesitation, Carrie dialed his number, only to be met with the cold, automated message: ¡°Sorry, the number you¡¯ve dialed is temporarily unavable.¡±

    Camille frowned and kicked Albin lightly. ¡°You drive her home ande back after.¡±

    Carrie quickly waved her hands. ¡°There¡¯s no need¡ªit¡¯s too much trouble.¡±

    Albin brushed off her protest, already on his feet. ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all. I¡¯ll drop you off and grab a ride back.¡± Reluctantly, Carrie agreed.

    As they descended to the parking area, a shadowy figure caught their attention. The person was lingering near her car, moving in a way that immediately raised suspicion.

    Albin narrowed his eyes and pointed at the figure. ¡°Hey! What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± he called out, his voice sharp.

    When the noise disturbed the silence, the shadowy figure took off running. Albin gave chase but halted after realizing the figure had disappeared from the area. He turned to Carrie, torn about what to do next. It seemed the shadow had been after Carrie, and Albin suspected that pursuing it could be a trap to draw him away.

    ???¨¨?? ¡é?¦¤T?¦Å§Á? ?¦Ç ?a?§Úo¦Í???.???

    He signaled to a nearby security guard. ¡°I need the surveince footage from this area. Send it to my phone.¡±

    ¡°Right away, Mr. Murray,¡± the guard responded, dashing toward the security booth.

    Together, Albin and Carrie made their way to her car. Circling the vehicle, Albin examined it thoroughly, then bent down to inspect the tires. ¡°Someone tried to break into the car, and look, the tires are cut.¡±

    A chill ran down Carrie¡¯s spine. Typically, luxury cars are equipped with resilient tires, but today, she had opted for an older, less secure model, leaving it just as vulnerable as any standard car.

    After calling the authorities and providing his ount of events, Albin escorted Carrie back to Bayview Vi. Carrie showered and attempted to reach Kristopher by phone, but her call failed to connect.

    Gazing at her phone, Carrie fought back a wave of sadness as fatigue began to set in. Setting aside her phone, she crawled into bed. She wasn¡¯t sure how much time had passed when she half-awoke to a familiar,forting scent of shower gel mixed with a subtle hint of wood.

    By morning, Kristopher had already left.

    Opening her bedroom door, Carrie was met with a flurry of activity. The Norris Mansion¡¯s staff bustled around. Seeing her awake, they rushed over. ¡°Mrs. Norris, you¡¯re finally up! We were just about to wake you!¡±

    Barely awake, Carrie was quickly ushered away to prepare for the day. It was only when she sat at her vanity and saw her reflection that she realized¡ªtoday was her wedding day.

    The wedding setting by the ocean surpassed all expectations, with reality far more stunning than any n had suggested. In the nearby forest, ribbons adorned the trees, and twin tracksy beneath, along which a pumpkin-shaped carriage carried guests, like something straight out of a fairytale.

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 Chapter 536

    ?<strong>Chapter 536:</strong>

    White roses decorated the tracks, leading from the foot of the mountain to a cliff midway up. The venue, which had appeared modest in photographs, actually spanned the size of a basketball court and was enclosed specifically for the asion.

    Guests stepped from the carriage onto a pathway iid with seashells, which meandered toward the stage. Near the stage, Shawn, Mny, Billie, and other close members of the Norris family took their seats. At a different table, Carrie¡¯s dear friends¡ªRuby, Asher, Soren, and Beverly¡ªgathered, standing in for her absent family on this special day.

    Off to one side, a celebrated pianist coaxed sweet melodies from a white grand piano. Camille assisted Carrie as she alighted from the carriage.

    With her hair styled in an elegant updo, Carrie¡¯s veil shimmered with diamonds and pearls, like stars sparkling over the ocean. The sunlight shimmered on her gown, lending it a radiant aura akin to snow dusted with gold.

    Carrie¡¯s presence was enchanting, like a mermaid princess emerging from the sea or a forest nymphing to life. The assembly was utterly captivated, their eyes fixed on her. Each glimpse of Carrie seemed to redefine beauty for them anew.

    They were left in awe¡ªhow could destiny y such a cruel game, allowing the impable Kristopher and Carrie to find each other? Yet, it seemed almost appropriate.

    Such remarkable individuals were surely destined to unite. Kristopher watched her from afar, his gaze filled with a possessive sharpness. He longed for the crowd to vanish, yearning to have her beauty solely for himself. The mere thought of others admiring her was enough to agitate him.

    As the ceremony was about to begin, Kristopher couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. He hurried down the shell-strewn path toward her.

    Lit from behind, Kristopher¡¯s silhouette cast a long shadow. His silver-gray suit, adorned with pearls and diamonds,plemented Carrie¡¯s bridal dress perfectly. The sunlight softened his usually stern features, lending him a gentler, more refined air.

    Approaching Carrie, he extended his hand and said, ¡°Carrie.¡±

    With a knowing look to Camille, Carrie epted his hand, and together they stepped toward the center of the stage.

    Holding her bouquet, Carrie addressed the gathered crowd. ¡°This bouquet won¡¯t be tossed blindly today. Tradition says the catcher will be next to marry. I¡¯ve chosen to give this honor directly to my best friend, Camille.¡±

    Turning, she extended the bouquet toward Camille.

    Surprised, Camille sped her hands over her mouth, tears brimming in her eyes. Beside her, Albin yfully ruffled her hair and replied, ¡°It¡¯s yours. Go on, step forward.¡±

    Guided by Albin, Camille approached Carrie and epted the bouquet. Carrie looked between Camille and Albin, her voice soft yet heartfelt. ¡°I entrust my best friend to you. May you both walk down the aisle soon.¡±

    With a joyful smile, Albin raised Camille¡¯s hand in his own as if sealing a promise. ¡°Certainly, Carrie!¡±

    Just as the ring exchange was about to proceed, Kristopher suddenly paused, his gaze shifting toward something in the distance. ¡°I have a special gift for you,¡± he responded.

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 Chapter 537

    ?<strong>Chapter 537:</strong>

    A beautifully decorated carriage appeared, and nurses carefully assisted Gracie, seated in a wheelchair, as she alighted.

    Billie took it upon herself to escort Gracie as the nurses guided her wheelchair to the center of the stage. Carrie had recently learned that, thanks to Billie and Kristopher, Gracie had been seeing a specialist, which had significantly improved her health.

    When Gracie came into view, Carrie¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. She whispered, ¡°Grandma,¡± her voice breaking with emotion.

    Stretching out her hand, Carrie sped Gracie¡¯s, which felt frail and skeletal, like a dry twig. With a yful scowl, Gracie scolded her, ¡°There should be no tears today. Don¡¯t mess up your makeup and look like a panda.¡± Gracie¡¯s gaze then shifted to Kristopher.

    Kristopher responded by kneeling down and gently taking her other hand. cing Carrie¡¯s hand in Kristopher¡¯s, Gracie said softly, ¡°Kristopher, take good care of my granddaughter. Remember, even the best rtionships face challenges. Embrace them, trust each other, and never give up.¡±

    Standing, Kristopher gripped Carrie¡¯s hand firmly and replied, ¡°I will heed your advice forever, Gracie.¡±

    After their heartfelt moment, a nurse stepped forward and said gently, ¡°Gracie isn¡¯t fully healed and shouldn¡¯t be outdoors for long. She can¡¯t stay for the whole wedding. I need to take her inside now.¡±

    Mny approached, squeezing Gracie¡¯s hand reassuringly. ¡°You must focus on your recovery, Gracie. Healthes first. The rest will follow.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?§àm takes you away

    Carrie steadied herself, holding back tears, then turned to the crowd and announced excitedly, ¡°I have wonderful news to share¡ªI¡¯m pregnant.¡±

    The atmosphere froze for a brief moment. A quiet sound echoed, but it felt like a bomb hitting water, sending shockwaves through the crowd. Disbelief widened everyone¡¯s eyes as they questioned whether they had heard correctly.

    Billie was the first to find his voice. ¡°Carrie, are you serious? This isn¡¯t a joke, right?¡± His words shattered the silence, and soon the room filled with murmurs and exmations.

    Carrie, her smile warm, nced down at her stomach. ¡°Just a few days ago, I had a pregnancy test at the hospital. It confirmed I¡¯m four weeks along. I have the report at home¡ªI¡¯ll show it to youter.¡±

    Kristopher was swept up in a whirlwind of emotions. Today, he wasn¡¯t just a groom¡ªhe was also an expectant father.

    Shawn, usually reserved, stood up and wrapped his arms around Mny, eximing, ¡°We¡¯re going to be great-grandparents!¡±

    Mny tightened her grip on Gracie¡¯s hand. ¡°Gracie, did you hear? Carrie¡¯s expecting, and you¡¯re about to be a great-grandmother! We both need to stay healthy this year. Shawn and I can¡¯t manage a little one on our own, and you won¡¯t want to miss out on the fun.¡±

    Gracie, her eyes misty, nodded softly and whispered, ¡°Okay, okay.¡±

    The officiant led the crowd in an eruption of apuse, celebrating the dual joy of the newlyweds. Carrie soaked in the moment, feeling overwhelmed by what could only be described as the pinnacle of happiness. Surrounded by dear friends, beloved family, and under the watchful eye of her mother from beyond, she felt profoundly content.

    As the festivities continued, Gracie excused herself from the event, and the ceremony moved forward.

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 Chapter 538

    ?<strong>Chapter 538:</strong>

    The officiant then presented the wedding rings¡ªrings that were not the same as those from two years ago. Kristopher hadmissioned new ones specifically for this asion. The centerpiece of the rings was a rare pink diamond, weighing 18.96 carats and valued at 46.2 million dors¡ªa symbol of their renewed vows and the new chapter they were about to begin.

    In a unique gesture, Kristopher had the exceptional diamond divided for daily use. He designed a 10-carat ring for Carrie, featuring a bouquet-style setting that cradled the stone. The remainder of the diamond was crafted into a sleek band for himself, symbolizing their union.

    As Kristopher slipped the ring onto Carrie¡¯s finger, a profound sense of fortune overwhelmed him. Marriage, which he had once viewed as mere convention, had transformed into something more¡ªgenuine love. With Carrie, he had discovered its true meaning.

    The officiant¡¯s voice rang out, saying, ¡°You may now kiss the bride.¡± Kristopher tenderly cupped Carrie¡¯s face, his gaze lingering on her features, before pressing a soft, lingering kiss to her lips.

    Then¡ªBang!

    The sharp crack of a gunshot shattered the moment. Screams erupted as chaos swept through the venue. Guests scrambled to escape while security personnel, previously concealed, leapt into action to secure the area.

    ???€$? ?§ß?t??§ñ? 1¦Ð ?al§Úo¦Í¦Å??.???

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes snapped open to meet Carrie¡¯s stunned expression. His gaze fell to her dress. A dark red stain blossomed, vivid and sinister against the pristine white fabric. Carrie¡¯s strength seemed to drain away as she crumpled to the ground, her body limp, as though all structure had abandoned her.

    Kristopher dropped to his knees, cradling her trembling form, his hands smearing with the blood seeping into her gown.

    Reality struck like a physical blow as the sticky warmth of her blood coated his skin. Tears unexpectedly streamed down his face as he hoarsely shouted, ¡°Quickly, call an ambnce!¡± Overwhelmed, he clung to her as though his embrace could will life back into her. His tears fell, mingling with the blood staining her dress.

    Carrie¡¯s lips moved faintly. Weakly, she tried to shield her abdomen, murmuring, ¡°My baby,¡± before slipping into unconsciousness.

    The wedding scene, which had moments ago been a dreamlike setting of romance and elegance, was now a picture of devastation. Expensive wines, dishes, and floral arrangementsy in ruins on the ground. Pale roses, once pristine, were crushed under dirty footprints, and ribbons were tangled in the debris. The air carried a metallic tang of blood, mingling with the lingering scents of spilled wine and trampled flowers.

    The shooter had disappeared into the dense forest bordering the venue¡ªa raw, untamed wilderness that was neither groomed nor safe. The forest, with its towering trees and thick undergrowth, had been marked with signs to deter guests from wandering in. Now, it served as an all-too-effective escape route. However, the chances of an ordinary person making it out of such a forest were slim.

    Oliver acted quickly. He dispatched bodyguards experienced in jungle tracking and mercenary tactics to follow the shooter, while the remaining security focused on evacuating the panicked guests.

    Mny sat frozen in shock, her face drained of all color. She trembled as a servant brought over a wheelchair, originally meant for guests with mobility issues. The servant gently helped her into the seat, but her hands clutched tightly to the armrests as she stared at the chaos unfolding before her. Her gaze fixed on Kristopher and Carrie lying on the ground, and tears welled in her eyes.

    Shawn crouched next to her, his voice steady yet heavy. ¡°Mny, you must leave this to the professionals. Staying here will only make things harder. We need to stay strong for the children.¡±

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 Chapter 539

    ?<strong>Chapter 539:</strong>

    Mny wiped her tears, her voice shaky. ¡°Poor Carrie¡­¡±

    How could something so terrible happen on such an important day? Shawn squeezed her hand. ¡°The bullet struck her abdomen, but Carrie has always been resilient. She¡¯ll make it through this. I know she will.¡±

    Nearby, Kailee muttered under her breath, unable to hold back her disdain. ¡°The baby surely won¡¯t survive. I¡¯ve always said she was a disaster¡ª¡±

    The sharp sound of a p echoed through the chaos, silencing Kailee midsentence. Kailee staggered back, holding her cheek in disbelief. Her eyes widened as she stared at Billie, the very aunt who had always spoiled her. ¡°Aunt¡­ you hit me?¡±

    Billie¡¯s face was filled with disappointment and anger. ¡°When did you be so cold-hearted, Kailee? Making petty remarks is one thing, but when someone¡¯s life hangs in the bnce, you¡¯re still cruel enough to insult her?¡±

    Billie stepped closer, her eyes zing. ¡°The Norris family is not heartless. I care about the child, yes¡ªbut more than anything, I care about Carrie¡¯s safety and health. There will be other children in the future.¡±

    Mny, still seated in the wheelchair, pointed at Kailee, her voice shaking with fury. ¡°Get out! You are no longer wee in the Norris family!¡±

    Two security guards stepped forward at Mny¡¯smand, escorting Kailee out of the scene despite her weak protests. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯ll take Shawn and Mny back now. Stay focused on Carrie,¡± Billie said softly, approaching Kristopher.

    He didn¡¯t respond, his eyes fixed solely on Carrie nestled in his arms.

    Billie sighed, realizing she wouldn¡¯t get a word out of him. Turning away, she helped Shawn and Mny into a pumpkin carriage meant for the elderly guests, and the driver hurriedly departed down the mountain road.

    Kristopher kept staring at Carrie¡ªher pale face, her closed eyes, the faint tremble in her once-delicate features¡ªit was all too much.

    She looked like a fragile wax figure, her warmth slipping away with every passing moment. Blood seeped through his fingers as he pressed desperately on her wound, his face set in a mask of barely controlled panic. Her body was growing colder, and with it, her warmth slipped away.

    Kristopher held her hand tightly, bringing it to his lips to breathe warmth onto her cold fingers.

    Oliver arrived momentster with two medics carrying a stretcher.

    ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver said, his voice tight but steady, ¡°the ambnce is waiting at the foot of the mountain. We need to move Mrs. Norris now.¡±

    Kristopher nodded tersely, carefully lifting Carrie onto the stretcher. He removed his suit jacket and draped it over her fragile frame. The medics carried the stretcher to the carriage. Kristopher climbed in beside them, his expression hardened into something unreadable.

    Before Oliver could join them, Kristopher turned, his voice low butmanding. ¡°Stay here. Secure the scene and find the shooter.¡±

    His deep eyes were filled with a terrifying, murderous intent.

    At the hospital, Kristopher chose a public facility to keep Gracie unaware of the incident, bringing in the best medical expertise avable for Carrie. Soon, the hospital was swarmed with ambnces, and professionals rushed in, creating an impression of an epidemic for the uninformed onlookers. Panic spread like wildfire.

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 Chapter 540

    ?<strong>Chapter 540:</strong>

    Surgeons quickly wheeled Carrie into the operating room. A short timeter, a doctor approached Kristopher with a grave expression. ¡°The bullet struck her uterus,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s highly unlikely the child will survive. Mrs. Norris is also in critical condition due to severe blood loss.¡±

    Bloodstains marred Kristopher¡¯s white shirt, but it was the coldness in his eyes that made everyone around him uneasy. In a fit of rage, Kristopher flipped a nearby table, scattering its contents across the floor. ¡°Ensure her safety, at all costs.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± the doctor replied, taken aback by Kristopher¡¯s apparentck of concern for the unborn child. It was rare for a prominent family to ce the mother¡¯s well-being above the child¡¯s.

    The doctor hurried out, signaling to the nurses to set up a blood transfusion.

    As the doctor left, Oliver stepped forward cautiously. ¡°Mr. Norris, would you like to change your shirt?¡±

    Ignoring the offer, Kristopher asked coldly, ¡°Have they caught the person responsible?¡±

    His gaze was unwavering, filled with unyielding resolve.

    ¡°Not yet¡­¡± Oliver was interrupted by his phone¡¯s ringtone. He exchanged a brief look with Kristopher before taking the call.

    After a moment, Oliver ended the call and said, ¡°They¡¯ve located the culprit. It¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    Kristopher looked at him impatiently. ¡°What is it?¡±

    Taking a moment, Oliver continued, ¡°It seems the assant knew what fate awaited him with us. Cornered, he chose to leap from a cliff into the sea. Our team found him barely alive.¡±

    ¡°Make sure he survives,¡± Kristopher ordered sternly. ¡°I need to find out his identity. I want to know who dared target someone I protect.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Oliver said with a nod.

    Kristopher, fiddling with his wedding ring, said deliberately, ¡°Make sure he keeps breathing. If he dies, the agony Carrie suffered will be paid a hundred times over on those he holds dear.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver replied, his eyes betraying a flicker of fear.

    Kristopher had never involved non-offenders in his vengeance before. This time, however, his fury was exceptional. The depth of Mr. Norris¡¯s affection for Mrs. Norris ran far deeper than most realized.

    Without hesitation, Oliver quickly exited the room. Both Mr. and Mrs. Norris had shown him nothing but kindness. That someone had dared to harm Mrs. Norris¡ªespecially on such a significant asion¡ªfueled his resolve to seek severe retribution.

    Meanwhile, Lise paced nervously across her living room. This was their wedding day, and there had been assurances of disruptions. Yet no news hade her way from dawn until now. Her coffee sat untouched, long since cooled.

    Elva, preupied with nning tasks, nced up and sensed Lise¡¯s unease. ¡°Lise¡­¡±

    Startled by the sound of her name, Lise jerked, knocking the coffee cup to the floor. It shattered on impact. The sight of the broken cup sent a shiver through her.

    Elva¡¯s expression darkened with concern. ¡°What are you keeping from me? If you don¡¯t share, and things go wrong, don¡¯t expect me to cover for you.¡±

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 Chapter 541

    ?<strong>Chapter 541:</strong>

    Lise, increasingly distressed, said, ¡°Why can¡¯t I simply be upset? I¡¯m not hiding anything from you! I¡¯m already under enough pressure, so stop being so suspicious!¡±

    Inside the operating room, a foreign doctor entered, his presence immediatelymanding attention. ¡°Mr. Norris has asked me to take charge of this procedure,¡± he announced, his tone calm but authoritative.

    Outside, the hospital was inplete lockdown, sealed by Kristopher¡¯s security forces. Kristopher had indeed assembled a team of top specialists, leaving no room for error as they finalized the surgical n.

    One of the surgeons eyed the neer and hesitated before asking, ¡°Wait¡­ aren¡¯t you the renowned Weblon surgeon?¡± The doctor ced a finger to his lips, silencing the inquiry. ¡°Let¡¯s focus on the task at hand. There¡¯s a life on this table.¡±

    The indirect confirmation of the man¡¯s identity seemed to settle the team¡¯s nerves. After all, this surgeon was said to be a miracle worker, capable of extracting even the most perilous bullets with minimal damage.

    The surgery was a sess. The bullet was removed cleanly, with barely any harm to Carrie¡¯s body.

    In the recovery room, shey motionless under anesthesia, her breathing soft and steady beneath the oxygen mask. Kristopher stood at her bedside, his bloodstained shirt a stark reminder of the chaos that had led them here. He stared at her face, his expression unreadable, though his trembling hand betrayed his turmoil.

    More than once, he reached out as if to touch her cheek, only to stop and let his hand fall back. He feared even the slightest pressure might cause her pain.

    Eventually, he pulled a chair close and sat down, watching her in silence. A nurse stepped forward hesitantly. ¡°Mr. Norris, it¡¯ll be hours before the anesthesia wears off.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps you should get something to eat?¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t acknowledge her, his focus unyielding.

    One of his subordinates approached, speaking in a low voice. ¡°Sir, it might be a good idea to change your clothes. When Mrs. Norris wakes up and sees the blood, it could bring back unpleasant memories.¡±

    After a long moment, Kristopher rose to his feet and followed them out, reluctant but aware they were right.

    Carrie woke to a sharp, searing pain. The anesthesia¡¯s protective haze was gone, reced by a throbbing ache that seemed to pull at her flesh and bone. Her eyes fluttered open, and the first thing she saw was Kristopher sitting by her side, worry etched into his every feature.

    He had changed into a crisp blue shirt, clean but understated, his earlier white one discarded along with its bloody reminders. His hair was damp, carrying the faint scent of soap mingled with the sterile antiseptic of the hospital. But his weariness was unmistakable¡ªbloodshot eyes, the shadow of stubble darkening his jawline.

    Despite everything, seeing him there eased the tight knot of fear that had gripped her since she woke.

    Her mind, however, was still caught in the clutches of a vivid nightmare. Over and over, she had relived the moment she was shot. In thest moment of her dream, she turned around, heart racing, and there was Lise, poised and unwavering, gripping the gun tightly in her hands. Dressed in white, Lise had sneered, her voice cold and triumphant, ¡°With you gone, I¡¯ll be the bride.¡±

    The nightmare had felt so real that even now, Carrie¡¯s heart raced at the memory. Her throat felt parched, preventing speech.

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 Chapter 542

    ?<strong>Chapter 542:</strong>

    Kristopher leaned forward, his voice gentle. ¡°You¡¯re awake. How are you feeling? Is there any pain?¡±

    As he spoke, he pressed the call button for the medical staff.

    She nodded weakly, then shook her head. Beyond the persistent ache of her wound, she felt rtively stable.

    The medical team arrived quickly and conducted a brief examination. One of them addressed Kristopher with a reassuring tone. ¡°She¡¯s stable, sir. The surgery went perfectly. There¡¯s no cause for concern.¡±

    Carrie, still weak, tried to lift her hand toward her abdomen, only to find her arm weighed down by the IV. Kristopher gently intercepted her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t move. Tell me what you need.¡±

    Her voice was hoarse, barely a whisper as she finally asked the question wing at her heart. ¡°The baby¡­ how is the baby?¡±

    Kristopher froze, hisposure slipping for a fraction of a second before he carefully masked his emotions. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re still young. We¡¯ll have more chances in the future.¡±

    The words hit her like a physical blow. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over before she could stop them.

    Only days ago, she had vowed to protect that tiny life no matter what. Now, the emptiness in her heart felt unbearable. She hadn¡¯t even known if it was a boy or a girl¡ªhadn¡¯t had the chance to see it grow into the person it could have been.

    The pain was deeper than the wound on her body. It was a hollow ache that left her feeling like she had failed as a mother.

    As she stared at the ceiling, the fragments of her dream came rushing back. Lise¡¯s cold sneer. The gun in her hand.

    Her gaze sharpened as she turned to Kristopher, her voice trembling but resolute. ¡°Lise Nash.¡±

    Kristopher frowned in confusion. ¡°What about her?¡±

    Carrie swallowed hard, forcing out the words through the lump in her throat. ¡°She¡¯s the one.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the reason this happened. She¡¯s the culprit.¡±

    Kristopher gently patted Carrie¡¯s trembling hand, his tone steady and calm as he tried to cate her. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking this. The culprit¡¯s been caught¡ªit¡¯s a man.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart turned cold. Her gaze darkened, and with biting sarcasm, she retorted, ¡°A man, you say? As if she could have orchestrated this all alone. Contracting a hitman? Are you pretending to be oblivious, Mr. Norris, or are you simply feigning ignorance?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice remained patient, almost unnervingly so. ¡°Carrie, please, don¡¯t get yourself worked up. You just came out of surgery.¡±

    But Carrie¡¯s re burned with unyielding fury. ¡°That woman killed my child, Kristopher! I won¡¯t rest until she pays for it¡ªwith her life!¡±

    Kristopher met her anger withposed reasoning. ¡°Carrie, think for a moment. How could she have possibly known you were pregnant? You only announced it today¡ªat the wedding. Even I didn¡¯t know until then. How could she have arranged for something so heinous within three minutes of finding out?¡±

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 Chapter 543

    ?<strong>Chapter 543:</strong>

    Ignoring the IV needle still piercing her arm, Carrie grabbed Kristopher¡¯s sleeve. ¡°It was her! She tried to kill mest night. She tampered with my car¡ªpunctured my tires on purpose!¡±

    The needle tore free, and blood trickled down her wrist. But Carrie seemed impervious to the pain, her determination blinding her to everything else.

    The nurse rushed over, pulling her hand away to treat the fresh wound. The alcohol stung¡ªbut it was nothingpared to the hollow ache of loss that gnawed at her soul.

    Kristopher sighed, his voiceced with quiet resignation. ¡°We¡¯ve been out of reach, Carrie.¡±

    ¡°You know that. We were in Steu Skua for days¡ªno signal, no contact. How could Lise have arranged for anything from there?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze bore into him, refusing to relent. ¡°You two came back yesterday! That gave her plenty of time.¡±

    Kristopher took a slow, deliberate breath. ¡°Because I was with herst night.¡±

    Carrie froze, her countenance darkening as her eyes went from astonishment to disappointment. Her gaze fell, and her voice was barely a murmur when she spoke. ¡°The night before our wedding¡­ you left me to be with her, and you lied to me? Kristopher, how am I supposed to believe you? How can I trust you? Is there anyone left in this world who won¡¯t betray me?¡±

    Feel inspired by ga  ln o vels .

    Loneliness pressed down on her like a heavy shroud. She cursed herself for not realizing the truth sooner, for not calling off the wedding when there was still time. If she had, maybe her child would still be alive.

    Kristopher looked at her with caution. ¡°I was wrong, Carrie. I¡¯ll exin everything¡ªI promise. But using Lise isn¡¯t fair. She didn¡¯t know you were pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Who said Lise didn¡¯t know?¡± Camille¡¯s words cut through the room as she stormed in, her grip firm around Kailee¡¯s wrist as she dragged the struggling woman behind her.

    Kailee iled, trying to break free. ¡°Let go of me! Have you lost your mind? What gives you the right to manhandle me like this?¡±

    Camille ignored her, anger zing in her eyes as she marched forward and flung a phone at Kristopher. The device struck his arm and ttered to the floor.

    Kailee dove to retrieve it, but Kristopher¡¯s reflexes were quicker. He snatched it up first; it was a photo¡ªa pregnancy test.

    Camille jabbed a finger at Kailee, then turned to Carrie. ¡°This woman took a picture of your pregnancy test and sent it to Lise¡ªbehind your back.¡±

    Kristopher swiped across the screen, his expression unreadable as he saw the WhatsApp conversation. Kailee¡¯s message was clear: ¡°Carrie is pregnant. You and Kristopher have no chance now.¡±

    His gaze moved to the profile picture associated with the conversation. ¡°This isn¡¯t Lise¡¯s WhatsApp,¡± he said.

    Camille¡¯s mouth fell open, disbelief warring with fury as her hands flew to her hips. ¡°Are you serious right now, Kristopher? The proof is staring you in the face, and you¡¯re still defending her? Lise killed your child, and you¡¯re too blind to see it! Wake up, will you? Are you out of your mind, or is she that deep under your skin?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s face, a mask of stoicism, betrayed no emotion. Tears, silent and heavy, fell onto the pillow, saturating it with her sorrow. Shey there, a hollow shell, her spirit extinguished along with her child. No anger, no sorrow, just a numb void. Her strength, depleted, left her feeling fragile and broken. Even the physical pain from her wounds seemed muted, a distant echo in the face of despair. She had given up any hopes. Her child was gone, and her husband, without hesitation, defended the child¡¯s murderer. She had been a fool, she realized. She had believed she could conquer Lise. The brush with death in the fire, the two-year ordeal of a failed marriage, none of it had awakened her. She had willingly walked into the mes, and now she paid the price for her naivety. No one else was to me. Her only sorrow was for her innocent child, robbed of life.

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 Chapter 544

    ?<strong>Chapter 544:</strong>

    A memory surfaced from her hometown, a neighbor¡¯s tale. Children who died before birth were said to wander, lost, and alone. Her baby, so tiny and fragile¡ªwould it be frightened in that unknown, dark realm? Her thoughts drifted, lost in the fog of grief.

    Kristopher, initially silent, reached for his phone. He opened WhatsApp, switched to a different ount, and a cascade of unread messages from Kailee and others flooded the screen. He cast a quick, indifferent nce at the surprised onlookers, then turned to Carrie. ¡°This ount belonged to Lise,¡± he exined softly. ¡°I recovered it after she left the country years ago.¡±

    Carrie, her tears dried, remained silent. Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered on her, then turned cold and direct. ¡°Escort Ms. Nixon out.¡±

    A bodyguard stepped forward. ¡°Ms. Nixon, please leave. The evidence against Lise was a misunderstanding. If you doubt us, we can show you the surveince footage.¡±

    Camille nced at Carrie, a soft plea in her voice. ¡°Carrie¡­¡±

    ¡°I meant to return it, but I forgot. I reset the passwords, so she couldn¡¯t ess it.¡± Camille was left stunned. Seizing the moment, Kailee yanked her arm free, a coldugh escaping her lips. ¡°Carrie deserves this. She helped you steal Albin from me, and now fate has repaid her. She got served!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened, a storm brewing within. With a curt nod, he signaled the bodyguards, who swiftly seized Kailee.

    ¡°Let go of me!¡± Kailee struggled. ¡°My aunt is the matriarch of the Norris family! How dare you treat me like this?¡± The guards, unmoved, dragged her from the room.

    Carrie remained unaffected by this turn of events. She was certain Lise was the puppet master. This small confusion wouldn¡¯t deter her. Camille, too, believed Lise was the mastermind.

    ¡°Even if Lise didn¡¯t receive that message, she could have found out another way,¡± she protested.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze, icy and disdainful, fell upon her. ¡°Carrie just had surgery. If you truly care about her, you¡¯d let her rest, instead of upsetting her with baseless usations.¡±

    His contempt for Camille had reached its peak. If not for Carrie, he would have silenced her long ago.

    An assistant approached. Kristopher nodded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± the assistant began. ¡°We¡¯ve confirmed that Ailyn Chavez, a high school ssmate of yours, punctured your car tiresst night. Surveince footage shows her near the hospital during your check-up.¡±

    Camille¡¯s anger red. ¡°That idiot! Why target you instead of Cory¡¯s wife?¡±

    A wave of guilt washed over her. Had she been more vignt about Ailyn, perhaps this tragedy could have been avoided.

    Carrie¡¯s eyelids drooped gently as she murmured weakly, ¡°Camille, perhaps you should return.¡±

    With a sigh, Camille responded, her voice tinged with resignation, ¡°I¡¯ll visit again in a few days.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s tone was cold as he interjected, ¡°If you intend to keep digging for what you call evidence, save yourself the trouble. I¡¯ll handle the investigation into the shooting and manage Ailyn myself.¡±

    Caught in the middle of a dispute between his beloved and his respected brother, Albin rushed in, feeling deeply conflicted. Having spoken with Kristopher¡¯s associates in the hallway, Albin had pieced together the situation and understood Camille¡¯s misstep. Despite this, he found it impossible to reprimand her now for her rash decisions.

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 Chapter 545

    ?<strong>Chapter 545:</strong>

    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he approached, slid his arm around Camille in aforting embrace, and suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go home, darling. We should let Carrie have her rest.¡±

    As Camille looked at Carrie¡¯s paleplexion, she bit back the harsh words meant for Kristopher and silently followed Albin out.

    Just as Kristopher was about to take a seat, Carrie, her eyes still shut, subtly turned her head away, murmuring, ¡°You should go, too. I need to be alone.¡±

    Ignoring her request, Kristopher sat down beside the bed and extended his hand to hold hers.

    Carrie attempted to pull her hand away. Kristopher, however, tightened his hold.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes snapped open as she fixed him with a stern gaze. ¡°Must you persist? Will you only stop if you see me harm myself?¡± Her eyes, once vibrant, now resembled a lifeless pool.

    Kristopher slowly let go of her hand, his voice softening as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll keep my distance. I just want to sit with you.¡±

    Turning away from him once more, Carrie faced the other direction and fell silent.

    Kristopher got up and moved to the sofa at the foot of the bed. He instinctively took out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it, only to realize he was in a hospital room. He grabbed a paper cup, extinguished the cigarette in the bottom, and tossed the cup into the trash.

    Leaning back on the sofa, his gaze fell once more on Carrie, who looked like a wounded animal. Perhaps because of the pain, her body trembled slightly from time to time. Seeing her like this broke his heart. He wanted to bear all her burdens for her. Yet, he couldn¡¯t even hold her now. The short distance between them felt like a world apart.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed before Carrie drifted into a fitful sleep, her body rxing considerably. Seeing this, Kristopher called in the nurse and caretaker to stay in the room and stationed a bodyguard outside. He took onest deep look at the frail figure on the bed, leaving behind a simple instruction, ¡°Take good care of Mrs. Norris,¡± before swiftly exiting the room.

    Inside the vi, Daxton reclined on the sofa, his tall frame rxed. He picked up a cigar from the coffee table and lit it. A bodyguard escorted a man dressed in heavy disguise into the room, the man wearing an oversized coat. The man removed his hat, sunsses, and mask, revealing a foreign face. If any of the doctors who had operated on Carrie were present, they would have recognized him as the surgeon who had just performed her operation.

    Daxton exhaled a plume of smoke, asking leisurely, ¡°Is she alright?¡±

    The doctor hesitated for a moment before cautiously replying, ¡°It¡¯s just surgery. She¡¯ll recover soon.¡±

    However, the bullet had pierced her uterus, and it might be difficult for her to conceive in the future.¡±

    His voice grew noticeably quieter as he spoke thest sentence.

    Daxton looked up at him, his face expressionless, revealing no emotion. ¡°Is there a way to treat this condition?¡±

    The doctor thought for a moment and said, ¡°Dr. Hampton, a specialist in gynecology, is renowned for treating this kind of condition.¡±

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 Chapter 546

    ?<strong>Chapter 546:</strong>

    Dr. Hampton was known for her entric temperament and elusive nature, not someone easily contacted.

    After a long pause, Daxton nodded and responded in a low voice, ¡°Alright.¡±

    Only then did the doctor cautiously ask, ¡°Mr. Garcia, about my family¡­¡±

    Daxton replied coldly, ¡°They¡¯re safe. I¡¯ll have someone take you to see them. Once the child is safely born, I¡¯ll let your wife return home.¡±

    He paused, then added, ¡°Don¡¯t contact me unless necessary. Make sure no one, especially Kristopher¡¯s people, finds out about our connection.¡±

    Kristopher stepped inside, his every movement deliberate. On the hospital bedy the man who had caused unimaginable chaos. His body was wrapped in bandages from head to toe. The man had just regained consciousness and was clinging to life.

    Kristopher approached silently, adjusting the IV regtor. The slow drip of liquid turned into a rapid stream. The man groaned weakly in pain, his bandaged face contorting.

    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± Kristopher asked, his voice steady and devoid of warmth. ¡°My wife and child suffered infinitely more than you.¡±

    The man turned his head slowly, meeting Kristopher¡¯s gaze. His cracked lips twisted into a faint, mocking smile as he whispered, ¡°You had iting.¡± His voice was faint, a raspy thread barely audible over the hum of the monitors.

    Oliver, standing by the door, broke out in a cold sweat. He could see the storm brewing in Kristopher¡¯s eyes and feared he might smash the IV stand over the man¡¯s head in a fit of rage. He stepped closer cautiously.

    ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver interjected quietly, ¡°this man jumped off a mountain andnded on rocks in shallow water. His body is shattered, his internal organs are failing. It¡¯s a miracle he¡¯s alive at all. We haven¡¯t identified him yet, but¡ª¡±

    Kristopher adjusted the drip regtor back to its original setting, the liquid slowing once more. The man¡¯s strained groans quieted, though his body remained tense.

    ¡°Tell me who¡¯s behind this,¡± Kristopher said, his tone calm yetced with menace. ¡°I can make your death quick and spare your family.¡±

    ¡°Or I can make you relive this pain tenfold¡ªand your family won¡¯t escape it either.¡±

    The man snorted, his face full of disdain. Oliver felt a chill run down his spine. That response suggested the man was alone¡ªno family, no connections. Extracting information from him would be next to impossible.

    Kristopher¡¯s hand lowered, his eyes narrowing, the murderous intent rolling off him palpable. It took every ounce of his self-control not to strangle the man where hey.

    After a long pause, Kristopher spoke again, his voice cold and indifferent. ¡°My wife is out of danger. Your shot missed. It didn¡¯t kill her or harm the baby¡ªit only caused trouble for her.¡±

    The man¡¯s eyes widened, disbelief flickering across his face. ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± he croaked, his voice weak but desperate. He couldn¡¯t ept that his sacrifice had been for nothing. His life had no meaning. But if he died, who would protect Lise? If Carrie and the baby survived, Lise would never be able to marry into the Norris family and have the life she desired.

    Thoughts of how he could have handled this task differently shed in his mind. His breathing grew erratic as his chest heaved. The oxygen mask fogged up rapidly. The doctor hurried over to administer a sedative.

    The doctor turned to Kristopher, his voice grave. ¡°Mr. Norris, we¡¯ve done everything we can. He won¡¯tst much longer. If you have any questions, now is the time to ask.¡±

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 Chapter 547

    ?<strong>Chapter 547:</strong>

    The man¡¯s eyes fluttered open, and he looked at Kristopher with an expression that was almost triumphant. ¡°Kristopher¡­ you owe me.¡±

    His voice was so faint it was hard to make out the words. Kristopher bent down, his ear close to the man¡¯s mouth. ¡°What did you say?¡±

    A strange, twisted smile spread across the man¡¯s face. ¡°I identally hit your sister with my car¡­ You¡­ you made my life in prison a living hell. It¡¯s all your fault. Karma¡­ It¡¯s your retribution¡­ You bring misfortune to everyone around you¡­¡±

    With those final words, the man¡¯s chest stilled, the mocking smile frozen on his lifeless face. The man had deliberately reminded Kristopher of the car ident, hoping that it would distract him from any real investigation that might bring Lise into the picture.

    Kristopher straightened slowly, his expression unreadable as he stared down at the body. ¡°Investigate the driver involved in that car ident,¡± Kristopher ordered, his voice cutting through the silence like a de.

    Prison had changed the man drastically, and it was hard to tell his true identity. Oliver blinked in surprise, then quickly nodded. ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris.¡± He hadn¡¯t expected the incident to connect to such a distant thread. The revtion left him uneasy, a sense of somethingrger and more dangerous looming just out of reach.

    The moon hung high in a sparse sky, its cold light filtering into Carrie¡¯s hospital room. The glow of countless homes outside contrasted with the stark, cold light of the hospital room, making it feel even more deste.

    Carriey motionless in her bed, her eyes fluttering open. The doctor entered to check on her, pulling back the covers to examine her wound. He froze, his face paling. The wound had reopened, the blood seeping through her hospital gown and forming a dark, dried stain beneath her. Carrie remained still, her face devoid of emotion.

    The doctor motioned to the nurses, and a flurry of movement followed as they rushed to treat her.

    Carriey motionless, like a discarded rag doll, her hair a tangled veil across her pale face. Even as the medical team worked frantically around her, she remained still, her body unresponsive, as if all the life within her had retreated somewhere far away.

    As Kristopher stepped out of the elevator, he was immediately met with a scene of urgency¡ªdoctors and nurses hurried in and out of Carrie¡¯s hospital room. A wave of dread washed over him as he made his way to the room, his pace quickening.

    Upon entering, he addressed the medical team with a grave tone, ¡°What¡¯s happening to my wife?¡±

    The tension in the room thickened. The medical staff exchanged uneasy nces, hesitant to answer. Carrie caught the worried look on his face and managed a weak, ironic smile. Had she not witnessed him fiercely defending Lise before, she might have believed his concern was genuine.

    Feeling foolish for her endless forgiveness, she mused bitterly that her willingness to forgive so easily was precisely why Kristopher and Lise continued to wrong her.

    Softly, she intervened, ¡°Don¡¯t me them. The doctors shouldn¡¯t be troubled.¡±

    Turning to the medical team, she added, ¡°Thank you for your care. You¡¯re all dismissed now.¡±

    The doctors, having addressed her immediate medical needs, exchanged brief nods before leaving the room. The nurses followed, offering a few final directions as they exited.

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 Chapter 548

    ?<strong>Chapter 548:</strong>

    Kristopher remained by her side, silently adjusting a strand of her hair. Resigned to her situation, Carrie averted her gaze to the edge of her nket, unwilling to meet his eyes as she quietly epted his attentions.

    Just then, a maid entered with a bowl of steaming porridge, her tone respectful as she asked, ¡°Mr. Norris, would you like me to feed Mrs. Norris?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Kristopher replied, taking the bowl from her.

    The maid nodded and adjusted the bed to a raised position.

    Kristopher scooped up some oatmeal, briefly testing its warmth against his lips, then extended the spoon toward Carrie.

    Carrie turned her head slightly, evading the spoon.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t neglect your health, even if you¡¯re upset with me. You¡¯ll need your strength to argue, so eat up and get well. Then you can do as you please,¡± Kristopher urged gently, his voice tinged with a trace of humility.

    Carrie nced at him briefly but chose to remain silent.

    Undeterred, Kristopher tried again, nudging the spoon closer. This time, Carrie epted the oatmeal, eating with an expressionless face.

    Patiently, Kristopher continued feeding her until the bowl was empty.

    Setting the bowl aside, he asked softly, ¡°Have you had enough?¡±

    Carrie hesitated before giving a quiet, affirmative grunt. ¡°Mm.¡±

    Kristopher returned the bed to its t position but noticed Carrie shifting ufortably.

    Sensing her need, he asked, ¡°Do you need the restroom?¡±

    A nurse aide promptly stepped forward with a bedpan and exined, ¡°Mrs. Norris isn¡¯t able to walk yet. She¡¯ll need to use this.¡±

    Taking the bedpan, Kristopher started to lift the nket.

    The nurse aide looked taken aback, startled to see such a dignified figure tending to his wife personally.

    Once, such an action would have deeply moved Carrie. But now, her heart was too weary to feel anything at all.

    She gripped the nket firmly, whispering, ¡°No need.¡± Though they had shared intimate moments before, she couldn¡¯t bear for him to see her in such a diminished state.

    Kristopher¡¯s hand softly touched hers as he murmured reassuringly, ¡°It¡¯s okay. There¡¯s nothing here I haven¡¯t seen before.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s fingers tightened around the edge of the nket, her knuckles whitening from the tension.

    Observing this, the nurse aide cautiously intervened, ¡°Mr.

    Kristopher loosened his grip and relented. ¡°I¡¯ll step outside. Let me know when you¡¯re finished.¡±

    He cast a long, lingering look at Carrie, handed the bedpan back to the nurse aide, and quietly left the room.

    Once the nurse aide was finished, she helped Carrie through a quick clean-up.

    Even though they were both women, Carrie couldn¡¯t help the faint blush that crept across her pale cheeks.

    She averted her gaze, turning her head slightly to the side.

    The nurse aide noticed, of course, but said nothing. With a word, she simply picked up the pace.

    Before Carrie could call for him, Kristopher walked in.

    Her shirt had shifted, riding up just enough to reveal the ugly wound on her lower abdomen¡ªa jagged line of stitching that looked like an unsightly centipede clinging to her skin.

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 Chapter 549

    ?<strong>Chapter 549:</strong>

    Even with the best surgical methods avable, there was no hiding the brutality of it.

    Kristopher¡¯s chest tightened.

    His mind drifted back to when they had first married, and Carrie had seemed like a porcin doll¡ªdelicate, unblemished, perfect.

    Her skin had been wless, without so much as a freckle, let alone a scar.

    She had been untouched, untarnished, a vision of beauty.

    And now? In the span of just a few months, her body bore the evidence of pain.

    The burns from the fire had barely faded, and here she was again¡ªanother scar etched onto her fragile form.

    Kristopher had touched every inch of her skin.

    He had kissed it, memorized it.

    Now, as he looked at her, all he saw was a broken doll.

    The ache in his heart was unbearable.

    He had sworn to protect her this time.

    He thought he¡¯d ounted for everything, every possible threat.

    Yet somehow, she had suffered again, and because of him.

    Kristopher had been the one to hire the bestwyer to ensure the man received the harshest sentence.

    He¡¯d arranged for the man¡¯s life in prison to be miserable¡ªthe guards, the inmates, every detail had been orchestrated.

    The man hade for Kristopher.

    But in the end, it was Carrie who had paid the price.

    The memory of it gnawed at him like a wolf at the edge of his conscience.

    He should have acted differently¡ªtaken the man abroad, eliminated him quietly, cleanly.

    Instead, Kristopher had chosen the moreplicated path, and this was the result of his oversight.

    Worse, he hadn¡¯t even known the man had been released early.

    That one slip had cost them everything.

    Kristopher regretted the wedding location most of all¡ªthe remote forest.

    It had been picturesque, yes, but utterly unsafe.

    Carrie had always been delicate, her smallest difort enough to overwhelm her.

    And yet, in these two worst moments¡ªthe fire and now this gunshot¡ªshe hadn¡¯t shed a single tear.

    Not one!

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 Chapter 550

    ?<strong>Chapter 550:</strong>

    That quiet strength of hers was a paradox.

    The more she acted unbothered, the more Kristopher¡¯s heart splintered.

    He wished, fervently, that the bullet had found him instead.

    A gunshot wound was nothing to him¡ªhe¡¯d taken hits before, countless times.

    Carrie groaned a little in difort when the doctor entered to examine her.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± the doctor said soothingly. ¡°It¡¯s perfectly normal to feel pain after surgery. It might get worse tonight, but we have medication for that. If it bes too much, just let me know.¡±

    Kristopher asked quickly, ¡°What about side effects?¡±

    The doctor turned to him, his tone reassuring. ¡°The injury isn¡¯t too severe, Mr. Norris. If you¡¯re worried about medication, we have experts in traditional remedies¡ªnatural herbs that are much gentler. That said, this level of pain is manageable. But if you prefer¡­¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t let him finish. ¡°Give her the medicine,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Let her sleep through it.¡±

    Carrie swallowed the medicine without protest. Then she closed her eyes, yet her flutteringshes betrayed the fact that she was still very much awake.

    ¡°Do you feel a little better?¡± he asked, though he knew better than to expect a response.

    As he predicted, she said nothing.

    Still, Kristopher spoke again. ¡°I¡¯m here. If anything feels wrong tonight, just let me know, alright?¡±

    Carrie considered snapping at him, telling him to stop fussing¡ªbut she was far too exhausted. She stayed still, silent, pretending she hadn¡¯t heard him at all.

    Kristopher watched her for a moment longer, then moved to the sofa at the foot of the bed. With a quick call to Oliver, he had his unfinished paperwork brought over.

    The room settled into quiet again, the only soundsing from Kristopher¡¯s work¡ªthe rhythmic tapping of keys, the scratch of his pen gliding over paper. It was the same ck Morwick pen Carrie had given him. Ironically, it was the cheapest pen Kristopher owned, yet he treated it like a priceless relic. Wherever he went, it followed.

    Carrie woke with a start, her chest heaving as remnants of the dream lingered in her mind. Her pillow was damp with the tears she¡¯d shed even in her sleep. In the dream, a child¡¯s faint voice had echoed repeatedly, calling out for its mother. She had tried desperately to see the child¡¯s face, but as she reached out, she was pulled awake.

    Kristopher, sitting nearby with hisptop, immediately noticed her stirring. He set the device aside and stood, his eyes soft with concern.

    Her gaze drifted to the ss of water on the bedside table. Kristopher followed her line of sight and picked up the ss. ¡°It¡¯s cold. I¡¯ll get you some fresh, warm water.¡± He walked to the water dispenser, carefully adjusting the temperature to just right before filling the ss.

    Returning to the bedside, he gently raised the bed so she could sit up and brought the ss to her lips. But Carrie didn¡¯t drink. She took the ss from his hand, her eyes meeting his with a hollow, unyielding stare.

    ¡°Leave,¡± she said tly. Her voice was quiet butced with an icy edge. ¡°Go anywhere, just not here.¡±

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 Chapter 551

    ?<strong>Chapter 551:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter. Instead, he gave a faint smile. ¡°You seem to have some strength back,¡± he said lightly. ¡°Enough to argue with me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s face hardened. Without a word, she hurled the ss to the floor. It shattered into jagged pieces, the sound reverberating through the quiet room. A shard caught her arm, leaving a thin, bright line of blood that began to bead and drip.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened with pain as he reached for her arm, but she jerked away, her voice sharp. ¡°What? Do you want me to have deeper scars?¡±

    For a moment, hisposure cracked, the hurt flickering in his eyes, but his voice remained soft. ¡°I¡¯ll call the doctor to tend to your wound,¡± he said. ¡°Then I¡¯ll go back to the office.¡±

    He stepped aside to make the call. Carrie watched him coldly as he gathered hisptop and files. He sighed softly before leaving the room, closing the door behind him. Only after he was gone did Carrie rx slightly.

    With the maid¡¯s help, she sipped some water. The nurse arrived shortly after to clean up the broken ss, and the doctor came to redress Carrie¡¯s wound. As he worked, he spoke gently, though his voice carried a quiet firmness.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he began, ¡°I understand the pain of losing a child. No one can truly grasp your grief, but it¡¯s important to remember¡ªthis was an ident. No one wanted this to happen.¡±

    The doctor hesitated, then continued. ¡°Directing your anger at those who care for you will only deepen your pain. One day, if you regret it, you won¡¯t be able to take it back.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes reddened, but no tears fell. Shey there, her gaze distant, offering no response. The doctor sighed, packed his things, and left.

    In the corridor outside, Kristopher sat on a bench, hisptop open on hisp. He hadn¡¯t returned to the office as promised but chose to stay nearby. Doctors and nurses stole nces at him as they passed, astonished that a man of his stature could do so much for his wife. Their eyes filled with sympathy. In their hearts, they couldn¡¯t help but think that Carrie was being ungrateful.

    Half a month passed in this agonizing limbo. Carrie remained in the hospital, withdrawn and silent, her grief imprable.

    Kristopher, for his part, never left the corridor. But after that day, he no longer dared to visit her while she was awake. Instead, he would sneak into her room when she was asleep, sitting by her bed in silence.

    He made the corridor his temporary home, working from the bench during the day and retreating to an empty room for short naps after Carrie¡¯s lunch. The toll on him was undeniable. His once-sharp features grew gaunt, and dark circles shadowed his eyes. His suits hung looser.

    Oliver finally voiced his concern. ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± he said, his voice quivering with emotion, ¡°you can¡¯t keep this up. You haven¡¯t been eating, barely sleeping. Even the strongest man has his limits. Punishing yourself won¡¯t bring the baby back.¡±

    Kristopher ignored him, his eyes fixed on the documents before him. ¡°How¡¯s the investigation going?¡± he asked instead, his tone cool and detached.

    The perpetrator had died the night he was rushed into the emergency unit.

    Oliver¡¯s shoulders slumped as he delivered the update. ¡°We discovered he had no family and no connections. He was recently released prior to the attack.¡±

    He felt a deep pity for Carrie and an overwhelming heartache for Kristopher. They were such genuinely good people, yet life seemed cruelly determined to burden them with relentless hardships.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 552

    ?<strong>Chapter 552:</strong>

    The day of Carrie¡¯s discharge from the hospital had arrived. Kristopher meticulously groomed himself, his usualposure reced by a nervous energy. He kept adjusting his white tracksuit, ncing at Oliver for reassurance.

    ¡°Does this look alright? Do I look¡­ tired?¡± Kristopher asked, his tone uncertain.

    Oliver offered a patient, reassuring smile. ¡°You look perfect, Mr. Norris. Mrs. Norris picked out that tracksuit for you¡ªshe¡¯ll definitely like it.¡±

    Kristopher nodded, carrying a bouquet of pink orchids and roses, their soft fragrance filling the air. He had chosen the arrangement carefully, hoping it would bring a smile to her face.

    Just as he entered her hospital room, Daxton followed close behind. He was holding a bouquet of his own¡ªpurple orchids and roses, almost identical to Kristopher¡¯s.

    Carrie, who had been stoic and emotionless throughout her recovery, offered a faint smile the moment Daxton walked in. Sitting in a wheelchair, her frail figure looked even more delicate. The sight sent a pang through Kristopher¡¯s chest.

    On one hand, he was jealous of the smile she gave Daxton. On the other, he was relieved¡ªat least she was smiling again, even if it wasn¡¯t for him. During her stay in the hospital, he had not seen her smile once.

    As Daxton ced the purple bouquet in Carrie¡¯s arms, he said in a soft voice, ¡°Carrie, I¡¯m here to take you home.¡±

    Kristopher stepped forward, his frustration bubbling to the surface. He forced a thin veneer of politeness as he said, ¡°Mr. Garcia, thank you for visiting.¡±

    ¡°My wife is still recovering from a serious illness and isn¡¯t in a position to entertain guests. I¡¯ll be taking her home to rest now. If you have any business with her, you can arrange it after she¡¯s fully recovered.¡±

    Daxton didn¡¯t budge. Instead, a faint, almost taunting smile crossed his lips. ¡°I think Carrie might not want to go back with you.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed dangerously. ¡°What exactly do you mean by that?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s gaze shifted from Kristopher to Carrie. Ignoring Kristopher entirely, Daxton crouched in front of Carrie, his tone gentle, as though Kristopher weren¡¯t even there. ¡°Carrie,¡± he said, ¡°I found the information you asked me to investigate.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s confusion deepened, and his gaze darted between Carrie and Daxton. ¡°What investigation?¡± he demanded.

    Carrie¡¯s fingers tightened around the bouquet in herp. Her hollow gaze sharpened slightly as she focused on Daxton, silently urging him to continue.

    Daxton¡¯s calm voice cut through the tension. ¡°The ¡®health supplement¡¯ in your home was provided by Lise. Emilio acted as her intermediary, passing it along to your former housekeeper.¡±

    Kristopher felt his chest constrict as an ominous sense of dread settled over him. ¡°What health supplement?¡± he asked, grabbing Daxton by the cor. ¡°And what does this have to do with Lise?¡±

    Daxton shook him off and straightened. With a mocking smile, he replied, ¡°The supplement your mother prepared to strengthen Carrie¡¯s health? Your beloved ex-girlfriend swapped it for poison.¡±

    His deliberate emphasis on ¡°ex-girlfriend¡± was a pointed jab.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 553

    ?<strong>Chapter 553:</strong>

    The blood drained from Kristopher¡¯s face. ¡°Carrie,¡± he said, stepping closer to her wheelchair, his voice thick with worry, ¡°are you alright? Did you take any of it? Did you get checked?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s tone was cold, her expression unreadable. ¡°I didn¡¯t take that supplement.¡±

    Kristopher let out an audible sigh of relief, but it was short-lived.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze bore into him, her voice t but cutting. ¡°Are you relieved that I¡¯m okay? Or relieved that I didn¡¯t take the ¡®supplement,¡¯ so Lise won¡¯t be charged with attempted murder?¡±

    Her words hit him like a p.

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened, and his expression twisted with guilt. After a long pause, he finally spoke. ¡°Lise is still young. She wouldn¡¯t have done this on her own. This has Willow¡¯s and her son¡¯s fingerprints all over it. I¡¯ll make sure they pay for this.¡±

    Carrie let out a hollow scoff, her lips curving into a bitter smile. She said nothing, but the look in her eyes spoke volumes: she had stopped expecting him to stand by her side long ago.

    Daxton, who had been watching the exchange with faint amusement, suddenly interjected. His tone was calm butced with a dangerous edge. ¡°So, it was the housekeeper and her son that meddled in this? Fine. But Kristopher, what about the assassin?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyshes fluttered faintly at Daxton¡¯s words, the stillness in her eyes finally breaking. She looked up at Daxton, waiting for him to continue.

    Kristopher, however, remained unmoved, though unease flickered beneath hisposed facade. His voice was menacing, an unmistakable warning. ¡°Daxton, think carefully¡ªbefore you speak.¡±

    The icy finality in his tone was palpable, as though it came from the depths of hell itself.

    Daxton didn¡¯t so much as flinch. His unwavering gaze locked onto Carrie. ¡°The one who hurt you this time is someone who once pursued Lise,¡± he said, his voice calm but deliberate.

    Kristopher¡¯sposed mask slipped for a brief moment, his expression faltering. The implications struck him like a blow. But within seconds, he recovered, his tone sharpening with icy resolve. ¡°I¡¯ve already investigated this. It has nothing to do with Lise. Don¡¯t twist the facts to create unnecessary conflict.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s jaw tightened, and he let out a bitterugh. ¡°Am I the one twisting the facts? Or are you deliberately covering for her?¡± The tension between the two men thickened. Daxton, nearly as tall as Kristopher, refused to back down. They faced each other like two unyielding forces, both unwilling to relent.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze softened slightly as he turned to Carrie. ¡°Lise grew up in a small town where everyone¡¯s practically family. With her looks, it¡¯s not surprising a few men her age wooed her,¡± he exined, his tone measured, clearly attempting to rationalize the situation.

    But Carrie, sitting in her wheelchair, showed no reaction. Her expression was calm, detached, as if she were merely an observer to someone else¡¯s argument.

    Her silence unnerved Kristopher far more than anger or defiance ever could. He would have preferred her to yell, cry, or fight him. But this? This unshakable indifference felt like a void¡ªan emptiness that seemed to pull him under, leaving him unable to gauge whaty beneath the surface.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 554

    ?<strong>Chapter 554:</strong>

    Daxton let out a dryugh and pulled out his phone. He swiped to a surveince clip and held it up. ¡°This footage was taken a few days ago outside Lise¡¯s house. That man¡ªthe one who attacked Carrie¡ªwas seen leaving her ce. Conveniently, every camera in her neighborhood malfunctioned that day, except for this one on a street nearby.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips trembled as she bit her lower lip. She didn¡¯t speak, didn¡¯t react outwardly, but inside, her heart twisted. Daxton¡¯s evidence might not hold up in court, but to Carrie, it was damning enough. It painted a picture that left little doubt in her mind about Lise¡¯s culpability.

    Kristopher didn¡¯t spare the video a nce. His focus remained on Carrie as he spoke softly. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this investigation myself. I don¡¯t need anyone else¡¯s help. Let me take you home.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s silence persisted, her gaze unreadable. On the surface, she appeared docile, but Kristopher knew her too well to believe she had truly yielded. Beneath that calm facade was a stubborn resolve, one that even he feared he couldn¡¯t break.

    Daxton stepped forward, unable to stay silent any longer. ¡°Carrie, are you seriously going to go back with him? After everything, are you still going to trust his lies?¡±

    Carrie finally lifted her face to Daxton, her expression heartbreakingly fragile. Her cheeks, hollowed from illness and stress, made her look like a porcin doll¡ªdelicate and lifeless. Her voice was soft but firm. ¡°Daxton, I¡¯m tired. I just want to go home.¡±

    She was Kristopher¡¯s wife. Walking out with another man wasn¡¯t an option¡ªnot without severe consequences. Kristopher wouldn¡¯t even need to wield his considerable power. A simple call to the authorities would be enough to force her back, and worse, it couldnd Daxton in trouble.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s is your update hub

    She couldn¡¯t bear the thought of Daxton suffering because of her. He had already done more than enough, putting himself on the line for her time and time again. Now that the situation had spiraled out of control, she had resolved to face it alone. If Kristopher and Lise wanted to drag her into their darkness, she would pull them down with her, no matter the cost. But she wouldn¡¯t let them take anyone else.

    Daxton was innocent in this twisted web of lies and betrayal. The only way to protect him now was to be cruel.

    Kristopher¡¯s hand tightened on the wheelchair¡¯s handles, relief washing over him as he began pushing her toward the door. Oliver followed behind them, holding the bouquet Kristopher had brought earlier.

    Daxton¡¯s fists clenched at his sides, his frustration boiling over. ¡°Carrie! You know I can help you! You don¡¯t have to do this alone!¡±

    Carrie hesitated for a brief moment, Daxton¡¯s words tugging at her like a lifeline in stormy waters. For a fleeting second, she felt the urge to reach out, to ept the help she so desperately needed. Her body ached, her spirit felt crushed, and the weight of fighting alone had worn her down to her core. She feared she wouldn¡¯t be able to get to Lise, even if the effort took her life.

    She longed for someone to lean on, someone to share the burden. But¡­ life rarely granted you what you truly wanted. The tighter you tried to hold on, the faster it seemed to slip through your fingers.

    She shouldn¡¯t drag him into this.

    A voice inside her kept screaming. She turned back to Daxton and offered him a faint, fragile smile, one that seemed ready to fade at any moment.

    .

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 Chapter 555

    ?<strong>Chapter 555:</strong>

    ¡°Daxton,¡± she whispered, ¡°let¡¯s leave this in the past. Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for me.¡±

    Before she could say more, Kristopher wheeled her into the elevator. As the doors began to close, Carrie¡¯s eyes locked onto Daxton onest time. She watched him slump against the wall, his shoulders sagging under the weight of despair.

    In a foreign estate¡­

    Daxton¡¯s efforts to leverage his international connections hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed by his father. After following the trail, Cillian uncovered the reason behind his son¡¯s actions¡ªDaxton was risking everything for a woman, and not just any woman¡ªKristopher¡¯s wife.

    Cillian¡¯s expression twisted with fury as he listened to his subordinate¡¯s report. With a growl of rage, he threw his wine ss at the blonde woman resting in his arms. ¡°This is madness! He¡¯s willing to risk everything for a woman? Does he think life¡¯s too easy here, that he wants Kristopher to destroy us?¡±

    The woman screamed in shock, wine mixed with blood dripping down her forehead. A bodyguard quickly hauled her away, while a maid rushed to clean up, ensuring everything appeared undisturbed.

    Cillian grabbed his phone, his finger hovering over Daxton¡¯s number, but he hesitated, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. His son was more ruthless than he ever could be, perhaps even more dangerous than Kristopher. His methods were so cold and brutal that there were no boundaries for him.

    No one else understood, but Cillian knew the truth¡ªwithout Daxton, he would have been long dead by now. As much as he loathed to admit it, his survival rested entirely on his son, Daxton. He had no intention of provoking his ruthless son, knowing all too well the consequences of doing so.

    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads

    Frowning, he scrolled to another contact¡ªhis estranged wife, M. Despite being married, they hadn¡¯t seen or spoken to each other in years. When the call connected, his greeting was stiff. ¡°How have you been? Been up to anything recently?¡±

    M interrupted him, her voice icy. ¡°Cut to the chase. There¡¯s no one here, so your performance isn¡¯t needed.¡±

    Cillian bit back his irritation and went straight to the heart of the matter. ¡°You need to talk to your son! Out of all the women out there, why did he have to covet Kristopher¡¯s wife? He used his influence in the international medical field for this woman, and now, he¡¯s investigating Lise¡ªKristopher¡¯s most important person, trying to throw her into prison.¡±

    The more he talked, the more furious he became. ¡°Kristopher fought tooth and nail to take control of the Norris family to be with Lise. And now, Daxton going after her is like asking Kristopher to destroy the Garcia family. It¡¯s the same thing.¡±

    M¡¯s tone shifted instantly, her casualness reced by shock. ¡°What? How do you know all of this?¡±

    Cillian snapped, his frustration reaching its limit. ¡°How do I know? You¡¯re asking me that? I¡¯m halfway around the world, and I know, while you¡¯re sitting therepletely clueless? You¡¯re too busy with your own life to pay attention to our son. If Kristopher decides to go after us, let¡¯s see how long you can keep living in luxury!¡±

    M felt a cold wave of fear wash over her. The memory of Kristopher cutting ties with the Garcia family years ago flooded back, as if it had just happened. In those days, the social circle she once moved in had distanced themselves from her, and she had even started watching every penny at the grocery store. She never wanted to go through that kind of hell again.

    In a panic, M hung up the phone and immediately dialed Daxton.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 556

    ?<strong>Chapter 556:</strong>

    Daxton¡¯s voice was as cold as always. He was polite, yet there was no hint of the affection one would expect from a mother and son.

    M¡¯s anxiety grew, and her voice became more insistent. Daxton¡¯s tone grew colder. ¡°Just focus on being Mrs. Garcia.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s better if you stay out of other things. Worrying too much will just age you faster.¡±

    M¡¯s voice trembled with a mix of fear and hurt. ¡°Daxton, I am your mother.¡±

    A cruel, almost invisible smile curved Daxton¡¯s lips. ¡°Funny how things work, isn¡¯t it? When I was a kid, I passed out from a high fever, and it was a stranger who took me to the hospital. You didn¡¯t even remember me then, but now you do.¡±

    M went silent, struck by his words.

    Daxton¡¯s voice turned icy. ¡°Stay out of things that don¡¯t concern you. If you need money, just ask.¡±

    M¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper. ¡°Is this really all we are?¡±

    ¡°Yes. I think this is enough,¡± Daxton replied, his tone cold as he hung up the phone.

    At Bayview Vi¡­

    The house had be livelier with a few more maids from the Norris Mansion now helping take care of Carrie.

    Seeing Carrie lost and upset, one of the older maids tried to reassure her. ¡°Mrs. Norris, everything will get better.¡±

    Carrie whispered gently, ¡°It will get better,¡± her eyes unknowingly drifting to her t stomach. The emptiness was suffocating.

    Except for that one medical report, there was no trace that a child had ever been there. It wasn¡¯t going to get better.

    When she and Kristopher had mended their rtionship, she had honestly believed things would change, that happiness was finally in sight.

    But there were limits to how much disappointment one could bear.

    After some time, the maid carefully wheeled Carrie toward the bathroom to help her bathe. Kristopher didn¡¯t follow her into the bedroom. Instead, he made his way to the study.

    A group of doctors had been waiting for some time. As he walked in, they stood and greeted him. ¡°Mr. Norris.¡±

    Kristopher sat behind the desk and methodically reviewed a report. When he finished, he ced the report back on the table, folded his hands over his knees, and gestured toward it with a subtle nod. ¡°What does this mean? Does it mean she will never be able to conceive again?¡±

    The doctors shared brief, uneasy nces before a female doctor stepped forward, choosing her words with caution. ¡°It¡¯s not entirely impossible, but the chances are very slim. The gunshot wound was severe, and it¡¯s a miracle that her uterus was even spared.¡±

    A cold gleam shed in Kristopher¡¯s eyes as he asked quietly, ¡°Is there any treatment?¡±

    One of the doctors hesitated before suggesting, ¡°We could attempt to gradually nurture her back to health.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 557

    ?<strong>Chapter 557:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes snapped to the doctor at the back. ¡°Dr. Ramsey, you were the lead surgeon. Do you have any suggestions?¡±

    Dr. Ramsey, addressed directly, stepped forward with respect. ¡°Mr. Norris, I¡¯m a surgeon, but I¡¯m not well-versed in gynecology or restorative treatments. Although Dr. Hampton was originally from Mother, she had spent much of her life abroad. Aside from Dr.

    Ramsey, all the doctors present were from Mothor, so they were unfamiliar with Dr. Hampton. Since Dr. Hampton wasn¡¯t mentioned, Dr. Ramsey didn¡¯t bring her up. His family was still under Daxton¡¯s control, and without Daxton¡¯s consent, he didn¡¯t dare share anything with Kristopher.

    ¡°Understood. Keep searching for specialists and treatment options. If you find anything worthwhile, contact me right away.¡±

    Kristopher rxed his hands, stood, and walked toward the door. Pausing briefly, he turned his head slightly, his voice firm. ¡°This matter is confidential. Do not let Mrs. Norris find out.¡±

    Kristopher left the study and made his way toward the bedroom. Carrie had already bathed and slipped into her pajamas. She sat by the bed while the maid blow-dried her hair.

    Kristopher approached silently, taking the hairdryer from the maid and motioning for her to leave. He stood behind Carrie, assuming she hadn¡¯t noticed his presence.

    As the maid left, Carrie spoke softly. ¡°Kristopher, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡±

    ¡°What would you like for dinner tonight? Since you just got out of the hospital, no beef or seafood, okay? It could cause inmmation. How about some chicken?¡±

    He paused for a moment but quickly resumed drying her hair. The strands of her hair slipped through his fingers, delicate and fragile, mirroring the fragility of their rtionship. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to hold them too tightly, fearing he might hurt her.

    He noticed his hands were trembling ever so slightly.

    Carrie sat quietly, allowing him to tend to her hair.

    She continued, ¡°If you want to protect Lise, I won¡¯t stand in your way. I don¡¯t have the energy to fight anymore. All I¡¯m asking is for you to let me go. Don¡¯t force me to share a roof with the person responsible for my child¡¯s death.¡±

    When her hair was dry, Kristopher switched off the hairdryer and put it down. He sat next to her and pulled her into his arms, as though he could hold her together with his strength alone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± he whispered. ¡°This is my fault. I failed to protect you and our child. Please, just give me a chance to fix it.¡±

    To Carrie, his words were a confession¡ªan unspoken acknowledgment that Lise had been the one behind the attack.

    ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± she whispered, trying to pull away from his grip. His arms felt like steel bars¡ªunyielding and firm. Realizing she couldn¡¯t escape, she murmured, ¡°Then find the evidence to send Lise to prison. Let her face the consequences. A life for a life¡ªthat¡¯s justice.¡±

    Kristopher let out a deep sigh. ¡°Carrie, this isn¡¯t about Lise¡­¡±

    He paused, then, after a moment, made the painful decision to open an old wound he had buried for years. ¡°I had a sister once,¡± he began. ¡°She died in a car ident when I was just a child. The one who shot you was the same driver who killed her.¡±

    .

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 Chapter 558

    ?<strong>Chapter 558:</strong>

    Carrie let out a bitterugh. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, shouldn¡¯t he be going after you? The shot was so precise, so deliberate¡ªand yet, it hit me. Not in the head. Not in the heart. But in the abdomen.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s words left Kristopher unable to respond. She pushed him away once more.

    Unable to respond, he could only tighten his hold on her.

    Carrie lowered her head and bit down hard on his wrist again. She sank her teeth into his flesh, breaking the skin. Blood filled her mouth, tasting salty and metallic. But there was no pity in her heart¡ªonly one thought echoed relentlessly in her mind. The pain her child must have endured when the bullet struck. It had to have been far worse.

    He hadn¡¯t thought twice about hurting her, so why should she feel any sympathy for him?

    Kristopher¡¯s face remained calm as Carrie sank her teeth into his wrist. His unflinching expression only deepened her frustration. She bit harder, her jaw straining until exhaustion overtook her, forcing her to release him. Blood welled from the deep puncture wounds on his wrist, trickling over the swollen, red skin.

    Carrie turned her face away, her voice cutting through the silence like ice. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I want to sleep.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s grip on her loosened, though his gaze stayed fixed on her with a mix of worry and caution. He lingered, as if afraid she might spiral into something darker if left alone. His voice was low, tentative. ¡°Would you like something to eat?¡±

    ¡°I want to sleep,¡± she repeated tly, her tone devoid of warmth or emotion.

    Kristopher leaned down and pressed a kiss to her hair, trailing his lips down to her neck. At once, Carrie recoiled. A violent churning erupted in her stomach, and she dry-heaved, her body folding in on itself. Nothing came up¡ªthere was nothing left to expel¡ªbut the sound of her retching filled the room.

    The silence that followed was suffocating, heavy with truths neither dared voice aloud. Kristopher stepped back, his jaw tightening as the realization sank in. She couldn¡¯t stand his touch anymore. Something in her had snapped, leaving behind only this visceral, uncontainable revulsion. He couldn¡¯t make sense of it.

    Was it the trauma of her injuries? Would time heal her wounds¡ªboth physical and emotional? Perhaps, he thought, if they had another child, things would begin to mend. Yet the thought of her damaged uterus lingered like a dark shadow. If she found out about her reduced chances of conceiving again, how much more shattered would she be?

    Kristopher released her, watching as she retreated under the covers. Her movements were quick, panicked, like a small animal fleeing from danger. He sighed, reaching out to gently pull the nket higher over her.

    ¡°I won¡¯t be going to the office for a while,¡± he murmured. ¡°I¡¯ll stay here with you.¡±

    She curled up tightly, her back to him, her breathing uneven. Her response was cold, detached. ¡°You don¡¯t need to babysit me. It¡¯s not like I can file for divorce without you.¡±

    The words sliced through his heart like the sharp edge of a knife. His voice sharpened, tinged with frustration. ¡°Carrie, I¡¯ve really spoiled you if you think you can talk about divorce so easily.¡±

    Spoiled? The word hung in the air, its meaning twisting into something bitter. Carrie turned slowly to face him, her tired eyes narrowing in disbelief. ¡°Spoiled?¡± she echoed, her voice soft but dripping with venom. ¡°You think you¡¯ve spoiled me? When Lise tried to ruin my reputation, plotted against my life, and caused the death of our child, you still took her side. And now you have the audacity to say you¡¯ve spoiled me?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 559

    ?<strong>Chapter 559:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s face drained of emotion, his weariness palpable. ¡°This has nothing to do with Lise,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t let Daxton¡¯s words poison your mind. He wants to drive a wedge between us. He hates me and just wants to see us fall apart.¡±

    A bitterugh escaped Carrie¡¯s lips, sharp and hollow. ¡°And why is it that you can trust Lise, but I can¡¯t trust Daxton? Let me remind you, even before Daxton came back, Lise had already done everything in her power to destroy me. No one needed to stir up trouble for her¡ªshe¡¯s perfectly capable of that on her own.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened as frustration boiled beneath his calm exterior. ¡°I know Lise has made mistakes,¡± he admitted, his toneced with exasperation. ¡°She¡¯s petty, jealous, and maniptive. But she wouldn¡¯t go as far as murder.¡±

    He paused, then added, ¡°Everyone has a motive for what they do. Even if Lise is a bad person, what would she gain by killing you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze turned cold, her lips curving into a sardonic smile. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t she? Are you really that naive, Kristopher? Without me in the picture, she¡¯d finally have what she¡¯s always wanted¡ªto be Mrs. Norris.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible,¡± Kristopher snapped, his voice rising for the first time. ¡°I¡¯ve already told her I¡¯m sending her abroad. No matter what happens, I¡¯ll never marry her. She¡¯s my sister¡ªnothing more.¡±

    ¡°Sister?¡± Carrie shot back, her voice dripping with mockery. ¡°You two dated before.¡± She rolled her eyes. He was just being stubborn.

    ¡°That was a long time ago,¡± Kristopher said, his voice faltering. He sighed, his shoulders slumping as the fight drained from him. ¡°It¡¯s just not happening. You have to trust me.¡±

    Too exhausted to argue further, Carrie turned away and buried herself deeper under the covers.

    Kristopher sighed quietly and stepped out of the bedroom. As he entered the hallway, Oliver appeared, heading toward him. His gaze immediatelynded on Kristopher¡¯s injured wrist, his eyes widening in rm. ¡°Mr. Norris, what happened to your wrist? That looks serious! The doctors haven¡¯t gone far¡ªI¡¯ll bring them back right away.¡±

    Before Kristopher could object, Oliver had already spun on his heels and hurried off. Kristopher barely spared his injury a second nce. The puncture marks throbbed, and a faint numbness spread through his wrist. Rotating his wrist slowly, he tested his fingers. They moved without issue, though a faint stiffness lingered. He let out a breath, dropping his hand to his side, and walked purposefully toward the study.

    Ten minutester, Oliver returned with a doctor in tow. Kristopher was already seated at his desk, engrossed in a series of reports. The doctor approached swiftly, inspecting the wound with a practiced eye. ¡°Oliver,¡± he said gravely, ¡°contact the hospital and have them send a tetanus shot immediately. This isn¡¯t something to overlook.¡±

    Kristopher, barely looking up, waved dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s not like I got bitten by some rabid animal. Some alcohol will do the job.¡±

    The doctor straightened, his expression firm. ¡°Mr. Norris, human bites are actually more prone to infection than animal bites. The bacteria in human mouths are dangerous. Ignoring this could lead toplications.¡±

    Oliver nodded in agreement, already dialing the hospital. As he ryed the doctor¡¯s request, thetter began cleaning the wound. ¡°Mr.

    ¡°Norris, this might sting a little,¡± the doctor warned, pouring alcohol over the torn skin.

    Kristopher leaned back, his head tipping against the chair, and closed his eyes. The sharp sting of the alcohol radiated up his arm, a cold, biting pain that made his fingers twitch involuntarily. It was nothing he couldn¡¯t handle¡ªbut as the burn sank in, his thoughts drifted elsewhere. Carrie shed in his mind. Bloodied. Broken. Her fragile frame cradled in his arms.

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 Chapter 560

    ?<strong>Chapter 560:</strong>

    The memory hit harder than the sting of alcohol. Whatever pain he felt now paledpared to what she had endured.

    Soon after, a nurse arrived with the tetanus shot, and the doctor administered it quickly. After the nurse and doctor packed up their equipment and left, Kristopher turned to Oliver, his low voice cutting through the silence.

    ¡°Oliver,¡± he asked casually, ¡°what¡¯s your opinion of Lise?¡±

    Oliver froze mid-step, his professional mask slipping ever so slightly. He turned back, cautious. ¡°In what sense, sir?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze stayed steady. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s capable of murder?¡±

    The air in the room thickened, and Oliver¡¯s forehead glistened with a faint sheen of sweat. His mouth opened and closed, searching for a safe answer.

    ¡°Just speak honestly,¡± Kristopher said, his tone calm butced with intent. ¡°Even if you¡¯re wrong, it doesn¡¯t matter. Once we leave this room, we¡¯ll pretend this conversation never happened.¡±

    Oliver hesitated, weighing his words carefully. ¡°I can¡¯t say for certain,¡± he admitted atst, his voice measured. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t think she¡¯s as simple as she appears. That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean she¡¯s dangerous, but there¡¯s more to her than meets the eye.¡±

    Kristopher let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Diplomatic, as always.¡±

    ¡°Not diplomacy, sir. Just honesty,¡± Oliver replied evenly.

    Oliver spoke with ring sincerity. His dedication to Kristopher was not borne out of diplomacy, but stemmed from loyalty.

    After a brief pause, Oliver continued. ¡°I¡¯ve always trusted my instincts when ites to people, but I could be wrong. That said, if Daxton managed to uncover something, there¡¯s no reason we can¡¯t do the same.¡±

    Kristopher didn¡¯t respond immediately. Reaching into his desk drawer, he retrieved a cigarette, lighting it with a steady hand. He took a slow drag, exhaling a swirling cloud of smoke. His eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at a point beyond Oliver, lost in thought.

    ¡°Look into Lise¡¯s recent movements,¡± Kristopher ordered finally, his voice low but firm. ¡°See if that man had been in contact with her.¡±

    He had resisted delving into Lise¡¯s life for so long, unwilling to entertain doubts about her. The heart in Lise¡¯s chest wasn¡¯t just hers¡ªit had once belonged to his sister. His sister, whose kindness and innocence had been unparalleled. Specting on Lise with malice felt like betraying the memory of his sister.

    It was said that a person¡¯s heart shaped their essence¡ªthat receiving a new heart could profoundly influence someone¡¯s character, even altering their personality. Kristopher had clung to this belief as a lifeline, convinced that the kindness and purity of his sister would somehow imbue Lise with the same qualities.

    Carrie tossed and turned in the dimly lit bedroom, unable to sleep. Finally, she reached for her phone on the bedside table and typed a message to Daxton. ¡°Daxton, could you send me the information you found? Did you hire a private investigator? Can you pass me their contact details?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s reply came almost instantly: ¡°Carrie, are you okay? You don¡¯t trust me, do you?¡±

    Carrie hesitated before responding. ¡°I¡¯m much better now. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

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 Chapter 561

    ?<strong>Chapter 561:</strong>

    She paused, her fingers hovering over the keyboard. She had nned to assure Daxton that she didn¡¯t want to involve him further, but she stopped herself. She knew his stubborn nature ¡ª he wouldn¡¯t back off easily. Instead, she wrote, ¡°She killed my child. I just want to find the evidence myself. It¡¯s the only thing I can do.¡±

    On the other end, Daxton leaned back in his chair, his jaw tightening. Turning to his aide, he said coldly, ¡°Create a new WhatsApp ount and name it ¡®Private Investigator.''¡±

    Within minutes, the fake ount was set up, and Daxton messaged her: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll pass along his contact info. He owes me a favor. If you need anything, just reach out to him directly. He¡¯s reliable.¡±

    Daxton sent Carrie the newly created WhatsApp contact and then reached for his aide¡¯s phone. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the responses through this ount. Stay out of it.¡±

    Carrie quickly messaged the ¡°private investigator,¡± exining her intentions. Their brief conversation left her feeling lighter, if only slightly.

    Exhaustion crept over her, and for the first time that day, she allowed sleep to im her.

    When she woke, the room was bathed in shadows. The sky outside her window was dark, and a faint pang of hunger gnawed at her stomach. Throwing off the nket, she stood and walked to the door. As she stepped into the hallway, the study door caught her attention¡ªit was slightly ajar, light spilling into the dim corridor. Before she could nce inside, Kristopher stepped out.

    His gaze met hers, and a flicker of concern crossed his face. ¡°Are you hungry?¡± he asked. ¡°I can have the food brought up to the bedroom.¡±

    Carrie shook her head, her voice clipped. ¡°No need. I can walk. I¡¯ll go downstairs to eat myself.¡±

    Kristopher offered her a soft smile, attempting to keep the tone light. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m hungry too. Let¡¯s eat together. The ingredients today are fresh¡ªI¡¯ll have them prepare a sd and soup.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond, brushing past him as she headed for the stairs. Kristopher followed, his hand hovering near her arm as if to steady her. Carrie pulled away, gripping the railing instead. Kristopher¡¯s hand lingered mid-air before he let it drop to his side. His expression remained calm as he followed her down the staircase.

    Halfway down, Carrie froze, her gaze locking on the living room below. Camille was seated on the couch, her posture poised yet casual. Carrie¡¯s steps faltered, her brow furrowing slightly.

    Kristopher quickly stepped up beside her, sensing her confusion. ¡°She was nning to visit you at the hospital,¡± he exined. ¡°I told her it would be better toe here instead. She just arrived¡ªonly five minutes ago. She didn¡¯t want to disturb you and thought you might sleep a little longer.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s fingers tightened around the railing, her knuckles whitening. Kristopher¡¯s words seemed carefully measured, as though he knew exactly what she was thinking. The easy, harmonious atmosphere between them felt all the more strange for a couple on the brink of breaking apart.

    Without responding, Carrie quickened her pace, descending the stairs. Camille, hearing her approach, stood and crossed the room with a warm smile. ¡°Carrie,¡± Camille said softly, her tone gentle, ¡°what are you doing out of bed? You should have rested longer.¡±

    Carrie shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve been asleep too long. It¡¯s good to get up and move around a bit.¡± A faint smile finally broke through Carrie¡¯s otherwise expressionless demeanor.

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 Chapter 562

    ?<strong>Chapter 562:</strong>

    Kristopher lingered only for a moment before stepping into the kitchen, giving the two women space as he checked on the dinner preparations. Camille took Carrie¡¯s arm and guided her to the couch. Once they were seated, she leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper. ¡°Are you feeling better?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Carrie replied softly. ¡°I¡¯m fine now.¡±

    Camille cast a nce toward the kitchen, ensuring Kristopher was out of earshot, before turning back to Carrie. Her voice dropped even lower, filled with determination. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve been gathering evidence on that witch. My brother¡¯s helping me, and I haven¡¯t said a word to Albin yet.¡±

    Camille reached out, her hand covering Carrie¡¯s. ¡°You¡¯re not alone in this. I¡¯m here. Ruby¡¯s offered her help too.¡±

    The warmth of Camille¡¯s touch seeped into Carrie¡¯s cold, stiff fingers. It wasn¡¯t much, but it was enough. For the first time in what felt like forever, Carrie felt a flicker of something she thought she¡¯d lost:fort, and the faintest glimmer of hope.

    At the mall, after the wedding, Mny fell ill, casting a long shadow over the entire Norris Mansion, which seemed to be wrapped in a thick fog of despair. Since Billie had pped Kailee, the Myers family had retreated into silence, their connection frayed.

    Feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders, Billie decided to escape her troubles with a shopping spree and a spa treatment, hoping to clear her mind of the storm brewing within. Normally, Kailee would be her shoppingpanion, chatting away and making the hours fly. But today, Billie found herself alone, her feet aching after what felt like an eternity of wandering. She nced at her watch and sighed; only two hours had passed.

    Spotting a coffee shop with cozy private rooms, she decided it was time for a breather. Just as she settled in and ced her order, the door to her room swung open. Billie was about topliment the swift service when she looked up and saw Lise standing in the doorway. Her polite smile evaporated as she coolly remarked, ¡°What are you doing here? If memory serves, I booked this room for myself. I didn¡¯t sign up to share.¡±

    Lise closed the door behind her with a casual flick and strolled over to sit across from Billie. ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to have a word with you, Mrs. Norris. I didn¡¯t anticipate running into you here, but I suppose it¡¯s that unbreakable bond between mother and daughter.¡±

    Billie frowned, puzzled by Lise¡¯s motives. Even if Lise fancied herself as Kristopher¡¯s wife, she knew there was no mother-daughter connection.

    With everything that had been unfolding at home, Billie didn¡¯t want to add fuel to the fire. She waved her hand dismissively. ¡°You should really take a step back. Carrie is injured and lost her child. No matter what, the Norris family won¡¯t exploit this tragedy to end her marriage. You might as well give up on Kristopher. The fact that you didn¡¯t marry him in the first ce says it all¡ªthere was never any destiny between you two.¡±

    Just then, the waiter arrived with Billie¡¯s coffee, a charming little pot apanied by two cups. Lise nced at the waiter, said nothing, and nonchntly poured herself a cup, savoring the aroma. As the waiter left, closing the door behind him, Lise remarked, ¡°The quality of the ingredients here is truly impressive.¡± She set down her cup and, with a soft gaze aimed at Billie, added, ¡°I didn¡¯t realize that Mom and I shared such refined taste.¡±

    Billie¡¯s expression turned icy at Lise¡¯s use of ¡°Mom.¡± She grabbed her bag and stood up, anger simmering beneath the surface. ¡°If you like it, then enjoy your coffee. But remember this: you can savor the drink, but don¡¯t overstep your bounds. The only person who can call me ¡®Mom¡¯ is my son. Ms. Nash, show some respect.¡±

    Lise calmly countered, ¡°And what about your daughter? Doesn¡¯t she get to call you ¡®Mom¡¯?¡±

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 Chapter 563

    ?<strong>Chapter 563:</strong>

    Billie froze, her heart racing as she turned to face Lise, her expression hardening. ¡°What kind of nonsense are you spouting?¡± Her face drained of color, and a fire ignited in her eyes as she red at Lise. This was a painful wound, one even Shawn and Mny avoided bringing up in her presence. After the car ident that imed her daughter¡¯s life, Billie herself had been on the brink of death, the entire Norris family rallying to save her. Now, Lise had dared to touch that raw nerve, and in that instant, Billie felt an overwhelming urge to strangle her.

    As if reading her thoughts, Lise spoke calmly. ¡°Mom, your daughter¡¯s heart now beats within my chest. Calling you ¡®Mom¡¯ shouldn¡¯t be too much to ask, right? After all, this heart carries your blood.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Billie gasped, dropping her million-dor bag in shock as it crashed to the floor.

    Lise stooped gracefully, retrieving her handbag from the floor with a casual air. ¡°When she had her car ident, I was already in desperate need of a heart transnt due to my congenital heart disease,¡± she said evenly.

    Her words hung in the room, needing no further exnation.

    Billie was dazed. Piece by piece, the puzzle fit together in her mind. It suddenly made sense¡ªwhy Kristopher, a man known for his cold pragmatism, had fallen for such an unremarkable woman.

    As the realization dawned, Billie sank back into her chair, her wide eyes fixed on Lise. Her gaze swept over her, lingering on the expensive fabrics of her tailored clothing and the understated luxury of her jewelry. Lise radiated wealth and sophistication, every inch the image of a woman groomed to fit into high society.

    Lise. Lisa. The name echoed in Billie¡¯s mind, pulling at memories she had buried long ago. For the first time in years, she allowed herself to think of it¡ªto think of her.

    Was this destiny?

    The ice in Billie¡¯s demeanor melted as her eyes softened. She leaned forward, reaching for Lise¡¯s hand, her voice trembling with emotion. ¡°Lisa¡­¡±

    Her lips quivered as she spoke the name. It was a simple word, but it cracked open a dam of emotions she had kept sealed for so long. Billie¡¯s tears flowed freely now as she stared at Lise, but her gaze wasn¡¯t fixed on the woman before her. Instead, she saw someone else¡ªa reflection of the daughter she had lost.

    Lise remained still, her expression calm, but her lips curled ever so slightly into the faintest smile. She had yed her hand perfectly.

    For a woman of high status, surrounded by fame and power, affection was likely the one thing Billie truly craved. Her life had been defined by duty¡ªan unyieldingmitment to the role of a Norris family daughter-inw. She carried herself with grace and strength, always meeting the expectations ced upon her, but her carefully curated worldcked the warmth of unconditional familial love.

    In her high-society life, where every move was calcted and every rtionship transactional, the idea of regaining her daughter must have been an emotional anchor she couldn¡¯t resist.

    As Billie clung to her hand, Lise¡¯s mind calcted the next step. Carrie¡ªalways the neglected daughter-inw¡ªhad already lost her baby. What power could she possibly wield topete against Lise? Lise had achieved her goal. She had gotten rid of Carrie¡¯s child, but the cost had been steep. The road to Kristopher was now all but closed.

    Billie was a traditional woman at heart and would never condone a rtionship between herself and Kristopher.

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 Chapter 564

    ?<strong>Chapter 564:</strong>

    Adding to Lise¡¯s unease, she knew that Carrie wasn¡¯t sitting idly by. Camille and Daxton were working in the background, sniffing out the truth about her involvement in Carrie¡¯s child¡¯s death. Kristopher, too, had grown distant, and his loyalty felt increasingly uncertain.

    But Billie¡ªBillie was different. Between the memory of an unborn grandchild and the reality of a long-lost daughter standing before her, Lise was confident Billie would choose her every time.

    At Bayview Vi, Kristopher hovered nearby as Carrie and Camille ate dinner, but neither woman spoke much.

    Camille excused herself shortly after the meal, leaving Carrie and Kristopher alone. Without a word, Carrie retreated to her bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind her.

    The quiet of the room offered little sce. Since her engagements had all been canceled due to the pregnancy and wedding, she decided to take out herptop and start working on a script.

    Kristopher entered the room silently, his presence behind her unmistakable. ¡°You should take it easy,¡± he said gently. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry about work right now.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s fingers paused on the keyboard, but she didn¡¯t turn to face him. Her voice was cold, her words sharp. ¡°Now you¡¯re trying to control my work too?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, his hand halfway to her shoulder. Her words froze him in ce. Slowly, he dropped his arm back to his side. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± he said softly, his toneden with frustration.

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond. Her eyes remained fixed on the screen, her silence cutting deeper than words.

    Finally, Kristopher broke the quiet. ¡°I¡¯ll be in the study tonight. You can sleep alone.¡± He turned and left without waiting for a reply, the door clicking shut behind him.

    Carrie didn¡¯t move. Her expression remained impassive as she reached for her phone, typing a message to the private investigator: ¡°Can you find out who told Lise about my pregnancy?¡±

    Inside his vi, Daxton reclined on the plush sofa, scrolling through messages from Carrie on his phone. The glow from the screen illuminated his sharp features, his ck silk loungewear adding a quiet elegance that hinted at danger, like a viin from an old noir film.

    His aide, standing a few feet away, broke the silence. ¡°Garcia, perhaps it wasn¡¯t wise to involve Lise in getting rid of the child. This chain reaction has forced us to fabricate a fake informant. The situation is bing increasingly precarious. If Ms. Campbell ever discovers you were the one who tipped off Lise¡­¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Daxton interrupted, his voice calm but resolute. He typed a single word¡ª¡±yes¡±¡ªinto his phone and hit send before switching off the screen. His tone remained collected as he continued, ¡°My goal was never to harm the child. If circumstances had allowed, I would have protected it. Bloodlines have never meant much to me¡ªblood is simply a tool to bind heirs. What matters is loyalty. People are far more devoted to those who show them kindness than to those who share their DNA.¡±

    Daxton sat up, his demeanor shifting as he slid his feet into his slippers. ¡°Lise was simply the means to an end. I wanted Carrie to see Kristopher¡¯s blind devotion to her. Carrie, for all her brilliance, is far too soft-hearted. Kristopher has hurt her repeatedly, and yet she clings to him. Only by enduring enough pain will she find the strength to sever ties with himpletely.¡±

    Reaching for a cigarette box on the coffee table, Daxton paused, his sharp eyes flickering to his aide. ¡°Handle the fallout from Lise¡¯s actions carefully.¡±

    The truth behind those two incidents must not reach Kristopher¡ª not until their divorce is finalized.¡± His silhouette became a shadow against the dim light as he stood, his features unreadable.

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 Chapter 565

    ?<strong>Chapter 565:</strong>

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the aide replied with quiet deference.

    Night nketed Bayview Vi, and a cool chill crept into the air. In her room, Carrie sat at her desk,pletely absorbed in her work. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as the words flowed effortlessly. When she finally paused to stretch, a nce at her word count revealed she had written ten thousand words. Her back ached from sitting too long, and as she stood to stretch, she felt the tension ease. After freshening up, she changed into her nightclothes and slipped into bed, hoping for a good night¡¯s sleep.

    Just as she closed her eyes, a soft knock came at the door. ¡°Mrs. Norris, are you still up?¡± a maid called gently from the hallway.

    ¡°Yes,e in,¡± Carrie said absently.

    The maid entered, bncing a tray with a single bowl. The scent of the contents hit Carrie instantly¡ªa dark, earthy aroma with a sharp pungency that made her nose wrinkle. Carrie frowned as she sat up. ¡°What is this?¡±

    ¡°A supplement, ma¡¯am,¡± the maid said with practiced politeness, setting the tray down on the bedside table.

    ¡°Where did ite from?¡± Carrie¡¯s voice was cautious, her recent experience with mysterious supplements fresh in her mind.

    The maid, sensing her hesitation, quickly exined. ¡°It was prescribed by the medical team Mr. Norris hired. The doctor handed it to me directly in Mr. Norris¡¯s presence. Dr. Molina also reviewed it to ensure there were no issues.¡±

    Carrie eyed the bowl suspiciously, her doubts lingering. ¡°Did they say what kind of supplement it is?¡± She remembered asking the doctor upon discharge, who had assured her she didn¡¯t need any medication.

    The maid shook her head apologetically. ¡°I¡¯m not sure, ma¡¯am. But I was assured it¡¯s safe.¡±

    Carrie sighed, unwilling to make a fuss over what was likely just another herbal concoction. Bracing herself, she picked up the bowl and downed the liquid in one gulp. The taste was horrific. The concoction burned her throat and made her stomach churn. She gagged, her hand shooting to her mouth to stifle the reflex. It was more than bitter¡ªit was acrid, thick, and strangely pungent, as though the ingredients had been dredged from a swamp. More like a remedy for some obscure ailment than for a gunshot wound.

    Her lips twisted in disgust as she set the empty bowl back on the tray. ¡°That was awful,¡± she muttered, waving the maid away.

    Alone again, Carrie sat on the edge of the bed, the bitterness clinging to her tongue like an unwee guest. She stood and made her way to the bathroom to rinse her mouth. Halfway to the bathroom, a strange impulse struck her. Without fully understanding why, she turned toward the bedroom door instead. She opened it cautiously and stepped into the hallway.

    From her vantage point, she noticed the study door slightly ajar, the room beyondpletely dark. A flicker of unease crept into her mind. ¡°Where is Kristopher?¡± she wondered. A cold knot formed in her stomach. Was he with Lise? Her gaze shifted to the third-floor corridor, where a faint light spilled out from under the door of another room.

    Carrie¡¯s footsteps slowed as she approached the staircase, her ears catching the faint sound of Kristopher¡¯s voice. ¡°Did Carrie drink it all?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes, Mr. Norris. She drank it all and has already gone to her room,¡± the maid replied.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 566

    ?<strong>Chapter 566:</strong>

    ¡°Good. You may go,¡± Kristopher said, his tone detached.

    Carrie quickly slipped into the shadows of a nearby empty room, her heartbeat quickening. She stayed there, waiting until the sound of the maid¡¯s retreating footsteps disappeared into the silence. Emerging quietly, she tiptoed up the stairs.

    The third floor was dim, except for a single room with a soft glow spilling into the hallway. She moved toward the light and stopped just short of the doorway, peering inside.

    Kristopher sat on a sofa, his expression tense, while several doctors huddled around a table, engrossed in a discussion. The air in the room was thick with the pungent aroma of herbs. Kristopher reached for his cigarette pack but hesitated, ncing at the medicinal nts before putting it down.

    ¡°How long until we see results?¡± he asked impatiently. ¡°This stuff smells terrible, and she hates bitterness.¡±

    One doctor, studying the prescription in his hands, sighed. ¡°Mr. Norris, Mrs. Norris¡¯s uterine injury is extensive. Traditional medicine works holistically and requires time to show results. Unfortunately, immediate effects are unlikely.¡±

    Another doctor nodded. ¡°We¡¯re trying to ensure the medicine is effective while minimizing risks.¡±

    Stronger ingredients might show faster results, but they could lead to dangerous side effects,¡± the doctor paused, then added, ¡°This makes it hard to improve the taste.¡±

    A third doctor hesitated, then spoke cautiously. ¡°If it¡¯s about infertility, surrogacy options nowadays are highly advanced. There are alternatives¡­¡±

    ¡°What did you just say?¡± A cold, sharp voice sliced through the conversation.

    The doctors turned in unison toward the doorway, where Carrie stood in her white nightgown. Her dark hair spilled over her shoulders, and her wide, tear-filled eyes seemed to belong to a ghostly apparition from a gothic novel.

    The room fell into an uneasy silence. The doctors exchanged panicked nces, their nervousness evident.

    Kristopher immediately rose and approached her, his movements careful, almost wary. ¡°Carrie,¡± he said gently, ¡°you¡¯re awake? Couldn¡¯t sleep? Should I have the kitchen make you someforting soup?¡±

    He reached out to brush a lock of hair from her face.

    Carrie pped his hand away, her re fixed on the group of doctors. ¡°What did you say just now?¡± she demanded, her voice trembling but fierce. ¡°Infertility? Are you saying I can¡¯t have children anymore?¡±

    The doctors froze, their eyes darting between Kristopher and Carrie. None of them dared to speak.

    Kristopher raised a hand, dismissing them. ¡°You can leave now.¡±

    Relieved, the doctors quickly began gathering their medical kits and prescriptions, eager to escape the tension in the room.

    But Carrie wasn¡¯t finished. She stepped forward and grabbed the sleeve of the eldest doctor as he tried to slip past her.

    ¡°Answer me!¡± she cried, her voice breaking. ¡°Can I not have children anymore?¡±

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 Chapter 567

    ?<strong>Chapter 567:</strong>

    The elderly doctor hesitated, visibly ufortable. He nced helplessly at Kristopher, who stepped forward and gently ced his hand over Carrie¡¯s wrist.

    ¡°Carrie, let him go,¡± Kristopher said softly. ¡°He¡¯s old enough to be your grandfather, and he¡¯s been workingte into the night to help you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t treat him like this.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was calm, almost pleading. ¡°Be good. Let them go. I promise I¡¯ll tell you everything. I won¡¯t hold anything back.¡±

    The weight of his words lingered.

    Carrie¡¯s hand fell to her side, and she murmured, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    The elderly doctor offered her a sympathetic smile. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I understand how difficult this is for you.¡± With that, he bowed slightly and followed the others out.

    Now the room was silent, save for the quiet rustle of the door closing behind the doctors.

    Carrie stood still, her arms hanging limp at her sides. Her gaze drifted to Kristopher¡¯s wrist, where the scab from her earlier bite stood out, red and swollen. The sight of the imperfection on his once-perfect wrist sent a pang of guilt through her chest. She quickly looked away, her voice trembling. ¡°Tell me the truth.¡± Fate didn¡¯t just take her child¡­ it stripped her of the ability to conceive again. Was this punishment? Was she unworthy of being a mother?

    Her breath hitched as the weight of the injustice crushed her.

    Kristopher broke the silence¡ªnot with words, but with action. He stepped forward, cupped her face in his hands, and kissed her.

    Carrie stood frozen, grief pressing down on her like a suffocating weight. She barely registered Kristopher¡¯s movements until his lips, soft and cautious, brushed against her face. He kissed her tears as they fell, tracing a path down her cheeks to her chin and neck.

    By the time he knelt before her, his hands encircling her legs, Carrie stirred faintly from her haze. Kristopher¡¯s face was pressed gently against her abdomen, his expression tender, almost reverent. ¡°Carrie,¡± he murmured, his voice raw with emotion. ¡°It¡¯s going to be okay. I promise you, I¡¯ll do everything I can to heal you. With all the advances in medicine, there¡¯s hope. And even if we can¡¯t have children, we can still be happy together. You and me¡ªthat¡¯s enough.¡±

    The words jolted Carrie back to the harsh reality of her pain. She pushed him away instinctively, the sudden force sending him off bnce. He fell backward, startled, but quickly righted himself.

    Her voice trembled as she red at him, anger rising from the depths of her sorrow. ¡°You talk about being happy together, but it was your perfect little love story that killed our child. You and your blind devotion to Lise! Who told you I didn¡¯t want a child? I did! I loved him. I had already bought clothes for him¡­ He never even got to wear them.¡±

    The raw anguish in her words pierced through Kristopher, and for a fleeting moment, he looked stricken. Then, as if consumed by something primal, he surged forward, wrapping her in his arms. His kisses were no longer gentle but urgent and unrestrained, as if trying to express all the emotions he couldn¡¯t put into words.

    Carrie pushed against him, but he only tightened his hold. ¡°If you want a child,¡± he rasped, his voice low and rough, ¡°then we¡¯ll have another. You¡¯re still young, Carrie. There¡¯s time. We can try again.¡±

    He pulled her closer, his hands moving over her body with intimate familiarity. His desperation was palpable, but his words only inmed her fury. ¡°Have you lost your mind? The doctor said I can¡¯t have children! What are you doing?¡±

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 Chapter 568

    ?<strong>Chapter 568:</strong>

    Kristopher ignored her protests, his hand reaching between her legs. Her anger and humiliation burned fiercely, but her body betrayed her, responding to the heat of his touch despite her mind¡¯s objections. He kicked the door shut, carried her to the sofa, andid her down gently. Yet there was an urgency in his actions, a frantic kind of devotion. ¡°I don¡¯t care if we have children or not,¡± he said, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°I love you, Carrie. Just you. Nothing else matters.¡±

    He had never told her he loved her except in front of others. The first time he said it was during a family gathering. With one hand still restraining her, he unbuttoned his pants with the other. Carrie¡¯s body tensed as he thrust into her, his face buried in her neck, his lips tracing gentle kisses along her corbones. His mouth moved downward, the thin fabric of her nightgown barely separating his lips from her skin.

    Carrie¡¯s body trembled, a physiological response she couldn¡¯t control. But her mind recoiled in shame. Even in anger, she had never been able to resist making love with Kristopher. Tonight, however, felt like torture¡ªa battle between her mind and her body¡¯s betrayal, leaving her feeling almost vited. Kristopher was lost in his desire, moving with a fervent desperation, as though this was the only way he knew to prove his love. He had never been so afraid of losing someone.

    He had never been this anxious¡ªnot even when Carrie had threatened him with divorce. He was desperate to prove his love, to show he didn¡¯t care whether she could have children or not. He simply loved her, simply wanted her.

    As Carrie¡¯s conflicted agony reached its peak, she choked out a plea: ¡°Kristopher, please don¡¯t¡­¡± After one final thrust, Kristopher stopped, pulling her into his arms, inhaling the scent of her sweat-dampened hair. ¡°I love you, Carrie,¡± he whispered, his voice soft and gentle.

    Carrie¡¯s body remained rigid, her skin cold to the touch. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she murmured, ¡°Kristopher, is making love the only way you know how to love someone?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s body went still at Carrie¡¯s question. His throat constricted, leaving him momentarily speechless. He didn¡¯t know how to exin himself¡ªnot because hecked words, but because hecked understanding. He had never known what love truly was, nor how to express it.

    His family had raised him to excel in everything¡ªbusiness, leadership, negotiation. They had taught him how to conquer the world, how to read people, how to make decisions with precision. But they had never taught him how to love. For years, he believed love was a transaction, a responsibility to fulfill. He had showered Carrie with jewelry, luxury handbags, and endless financial support, thinking that was thenguage of affection. Yet she had refused his wealth, choosing instead to earn her own through acting, standing tall in her independence.

    Later, when their physical connection grew, Kristopher assumed intimacy was enough to bridge the gap between them. For a time, it felt like two broken hearts finding sce in each other. But eventually, he realized that what he had mistaken for love was little more than primal desire¡ªa raw need to hold her close without truly understanding what she wanted or needed.

    He had thought Carrie¡¯s grief over her infertility stemmed from a fear of rejection¡ªeither from him or, worse, from his family, who had long applied subtle pressure for children. To Kristopher, her inability to conceive was no failing of hers. He had convinced himself that actions, rather than words, could reassure her. If he showed her how deeply he desired her, she would understand that she was enough for him.

    He wanted to show her that he didn¡¯t care whether she could bear children. Besides, having children was never solely a woman¡¯s responsibility. He thought that if he tried harder, it might increase the chances of pregnancy. He never imagined his fervent disy of affection would leave her looking so heartbroken.

    Kristopher bent down and kissed Carrie¡¯s forehead. ¡°You¡¯re tired,¡± he murmured softly, evading her question. ¡°Let me help you clean up. You need rest. Everything will feel better in the morning.¡±

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 Chapter 569

    ?<strong>Chapter 569:</strong>

    Carrie closed her eyes, exhaustion radiating from every inch of her body. She was too tired to argue. Kristopher had always had remarkable stamina, leaving her drained after every intimate moment, and now, recovering from her recent ordeal, she could barely find the strength to stand. Yet her weariness wasn¡¯t just physical¡ªit was emotional, a heavy weight dragging her down. They were speaking differentnguages again, like two people separated by an unbridgeable gulf.

    Kristopher stood and adjusted his clothes, then carefully lifted her in his arms. She felt light as a feather, her frailty tugging at something deep in his chest. As he carried her, he pressed a tender kiss to her eyelids, holding her just a bit tighter, as though afraid she might slip away.

    Carrie leaned against his chest, her face resting near his cor, but his warmth did nothing to ease the chill gripping her. Her hands and feet were like ice, as if a coldness had seeped into her very soul.

    Kristopher brought her into the master bathroom, setting her gently on the edge of the sink. ¡°Why are you so cold?¡± he asked, concern in his voice. Without waiting for an answer, he turned on the hot water tap, filling the bathtub.

    Steam filled the air as he added a bath bomb, and the water began to sparkle like a gxy of stars. Rings of red and blue shimmered across the surface, golden flecks dancing in the warm glow. Kristopher knelt to remove her clothes, his movements careful and reverent. When the scar from her gunshot wound came into view, his gaze lingered, a mix of guilt and sorrow flickering across his face. Bending down, he pressed a soft kiss to the scar. ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he whispered gently. ¡°Your old leg injury healedpletely with that ointment. This scar will heal too.¡±

    But Carrie didn¡¯t react. Her expression remained nk, her gaze distant. The scar on her abdomen was nothingpared to the one on her heart. She had lost not only her child but also the dream of ever being a mother again.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?????? brings magic to life

    Kristopher straightened, carefully lifting her into the tub. He ced her clothes into theundry basket, moving with precision. As the water enveloped her, he teased lightly, ¡°Don¡¯t you think you look like a princess bathing in a hot spring? If I kissed you now, like a prince, would you fall in love with me?¡±

    He had never tried so hard to make her smile, but his attempt at humor fell t. Carrie sat stiffly in the water, her body tense and unresponsive. Kristopher¡¯s smile faltered. He hadn¡¯t expected her tough, but the nkness in her eyes stung more than any words could. A flicker of hurt crossed his face.

    He grabbed the shower gel and began washing her skin, his touch gentle. She drew her legs up, resting her chin on her knees. As he worked, his eyes roamed over her thin frame, noticing every protruding vertebra on her back and the sharp lines of her shoulders. She looked so fragile, as though she might break under the slightest pressure.

    The flicker of hurt in his gaze quickly shifted to a gentler expression¡ªheartache¡ªand his movements became softer.

    Kristopher gently helped Carrie bathe, changed her into clean pajamas, and dried her hair with a tenderness that seemed almost out of ce. Throughout it all, Carrie stayed as motionless as a porcin doll, her vacant eyes fixed on nothing. Her mind was a whirlwind of unanswerable questions. What was the point of it all? Every time she thought she had survived the worst, a new storm descended, leaving her shattered in its wake. She couldn¡¯t understand what she had done to deserve so much pain.

    Once Kristopher finished, he carried her back to the bed and tucked her in. As soon as her body touched the soft mattress, she curled up into a ball, hugging her knees tightly. The warm, weightless downforter became her fortress, shielding her from the harsh reality outside.

    Kristopher sat on the edge of the bed, watching her. His chest ached at the sight of her so withdrawn, so broken. Unable to hold back, he leaned over and embraced her gently, wrapping his arms around her nket-covered frame. He buried his face near her hair and whispered, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

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 Chapter 570

    ?<strong>Chapter 570:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s voice, though faint, cut through the silence like a knife. ¡°Don¡¯t apologize. You don¡¯t mean it.¡±

    Kristopher stiffened, but she went on, her toneced with bitterness. ¡°You don¡¯t truly believe you¡¯ve done anything wrong, so why waste time on empty words? You were always honest, Kristopher. I never expected you to show such a despicable side.¡±

    Though her lips curved into a bitter sneer, tears slipped silently from the corners of her eyes, trailing down to her mouth. Hearing her speak¡ªeven with such venom¡ªbrought him a flicker of relief.

    He tightened his hold on her, his voice thick with emotion. ¡°I do think I¡¯ve been wrong. I didn¡¯t protect you the way I should have. I let¡ªI¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, Carrie slipped her hand out from beneath the nket and pushed him away. ¡°Even now, you refuse to admit the truth,¡± she said, her voice trembling with anger. ¡°You shielded Lise. She¡¯s responsible for our child¡¯s death.¡±

    Kristopher grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but gentle. ¡°I didn¡¯t shield her,¡± he said, his voice steady. He hesitated, then added, ¡°I¡¯ve asked Oliver to investigate her rtionship with that man. I need to know if she had anything to do with this.¡±

    Carrie turned to face him, her wide eyes searching his face. They were so close now that she could feel his breath¡ªwarm and faintly scented with wood¡ªagainst her skin. Her voice was slow and deliberate as she asked, ¡°If it turns out she is the mastermind, what do you n to do?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression hardened, his lips pressing into a thin line. It was clear he hadn¡¯t truly considered this question before. In his eyes, Lise was the kindest person in the world. How could someone with her heart want to harm his wife and child? The thought made his heart ache.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed, her tone growing colder. ¡°If Lise Nash is the culprit, what. Do. You. n. To. Do?¡±

    Kristopher held her gaze for a long moment before lowering his eyes, unable to meet her stare.

    His voice, when it came, was soft but resolute. ¡°If Lise is involved, I¡¯ll send her abroad immediately. She¡¯ll have to face the consequences on her own.¡±

    Carrie let out a sharp, bitterugh, her scorn cutting deeper than any usation. ¡°Abroad? With millions in assets and the best medical care at her disposal? You call that facing consequences?¡± Her voice dripped with derision as she continued, ¡°Kristopher, I understand the words you¡¯re saying. What I don¡¯t understand is the meaning behind them.¡± Her gaze swept over him, cool and detached. ¡°But I¡¯ll give you credit for one thing¡ªyour honesty. At least you won¡¯t even bother lying to me to protect her. Your apology is lost on me, but it¡¯s clear you protect and favor her unconditionally.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s fingers curled tightly into the edge of the nket, his knuckles whitening before he finally let go. His voice, barely above a whisper, was strained. ¡°Carrie, I lost my younger sister once. I can¡¯t let the only part of her left in this world¡­¡±

    He trailed off, the memory of his sister shing vividly in his mind. The sight of her bloodied body, the final moments when he had failed to protect her¡ªit was a wound that had never fully healed.

    Carrie turned away from him, pulling the nket tighter around herself. Her voice was cold and final. ¡°I¡¯m tired. I don¡¯t want to hear you talk anymore.¡±

    Kristopher froze, his words catching in his throat. He stared at her back for a long time, the silence between them growing heavier with each passing second. Finally, he stood. ¡°Goodnight,¡± he said quietly before walking out of the room.

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 Chapter 571

    ?<strong>Chapter 571:</strong>

    The next day, Carrie awoke, her mind groggy from a restless sleep. She opened her bedroom door to find Kristopher still at home. Unwilling to engage with him, she instructed the maid to bring her breakfast to her room. After eating, she buried herself in her study, spending the afternoon reading.

    The hours passed in silence until she finally stepped out. At that exact moment, Kristopher emerged from his study. Their eyes met briefly across the hall before Carrie quickly averted her gaze, pretending he didn¡¯t exist. She turned and walked toward her bedroom without a word, but before she could close the door, the sound of his phone ringing cut through the silence.

    The ringtone continued, sharp and insistent, but Kristopher made no move to answer it. Carrie paused, took a step back, and nced at him. Her voice was calm, almost detached, as she asked, ¡°Is it Lise calling?¡± Kristopher didn¡¯t respond, which was all the answer she needed. A cold, mocking smile curved across Carrie¡¯s lips. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering? Afraid I¡¯ll overhear something you don¡¯t want me to?¡±

    ¡°Carrie¡­¡± Kristopher said helplessly, her name like a sigh on his lips. He hesitated before finally swiping to answer the call. To dispel any misunderstanding, he put the phone on speaker.

    Lise¡¯s voice filled the hallway, soft and pleading. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯m going to the hospital for a checkup today. I¡¯m not feeling well¡­ I¡¯ve been so anxious. Can youe with me?¡±

    Before Kristopher could respond, Elva¡¯s voice chimed in, firm but tinged with concern. ¡°Mr. Norris, Lise woke up in pain several timesst night. She¡¯s not in a stable condition. It wouldfort her if you were there.¡±

    ?¦Ál§Ú¦Òv???.c§àm has the newest content

    Carrie stepped closer, her movements slow but deliberate. She nced at Kristopher¡¯s phone screen briefly, then met his gaze. Her expression was unreadable as she said, almost casually, ¡°I¡¯m feeling hungry. Would you mind staying home for lunch?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, his eyes narrowing slightly as he caught the deliberate challenge in her tone. Despite knowing she was trying to provoke him, he answered without missing a beat. ¡°Alright.¡±

    As he reached to turn off the speaker, Carrie¡¯s hand stopped him mid-motion. Her faint smile lingered, her grip light but firm. She said nothing, but her gaze held his with quiet determination.

    Kristopher had no choice but to address the phone directly. ¡°Elva, please take care of Lise. I have something here I can¡¯t leave right now.¡±

    Lise¡¯s voice, strained with disappointment, came back over the line. ¡°Kristopher¡­ can youe after lunch, then? Please?¡±

    Carrie tilted her head slightly, her voice steady as she said, ¡°After lunch, I want to go for a walk. I can¡¯t even remember thest time I saw the sun.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brows furrowed as he studied her pale face. Her words struck something inside him, and he made his decision. ¡°Okay,¡± he said softly.

    He spoke into the phone again, his tone firm but kind. ¡°Lise, the medical team I arranged for you is the best in the world. You¡¯ll be fine under their care.¡±

    Addressing Elva, he added, ¡°Elva, stay with her and keep me updated through messages if anything happens.¡±

    With that, he ended the call and looked at Carrie, his expression gentle. ¡°What would you like for lunch?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze turned frosty, and without addressing him, she turned to the maid who had just arrived upstairs. ¡°Make some ravioli and bring a portion to my study.¡±

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 Chapter 572

    ?<strong>Chapter 572:</strong>

    Ignoring Kristopher entirely, she returned to her bedroom, gathered herptop and iPad, and headed for her study. Her actions were deliberate, every movement calcted to reinforce her disregard for him.

    Kristopher remained standing in the hallway, a faint, bitter smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He turned off his phone screen and slipped it into his pocket.

    The maid hesitated, watching the tense scene unfold. Cautiously, she asked, ¡°Mr. Norris, what would you like for lunch?¡± Assuming he would leave to see Lise after the cold exchange, she was surprised when he replied evenly, ¡°Make a te of ravioli for me as well and bring it to my study.¡±

    Carrie, who was still within earshot, showed no reaction. Instead, she mmed the door to her study shut with a loud bang, the sound reverberating down the hall.

    Locked in her study for most of the afternoon, Carrie only emerged briefly to use the restroom. As the sun set, Oliver arrived at Bayview Vi to seek advice from Kristopher on an uing dinner event.

    Just as Carrie left the study, Kristopher bypassed Oliver and addressed her directly. ¡°Any preferences for dinner tonight?¡± he queried.

    Ignoring Kristopher, Carrie instructed the maid, ¡°Please, something simple for dinner, and bring it to the study when ready.¡±

    Kristopher tried to clear the air as he sensed her withdrawal, saying, ¡°Just so you know, I¡¯m off to a dinner meeting, and Lise isn¡¯t involved.¡±

    Hastily, Oliver added, ¡°Mrs. Norris, I assure you, I will escort Mr. Norris home directly after the meeting. He¡¯s not meeting anyone else.¡±

    With a dismissive nce, Carrie returned to the study, herck of concern evident. As long as Kristopher wasn¡¯t seeing Lise, he was free to meet whoever else he wished. Carrie remained unbothered.

    Kristopher then instructed Oliver, ¡°I need a suitable suit for tonight.¡±

    Oliver, hoping to involve Carrie, spoke louder, aiming his words toward the study. ¡°Usually, Mrs. Norris selects your attire. She does have superior taste. Maybe she should¡ª¡± The study door mmed shut, cutting him off abruptly.

    Kristopher gave him a stern look. ¡°If you can¡¯t manage, I¡¯ll find someone who can.¡±

    Determined, Oliver responded, ¡°I¡¯m on it! I¡¯ll sort it immediately.¡± He rushed to fetch a suit from Kristopher¡¯s wardrobe.

    Kristopher¡¯s mood was sour throughout the dinner, where he indiscriminately drank both red and white wine.

    Despite his usual tolerance, by the end of the evening, Kristopher was noticeably drunk, having consumed several bottles. The dinner, attended by key international business figures, was important, and Oliver stayed behind to ensure the smooth running of the event. Concerned for Kristopher¡¯s well-being, Oliver made arrangements with apany driver for a safe ride back to Bayview Vi, assuming the short trip would be uneventful.

    During the drive, the driver caught a glimpse of Kristopher in the rearview mirror and inquired, ¡°Mr. Norris, would you like to go home?¡±

    Kristopher, barely keeping his eyes open, muttered despondently, ¡°What¡¯s the point? No one at home cares.¡±

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 Chapter 573

    ?<strong>Chapter 573:</strong>

    The driver, unfamiliar with Kristopher¡¯s personal life and hoping to cheer him up, offered another option. ¡°It can¡¯t be true that no one misses you, Sir. If you¡¯re not keen on going home, perhaps somewhere more lively?¡±

    Vaguely, Kristopher responded with a nomittal grunt, ¡°Mm.¡±

    Taking this as a sign of agreement, the driver, pleased with himself, redirected the car towards the Oasis Club. Before joining the Norris Group, the driver had often taken his old boss to the same club and had noticed Kristopher there on several asions. His former employer had mentioned that it was a regr spot for Kristopher and his friends.

    Upon reaching the club, the manager immediately noticed Kristopher¡¯s drunk state and suggested caution. ¡°Mr. Norris doesn¡¯t look well. Maybe it¡¯s better to take him home.¡±

    But the driver dismissed the concern, saying, ¡°He made it clear he doesn¡¯t want to return home.¡±

    He cast a knowing nce at Kristopher¡¯s slumped figure, leaned in, and quietly told the manager, ¡°Mr. Norris is seekingpany tonight. He said as much.¡±

    The manager nced at Kristopher, who was lying limply in the back seat, then back at the driver. Given Kristopher¡¯s typically careful demeanor, the manager concluded that Kristopher must trust the driver enough to have arrived at the club in such a condition. With that reassurance, the manager gestured for two staff members to help Kristopher out of the car.

    In a private room at Oasis Club, Kristopher sat slouched on the sofa, one hand massaging his temples while his patience ebbed away. His voice was clipped and sharp as he instructed, ¡°Bring me my private stash of wine.¡±

    Though his mind was clear enough to recognize his surroundings, he made no effort to question why the driver hadn¡¯t taken him home. Deep down, he knew the answer. Going home meant confronting Carrie¡¯s cold indifference, her hollow gaze, her unspoken distance. Perhaps, he thought bitterly, staying away would make her life easier.

    For Kristopher, the idea of ¡°home¡± had always been elusive. Whether it was the Norris Mansion or Bayview Vi, these ces were merely walls and a roof¡ªa luxury facade to sleep within. It was Carrie who had transformed Bayview Vi into something different. Knowing she was there, waiting for him, had given meaning to an otherwise hollow structure. But now, that warmth was gone. She no longer waited for him, no longer cared if he stayed out or came home.

    The club manager watched him carefully, fully aware of Kristopher¡¯s rigid boundaries¡ªno women were allowed near him during these drinking sessions. Yet the manager couldn¡¯t shake the driver¡¯s earlier words: ¡°Mr. Norris is seekingpany tonight.¡± He considered the words carefully, his mind turning to Lise Nash. The news of Kristopher¡¯s marriage to Carrie had been suppressed after the shootout at the wedding. This was done to protect the image of the Norris group. While more people were aware of Carrie¡¯s identity now, to the general public, Lise was still believed to be the woman Kristopher cherished.

    The manager¡¯s memory clicked¡ªLise had once visited Oasis Club, and her contact information had been recorded as a courtesy. It seemed fortuitous now, a convenient solution to Kristopher¡¯s rare vulnerability.

    Stepping out of the room, the manager quickly found Lise¡¯s number and made the call. ¡°Ms. Nash?¡± he began smoothly. ¡°This is the manager of Oasis Club. Mr. Norris has had a bit too much to drink and keeps asking for you.¡±

    There was a pause on the line before Lise responded, her voice measured but eager. ¡°I see. I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

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 Chapter 574

    ?<strong>Chapter 574:</strong>

    Lise frowned slightly as she ended the call, but her mind buzzed with anticipation. Lately, Kristopher had been increasingly difficult to see, his attention seemingly focused elsewhere. This opportunity was far too rare to waste.

    Draped in a sultry red slip dress, her legs elegantly crossed, and a slim cigarette bnced between her fingers, Lise radiated an air of effortless sophistication and worldly allure. Lately, Kristopher¡¯s presence in her life had dwindled, and the once meticulously maintained facade of innocence in Lise¡¯s demeanor had begun to slip.

    Lise crushed her cigarette into the ashtray, freshened up, and meticulously removed any trace of smoke from her hair and skin. She chose her perfume carefully, spritzing a subtleyer of Jo Malone¡¯s Lime Basil & Mandarin cologne onto her wrists and neck, giving the illusion of a natural fragrance. It was softer, more delicate than her usual seductive fragrances like ck Opium¡ªa choice made to craft the image she knew Kristopher preferred.

    After slipping into a white Dior dress adorned withce embroidery and puffed sleeves, she inspected herself in the mirror. The sweetheart neckline framed her perfectly, bncing elegance with the innocence she so often performed. A satisfied smirk tugged at her lips.

    Without alerting Elva, she ordered a private car and headed to Oasis Club.

    Meanwhile, at home, Albin stood in the kitchen slicing fruit for Camille, his phone pressed to his ear as he turned down an invitation from his friends.

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    ¡°Albin, what¡¯s the deal? Are you in love, or are you her nanny now?¡± his friend teased. ¡°And what¡¯s with your girlfriend? She looks like she owns the nightlife but lives like a retiree, staying home all day!¡±

    Camille, overhearing thement, grabbed the phone with a re. ¡°Who are you calling a retiree? Just wait¡ªI¡¯ll bring Albin out, and I¡¯ll show you what a nightclub queen really looks like!¡± She ended the call with a huff and yfully smacked Albin¡¯s chest. ¡°This is your fault! You¡¯re the one who doesn¡¯t want to go out, and now your friends think I¡¯m some boring girlfriend. You¡¯re ruining my reputation!¡±

    Albin chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. ¡°I just want to enjoy our time together. Once we¡¯re married, and kidse along, we won¡¯t have this kind of freedom anymore.¡±

    Camille¡¯s cheeks flushed, and she pushed him away, her voice flustered. ¡°Who said anything about marrying you, let alone having kids?¡±

    Albin¡¯s grin widened at her uncharacteristic embarrassment, and he leaned in to steal a kiss. One kiss turned into another, and before long, the kitchen became the scene of an unexpected, heated moment.

    Two hourster, Camille and Albin finally arrived at Oasis Club.

    At Oasis Club, Kristopher¡¯s private room was dimly lit, the air heavy with the scent of whiskey and exhaustion. He sat slouched on the sofa, his disheveled appearance betraying his turmoil. His suit jacket, worth more than most people¡¯s annual sry, was discarded, and his shirt hung open at the cor, revealing his toned chest. He was indeed a sight to behold.

    On the table, an empty bottle of Yamazaki whiskey worth four million sat beside a half-drunk bottle of 1982 Lafite.

    Lise rushed in, her heels clicking against the floor. She made a beeline for Kristopher, snatching the ss from his hand. ¡°Kristopher, you can¡¯t drink anymore!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s head tilted upward, his heavy-lidded eyes struggling to focus. In the dim light, her features blurred and shifted, morphing into someone he longed for more than anyone. ¡°Carrie¡­?¡± he murmured, the name leaving his lips like a plea.

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 Chapter 575

    ?<strong>Chapter 575:</strong>

    Lise froze, her forced smile faltering. Her fingers clenched around the ss as bitterness surged within her. Carrie, again? Why was it always Carrie?

    For a moment, her mind spun with resentment. If Kristopher had chosen a wealthy heiress, someone of his own social standing, Lise could have epted her loss, walked away with dignity, and rebuilt her life. But no¡ªhe¡¯d chosen Carrie, a woman with no wealth, no status, no pedigree. How could she, of all people, take everything from her?

    That couldn¡¯t happen!

    Lise¡¯s hatred burned brightly, but she quickly masked it with a sweet smile. If she couldn¡¯t have Kristopher, she wouldn¡¯t let Carrie have him either. She¡¯d destroy everything if she had to.

    Lise should be exiled to a foreignnd, facing the threat of prison, while Carrie sat smugly as Mrs. Norris, living the high life? If she was destined for hell, she¡¯d drag Carrie down with her.

    Setting the ss on the table, Lise reached for Kristopher¡¯s hand, lowering her voice to mimic Carrie¡¯s gentle tone. ¡°Kristopher, it¡¯s me¡­ Carrie.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s groggy gaze lingered on her face, his lips twitching in a weak attempt to speak. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± he whispered. ¡°I failed to protect you. If it really was Lise behind it all, I¡¯ll make sure she¡­¡± His voice trailed off as sleep overtook him, his head falling onto Lise¡¯sp.

    Lise¡¯s smile hardened. His unfinished sentence lingered in her mind like a threat. If Kristopher truly believed she was guilty, he¡¯d make her pay. Pain and anger burned in her eyes. Stroking his chiseled face, she whispered in a bitter voice, ¡°Kristopher, how could you be so cruel? I have your sister¡¯s heart beating inside me. And yet, you¡¯d still let me suffer for her?¡±

    Still, she felt a twisted sense of relief. At least she wasn¡¯t cing all her hopes on him anymore. Billie Norris was on her side now, and with her influence, Lise wouldn¡¯t go down without a fight.

    Meanwhile, downstairs in the Oasis Club lobby, Albin and Camille arrived, their lively energy cutting through the somber atmosphere. Albin was mid-call, confirming his friend¡¯s location, when the club manager spotted him.

    ¡°Mr. Murray,¡± the manager greeted warmly. ¡°It¡¯s been a while. What brings you here tonight?¡±

    Albin ended the call and slung an arm around Camille¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Been busy dating, no time for clubs,¡± he replied with a grin. ¡°By the way, do you know where¡­?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s at?¡± The manager, recognizing Albin as one of Kristopher¡¯s closest friends, nodded knowingly.

    ¡°Of course. I just helped him settle in. Let me take you there.¡±

    The manager led them upstairs, to Kristopher¡¯s private lounge. When the door opened, Albin and Camille froze at the sight before them. Lise was seated on the sofa, her posture demure yet intimate. Kristopher¡¯s head rested in herp, his arms loosely wrapped around her waist as if seekingfort. The sight screamed intimacy, and Lise¡¯s carefully rehearsed expression of surprise only added to the theatrics.

    ¡°Albin? Camille?¡± Lise eximed, her voice tinged with feigned embarrassment. A faint blush dusted her cheeks as if she¡¯d been caught in a private moment. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    In truth, Lise had heard them approaching and arranged herself and Kristopher in this suggestive pose, determined to manipte the narrative.

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 Chapter 576

    ?<strong>Chapter 576:</strong>

    Camille recovered first. Her sharp gaze swept over the scene, taking in every detail. Without hesitation, she pulled out her phone and snapped several photos and videos in rapid session. Stuffing the device back into her pocket, she marched into the room with fire in her eyes.

    ¡°Well, isn¡¯t this just perfect,¡± she sneered. ¡°A match made in hell! Scum and viiny, forever and always!¡± Her words dripped with venom as she red at Lise and Kristopher. ¡°While Carrie¡¯s suffering at home, you two are here ying house? You two scums really deserve each other.¡±

    Albin moved to intervene, but Camille was already steps ahead. She grabbed an empty ss from the table, her hand trembling with fury, and without a second thought, swung it toward Kristopher¡¯s head.

    The private room at the Oasis Club was in chaos, the air thick with tension. Police officers and paramedics moved briskly, their presence making the once-spacious room feel suffocating and cramped. Kristopher sat on the sofa, half-sober, allowing the doctor to tend to the gash on his forehead. Beside him sat Lise, her eyes red from crying, a picture of frail innocence. Kristopher¡¯s bloodstained shirt and Lise¡¯s tear-streaked face painted a grim, incriminating scene. Broken ss littered the floor, mingled with bloodied tissues, while the scent of alcohol lingered in the air.

    The atmosphere shifted when Carrie walked in, her expression unreadable. Camille, who had been standing nearby with Albin, immediately let go of her boyfriend¡¯s hand and stormed over to Carrie. She grabbed her arm, pointing furiously at Kristopher and Lise. ¡°Carrie, I caught these two cheating while you were sick! What a pair of scumbags!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s head snapped up at Camille¡¯s words. Without waiting for the doctor to finish, he pushed him aside, his steps unsteady as he approached. ¡°Carrie, let me exin¡ª¡±

    ¡°Exin?¡± Camille interrupted, stepping protectively in front of Carrie. ¡°Ha! I knew you¡¯d try to weasel your way out, you scumbag! But I¡¯ve got evidence!¡± She pulled out her phone, opened her photo album, and shoved it into Carrie¡¯s hands.

    Carrie nced at the screen. A video yed, showing Kristopher and Lise in an intimate position, their closeness unmistakable. Her heart remained calm, eerily so. There was no anger, no surprise¡ªonly a cold, resigned indifference. This was exactly the kind of scene she hade to expect. Without her presence in Kristopher¡¯s life, he and Lise would probably be just as cozy, without the need to hide it.

    Kristopher stopped about a foot away, urgency written across his face. ¡°Carrie, listen to me. I was out for a business meeting¡ª¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curled into a mocking smile as she flicked her gaze toward Lise. ¡°A business meeting?¡±

    Before Kristopher could respond, Oliver rushed into the room, his expression a mix of confusion and rm. He surveyed the scene and quickly stepped forward, trying to smooth things over.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, this is entirely my fault. The schedule today was rushed, and I failed to arrange things properly. After the meeting, I went to handle amodations for the clients and called a driver to take Mr. Norris home. But the driver misunderstood and brought Mr. Norris here instead. I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s reced immediately¡ª¡±

    Carrie¡¯s sharp re silenced him mid-sentence. ¡°Oliver,¡± she said icily, ¡°you¡¯re just an employee. You of all people should know what it feels like to be scapegoated. Yet here you are, trying to clean up after your boss by ming someone insignificant.¡±

    To Carrie, Oliver¡¯s excuse was nothing more than a thinly veiled attempt to shield Kristopher. She didn¡¯t believe for a moment that one of Kristopher¡¯s most loyal aides would ever stand on her side or offer an unbiased exnation.

    Oliver flinched under her words, sweat forming on his brow. ¡°Mrs. Norris, I¡ª¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 577

    ?<strong>Chapter 577:</strong>

    His attempt to exin faltered as Lise stood, stepping cautiously toward Kristopher. ¡°Ms. Campbell,¡± she said softly, her voice trembling, ¡°please don¡¯t me Kristopher. This has nothing to do with him.¡±

    He was drunk, and the manager didn¡¯t know what to do, so they called me¡ª¡±

    Carrie stepped forward and pped Lise hard across the face, cutting her off mid-sentence. The sound echoed through the room, drawing gasps from the onlookers.

    ¡°The murderer of my child has no right to speak in front of me,¡± Carrie said coldly, her voice cutting like ice.

    Lise stumbled backward, falling to the ground. Her handnded on the shards of broken ss, and blood immediately oozed from the fresh cuts on her palm.

    Carrie¡¯s anger was like an adrenaline shot. Despite being in a fragile state herself, she still had enough strength to knock Lise over.

    ¡°Ahh!¡± Lise let out a cry but quickly bit her lip, as if trying to endure the pain.

    Kristopher moved instinctively, stepping forward to help her up. His tone was sharp as he turned to Carrie.

    He said, ¡°Carrie, let¡¯s stick to the facts. The shooting case hasn¡¯t been fully investigated. Even if Lise is a suspect, she¡¯s not guilty until proven so. How can you just decide she¡¯s guilty? And today¡¯s incident was my fault. I was drunk. It had nothing to do with Lise. If you¡¯re angry, take it out on me. Don¡¯t drag innocent people into this. Since when did you be so unreasonable?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes burned with fury as she stared at him. ¡°Reasonable? You want me to be reasonable with a murderer? What am I, a saint?¡±

    Her sneer deepened, and she stepped closer. ¡°Kristopher, let me make one thing clear. She has no right to speak, and neither do you. You¡¯re worse than her¡ªdisgusting, hypocritical, pathetic! You want to y the victim while being the hero at the same time. You im to love her, but you won¡¯t leave me.¡±

    ¡°You stay married just to keep up your perfect image and protect the Norris Group¡¯s stock price. Hypocrite!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened, but before he could respond, a police officer stepped forward. ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± the officer asked, ¡°regarding this assault case, do you want to pursue criminal charges or settle privately?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered on Carrie before shifting to Camille.

    Carrie moved to stand protectively in front of Camille, her tone cold and determined. ¡°I won¡¯t let you harm Camille without consequences.¡± Her wary gaze locked onto Kristopher, treating him as if he were a serious offender.

    ¡°Is that how you see me?¡± Kristopher¡¯s eyes showed a mixture of pain and disbelief as he looked back at her. The effects of the alcohol intensified his feelings, causing his hands to shake as he struggled to maintain hisposure. Had anyone but Carrie been in front of him, he might have given in to his rage and destroyed everything in sight.

    Albin intervened hastily, mustering a strained smile. ¡°Carrie, you know Kristopher bears no ill will toward Camille. Remember, Camille hit him first. She¡¯s not entirely innocent here.¡±

    Camille slowly turned to Albin, her face showing clear disappointment. ¡°Albin, are you listening to yourself? How am I to me here?¡± She sarcastically presented her wrists to him, her smile bitter. ¡°Why don¡¯t you hand me over to the authorities? Maybe they¡¯ll lock me away for a decade or two, proving your dedication to Kristopher.¡±

    Albin moved closer, his voice low, his look stern. ¡°Calm down, please.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 578

    ?<strong>Chapter 578:</strong>

    Camille recoiled, dodging his attempt to touch her. ¡°You choose your side, and I choose mine. That¡¯s only fair. Just don¡¯t sacrifice me in the process.¡±

    Albin exhaled in frustration. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it like that. I¡¯m sorry, okay?¡± Heically pped his own mouth. ¡°Curse this foolish tongue of mine. I should donate it to science.¡±

    Camille scoffed dismissively and averted her eyes from him.

    Kristopher looked back at Carrie. Their eyes connected, yet she remained silent. Her protective stance was evident, a clear signal that any threat to Camille would be met fiercely.

    Kristopher had long beenbeled as merciless, a demon concealed behind a charming facade. Such descriptions had never bothered him; in fact, he reveled in them. Yet now, as Carrie looked at him with the same guardedness as others, the sting of her gaze hit him unexpectedly hard.

    Feeling suddenly drained, Kristopher gestured dismissively to the officers. ¡°It¡¯s okay. You can leave.¡±

    Oliver quickly stepped in to smooth things over. ¡°Thank you for your response, and apologies for the inconvenience.¡±

    With dried blood on his forehead and a throbbing pain, Kristopher walked heavily toward the couch.

    ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± Lise moved to assist him, but he dodged her attempt and chose to sit alone.

    The doctor paused, iodine swab in hand, uncertain whether to proceed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got this,¡± Lise intervened, taking the iodine from the doctor.

    From a distance, Carrie observed impassively, as if she were merely a spectator at a drama. She then turned away and took Camille¡¯s hand, her voice cold and unemotional. ¡°Since Mr. Norris has declined to press charges, we¡¯ll be going.¡±

    Oliver tried to intervene, saying, ¡°Mrs. Norris, considering Mr. Norris¡¯s injuries are severe, perhaps you could¡ª¡±

    Carrie interrupted without turning around. ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious that he¡¯s already well attended to? He doesn¡¯t require my presence.¡±

    With those words, she left briskly, pulling Camille with her.

    Albin made a half-hearted attempt to reach for Camille, but a sharp look from her stopped him. He watched helplessly as they exited.

    Albin then slumped next to Kristopher, seizing a bottle of champagne from the table. He gulped it down as if it were mere water. The manager silently mourned thevish waste of such an expensive drink.

    ncing at Kristopher, Albin said with a rueful smile, ¡°Kristopher, love really can be excruciating.¡±

    As Carrie departed, a subtle gleam of victory flickered in Lise¡¯s eyes. Yet, when she faced Kristopher again, only concern was visible in her expression. She held a cotton swab soaked in iodine and gently moved to clean the wound on his forehead.

    Kristopher subtly turned his head, dodging her touch. His eyes locked on Oliver as he instructed evenly, ¡°Take Lise home.¡±

    Lise paused, her hand frozen mid-motion. Despite the unfriendliness, she softly called out, ¡°Kristopher¡­¡± She was aware of his distress following Carrie¡¯s dismissal. She saw it as an opportunity to offerfort. If she left now, there was no telling who might move in to console him.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 579

    ?<strong>Chapter 579:</strong>

    Oliver hesitated, his eyes shifting between Lise and Kristopher, uncertain whether to intervene. Kristopher¡¯s expression grew colder, his voice sharpening with impatience. ¡°Oliver, am I no longer clear in my orders?¡± Stunned, Oliver promptly moved to escort Lise, his manner courteous. ¡°Ms. Nash, Mr. Norris is in good hands with his doctor. You¡¯re not well, so allow me to escort you home to rest. Mr. Norris would worry if anything were to happen to you.¡± His words were so carefully chosen that refusing them would make Lise appear unreasonable.

    With a soft sigh, Lise lowered her hand and rose to her feet. ¡°Kristopher, I¡¯ll leave for now. I won¡¯t burden you with my concerns, but please, take care not to worry me either, alright?¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristopher murmured, his attention still directed at the ground.

    Camille was reluctant to return to Albin¡¯s residence.

    Carrie¡¯s lease at Ripples Community was still active, and most of her possessions remained there. She decided to escort Camille back to the modest apartment, allowing her some space to stay alone and contemte her next steps regarding Albin.

    Exiting the elevator, they encountered Ruby, who was disposing of trash. Ruby appeared messy in her pajamas, her hair resembling a tangled bird¡¯s nest, looking as though she hadn¡¯t left her apartment in days.

    ¡°Ruby¡­¡± Carrie greeted, taken aback.

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    At the sound of her name, Ruby looked up, equally surprised to see them. ¡°Oh, what are you two doing here?¡±

    ¡°Camille had a bit of a conflict with her boyfriend,¡± Carrie exined. ¡°I thought it would be good for her to stay at my ce for a while.¡±

    ¡°Hey Ruby, looks like we¡¯re neighbors now. If you need anything, let me know,¡± Camille offered cheerfully.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Ruby responded distractedly, turning to head back inside with her trash bag.

    ¡°Ruby!¡± Carrie called after her, a note of concern in her voice.

    When Ruby faced her again, Carrie gestured to the trash in her hand. ¡°Weren¡¯t you on your way to take that out?¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. I had a drink earlier. My mind¡¯s a bit foggy,¡± Ruby admitted, touching her forehead with a sigh. She then walked back to the stairwell, disposed of the trash in the bin, and came back.

    Carrie watched her closely, frowning slightly. ¡°Ruby, are you alright? You seem off.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Ruby replied casually. ¡°I¡¯ve just been home a lottely, not working. Feels like my brain is getting a bit rusty.¡±

    ¡°Not working? Is yourpany on a break or something?¡± Carrie asked, a sense of foreboding creeping into her voice.

    In response, Ruby dropped the bombshell. ¡°I got fired.¡±

    Trying to maintain a brave face, Ruby smiled and gave Carrie¡¯s shoulder a reassuring pat. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been grinding nonstop for years, hardly ever taking time off. All that stress has aged me. Think of this as an overdue break.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 580

    ?<strong>Chapter 580:</strong>

    Carrie suspected that Ruby¡¯s job loss was tied to her not extending her contract with thepany. Seeing an opportunity, Carrie linked her arm with Ruby¡¯s. ¡°This might be advantageous. I was just about to ask you for a favor but wasn¡¯t sure how to approach you. It seems like fate¡¯s making it easier for us to talk now.¡±

    Ruby tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. ¡°Hmm?¡±

    Carrie took her hand and gently pulled her toward the apartment. ¡°Don¡¯t just stand there in the hallway. Let¡¯s talk inside.¡±

    Once inside, a sense of calm washed over Carrie. The apartment, modest yet warm, was her sanctuary¡ªthe one ce that truly felt like her own. She led Ruby to the sofa and gestured for Camille to join them.

    As they settled in, Carrie took a deep breath and broke the silence. ¡°My family¡¯spany is back under my control,¡± she began, her voice steady. ¡°The old contracts and coborations have been wrapped up. Now, I¡¯m nning to take it in apletely new direction. I want to start a mediapany.¡±

    She turned to Ruby, her gaze unwavering. ¡°I need someone I can trust. Someone to help me make this vision a reality. And you won¡¯t just be an employee¡ªI¡¯ll give you equity. You¡¯ll be my partner.¡±

    Ruby¡¯s previously listless eyes brightened with a spark of excitement. Without hesitation, she grabbed Carrie¡¯s hands tightly. ¡°Deal! I¡¯m done being a worker bee. Time to flip the script and be the boss! Don¡¯t worry¡ªI won¡¯t freeload. I¡¯ve got money, and I¡¯ll invest as a shareholder!¡±

    Camille leaned in, cing her hand atop theirs with a yful grin. ¡°Count me in! I¡¯ve been thinking about starting something of my own, too. I¡¯m tired of living a life revolving around men and rtionships.¡±

    The energy in the room shifted, the weight of past struggles lifting as the three womenunched into animated conversation.

    Ideas flowed freely¡ªartist recruitment, marketing strategies, thepany¡¯s vision¡ªeach contributing her unique perspective. For the first time in weeks, Carrie felt a glimmer of hope. Talking about the newpany was like opening a window to let in fresh air. It was a ray of light cutting through the darkness, giving her a renewed sense of purpose.

    Hours passed, and Carrie¡¯s body reminded her she was still recovering. She leaned back against the sofa, her exhaustion evident. Ruby noticed and reined in her excitement. ¡°Let¡¯s stop here for tonight. Carrie, are you staying here or heading back?¡±

    Carrie hesitated before offering a small smile. ¡°I need to take my medication, so I¡¯ll call my driver to pick me up.¡± She didn¡¯t want to linger. If she stayed too long, there was a chance Kristopher might show up. Thest thing she wanted was for Camille to endure another confrontation with him.

    When Carrie returned to Bayview Vi, the house was eerily quiet. Kristopher still wasn¡¯t home. The maid greeted her cautiously, sensing the tension in her demeanor. ¡°Oliver said there was an urgent matter at the office,¡± the maid exined hesitantly. ¡°Mr. Norris has been working so hardtely.¡±

    Carrie let out a sharp, humorlessugh, her expression cold. An urgent matter at the office? She thought bitterly. More like overtime at Lise¡¯s ce. She imagined him already asleep there, wrapped in tenderfort and understanding. It wasn¡¯t hard to see why he might prefer it. At home, all he¡¯d find was her sarcasm and detachment. If she were in his position, she might have made the same choice.

    Once in her bedroom, Carrie sat on the edge of the bed and felt her phone buzz.

    Expecting a message from Camille, she was surprised to see a notification from the private investigator Daxton had introduced to her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 581

    ?<strong>Chapter 581:</strong>

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, are you still awake?¡±

    Carrie quickly typed back, ¡°Yes. What¡¯s up?¡±

    Within moments, several photos and videos flooded her screen. As she opened them, the investigator called.

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, I¡¯ve recovered some interesting data. The man¡¯s name is Kylo Miller. I tracked down his old phone at a secondhand shop and managed to recover its contents. He¡¯s been in contact with Lise the entire time,¡± the investigator continued. ¡°And here¡¯s another link¡ªKylo attended vocational school with the son of your former housekeeper.¡±

    The voice on the other end was distorted, as though being processed through an electronic device. But Carrie was too absorbed in the gravity of his words to notice the peculiar tone of his voice.

    Carrie¡¯s grip on her phone tightened, her knuckles white. ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say definitively, not with the evidence I¡¯ve gathered so far. It¡¯s enough to suggest a connection, but it wouldn¡¯t hold up in court. Herwyer could exploit the gaps easily.¡±

    The investigator hesitated, then lowered his voice. ¡°Ms. Campbell, if you¡¯re looking for justice, you might need to consider less conventional methods. I can connect you with someone who specializes in¡­ alternative solutions. Thew is what it is¡ªwe can¡¯t always rely on it to deliver the oue we want.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart clenched.

    A hint of conflict flickered in her eyes.

    Carrie inhaled deeply, her chest rising and falling as her thoughts churned with the remnants of rage and despair, each emotion dragging her deeper into a darkness she was desperate to escape.

    For a fleeting moment, she¡¯d considered taking Lise down with her¡ªdragging her into the abyss¡ªbut rity returned like the first light of dawn after a sleepless night.

    No. She wouldn¡¯t waste her life on someone as vile as Lise. That woman had already stolen enough from her: her child, her future, her peace.

    Carrie refused to give her the satisfaction of taking anything more. When she finally spoke, her voice was an icy mask of calm. ¡°No need,¡± she said, her tone devoid of emotion.

    The investigator hesitated, as if weighing whether to say more. Eventually, he added, ¡°One more thing, Ms. Campbell. Someone else is also investigating Lise. But don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯ve secured the key evidence. There¡¯s no way it¡¯ll be destroyed.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips barely twitched in acknowledgment, though her thoughts flickered to Kristopher. He had promised to look into this himself. ¡°Understood,¡± she replied evenly before ending the call.

    She sat on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

    If her investigator could uncover so much, Kristopher, with his resources, could surely uncover even more.

    Perhaps he already had.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 582

    ?<strong>Chapter 582:</strong>

    The memory of Kristopher and Lise, entwined in the private room of the Oasis Club, surged forward like bile in her throat. Her stomach churned violently.

    She stumbled to the bathroom, gripping the edge of the sink to steady herself. The image was seared into her mind¡ªLise¡¯s smug smile, Kristopher¡¯s betrayal. She barely made it to the toilet before vomiting.

    The thought cut her like ss: How could he even bear to be near the woman responsible for their child¡¯s death?

    The next morning, Carrie awoke to an empty bed. Kristopher still hadn¡¯t returned.

    ording to the maid, he¡¯d flown abroad on a business trip, though she doubted the truth of it. Was he avoiding her, or was he truly preupied? She didn¡¯t know, and the ambiguity gnawed at her.

    She opened WhatsApp, scrolling aimlessly. Kristopher¡¯s chat was buried at the bottom of her list, a grim reminder of how long it had been since he¡¯d checked in on her.

    The habit he¡¯d once nurtured¡ªthe texts, the small reassurances¡ªhad vanished, leaving nothing but silence.

    As she stared nkly at her screen, a message from Daxton popped to the top of her chat list. ¡°Carrie, how are you feeling? The investigator told me there¡¯s been progress on your case.¡± She hesitated before typing back. ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve uncovered more evidence. It proves Lise orchestrated everything. But it¡¯s still not enough to put her behind bars.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s reply came swiftly, his warmth palpable even through text. ¡°Want to meet up and talk? Don¡¯t bottle it all up alone.¡± Carrie stared at the words, her fingers hovering over the screen. After a moment, she typed a response. ¡°Maybe another day. I have things to take care of today.¡±

    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction

    She could almost feel Daxton¡¯s quiet understanding as his reply came through. ¡°Alright. Let me know when you¡¯re free.¡± After ending the conversation, Carrie got ready for the day.

    Last night¡¯s brainstorming session with Ruby and Camille still buzzed in her thoughts. Kristopher¡¯s absence was a blessing in disguise; it gave her the freedom to act decisively.

    She called the office on her way out, arranging a meeting with the department heads.

    As the sole shareholder, she had absolute control. The staff was in full swing, but she wanted buy-in from her team. Ruby and Camille would join her shortly, and together, they¡¯d chart a bold new path.

    The conference room was already filled by the time Carrie arrived.

    With no major projects on the horizon, many employees had grown restless, their days spent clocking in and out with little purpose.

    Job insecurity loomed like a dark cloud over their heads.

    Carrie walked in, her sharp gray suit cutting an imposing figure. Her hair was tied back neatly, every detail of her appearance a deliberate choice to project authority and poise.

    Ruby and Camille entered momentster, slipping into seats on either side of Carrie.

    Carrie began without preamble, her voice steady and clear. ¡°Thepany is shifting its focus. We¡¯ll be transitioning into the media and entertainment industry, with an emphasis on film and television production.¡± She gestured toward Ruby and Camille.

    ¡°These two are our newest coborators, and today, we¡¯re here to hear your thoughts on this new direction.¡±

    The silence that followed was almost deafening. Employees exchanged uncertain nces, their apprehension unspoken but visible in the furrowing of brows and the shifting of chairs.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 583

    ?<strong>Chapter 583:</strong>

    Finally, one of the department heads raised their hand cautiously. ¡°Ms. Campbell, isn¡¯t this shift a little¡­ drastic? We don¡¯t have any experience in entertainment or media.¡±

    After the department head voiced their reservation, the room immediately buzzed with the same sentiment. ¡°It¡¯s far too risky!¡± one person eximed.

    Sitting back, Carrie confidently crossed her legs and said, ¡°My previous agency contract is over. I¡¯m now officially the first talent signed to our own venture.¡±

    She pointed towards Ruby. ¡°Ruby, my previous agent, has shepherded many sessful careers and has ess to extensive resources. She will oversee the development of new talent and manage our business partnerships.¡±

    She then introduced Camille. ¡°Camille might be new to the entertainment business, but she is well-connected and deeply knowledgeable about the industry.¡±

    Turning her chair with a sense of resolve, Carrie continued firmly, ¡°Business is fundamentally about leveraging principles across contexts. I¡¯m not suggesting any of you step into the spotlight. Your operational and managerial roles will not change; the essence of your work remains the same. As original members of this firm, your efforts in this transition could result in not only advancements and pay raises but also ownership stakes in thepany.¡±

    She paused to let the implications settle. ¡°However, I understand if my vision seems overly ambitious. Anyone feeling uncertain is free to depart. I¡¯m grateful for your support of my mother and thispany throughout the years. Those who opt to leave will receive a generous severance.¡± The roompsed into thoughtful silence.

    The bare job market made their situation more pressing¡ªuniversity graduates were scrambling for work, and their outdated resumes did not promise a better outlook. The idea of starting over, possibly under much younger leadership, was unattractive.

    Feeling their hesitation, Carrie added, ¡°I¡¯m developing a new script. Unlike my previous projects sold to Silver Elephant Media, we will co-produce this one under our banner. If you¡¯re not familiar with my work, a quick online check will show that my scripts have consistently delivered returns of at least thirtyfold.¡± She delivered her final persuasive pitch. ¡°I have the option to build a new team from scratch, yet thispany is my mother¡¯s legacy, and you all are its cornerstone. Should you decide to stay, I am prepared to triple your sries effective immediately.¡±

    A middle-aged woman seated nearest to Carrie was the first to react, raising her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll stay.¡±

    Her deration set off a domino effect. One after another, initially uncertain employees dered their intention to remain. Carrie, having braced for only half the team¡¯s retention, was taken aback by the unanimous decision to stay. The majority were long-standing employees who had helped her mother establish the firm. Carrie valued their loyalty deeply and recognized that their continued presence would simplify her leadership transition.

    With the team¡¯smitment secured, delegating new tasks and roles was executed with ease.

    Carrie tailored responsibilities to align with each individual¡¯s proven strengths and past roles, setting clear goals for all.

    By the meeting¡¯s conclusion, the once listless atmosphere within thepany hadpletely revitalized. A wave of energy and anticipation swept through the team.

    Though the future remained uncertain, the reality of significantly higher sries was immediate and promised to appear in their uing paychecks.

    At a time when rival firms were reducing staff and cutting pay, theirpany was investing in its people. This alone galvanized the team. They were ready to embrace any challenge Carrie might propose, even if it meant venturing into space.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 584

    ?<strong>Chapter 584:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s absence stretched on like an unanswered question. Since his departure overseas, Carrie had immersed herself in recruitment and training, burying the lingering tension beneath the rhythm of her days.

    The shooting incident, once a storm of whispers and spection, had faded from conversation, as though life itself had conspired to forget.

    The incident had be a thing of the past.

    Mny, however, hadn¡¯t forgotten the fractures beneath the surface. Her health was slowly improving, but the quiet that now nketed the Norris Mansion unsettled her. One morning, as sunlight filtered through the grand windows, she suggested hosting a family dinner¡ªa gesture meant to soften the lingering tension between Carrie and the family.

    Carrie received Mny¡¯s invitation while seated in a salon chair. The stylist¡¯s scissors snipped away the final strands of her long hair, each cut feeling like a deliberate severing of the past. As she studied her reflection¡ªa new, shorter style framing her face¡ªher resolve solidified.

    She epted Mny¡¯s invitation.

    Regardless of Kristopher¡¯s distance, the Norris family had shown her kindness.

    Even Billie, who had once kept her at arm¡¯s length, had arranged for an alternative medicine practitioner to treat Gracie¡ªa gesture Carrie couldn¡¯t ignore.

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    She knew these dinners would disappear if she divorced Kristopher, so she thought she might as well cherish them for now.

    When Carrie stepped through the doors of the Norris mansion, the servants hesitated, their gazes flickering with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

    Her transformation was striking. Gone was the woman with long, elegant hair, whose cool detachment hinted at fragility. In her ce stood someone new¡ªshort hair, sharp lines, and a quiet confidence that radiated independence.

    Dressed in a nude-colored suit without a single piece of jewelry¡ªnot even her wedding ring¡ªCarrie¡¯s presence was unyielding, a strong woman stepping into her own.

    ¡°Wee home, ma¡¯am,¡± one of the servants said quickly, recovering from her daze and stepping aside to let her in. ¡°Mny is in the living room waiting for you.¡±

    Mny looked up from the living room as the soft tter of heels echoed across the marble floor.

    Her sharp eyes swept over Carrie¡¯s bare fingers, pausing for a fraction of a second before gliding back to her face.

    ¡°My dear, why have you lost weight?¡± Mny asked, her voice filled with concern. She motioned for Carrie toe closer, a maid already at her side to assist. ¡°I hear you¡¯ve been busy with your mother¡¯spany. If you need help, don¡¯t hesitate to ask the Norris Group. You¡¯re the mistress of this family; you don¡¯t have to take on everything alone.¡±

    Carrie offered a small smile, her voice calm and deferential. ¡°Thank you, Mny. I understand.¡± She walked over to support Mny on her other side.

    As Mny leaned on her arm for support, they moved toward the sofa. The air in the room shifted as a warm, familiar voice called out from the doorway. ¡°Great-grandma. Aunt.¡±

    Carrie turned, her movements measured. Standing at the door was Daxton, dressed casually in a crisp white shirt and tailored cks. He carried two elegant gift bags in one hand.

    For a moment, Carrie¡¯sposure faltered. The word ¡°Aunt¡± clung to the air between them, heavy with the awkwardness of their familial connection. She blinked, realizing there was no one else he could have addressed. The realization lingered, unsettling her.

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 Chapter 585

    ?<strong>Chapter 585:</strong>

    Daxton, sensing her difort, offered her a warm smile, his nce toward Mny a silent reassurance. The title wasn¡¯t meant for her¡ªit was simply a formality for the elders. Carrie, unable to reciprocate with ¡°Nephew,¡± nodded politely instead.

    Mny, now seated, patted Carrie¡¯s hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to invite outsiders to today¡¯s family dinner,¡± she said, her voice light but deliberate. ¡°Among all the Norris rtives and friends, you are closer to Daxton. I thought having him here would keep you from being bored with just us old folks.¡±

    Daxton stepped forward with an easy grace, his tone gentle as he replied, ¡°Great-grandma, the fault is mine for not visiting you and Great-grandpa sooner. I¡¯ve been back in Orkset for some time, but I should havee earlier.¡±

    His words were polite, but Carrie understood their subtext. With Kristopher having severed the ties between the two families, Daxton¡¯s visits might have been seen as inappropriate. He ced the gift bags on the coffee table, and Carrie instinctively reached out to help.

    As her fingers brushed against his sleeve, the fabric slipped away before they could make contact.

    It was just like the missed opportunities they had to be together. Daxton lowered his eyes, lost in his thoughts.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Carrie asked curiously, ncing at the elegantly wrapped gift box on the table.

    Daxton¡¯s tone was calm and unassuming. ¡°It¡¯s a sleep-aiding incense I brought back from abroad. Its sweet, mellow scent is perfect for helping the elderly rx before bed.¡±

    The elder members of the Norris family, once powerful figures who hadmanded respect and authority, now often struggled with restless nights. For them, calming incense was more than a luxury¡ªit was a necessity.

    This particr incense was natural and far superior to medicinal alternatives. It smelled wonderful and offered numerous health benefits without any side effects.

    In a family like the Norrises, where luxury wasmonce and material wealth was unimpressive, the most meaningful gifts were those that demonstrated thoughtfulness and care. Mny¡¯s discerning eyes swept over the exquisite packaging.

    She could tell at a nce that the incense was not only rare but incredibly valuable¡ªsomething money alone couldn¡¯t easily buy. Daxton¡¯s modest exnation, devoid of self-promotion, only deepened Mny¡¯s appreciation for him.

    ¡°You¡¯re very thoughtful,¡± Mny said warmly, patting Daxton¡¯s hand. She signaled a servant to take the gift box away for safekeeping.

    As the conversation continued, Billie entered the room, her armsden with shopping bags. Her face was lit with a bright smile, but when her gazended on Carrie, seated on the sofa, the smile faltered briefly.

    A flicker of guilt crossed her features before she quicklyposed herself.

    ¡°Take these to my room,¡± Billie instructed the maid, handing off the bags. Turning to Carrie, she reced her hesitation with an awkward smile. ¡°Oh, Carrie, you¡¯re here.¡±

    Mny nced at Billie, thenughed, taking Carrie¡¯s hand. ¡°Billie¡¯s been shopping non-stop these past few days,ing home with bags full of things. I don¡¯t know how she finds it so entertaining to shop alone. Carrie, when you have time, you should go with her and pick out whatever you like.¡±

    Billie, usuallypliant with Mny¡¯s suggestions, offered a strainedugh and politely declined. ¡°Mrs. Quinn and the others have been inviting me out recently. Carrie doesn¡¯t usually enjoy those kinds of social gatherings. Mny, don¡¯t trouble her with it.¡±

    ¡°If she wants anything, she can just have it delivered to Bayview Vi and charge it to my ount.¡±

    .

    .

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 Chapter 586

    ?<strong>Chapter 586:</strong>

    Daxton, ever polite, turned toward Billie. ¡°Mrs. Norris,¡± he greeted formally.

    Though they were technically rtives, Daxton always addressed Billie with formality.

    As a child, he had once called her by her name, only to be met with a stern re. From then on, he had been perceptive enough to stick with ¡°Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Billie, preupied with maintaining appearances, barely spared Daxton a nce.

    She had always treated Roberto¡¯s side of the family with a distant, almost indifferent attitude.

    She gave him a faint nod of acknowledgment before turning her focus back to Carrie. Daxton¡¯s gaze lingered on her briefly before he lowered his eyes to conceal his thoughts.

    His informants had already reported Billie¡¯s frequent meetings with Lise, portraying an affectionate mother-daughter bond. Eager to deflect attention from herself, Billie sat beside Carrie and asked casually, ¡°Didn¡¯t Kristophere with you today?¡± A flicker of sadness crossed Carrie¡¯s eyes, though she quickly masked it with a faint smile. ¡°Kristopher¡¯s on a business trip abroad. He hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡±

    Billie, oblivious to the recent strain in Carrie and Kristopher¡¯s rtionship, nodded absentmindedly.

    Mny, however, was somewhat aware of the growing tension and had invited Daxton to help liven the atmosphere.

    Mny interjected smoothly to change the subject. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s not talk about him. There are so many dishes today that Carrie loves. Kristopher is the one missing out.¡±

    Relieved that Mny hadn¡¯t insisted on Carrie apanying her shopping, Billie rxed, though she remained oblivious to the underlying tension in the room.

    In the living room, the group maintained an air of cordiality, their interactions polite and harmonious on the surface. But beneath the facade, each person harbored their own thoughts and concerns.

    Only Daxton sat quietly, his sharp eyes observing everything. He alone understood that this calm was merely a deceptive pause¡ªthe forewarning of a brewing storm that would soon engulf them all.

    The meal was ready soon enough, and it was clear the dishes had been carefully chosen to please Carrie. Every te reflected her favorite vors.

    Even Shawn and Mny, who typically preferred lighter fare, found themselves eating more spicy food than usual.

    Carrie set her fork down and stood, gently moving the few lighter dishes closer to the elderly couple. ¡°Shawn, Mny, you don¡¯t usually eat spicy food. Eating too much at once might upset your stomach.¡±

    Mny smiled warmly, her tone affectionate. ¡°You always look out for us. I haven¡¯t been feeling welltely, and nothing has tasted quite right. I thought I¡¯d try something more vorful.¡±

    Before Carrie could return to her seat, her phone began to ring.

    She nced at the screen¡ªit was the private detective.

    She hesitated for a moment before declining the call.

    Across the table, Daxton¡¯s eyes flickered toward her. He pretended not to notice and helped himself to another piece of braised beef brisket.

    The stewed beef brisket was infused with spicy vors, making it incredibly delicious.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 587

    ?<strong>Chapter 587:</strong>

    He savored the dish with deliberate calm.

    The phone rang again. This time, Mny noticed and said kindly, ¡°We¡¯re all family here; there¡¯s no need to stand on ceremony. If it¡¯s something urgent for work, go ahead and take the call. They¡¯ve already called twice¡ªit must be important.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s eyshes fluttered slightly, though his expression remained neutral. He hadn¡¯t expected the Norris family to indulge Carrie so openly.

    He felt a sense of relief, thankful for his thorough preparations. Without them,peting with Kristopher might have been impossible.

    Daxton had always considered himself simr to Kristopher, but now, an unfamiliar pang of envy tugged at him. Kristopher had the quiet, unwavering support of his family¡ªa luxury Daxton had never known.

    Unlike Kristopher, he had always walked alone in the shadows. The thought lingered heavily as he silently picked up another shrimp, savoring the rich vor.

    A storm was brewing, and a good show was about to begin. If he didn¡¯t eat now, he might not have the chanceter. Watching the fun on an empty stomach was never an option.

    Carrie reluctantly answered the call, her voice low. ¡°If it¡¯s urgent, text me. I¡¯m having dinner with my family.¡±

    Her intention had been to keep the conversation brief, but the voice on the other end was loud enough for everyone at the table to hear.

    ¡°Ms. Campbell, we don¡¯t have time for texting!¡± the detective said urgently. ¡°Lise is destroying her evidence and filing immigration paperwork. If she leaves the country, we won¡¯t be able to do anything!¡±

    The tension in the room thickened instantly. Mny¡¯s expression grew serious as she turned to Carrie. ¡°Carrie, what¡¯s going on with Lise?¡±

    Shawn ced his hand on the table, his tone resolute. ¡°Carrie, don¡¯t worry. Whatever this is about, Mny and I will back you up.¡±

    Billie, however, shifted ufortably in her seat. Setting her fork down, she nced nervously between Carrie and the elderly couple. Trying to ease the situation, she said, ¡°Mny, Shawn, this is a matter between young people. You two shouldn¡¯t get involved.¡±

    Carrie, seemingly oblivious to Billie¡¯s unease, responded softly, her eyshes fluttering as she spoke. ¡°Lise was the one who hired the shooter at the wedding.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Shawn and Mny eximed together, their disbelief evident.

    Billie hesitated, her voice wavering as she attempted to defend Lise. ¡°Could there be some kind of misunderstanding? She¡¯s just an ordinary woman from a modest background. Kristopher is her only connection. How could she possibly orchestrate something like that?¡±

    Shawn¡¯s expression darkened, his voice grave. ¡°Carrie, this is no small matter. Do you have solid evidence?¡±

    Carrie had no intention of hiding the truth about the murderer anymore.

    With trembling hands, she raised her phone, pulled up the evidence provided by the detective, and yed it for everyone to see.

    As the videos and audio clips filled the room, Carrie¡¯s voice cracked with suppressed sobs. ¡°She didn¡¯t just take my child¡¯s life¡­ she took away my chances of ever being a mother again.¡± Her voice faltered, but she forced herself to continue. ¡°The doctor said I¡¯ll never be able to have children.¡±

    Mny¡¯s eyes filled with tears as she reached out to sp Carrie¡¯s hand. Her lips trembled, and though she wanted to offer words offort, all she could manage was a simple, heartbroken, ¡°My poor child. Our Norris family has wronged you so deeply.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 588

    ?<strong>Chapter 588:</strong>

    Across the table, Shawn¡¯s face darkened with anger. He mmed his fork down onto his te with a loud ng. ¡°Has Kristopher gonepletely insane? How can he defend such a murderer?¡±

    Shawn turned to the butler with urgency. ¡°Contact the police chief immediately. Form a special task force to investigate¡ª¡± Before he could finish, Billie suddenly stood up, rushed to his side, and dropped to her knees with a resounding thud. Grabbing his hand tightly, she pleaded tearfully, ¡°Shawn, please. Please don¡¯t do this. I¡¯m begging you¡ªspare Lise!¡±

    Her unexpected outburst stunned everyone in the room. Shawn stared at her, bewildered.

    Mny looked at Billie as if she were seeing a stranger. ¡°Billie, what¡­ What are you saying?¡±

    Billie¡¯s tear-streaked face twisted in anguish. ¡°Lise¡¯s heart¡­ it¡¯s Lisa¡¯s! I¡¯ve already lost Lisa once. I can¡¯t lose her again.¡± Her voice broke as she sobbed uncontrobly, unable to say anything more.

    Shawn¡¯s shock deepened, his eyes darting from Billie to Carrie. ¡°This¡­¡±

    Carrie nodded solemnly. ¡°Kristopher told me about it, but I don¡¯t know all the details. Lise¡¯s heart transnt¡­ she received his sister Lisa¡¯s heart.¡±

    Mny froze in ce, her hand gripping a nearby chair for support. Her voice trembled as she cried, ¡°What kind of cursed fate is this? Our Norris family has always conducted¡­¡±

    business honestly, never harming anyone. How could something so cruel happen to us?¡±

    Shawn fell silent, sighing deeply as his mind wandered back to the painful days when Billie had nearly lost her life.

    It was all the result of his son Roberto¡¯s reckless decisions¡ªa failure that had brought untold suffering to his wife and daughter.

    A maid helped Billie, now a tearful wreck, back to her seat.

    But before she could fully settle, a thought seemed to strike her. She stumbled toward Carrie once more and dropped to her knees. ¡°Carrie, please,¡± she begged desperately, her voice hoarse. ¡°I¡¯m begging you to show mercy to Lise. Think of a mother who¡¯s already lost one child. Please¡­¡±

    Tears streamed down Carrie¡¯s face, falling silently like shattered pearls. She stood slowly, her movements deliberate, and knelt across from Billie. Her voice was soft but heavy with pain. ¡°Billie, what about my child?¡± she asked, her voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯m a mother too¡ªa mother who lost her child. Did anyone care about my child? That child was Kristopher¡¯s too. It was your grandchild.¡±

    Billie froze, her pleas momentarily silenced. But then, in a desperate attempt to defend Lise, she blurted out, ¡°You weren¡¯t even a month pregnant. That was just a cluster of cells. How can itpare to Lise¡ªa living, breathing person?¡±

    Carrie recoiled as if struck, staring at Billie in disbelief. Her voice cracked with raw emotion. ¡°That wasn¡¯t just a cluster of cells¡ªit was my child! I could feel his heartbeat, Billie! After the check-up, he knew I wasn¡¯t well. My morning sickness had stopped¡ªhe spared me that difort. He loved me even then!¡±

    Shawn, experienced in managing crises, took the medicine handed to him by a maid. After calming himself, he gave firm instructions. ¡°Take Mrs. Billie Norris back to her room.¡± But Billie clung desperately to the table leg, refusing to move. Her voice was frantic. ¡°I¡¯m not going! I won¡¯t let anyone hurt my daughter!¡±

    Turning back to Carrie, Billie¡¯s tear-filled eyes pleaded desperately. ¡°If someone has to pay with their life, I¡¯ll take Lise¡¯s ce!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 589

    ?<strong>Chapter 589:</strong>

    With that, Billie grabbed a fork from the table. Before anyone could react, she aimed it at her neck with all her strength, her intent clear.

    Daxton, who had been silently observing from the sidelines, was the first to react. With lightning speed, he closed the distance to Billie and grabbed her wrist before she could harm herself. With a firm but measured grip, he applied just enough pressure to weaken her hold. The fork slipped from her hand, ttering harmlessly to the floor.

    Daxton kicked it aside, ensuring it was out of reach before releasing her wrist.

    Billie, her resolve shattered, copsed onto the floor. Covering her face, she began sobbing quietly, her earlier defiance reced by despair.

    ¡°Enough!¡± Shawn¡¯s voice rang out, firm andmanding. ¡°This is the Norris family home, not some dramatic rural sideshow! Billie, you¡¯re a graduate of a prestigious university. Since when did you start dealing with problems by throwing childish tantrums like this?¡± He looked at her with deep disappointment. However, the memory of her fragile state after losing Lisa softened his tone. Shawn swallowed the harsher words he wanted to say.

    Daxton bypassed the sobbing Billie and moved to help Carrie to her feet.

    Startled by Billie¡¯s outburst, Carrie didn¡¯t resist as Daxton gently guided her back to her chair.

    His fingers brushed briefly against her wrist as he helped her up. Her skin was soft and delicate, like a child¡¯s, yet the weight of her pain was unmistakable.

    Before anyone could say more, a hurried voice called out from the doorway. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Everyone turned to see Lise entering the room in a flowing white outfit, her expression one of concern.

    Lise approached Billie and helped her to her feet.

    ¡°Lise?¡± Billie¡¯s tears stopped abruptly as she scrambled to her feet. She pulled Lise close. Billie¡¯s earlier vulnerability gave way to fierce protectiveness.

    Billie shielded Lise as though the family might harm her. ¡°Lise, why are you here?¡± she asked, her tone trembling with a mixture of relief and panic.

    ¡°I heard something was wrong, so I came,¡± Lise replied calmly, though her sharp gaze quickly found Carrie. Positioning herself protectively in front of Billie, Lise¡¯s voice turned cold. ¡°I have no intention of clinging to Kristopher. If you resent me because of my past with him, I¡¯ll ept that. But I won¡¯t let you bully my mother.¡±

    Her words carried a subtle but pointed usation.

    Twisting the narrative, she painted herself as the victim.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes remained fixed on Lise, her expression cool and unyielding. She had no intention of arguing in the Norris Mansion, not when emotions were running so high.

    Mny reached for Carrie¡¯s hand, gently squeezing it as if to offer silentfort.

    Carrie had endured so much pain¡ªtoo much for someone so young.

    Mny¡¯s heart ached, but she was torn. One was her daughter-inw, and the other was her granddaughter-inw. Both were dear to her, and while she wanted to protect Carrie, she couldn¡¯t entirely disregard Billie¡¯s emotions.

    Billie, too, had suffered deeply in her youth, and the sight of her now, clinging to Lise, evoked a sense of helplessness in Mny. She had faced countless challenges in her life, standing by Shawn¡¯s side through it all. Back then, she feared no danger or adversity. Yet now, within the small confines of the Norris Mansion, the conflict between these two women left her at a loss.

    Shawn, however, wasn¡¯t as patient. His voice was stern as he addressed Lise. ¡°Ms. Nash, watch your words. Don¡¯t overstep and im ties to this family that don¡¯t exist. The only person allowed to call Billie ¡®Mom¡¯ is Kristopher. Don¡¯t mistake your situation.¡±

    Mny¡¯s tone, while calm, grew colder. ¡°Regardless of whether the heart in your chest is Lisa¡¯s or not, you are no different from the underprivileged children our family has supported over the years. Lisa¡¯s organs were donated because of her kind heart. She made the decision to give life to others in her final moments. But no one¡ªno one¡ªcan rece her in this family or in our hearts.¡±

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    .

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 Chapter 590

    ?<strong>Chapter 590:</strong>

    Her words were measured, but her gaze shifted deliberately to Billie, silently warning her to remain clear-headed and not be swayed by Lise¡¯s maniptive words.

    Billie, however, seemed deaf to the underlying warning. She clung tightly to Lise¡¯s hand, as though the young woman were her lifeline.

    Lise, her expression aggrieved, said softly, ¡°I know I¡¯m not qualified to be a part of the Norris family. But I grew up without a mother¡¯s love. Maybe it¡¯s because of my connection with Lisa, or maybe it¡¯s just fate, but I feel an extraordinary bond with Billie.¡± Her words, crafted to sound humble and sincere, struck a chord with Billie. Billie tightened her grip on Lise¡¯s hand, utterly convinced. ¡°She¡¯s right. Their names are so simr. She¡¯s myfort after Lisa.¡±

    Shawn and Mny exchanged a nce, their expressions steady and unshaken. They had lived long enough to see through countless schemes and maniptions. To them, Lise¡¯s ploy was insignificant.

    They were loving grandparents to Kristopher and Carrie, but to outsiders¡ªespecially someone who disrupted the family¡¯s peace¡ªthey showed no leniency.

    Their love for Lisa was deep and unwavering. But they understood one painful truth: death was final. No matter what, even if Lise carried Lisa¡¯s heart, she could never truly rece her.

    Their granddaughter would never have stooped to such tactics or relied on maniption for personal gain.

    Shawn¡¯s voice cut through the room, sharp andmanding. ¡°Ms. Nash, today is our family dinner. Your presence here is highly inappropriate.¡±

    Lise remained unperturbed. Her lips curved into a calm smile as she responded evenly, ¡°My mother and I went shopping earlier today, and she identally left something with me. I am here to return it.¡±

    She reached into her bag and pulled out a delicate bracelet, holding it up for all to see.

    The bracelet, unmistakably Billie¡¯s, sparkled under the chandelier light. Billie often shopped with Lise, leaving trinkets and belongings behind in her car.

    Today was no exception, but the bracelet was hardly the real reason for Lise¡¯s visit. She had received an anonymous tip that Carrie nned to return to the Norris Mansion to expose her.

    With Kristopher abroad, Lise knew time was not on her side. She needed to seek Billie¡¯s protection. The Norris family wielded immense influence; one misstep could see her erased from existence.

    Mny¡¯s voice rang out, cold and cutting. ¡°Since you have delivered the item, you can leave now. If you did not drive here, I will have a driver take you home.¡±

    She turned toward the servants without sparing Lise another nce. ¡°You have been getting careless¡ªallowing just anyone inside. If this happens again, I will not hesitate to rece some of you.¡±

    Though her words were aimed at the servants, the intended sting was unmistakably for Lise.

    The staff exchanged uneasy nces, their faces pale. Bowing their heads, they murmured in unison, ¡°Understood, Mrs. Norris.¡± The truth of Lise¡¯s connection to Billie was lost on Shawn and Mny, but the household staff knew better. Billie had been treating Lise like family these days, and the drivers and servants often turned a blind eye when she arrived. This evening, amidst the family¡¯s arguments, they had hesitated to interrupt, allowing Lise to slip in unnoticed.

    Instead of leaving, Lise sat beside Billie, her hand resting over the older woman¡¯s in a gesture of quiet solidarity.

    Her gaze shifted briefly to Carrie, who had been studying the scene with a detached air. When Carrie finally spoke, her voice was steady, almost dispassionate. ¡°Since everyone is gathered, it is time to clear the air.¡±

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 Chapter 591

    ?<strong>Chapter 591:</strong>

    She turned her focus to Lise, her expression devoid of warmth. ¡°Earlier, I presented the evidence. Denial will not help you. While it may not be enough to convict you in court, it is evident to all that you are involved. However, since Billie and Kristopher insist on shielding you, I feel powerless.¡±

    Before Carrie could say more, Shawn mmed his palm against the table, the sharp crack silencing the room. ¡°I am still alive! I won¡¯t condone violence against my granddaughter-inw and great-grandchild!¡± His fiery deration reverberated through the room.

    Billie rose to her feet with the swiftness of a protective mother bear, cing herself squarely between Shawn and Lise. Her voice, usually gentle, carried an edge. ¡°Shawn, if Lise has done anything wrong, I will bear the consequences on her behalf.¡±

    Mny¡¯s exasperation boiled over. ¡°Billie, open your eyes! Even a parent¡¯s love has limits. She is not your child, and she has her own parents. It is not your ce to sacrifice yourself. Look at her¡ªshe is not Lisa!¡±

    Her frustration colored every word, but Billie¡¯s resolve did not waver.

    Carrie, unfazed by the exchange, spoke with chilling calm. ¡°Billie, there is no need for that. I will not forgive her, and I do not require anyone to take her ce. She is a murderer, and just because I cannot act now does not mean I will not find the evidence to hold her ountable.¡± A mother¡¯s love made her strong.

    Billie stiffened, her muddled thoughts sharpening in the face of Carrie¡¯s veiled threat.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± she demanded, her voice firm. ¡°If you spare Lise, I will give you everything I own.¡±

    ???l????v??????.c??m brings fresh updates

    Carrie¡¯sposure faltered briefly, a flicker of sadness crossing her face.

    She had not expected Billie to reduce her to a schemer after everything they had shared.

    Memories of Billie defending her to Tristan yed through her mind.

    It seemed that to a mother, a daughter-inw would always remain an outsider, thetter¡¯s ce easily overshadowed by the bond shared with a stranger who had her daughter¡¯s heart.

    Lowering her gaze, Carrie masked her disappointment and spoke softly. ¡°Shawn, Mny, I have decided to divorce Kristopher. From now on, my actions will have no connection to the Norris family. You will no longer be caught in the middle.¡±

    Lise¡¯s heart soared.

    Without Carrie tethered to the Norris family, she could act freely, unburdened by the fear of retaliation. The possibilities thrilled her.

    Shawn, however, erupted in opposition. ¡°Absolutely not! This family will not cast out a granddaughter-inw for an outsider!¡±

    A sudden voice, deep and authoritative, resonated from the doorway, freezing everyone in their tracks. ¡°Who are you nning to cast out?¡±

    The room fell silent as the crowd turned toward the doorway, where Kristopher stood in a ck suit, looking worn from his travels.

    Without bothering to change his shoes, he strode in, his gaze immediatelynding on Lise. His brows furrowed deeply. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    Before Lise could answer, Billie quickly interjected, her tone defensive. ¡°Lise came to deliver something to me.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes shifted to Billie, noticing how closely she sat beside Lise, their demeanor almost like that of a mother and daughter.

    .

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 Chapter 592

    ?<strong>Chapter 592:</strong>

    His jaw tightened, and the temperature in the room seemed to drop.

    He had already guessed that Lise had revealed the truth about her heart to Billie.

    The memory of Billie¡¯s near breakdown after Lisa¡¯s death haunted him, and he had gone to great lengths to shield her from any further pain. He was afraid that any future mishap might cause Billie to relive that nightmare.

    He had explicitly warned Lise to keep the heart transnt a secret from the Norris family. Yet, she had defied him and used it to gain Billie¡¯s sympathy.

    Suppressing his frustration, Kristopher pulled a chair beside Carrie and sat down.

    His cold gaze flickered briefly toward Daxton, who stood protectively behind Carrie. Kristopher¡¯s lips curled into a faint, derisive smile. ¡°Why are you here?¡± he asked icily, though the question carried little genuine curiosity.

    Before Daxton could respond, Mny spoke weakly. ¡°I called him here.¡±

    Kristopher shifted his attention away from Daxton and back to Carrie. Reaching for her hand, he softened his tone. ¡°I just got off the ne. I heard you were here at the Norris Mansion, so I came to take you home.¡±

    Carrie instinctively pulled her hand back, her voice calm but firm.

    ¡°You came just in time. I¡¯ve already discussed the divorce with Shawn and Mny.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is full of thrilling adventures

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened, though his expression didn¡¯t change.

    He let out a faint, humorless chuckle. ¡°When did you pick up this bad habit¡ªbringing up divorce over every little disagreement?¡± He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping to a coaxing tone. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about this at home. Grandpa and Grandma aren¡¯t in good health; let¡¯s not add to their worries.¡±

    Across the table, Lise gripped the hem of her shirt tightly, her knuckles white. She watched the exchange with growing unease. Kristopher¡¯s gentle patience with Carrie was new to her. Previously, Kristopher had been cold and indifferent towards Carrie.

    When did Carrie start receiving the tenderness Lise once thought she could only earn through a heart transnt?

    Shawn¡¯s voice cut through the tension. His tone was stern, leaving no room for evasion. ¡°Kristopher, smoothing things over won¡¯t work this time. Let¡¯sy everything on the table. Do you know what Lise has done?¡±

    Kristopher hesitated, hisposure slipping for the first time. The faint smile disappeared, reced by a solemn expression. ¡°I know,¡± he admitted.

    He had learned the full extent of Lise¡¯s actions and immediately got on the jet to hurry back home.

    The investigation results had left him stunned. He had never imagined that Lise, who once seemed so vulnerable, couldmit such cruelty.

    During the flight, Kristopher wrestled with the implications of what he had discovered. The heart transnt hadn¡¯t changed Lise¡¯s nature.

    She was still herself¡ªwed and maniptive. And no matter whose heart she carried, Lise was not Lisa.

    Kristopher looked at Shawn, his voice heavy with regret. ¡°Grandpa, the shooter is already dead. As for Lise, I¡¯ll send her abroad and make sure she never returns.¡±

    Shawn frowned, his disappointment evident. He turned to Carrie, his tone softening. ¡°Carrie, what do you think?¡±

    Carrie looked at Kristopher¡¯s chiseled profile, her gaze steady but cold. After a long pause, she spoke softly. ¡°Kristopher, this time, there¡¯s nopromise.¡± Her voice grew firmer as she continued, ¡°Either you divorce me, and whatever happens between me and Lise has nothing to do with you¡­ Or¡­¡± She took a deep breath, then stated clearly, ¡°You send Lise to prison. Let her face justice, and I¡¯ll give you another chance.¡± Her expression was calm, but her eyes burned with hidden hatred.

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 Chapter 593

    ?<strong>Chapter 593:</strong>

    She hated Lise for causing her child¡¯s death, but she also hated Kristopher for protecting Lise unconditionally.

    Even if Lise carried Lisa¡¯s heart, Carrie couldn¡¯t ept it as an excuse for her to get away with her crimes.

    After all, Lisa was Lisa, and Lise was Lise.

    Carrie believed that if Lisa were still alive, she would never harm her brother¡¯s child.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression twisted in pain. ¡°Carrie¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, Billie shot to her feet, pointing an usatory finger at him. ¡°You already caused your sister¡¯s death once. Do you really want to kill Lise this time?¡±

    Shawn and Mny exchanged a nce, their expressions darkening. While they loved Billie, they couldn¡¯t condone her words.

    If Billie hadn¡¯t been so blinded by her stubbornness, Kristopher might never have be entangled with Lise, and this heartbreaking situation could have been avoided entirely.

    Kristopher¡¯s throat tightened, his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing slightly as he fixed Carrie with a pleading gaze. His voice, hoarse and unsteady, broke the tense silence. ¡°Carrie, can we go home first?¡±

    Carrie met his eyes, her expression unreadable. But before she could let herself feel the ache in his gaze, a vivid image intruded¡ªa fleeting vision of the child she had never met, standing before her in a dream, using her with tearful eyes.

    The memory struck like a shard of ss, and her chest tightened. Turning her face away, she forced herself to remainposed. ¡°Since we have reached this point, let us settle everything here and now. This endless back-and-forth is draining us all.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s hands curled into fists at his sides, knuckles whitening. For a man who prided himself on his stoicism, begging was foreign¡ªdetestable, even. Yet, desperation overtook him.

    ¡°I know you love me,¡± he rasped. ¡°Just this once¡ªplease,promise for me. After this, I swear, I will give in to you in everything.¡±

    His words carried a weight that was almost painful to hear.

    He knew he had no right to ask anything of her. Not after everything. He had failed to protect his sister years ago, and now he had failed to keep Lise in line.

    Carrie had borne wounds he could not mend, wounds that had no ce in her life but had carved themselves deep because of him.

    He had considered letting her go¡ªfreeing her from the pain he brought¡ªbut the thought alone wed at his sanity. Returning to an empty home was unthinkable.

    Just the thought of it was unbearable. Losing Carrie would drive him to madness.

    Once, he had lived in unbroken darkness, numb and resigned. He thought he could exist like that forever. But Carrie had shown him the light.

    She had taught him to love, to soften, topromise, to speak his heart.

    Now, he could not imagine returning to the hollow shell of the man he had once been. Life without her felt like death in all but name.

    Carrie regarded him, her expression hardening as his desperation unfolded before her. The Kristopher she knew¡ªthe cold, stoic, unrelenting man¡ªhad vanished, reced by someone raw and exposed.

    And yet, the sight did not soften her resolve; it only made her colder.

    His struggle was not for her. No, this wasn¡¯t about love. It was about Lise.

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 Chapter 594

    ?<strong>Chapter 594:</strong>

    He was willing to strip himself bare, to grovel in the dust for Lise. The realization hit Carrie like a thunderp. Her chest ached, her eyes stung, but she tilted her head, forcing the tears to stay hidden.

    ¡°Kristopher,¡± she began, her voice brittle, ¡°do you love me?¡±

    His response came immediately, almost tripping over his own desperation. ¡°Of course, I love you! It is because I love you that I cannot let this marriage end. I cannot let you go!¡±

    The urgency in his tone, the near-frantic need to convince her, was almost pitiable. He seemed ready to bare his soul at her feet if only it could prove his words true.

    But Carrie stood unmoved. She spoke slowly, deliberately, her toneced with bitterness. ¡°Is this your way of showing love? By using my feelings against me to force mypliance? Tell me, Kristopher¡ªif you truly love me, why do you keep making me yield? Why did you make mepromise, even as our child died without answers?¡±

    Her words sliced through him, and his hand dropped to his side, fiddling absently with the wedding ring still circling his finger.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze fell on the ring, her heart twisting. Hers had been gone for a long time, yet his lingered¡ªa cruel reminder of vows they had both broken.

    Perhaps this was their fate. Perhaps they had always been destined for a fractured ending.

    When she spoke again, her voice was cold enough to chill the air. ¡°We should have ended this long ago. If we had, my child would not have been dragged into your chaos.¡±

    ¡°Carrie!¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice cracked, pleading. He reached for her, as if he could stop the avnche of her words.

    But she ignored him, unyielding. ¡°It iste, Kristopher. You need to make a decision, and quickly. Dragging this on won¡¯t change the oue¡ªit will only prolong the suffering for everyone involved.¡±

    Straightening, she forced herself to meet his gaze, herposure as sharp as the edges of her words. ¡°Divorce, or let Lise face the consequences. The choice is yours. We are adults, Kristopher. We cannot have everything. Sometimes, we must sacrifice.¡±

    ¡°Carrie¡­¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s voice cracked as he tried to salvage what little remained of their crumbling rtionship. A desperate thought struck him, and he clung to it like a lifeline.

    ¡°Carrie, what¡¯s done is done. I¡¯m deeply saddened by what happened to the child. But aren¡¯t the living more important? You may not care about me or my family anymore, but what about Gracie? She¡¯s just starting to recover, and if she finds out about us divorcing, it will break her heart.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression remained calm, though her lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. She tilted her head slightly and asked in a low voice, ¡°Are you really using Gracie to manipte me now?¡±

    Carrie no longer held any illusions about him. This final attempt at control only strengthened her resolve.

    For someone who had already decided to leave, disappointment served as a painful but cleansing relief. Love, hesitation, and lingering weakness had only prolonged her suffering.

    Kristopher stood frozen, unable to find any more words. At that moment, Oliver rushed into the room, phone in hand, his face pale with urgency.

    Kristopher¡¯s frustration boiled over at the interruption. He shot a re at Oliver¡¯s shoes, as if that alone could express his irritation. ¡°Why do you always bring every little thing to me? Do I pay you to stand around looking like furniture?¡±

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 Chapter 595

    ?<strong>Chapter 595:</strong>

    When Oliver didn¡¯t immediately move, Kristopher barked, ¡°Get out!¡±

    Mny, sensing the tension escting, spoke up with feigned casualness. ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Oliver?¡±

    She didn¡¯t particrly care about his answer¡ªshe was merely trying to break the suffocating atmosphere.

    She had always been adept at handling difficult situations, but today, she was at a loss.

    Oliver, sweating visibly, said in a low, hesitant voice, ¡°Mrs. Norris¡¯s grandmother¡­ Gracie¡¯s condition has worsened.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Carrie¡¯s reaction was immediate. She shot to her feet, the chair scraping loudly against the floor.

    Mny¡¯s expression shifted as her heart sank, though she masked it quickly. She reached out and gently nudged Kristopher. ¡°Kristopher, take Carrie to the hospital right away. She was fine just a few days ago. How could her condition deteriorate so quickly?¡±

    Lise¡¯s expression flickered, her hands instinctively gripping the back of her chair. She bit her lip as her face paled. But her reaction went unnoticed amidst themotion. Everyone¡¯s focus was on Gracie.

    Everyone, that is, except Daxton. Standing near the corner, he nced briefly at Lise, his sharp gaze assessing her. A flicker of suspicion crossed his face, but he said nothing and turned his attention back to Carrie.

    Shawn, regaining hisposure, spoke decisively. ¡°Kristopher isn¡¯t in any condition to drive. Oliver, you should take them.¡± Before Oliver could reply, Daxton stepped forward. His tone was calm yet resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll take Carrie.¡±

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    Kristopher¡¯s head snapped toward Daxton, his eyes narrowing into icy slits. ¡°The Norris family doesn¡¯t need you as a driver, Daxton.¡±

    Carrie ignored Kristopher entirely. She grabbed her coat and turned to Daxton, her voice steady. ¡°Thank you. Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face darkened further, his body tense as if he were about tosh out. But before he could act, Mny ced a hand on his arm, her calm presence stopping him. ¡°Daxton,¡± Mny said with measured warmth, ¡°take care of Carrie. Call us if anything happens.¡±

    Daxton nodded. ¡°Of course, Mny.¡± He turned to the rest of the family, bidding them a polite farewell. ¡°Shawn, Mrs. Billie Norris, we¡¯ll be on our way.¡±

    Carrie echoed softly, ¡°We¡¯ll be off,¡± before following Daxton out of the room.

    Kristopher stood rooted to the spot, staring at their retreating figures as if frozen. His hands dropped helplessly to his sides.

    Mny sighed, her tone carrying a mixture of sympathy and exasperation. ¡°Kristopher, now isn¡¯t the time to make things worse. If you truly care, call the hospital and find out why Gracie¡¯s condition has deteriorated¡­¡±

    Before Mny could finish, Lise suddenly clutched her chest, her face turning deathly pale. ¡°I¡¯m having chest pains¡­¡±

    Billie¡¯s face turned ashen as she darted forward, gripping Lise¡¯s arm to keep her steady. Her voice rang out, sharp and panicked, ¡°Help! Someone get here now! We need to take Lise to the hospital!¡±

    Without pausing, she whirled toward Kristopher, her eyes zing with urgency. ¡°Hurry and carry her to the car! Are you just going to stand there while she suffers?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered on Lise¡¯s pallid face. Her fragile appearance should have inspired sympathy, yet all he could feel was an unsettling mix of doubt and frustration. How could someone so delicate conceal such a twisted soul?

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 Chapter 596

    ?<strong>Chapter 596:</strong>

    But he swallowed the usation forming in his throat. No matter what Lise had done, she still carried his younger sister¡¯s heart.

    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Billie snapped, her tone slicing through his hesitation like a whip.

    Suppressing his annoyance, Kristopher stepped forward and carefully lifted Lise into his arms.

    As they moved toward the car, he frowned and asked, ¡°What happened? Why do you feel unwell all of a sudden?¡±

    Lise tilted her tear-streaked face upward, her voice trembling as she whispered, ¡°Kristopher, do you not trust me anymore? I would never joke about something as serious as my heart.¡± Her pitiful expression might have softened another¡¯s resolve, but Kristopher felt a wall of mistrust rising between them. The memory of her recent actions lingered, casting shadows over her words.

    Billie, however, bristled with indignation. Her hand flew out, delivering a sharp p to Kristopher¡¯s arm. ¡°What nonsense are you saying? Stop doubting her and take her to the hospital already!¡±

    Nearby, Shawn and Mny exchanged weary nces, their silent sighs echoing the futility of reasoning with Billie¡¯s unyielding determination.

    The hospital.

    When Carrie and Daxton arrived, the emergency room lights had dimmed, and Gracie had been moved to a general ward. Shey on the bed, her frail form blending into the pale sheets, her eyes closed in a semnce of peace.

    The doctor approached them, his expression grave. Carrie¡¯s heart clenched as she stepped forward. ¡°How is my grandma doing, Doctor?¡±

    He shook his head solemnly, his voice low. ¡°We have done all we can. It is time to say your goodbyes.¡±

    Carrie froze, her wide eyes fixed on the doctor.

    For a moment, the weight of his words refused to settle in her mind. ¡°No,¡± she said, forcing a brittle smile, ¡°you must be mistaken. She is just sleeping¡ª¡±

    The doctor sighed, cutting gently across her denial. ¡°She is holding on, waiting for you. Go quickly, or you might not hear herst words.¡±

    Even before he finished, Carrie was rushing into the room.

    Her steps faltered as she reached the bedside. Gracie¡¯s face was pale but calm, her breathing shallow. Carrie smoothed her disheveled hair with trembling fingers, fighting topose herself.

    The faint rustle stirred Gracie awake. Her tired eyes fluttered open, and her lips curved into a fragile smile. ¡°Carrie, you are here. It is sote¡­ I hope I did not trouble you.¡±

    Carrie sank into the chair by the bed, grasping Gracie¡¯s hand tightly. ¡°You did not disturb me, Gracie. I had just finished supper and was chatting¡­ nothing important.¡±

    Gracie¡¯s gaze softened, her affection evident despite the shadows of exhaustion in her eyes. ¡°You need more rest, my dear. In these early months, you must take care of yourself and the baby.¡±

    A wave of anguish surged through Carrie¡¯s chest. She lowered her head, the words she could not say forming a lump in her throat. How could she tell Gracie that the baby was gone?

    Gracie smiled, a tear sliding down her cheek. ¡°It is a shame I will not live to meet my great-grandchild. I wonder¡­ will it be a boy or a girl? It does not matter, really, as long as the child is healthy and happy.¡±

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 Chapter 597

    ?<strong>Chapter 597:</strong>

    Her voice faltered, and her chest rose and fell inbored breaths. Carrie immediately leaned in, supporting her frail frame and murmuring reassurances.

    The tears she had held back spilled freely now, hot streaks tracing paths down her cheeks. They dripped onto Gracie¡¯s thin hands, soaking into the sheet beneath.

    The silence between them grew heavy, and the sorrow that filled the room seemed almost tangible.

    Carrie¡¯s chest heaved as sobs racked her body. She gripped her grandmother¡¯s fragile hand tightly, her voice trembling with desperation. ¡°Grandma, please don¡¯t talk like that,¡± she begged, her words thick with emotion. ¡°You¡¯ll feel better after some rest. I still need you¡ªI want you to be here to help me raise my children someday.¡±

    Gracie¡¯s lips curved into a faint, tired smile. With effort, she ced her other hand gently over Carrie¡¯s, her touch barely more than a whisper. ¡°Sweetheart,¡± she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of years, ¡°I¡¯m not a child anymore. I know my body, and I know when it¡¯s time.¡±

    She paused, her gaze distant as if reaching for a memory. ¡°To be honest,¡± she continued, her voice weaker but steady, ¡°I thought I wouldn¡¯t make it this far. These extra years¡ªthey¡¯re only because of Kristopher and your mother-inw. Their care gave me more time than I ever thought I¡¯d have.¡±

    Gracie¡¯s face grew serious, her frail hand still resting on Carrie¡¯s. ¡°I should feel at peace by now, but I can¡¯t help worrying about you,¡± she said, her voice trembling slightly. ¡°You¡¯ve faced so much, even when you were just a little girl. And now, I¡¯m scared that once I¡¯m gone, you¡¯ll be left to face it all alone.¡±

    ¡°Grandma,¡± Carrie cried, her voice cracking as tears spilled freely down her cheeks. She gripped the nket covering Gracie. Her fingers trembled with desperation.

    Gracie¡¯s thin hand moved slowly, yet with purpose, as she brushed away Carrie¡¯s tears. Her touch was gentle, her eyes soft but steady. ¡°It¡¯s all right, my love,¡± she said quietly. Her voice was calm and soothing. ¡°Now, I can rest.¡±

    A faint smile crossed Gracie¡¯s face as she looked at Carrie. ¡°Kristopher loves you, and I can see that clearly. The Norris family is so much better than your father ever was. They care about you, truly. After I¡¯m gone, you¡¯ll still have someone to look after you.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s chest felt heavy, her mind spinning with thoughts of her lost child and the sight of Kristopher and Billie standing beside Lise. The pain in her heart grew sharper, almost unbearable.

    Wrapping her arms around Gracie, Carrie held her tightly, as if she could somehow keep her there forever. ¡°No one can ever take your ce,¡± she whispered. Her voice was thick with emotion. ¡°You mean everything to me. Please don¡¯t leave me.¡±

    Gracie¡¯s smile faded, her lips trembling as if the weight of her thoughts had stolen the warmth from her face. Her voice cracked as she murmured, ¡°I wish I could stay with you forever, but we all have to grow up someday.¡± Her gaze softened, though her words¡­

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be a mother now, Carrie. You can¡¯t stay a child. You have to be strong¡ªfor your child¡¯s sake.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart sank at the words, the ache of a truth Gracie didn¡¯t know. Carrie no longer had her child.

    The thought sliced through Carrie¡¯s chest, leaving her unable to form a single word in response.

    Instead, she pulled Gracie close, holding on as though her embrace could shield them both from the pain. Silent tears streaked Carrie¡¯s face, the only answer she could give.

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 Chapter 598

    ?<strong>Chapter 598:</strong>

    Gracie¡¯s voice broke the silence, softer now but still resolute. ¡°Carrie, every couple goes through misunderstandings and conflicts. You and your husband need to trust each other. Don¡¯t let anyonee between you.¡±

    ¡°Remember, my time is up. Don¡¯t me anyone else for it,¡± Gracie said, her voice low but clear, carrying a weight that made Carrie¡¯s heart ache.

    Carrie¡¯s heart was so heavy, she didn¡¯t catch the deeper meaning in Gracie¡¯s words right away. The sadness clouded her thoughts, and it took a moment for the message to sink in.

    ¡°Let me see your face just one more time,¡± Gracie requested, her hand gently resting on the back of Carrie¡¯s head, her touch warm but fading, like a final promise.

    Carrie sat up, hurriedly wiping her tears, but it only seemed to make them flow harder. She forced a smile, though it felt more like a wound than afort. ¡°Grandma, you can rest. I¡¯ll stay with you tonight at the hospital.¡±

    Gracie smiled softly at her, her eyes drifting shut as if the weight of the world was lifting. Slowly, her hand slipped from Carrie¡¯s, the connection between them weakening, her grip going limp.

    Carrie stood frozen, her fingers holding Gracie¡¯s limp hand, her voice barely a whisper. ¡°Grandma.¡±

    But Gracie didn¡¯t move, her body silent and still.

    The door opened, and the doctor, followed by Daxton, entered the room.

    The doctor gently checked for Gracie¡¯s breath and pulse, his fingers pressing softly against her skin.

    He pulled back, his expression filled with regret. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry for your loss,¡± he said quietly.

    He reached for the nket to pull it over Gracie¡¯s face.

    Carrie¡¯s voice stopped him, urgent and firm. ¡°She¡¯s just sleeping. Don¡¯t touch her. Don¡¯t disturb her.¡±

    Daxton moved closer, gently pulling her hand away. ¡°Let her rest in peace,¡± he said softly, his voice calm but firm.

    Carrie let go, her fingers loosening their grip. Daxton sat next to her, his arm wrapping around her shoulders in a quiet gesture of support.

    She broke downpletely, burying her face against his chest, sobbing uncontrobly. ¡°Gracie is gone,¡± she cried, her voice thick with pain. ¡°I¡¯ve lost everyone dear to me. There¡¯s no one to run to now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here,¡± Daxton whispered, his hand moving through her hair in slow, soothing motions.

    Carrie cried for what felt like hours, her body shaking with each sob. Eventually, the tears began to slow, but Gracie¡¯sst words continued to echo in her mind, a constant reminder of the loss. When the silence finally settled, Carrie lifted her head and looked at the doctor, her eyes filled with confusion and hurt. ¡°Gracie was about to be discharged,¡± she asked quietly. ¡°Why did her condition suddenly get worse?¡±

    The doctor hesitated, his brow furrowing in thought. ¡°It seems¡­ nothing out of the ordinary happened. Your grandmother, Gracie, did not have visitors today. In the afternoon, Ms. Nash came by to pick up a report, but they did not interact.¡±

    Daxton, ever steady in his support, ced a reassuring hand on Carrie¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You take care of Gracie¡¯s funeral arrangements. I will check the surveince footage to confirm what might have transpired.¡±

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 Chapter 599

    ?<strong>Chapter 599:</strong>

    His voice softened, and he gave her hand a gentle pat. ¡°Stay strong, Carrie. There is still so much to be done. Gracie only had you.¡±

    Carrie drew in a shaky breath, forcing herself to nod. ¡°Okay,¡± she whispered, her voice barely audible.

    After inquiring about the best funeral home in Orkset, she learned that the hospital often worked with high-end services, as its patients were typically affluent or influential.

    While arrangements were being made, she followed the nurse to take Gracie to the morgue.

    The white sheet draped over Gracie¡¯s still form blurred before Carrie¡¯s eyes. She stood rooted to the spot, her thoughts spiraling. Moments ago, Gracie had been vibrant, smiling, attending her wedding.

    Now, the silence of death cloaked her. Was this death? Carrie wondered.

    One moment lying in a hospital bed, the next¡­ gone.

    Her fingers hovered over the edge of the sheet. She hesitated, the fragile hope of a miracle blooming in her chest.

    Perhaps, if she did not lift the sheet, Gracie might stir, might wake, might prove this all a cruel misunderstanding.

    The cold of the morgue seeped into her bones, both a physical chill and an emotional one. She crossed her arms, rubbing them for warmth, when arge coat was gently draped over her shoulders.

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    She turned, startled, to find Daxton standing behind her. His worried gaze softened as it met hers.

    ¡°Daxton,¡± Carrie murmured, her voice trembling, ¡°it is so cold in here. Gracie will be cold too. Can you bring her a nket?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s grip on her shoulders tightened slightly, his tone low but firm. ¡°Carrie, you have to stop. Gracie is not cold anymore. She is¡­ not here. She has moved on to another world.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Carrie shook her head vehemently, stepping back. Her voice cracked, the words spilling out in a torrent of denial. ¡°She is right here with me. She is lying here, Daxton. She has not gone anywhere.¡±

    Daxton sighed, the weight of her grief bearing down on him as much as it did on her. ¡°Carrie, you must wake up. Life brings losses, and we have to learn to let go. You are not a child anymore. You must find the strength to say goodbye.¡±

    Carrie¡¯sposure shattered like ss. ¡°I do not want to say goodbye!¡± she cried, her voice echoing through the cold, sterile room. When his grip did not loosen, she acted on impulse, lowering her head and sinking her teeth into his arm.

    Years of dealing with Kristopher¡¯s physical strength had taught her that biting was often the only way to break free. Now, consumed by her anguish, she acted without thought. Daxton winced but refused to let go, his arms tightening around her as if anchoring her to reality.

    ¡°Miss¡­¡± The nurse nearby gasped, stepping forward in rm. Daxton¡¯s voice, sharp andmanding, stopped her in her tracks. ¡°Leave us. Now.¡±

    The nurse hesitated, her gaze darting between them, then quickly retreated under Daxton¡¯s stern re.

    The room fell silent, save for Carrie¡¯s muffled sobs and the faint hum of the morgue¡¯s machinery.

    Daxton stood firm, his arm bleeding beneath his thin shirt, the fabric darkening with crimson.

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 Chapter 600

    ?<strong>Chapter 600:</strong>

    The coppery taste of blood spread in Carrie¡¯s mouth, jolting her back to her senses. She released him abruptly, her hands trembling as they covered her mouth.

    Her gaze dropped to his arm. ¡°Does it hurt, Daxton?¡± she asked in a small, broken voice.

    The white shirt clung to his skin, soaked with blood, the vivid stain stark against the pale morgue.

    Carrie¡¯s tears flowed anew, burning her cheeks with their heat. ¡°I am sorry,¡± she whispered, her voice thick with guilt and sorrow.

    ¡°I am so sorry, Daxton.¡±

    Daxton ruffled Carrie¡¯s hair with a yful smile, his tone light. ¡°It¡¯s alright, really. No big deal. How hard can you bite, anyway? You are just a girl.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes narrowed as she reached out, determination shing in her expression. ¡°Let me see your wound,¡± she insisted, her fingers already moving toward his injured arm.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Daxton replied, a casual shrug apanying his words. He tucked his hand behind his back as if dismissing her concern. ¡°I will head to the treatment roomter and clean it with some iodine.¡± Before she could press further, he shifted the topic seamlessly. ¡°I have finished reviewing the surveince footage. Come with me to take a look.¡±

    The mention of the footage snapped Carrie out of her daze. The cloud of confusion lifted from her gaze, reced by sharp, unwavering rity.

    Without a word, she followed Daxton to the surveince room, her footsteps quick and purposeful.

    On the screen, the scene unfolded in stark detail. Lise and Gracie stood on opposite sides of a room, a palpable tension simmering between them. Though there was no direct confrontation, the hostility was unmistakable.

    Lise sneered, her voice dripping with venom. ¡°Some people¡ªit is one thing to cling to a rich man, but dragging along an old burden? That is a different story. Mrs. Billie Norris has begged countless doctors to help certain individuals. Honestly, some people are better off dead than being a weight around others¡¯ necks.¡±

    In the footage, Gracie¡¯s hands trembled as anger contorted her face. Yet, despite her fury, Lise¡¯s cruel words seemed to cut deep, lodging themselves in her heart.

    The recording continued. Gracie returned to her hospital room, her expression resigned. Waiting for the nurse to leave, she discreetly discarded her medication into the trash.

    Her reasoning was heartbreakingly clear¡ªshe could not bear to be a burden to Carrie, her only granddaughter. Carrie¡¯s chest tightened as she watched, the weight of grief and rage constricting her breath.

    ¡°Lise, damn you to hell!¡± Carrie bellowed, the chair before her crashing to the floor as she kicked it with unrestrained fury. The security guards hovering nearby flinched at her outburst, exchanging wary nces.

    They stepped back instinctively, muttering under their breath. ¡°Mr. Norris¡¯s wife,¡± one whispered, his voice tinged with awe. ¡°She¡¯s a tigress¡ªnothing like delicate Lise.¡±

    Just as the tension peaked, Carrie¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket.

    She yanked it out, answering with a curt, ¡°Hello?¡± A voice crackled on the other end. ¡°Ms. Campbell, our vehicle cannot get through. There are ambnces and luxury cars crowding the hospital entrance. It seems someone important is ill.¡±

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 Chapter 601

    ?<strong>Chapter 601:</strong>

    Another voice chimed in faintly, ¡°I think it is that famous star, Lise¡ª¡±

    Carrie did not wait to hear more. She ended the call abruptly, her fury reignited. Her grip on the phone tightened as she stormed out of the surveince room, her steps echoing with purpose.

    Daxton, caught off guard, hesitated for only a moment before chasing after her. He managed to slip into the elevator just as the doors closed, his concern evident as he watched her simmering anger.

    When they reached the lobby, the scene outside was chaos. The hospital gates swung open to admit a convoy of vehicles. Two sleek ck luxury cars led the way, nked by ambnces and an entourage of escort cars.

    Carrie¡¯s blood boiled at the sight. She recognized the vehicles instantly¡ªthe Norris family¡¯s unmistakable insignias gleamed under the floodlights.

    As the first two cars passed, she spotted the ambnces creeping toward the gate.

    Without hesitation, Carrie charged forward, throwing herself in front of the lead ambnce. She spread her arms wide, her voice breaking into a furious scream. ¡°Back off! Either back off now, or drive over me!¡±

    The ambnce screeched to a halt, its driver too stunned to proceed. The air was electric with tension.

    Momentster, Kristopher stepped out of one of the ck cars. His expression flickered between exasperation and concern as he approached her.

    He assumed Carrie was up to her usual antics, causing trouble once more.

    ¡°Carrie, stop this,¡± he pleaded, his voice strained. ¡°Lise¡¯s condition is serious this time. Her heart¡ª¡±

    He had doubted it at first, dismissing her symptoms as exaggerated theatrics, but the initial tests conducted in the ambnce told a different story¡ªLise¡¯s heart raced erratically, her pulse a jagged rhythm that defied normalcy.

    ¡°Smack!¡± Carrie¡¯s hand connected with Kristopher¡¯s cheek, the p resounding like a thunderp. His head snapped to the side, five red fingerprints blooming on his skin.

    ¡°Let Lise die!¡± Carrie screamed, her voice raw with fury and pain.

    ¡°Carrie, what nonsense are you spouting?¡± Billie erupted as she stormed out of the car behind them. Her sharp heels clicked against the pavement as she advanced, her finger jabbing toward Carrie. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curled into a strange, deste smile, her voice low but deliberate. ¡°I said, Lise should go to Hell.¡±

    The crack of Billie¡¯s p sliced through the air like a whip. ¡°Pak!¡± The p was not forceful, yet it struck deeper than flesh¡ªit shattered Carrie¡¯s heart. In that moment, the fragile thread connecting Carrie to Billie as family snapped entirely.

    Any warmth Billie had once shown her¡ªrare as it was¡ªnow seemed meaninglesspared to the hardships Gracie had endured to raise her.

    To Carrie, no one could rece her mother and grandmother. Not Billie, not anyone. Even when her love for Kristopher burned brightest, it had always paled inparison to her devotion to her grandmother and mother.

    Billie raised her hand again, her anger unabated, but before she could strike, both Kristopher and Daxton stepped forward.

    Daxton moved quickly, shielding Carrie behind him. At the same time, Kristopher caught Billie¡¯s wrist mid-air, his voice firm. ¡°Stop it, Mom!¡±

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    .

 Chapter 602

    ?<strong>Chapter 602:</strong>

    Billie froze, her anger momentarily quelled. She pulled her hand back, looking away in frustration. ¡°Fine, we shall talk about thister. Right now, we need to get Lise checked out.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s cheek, delicate and pale, was already swelling from the p.

    Yet she stood her ground, unwavering. Her voice was steady, almost chilling. ¡°Move your cars aside and let my grandmother¡¯s vehicle through first.¡±

    Kristopher frowned, his tone softening. ¡°Carrie, where are you taking Gracie? Be reasonable. Do not trouble her with this.¡± Carrie¡¯s expression did not waver, her stance like stone.

    From the ambnce, Lise¡¯s pale face emerged, her voice trembling yet soft, carrying a feigned humility. ¡°Mom, Kristopher, please do not fight with Ms. Campbell because of me. I know my health better than anyone. I will be fine at home. I do not need treatment.¡±

    She sighed dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest. ¡°This is my fault¡ªI let jealousy blind me. If atonement is needed, I¡¯ll dly face it. But my heart is innocent¡­¡±

    Billie, already exasperated, threw her hands in the air. ¡°Why are you still arguing with her? Kristopher, take her away. We cannot dy Lise¡¯s treatment any longer.¡±

    Daxton stepped in front of Carrie once more, his voice a low growl. ¡°You are not touching her.¡±

    Billie snapped at the bodyguards nearby. ¡°What are you standing around for? Move him!¡±

    Two bodyguards moved quickly, grabbing Daxton by the arms and dragging him aside.

    Daxton did not resist much, his struggles half-hearted, his sharp gaze concealed as he lowered his head. A wry smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

    ¡°So this is how it ys out,¡± he thought. ¡°Kristopher has already severed his bond with Carrie. Fate works in strange ways¡ªit¡¯sing back to me now.¡±

    Kristopher seized the moment, stepping forward to lift Carrie effortlessly into his arms.

    ¡°Let me go!¡± Carrie shrieked, kicking and thrashing, her nails digging into his arms. But his grip remained firm, his strength easily overpowering hers.

    Billie took the opportunity to climb into the ambnce, barking orders for the cars to proceed. One by one, they entered the hospital courtyard, the convoy filling every avable space, some vehicles even parking dangerously close to the entrance. The tension was thick, but it shattered abruptly when Carrie¡¯s phone rang.

    Kristopher finally set her down, his grip loosening as she scrambled to answer the call.

    The moment she did, a middle-aged man hurried toward the hospital gates, a phone clutched in his hand. His expression was frantic, his steps quick and uneven.

    Carrie stepped toward him, her voice sharp. ¡°Are you from the funeral home?¡±

    The man nodded, panting as he caught his breath. ¡°Yes, Ms. Campbell, but this won¡¯t do! Our car is stuck on the street. We cannot get through the traffic, and there is no way we can carry the body half a block. It would scare pedestrians, and the story would be all over the city news by morning!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s face turned ashen. A chill ran down his spine as he finally pieced it together. His voice cracked as he asked, ¡°Carrie, what body? Who passed away?¡±

    Daxton tore free from the bodyguards¡¯ grip, his face a storm of fury, and closed the distance with a single determined stride. His fist connected with Kristopher¡¯s jaw in a brutal arc. Caught off guard, Kristopher staggered back, the force of the blow sending him two steps off bnce. He spat blood onto the ground, his hand rising instinctively to his aching mouth. Straightening with a grimace, he fixed Daxton with a cold, sardonic smile.

    ¡°And what gives you the right to interfere in matters between a husband and wife?¡± he sneered.

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    .

    .

 Chapter 603

    ?<strong>Chapter 603:</strong>

    Daxton¡¯s eyes narrowed, his voice low and cutting. ¡°What right do you have to call yourself her husband? You failed her. You failed her child. Now Gracie is dead¡ªkilled by your ex-girlfriend. You are nothing but a curse to her life, bringing only chaos and tragedy!¡±

    The words hit Kristopher like a physical blow. He froze, the weight of the usation sinking in. After a tense pause, he surged forward, grabbing Daxton by the cor. His voice was hoarse and desperate. ¡°Gracie? What are you talking about? What happened to her?¡±

    Daxton did not waste the moment. His fist swung again, mming into Kristopher¡¯s face.

    Kristopher, incensed, retaliated with a vicious kick.

    Within seconds, the two were grappling, their movements wild and fueled by raw emotion.

    Nearby, Carrie¡¯s sharp gaze fell on a red-and-white traffic cone by the roadside. Without hesitation, she seized it and swung it hard against Kristopher¡¯s back.

    ¡°Enough!¡± she shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. ¡°How many more people do you intend to hurt?¡±

    Kristopher froze at her words, his breath ragged, but Daxton was not done. He took the opportunity tond another punch. Kristopher staggered but ignored Daxton, his gaze fixed on Carrie. His voice broke with disbelief. ¡°You are siding with him? Against me?¡±

    The traffic cone hadn¡¯t hit him with much force, but the betrayal stung far worse.

    She had actually struck him for another man.

    Carrie dropped the cone at her feet, her re unyielding. Her voice was measured butced with venom. ¡°I cannot wait to kill you myself.¡±

    The middle-aged man sighed audibly, stepping forward to diffuse the tension. ¡°If you must fight or kill each other, do itter. Have some respect for the dead. Move the cars so the funeral vehicle can get through.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s jaw tightened as she nced at the line of Norris family cars blocking the road. She didn¡¯t want to engage with Kristopher, but there was no choice. Her tone was clipped as she said, ¡°My grandmother has passed. We are waiting to take her to the funeral home. Mr. Norris, kindly move your cars to let the funeral vehicle through.¡±

    Kristopher stood as if rooted in ce, her words sinking into his consciousness like lead.

    Oliver arrived just in time, quickly taking charge. He gestured to the drivers and barked orders, clearing the way with swift efficiency.

    The weight of reality only fully hit Kristopher when he followed Carrie to the mortuary. There, in the cold stillness, he saw Gracie¡¯s lifeless body.

    The sight twisted something deep within him, rendering him momentarily speechless. Finally, his voice emerged, soft and broken. ¡°I am sorry.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s shoulders stiffened. She heard the words but refused to acknowledge him.

    Her tone was icy as she replied, ¡°Do not start with me, not here. Spare me your apologies and stay far away from me.¡±

    Her words were like a dagger. Kristopher¡¯s hand, raised as if to reach for her, fell back to his side. ¡°At least let me help with Gracie¡¯s arrangements,¡± he murmured, his voice heavy with regret.

    Carrie¡¯s expression hardened. Memories of Gracie¡¯s dying wish flickered in her mind. Reluctantly, she nodded, allowing him to stay, though she kept a deliberate distance.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 604

    ?<strong>Chapter 604:</strong>

    At the funeral home, Gracie¡¯s bodyy in a mourning hall, surrounded by flickering candles and wreaths of flowers.

    Carrie knelt in the quiet of the mourning hall, her voice soft yet weary as she addressed Daxton. ¡°You have had a long day. You should go home and rest.¡±

    Daxton stepped closer, concern etched on his face. ¡°Carrie, you have been through so much today. Let me stay and help.¡±

    She shook her head, her voice gentle but firm. ¡°You have done enough. Go home and rest. I will let you know about the burial arrangements.¡±

    He hesitated, his hand clenching briefly before releasing. His eyes flicked to Kristopher, a storm of unspoken words swirling behind them, but he said nothing.

    Instead, he offered her a small nod, muttered a few words of advice, and walked away.

    As Carrie turned back, her gaze collided with Kristopher¡¯s.

    She paused for a fraction of a second before looking right past him, her demeanor cool and detached, as if he were nothing more than a shadow in the room.

    Everyone else had left, leaving only the faint, somber glow of the funeral hall lights. The stillness felt heavy, almost eerie, yet for Carrie, the quiet brought a strange sense of sce amidst the cold.

    There was a saying she had once read online: ¡°The ghosts you fear are the loved ones someone else longs to see again.¡± Tonight, the words struck a chord within her, resonating deeply. The temperature in the hall was already low, designed to preserve the body. With the fire in the basin extinguished, the chill became sharper, biting into her skin.

    Kneeling on the thin mat, Carrie could feel the coldness of the floor seeping through, an unrelenting ache that settled into her bones. A sudden sneeze escaped her, breaking the silence.

    Kristopher, rubbing his numb legs from sitting too long, rose to his feet. He hesitated for a moment, watching her hunched form before walking over. Without a word, he removed his suit jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

    Carrie did not protest. She quietly pulled the jacket closer, its faint warmth a wee reprieve. She refused to meet his gaze, but in that small gesture, she epted the offering.

    She could not afford to fall ill¡ªnot when she had to keep vigil for her grandmother.

    The seven days of vigil passed without any disruptions. Carrie and Kristopher existed under the same roof like strangers bound by an unspoken truce. No words were exchanged, no arguments ignited.

    Kristopher asionally brought her meals, fresh clothes, or water. Carrie epted these necessities withoutint but never uttered a single word of gratitude¡ªnot even a token thank you.

    She buried her disgust, forcing herself to focus on what truly mattered: ensuring Gracie left this world in peace.

    Everything else¡ªher hatred for Lise, her looming divorce from Kristopher¡ªcould wait. Those battles belonged to ater time. But despite the temporary calm, Kristopher found no sce in it. If anything, the quiet felt like a cruel prelude to the inevitable end.

    Gracie¡¯s death had driven home a devastating truth: his rtionship with Carrie might be beyond saving.

    He did not dare hope for reconciliation anymore. Instead, he clung to these fleeting days like a man holding onto thest threads of a life he couldn¡¯t repair.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 605

    ?<strong>Chapter 605:</strong>

    He memorized every detail of her¡ªher expressions, her movements, the way her hands rested on herp as she knelt. He knew these memories might be all he had left to carry through the empty years ahead.

    One night, as Carrie leaned against the wall, her head drooping in restless sleep, Kristopher approached quietly. His heart twisted as he gazed at her serene, yet exhausted face. Without a sound, he pulled out his phone and snapped a photo.

    It was the only picture he had of her, of them. They had never taken wedding photos. This solitary image would have to suffice, a fragile keepsake of what might have been.

    On the day of the funeral, the cemetery filled with somber figures dressed in ck. Rtives of the Norris family mingled with Carrie¡¯s own circle of friends, their quiet murmurs blending into the chill of the air.

    Camille approached Carrie, taking her hand gently. Her lips pressed into a thin line, but her eyes spoke volumes of the sympathy she could not find words to express.

    Carrie, d in ck with a single white flower pinned to her chest, looked thinner than ever. Her already frail frame seemed even more delicate after her recent injuries, as if a single gust of wind could shatter her. Kristopher stood beside her, his suit perfectly pressed, but his presence seemed heavier, almost oppressive.

    Camille forced herself to avoid looking at him, fearing her anger might boil over and cause a scene. Today wasn¡¯t about Kristopher or anyone else. Gracie deserved a peaceful farewell. Carrie, however, remained emotionally detached. asionally, her gaze flickered toward Kristopher, but there was no emotion behind it¡ªneither love nor hate.

    That indifference cut deeper than any anger could.

    Tristan showed up too, though his intentions were far from noble. He was not there to mourn Gracie but to ingratiate himself with the wealthy and powerful connected to the Norris family.

    Before he could even make it to the cemetery, Oliver intercepted him at the foot of the mountain. With a sharp warning and a steely re, Oliver sent him packing.

    Back at home, Tristan¡¯s wounded pride sparked another argument with Cindy, one that quickly turned physical.

    Carrie remained blissfully unaware of the chaos.

    When Daxton arrived, his expression was subdued. He approached Carrie and offered a simple, ¡°My condolences.¡± His gaze lingered for a moment before shifting to Kristopher, carrying a faint but unmistakable edge of provocation.

    Kristopher¡¯s fists clenched at his sides. He fought to suppress the anger bubbling within, knowing an outburst here would only solidify Carrie¡¯s disdain.

    Mny and Shawn were there, their grief quietly evident, while Billie stood at a distance, hesitant. She fidgeted with her hands, wanting to approach Carrie but unsure of what to say.

    She had wronged Carrie too deeply, and she knew it. But as a mother, she had acted to protect her daughter, even at the expense of someone else¡¯s happiness.

    Perhaps it was true, Billie thought. Carrie and Kristopher were never meant to be. After everything they had endured, maybe the only way forward was to let go, no matter how painful the parting might be.

    The elderly couple from the Norris family approached Carrie, their steps heavy with age and guilt. Shawn spoke first, his voice trembling. ¡°Carrie, we feel deeply ashamed for failing Gracie.¡±

    Carrie reached out, her hands warm and steady as she sped theirs. Her tone was calm but resolute. ¡°Shawn, Mny, please do not say that. None of this is your fault, and you have nothing to atone for. In my heart, you will always be my grandparents.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 606

    ?<strong>Chapter 606:</strong>

    Mny¡¯s eyes shimmered with tears, her voice thick with emotion. ¡°It is our family¡¯s misfortune that we failed you, that we couldn¡¯t keep you or the baby. If you ever face hardship, Carrie,e to us. We will always support you.¡±

    This quiet exchange carried an unspoken agreement¡ªthe elderly couple had tacitly epted the inevitable end of Carrie and Kristopher¡¯s marriage. It was a union that had borne too much pain and loss, a bond that could not survive without leading to more heartbreak.

    When it came time to honor Gracie, the Norris family spared no effort. The funeral was grand yet dignified, attended by wealthy and influential guests who offered flowers and paid their respects. Even Kristopher had used his connections to locate and invite old neighbors from Gracie¡¯s hometown, ensuring the ceremony reflected her legacy.

    Gracie¡¯s grave had been prepared long ago, right beside her husband¡¯s. Few noticed his grave¡ªexcept for Daxton. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the small photo etched onto the tombstone. Francis Moran?

    Recognition struck him like a thunderbolt. The man in the photo was not just anyone. It was Josh¡ªthe elusive piano prodigy from the Morrison family, the one Daxton had spent years searching for. A chill ran down his spine. He thought, ¡°No wonder I found no trace of him in Foxfire. A dead man cannot leave tracks.¡±

    Daxton crouched subtly, rearranging the flowers he had ced to conceal the name and photo on the tombstone. ¡°If Mny recognizes this¡­¡± he thought grimly. Mny had met Josh before, and if the Norris family discovered Carrie¡¯s Morrison lineage, the divorce might never go through.

    As the crowd began to disperse, Kristopher approached Carrie, his expression a mix of hesitation and determination. Gently, he ced a hand on her shoulder.

    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?

    She stepped back before he could finish, her gaze cold but steady. ¡°Let us end this here,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I will not return to Bayview Vi. Arrange a time for the divorce decree, and have yourwyer contact mine for the property settlement.¡±

    Her tone was calm, devoid of anger, but it cut deeper than any shout or usation.

    Before Kristopher could respond, Daxton stepped forward, his voice light yet tinged with genuine concern. ¡°Carrie, let me take you back.¡±

    Carrie offered him a polite smile, shaking her head. ¡°Thank you, Daxton, but I am fine. I¡¯m going back to Ripples Complex. Camille is staying there now, and we will head back together.¡±

    Hearing her mention Camille, Albin pushed his way through the thinning crowd, his awkward smile not quite masking his unease. ¡°I can give you two a ride,¡± he offered eagerly.

    Camille shot him a withering nce, her tone ice-cold. ¡°No, thank you. I brought a driver today.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, she looped her arm through Carrie¡¯s and led her toward the car. Neither woman looked back.

    Left behind, Kristopher, Daxton, and Albin stood in a tense silence, the air between them crackling with unspoken hostility. Kristopher¡¯s gaze sharpened as he turned to Daxton, his tone a low warning. ¡°Even if we are divorced, Carrie is not someone you should pursue.¡±

    Daxton smirked faintly, his voice smooth as silk. ¡°Worry about yourself, Kristopher. Lise caused Gracie¡¯s death. Do you think Carrie will let that slide?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened, and before he could think, his fist was already rising.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 607

    ?<strong>Chapter 607:</strong>

    ¡°Kristopher, no!¡± Albin threw his weight onto Kristopher¡¯s arm, struggling to hold it down.

    ¡°Do not make a scene here. Gracie¡¯s funeral went smoothly. Are you really going to ruin it now?¡±

    Albin turned to Daxton, his tone venomous. ¡°And you¡ªget out of here. Still trying to stir the pot? Should I call Carrie back to see what a maniptive bastard you really are?¡±

    Daxton adjusted his suit with practiced nonchnce, shing an infuriatingly calm smile before walking away.

    Kristopher let out a slow breath, brushing off Albin¡¯s grip. ¡°I¡¯m heading back to Norris Group,¡± he said curtly.

    Albin hesitated, ncing toward the car that had carried Camille and Carrie away. ¡°Kristopher,¡± he began, his tone lighter, almost pleading, ¡°let me work with you for a while. I cannot stand being idle these days.¡±

    The Ripples Complex apartment, shared by Carrie and Camille, was spacious but carried an undercurrent of cluttered coziness. It was less about the size and more about the emotional weight they both brought into the space.

    Camille had insisted on taking the sofa downstairs, leaving Carrie the upstairs bedroom. ¡°It¡¯s better for my projects,¡± she had reasoned.

    After Gracie¡¯s funeral, Carrie had plunged herself into work, her grief manifesting in a flurry of activity.

    Kristopher had seemingly vanished from her world, his absence an unexpected relief.

    Daxton, on the other hand, had a knack for appearing at just the right moments. Sometimes he would show up with a bag of fresh seafood or a box of perfectly ripe fruits; other times, the deliveries came via courier.

    That afternoon, Camille stood over a box of lobsters Daxton had dropped off, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I do not think Daxton sees you as just a friend,¡± she teased, nudging Carrie with her elbow. ¡°All these deliveries? It¡¯s a ssic move.¡±

    Carrie rolled her eyes, brushing thement aside. ¡°Maybe he just feels bad for me being alone. Who tries to woo someone with lobsters? If anything, it feels more like a care package.¡± Carrie had once wondered if Daxton liked her, but in the end, she realized he didn¡¯t.

    Camille smirked, unrelenting. ¡°Oh, this is clever. Roses and choctes? Too obvious, and you would never ept them while still married. Lobsters, cherries, and blueberries? Those are your favorites. He knows what he is doing.¡±

    Camille lifted a box of lobsters and carried it to the kitchen. ¡°Cherries, sweet blueberries, lobsters, crabs¡­ hasn¡¯t he sent all your favorites?¡±

    Just as Carrie opened her mouth to reply, the doorbell rang. Camille, elbow-deep in cleaning the lobsters, muttered, ¡°What¡¯s Daxton sending now? This batch alone must weigh five or six kilos. You sure Ruby¡¯sing back tonight? Because there is no way we are finishing all this on our own.¡±

    Carrie opened the door, only to be met by Oliver, impably dressed in a gray suit, apanied by another equally well-groomed man.

    Oliver adjusted his sses, his difort apparent as he began, ¡°Mrs. Norris, may Ie in? I am here to deliver the divorce papers on behalf of Mr. Norris.¡±

    His heart was heavy with conflict, knowing that both Mr. Norris and Mrs. Norris still harbored feelings for each other.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 608

    ?<strong>Chapter 608:</strong>

    Oliver had witnessed Kristopher¡¯s awkward attempts to express love, each gesture painfully clumsy yet sincere. It moved him, though he remained silent, unable to find the right words to bridge the chasm between them.

    All he could do was sigh inwardly, resigning himself to his role as the impartial bearer of unwee news.

    Carrie, unfazed, stepped aside to let them in. ¡°Come in.¡±

    Oliver gave a slight nod and entered, his posture stiff with difort.

    From across the room, Camille nced up, her expression hardening. ¡°Why is it you?¡± she asked, suspicioncing her tone.

    Carrie shut the door and answered calmly, ¡°He is here with the divorce papers.¡±

    Camille¡¯s eyes narrowed. Abandoning her task, she tossed the lobsters back into the sink, quickly washed her hands, and strode toward them with a no-nonsense demeanor. ¡°Let me see those. I¡¯ll make sure Kristopher is not trying to pull a fast one.¡± She wiped her hands on her clothes and grabbed the papers Oliver had just taken out.

    Oliver held up a hand, his voice earnest. ¡°I can assure you, Mr. Norris has been more than fair to Mrs. Norris.¡±

    Carrie, cing two sses of water on the table, interjected with quiet authority. ¡°Do not call me Mrs. Norris anymore. Just Carrie will do.¡±

    Caught off guard, Oliver adjusted his sses and nodded. ¡°Of course, Ms. Campbell.¡±

    Camille, undeterred, snatched the papers from his hands and began flipping through them. Her skepticism was evident, but as she scanned the contents, her brows furrowed in astonishment.

    She skimmed the remaining pages, then pped the documents onto the table, turning to Carrie with wide eyes. ¡°Half of his assets, Carrie. Kristopher is giving you half of everything!¡±

    Carrie held the document in her hands, reading through it word by word.

    Kristopher had transferred five percent of Norris Group¡¯s shares to her. While the number might seem small, it represented a staggering portion of the conglomerate¡¯s vast holdings. The Norris Group spanned numerous industries, with countless subsidiaries and assets.

    The value of that five percent far exceeded tens of billions¡ªmore than enough to support Carrie and even the entire poption of Foxfire for generations.

    Byparison, thebined shares held by Billie across various subsidiaries didn¡¯t even reach one percent of Norris Group¡¯s total worth.

    Kristopher had also included Bayview Vi, luxury apartments in the most prestigious districts of Orkset, Isonridge, and Pinecrest, along with a trove of antiques, fine jewelry, and luxury items.

    Camille, standing nearby, cast a nce at Oliver and discreetly pinched Carrie¡¯s arm, whispering in her ear, ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid this time. If you don¡¯t take it, all of this will end up with Lise.¡± Carrie¡¯s previous decision to demand nothing during a moment of pride and anger still haunted Camille.

    Oliver cleared his throat and spoke. ¡°Mrs.¡ª¡± He corrected himself quickly. ¡°Ms. Campbell, Mr. Norris instructed me to let you know that if you¡¯re not satisfied with this arrangement, you¡¯re wee to take more. Whatever assets he owns, he¡¯s willing to give you as much as you want.¡±

    Camille pressed her lips together in a tight line, her expression darkening. Kristopher¡¯s grand gestures now felt like they came far toote. No amount of money could undo the harm done¡ªthe miscarriage, Gracie¡¯s death. Even if Carrie had half the Norris family¡¯s wealth, it wouldn¡¯t bring back what truly mattered. Life is short. When wealth reached a certain point, it was just a series of lifeless digits.

    Oliver nced at thewyer standing beside him and added, ¡°To ensure everything is clear and convenient for you, thewyer is here to make any amendments you request.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 609

    ?<strong>Chapter 609:</strong>

    Carrie shook her head, her voice steady and calm. ¡°No, thank you. Let¡¯s leave it as it is.¡±

    She carefully reviewed the documents again, checking for any errors. Satisfied, she picked up the pen and signed her name.

    Next to her signature, Kristopher¡¯s name was already written. The handwriting reflected his personality¡ªbold,manding, and powerful. The strokes were so firm they nearly tore through the paper.

    Carrie wondered briefly how he felt as he signed.

    Was it reluctance? Resentment at her decisiveness? It didn¡¯t matter anymore.

    From this moment on, they were strangers.

    A strange calm washed over her. There was no sadness, no joy¡ªonly a quiet eptance. Their once-entwined lives now felt like fragments of a past existence, blurred and fading into irrelevance.

    She handed the signed document back to Oliver.

    Thewyer meticulously checked everything before handing one copy of the agreement to Carrie. ¡°Ms. Campbell, the agreement is in duplicate. This is your copy. Please keep it safe,¡± he said with a formal nod.

    He then produced additional documents for the transfer of shares, properties, and other assets. Carrie signed each one without hesitation, methodically severing the final ties to Kristopher and his family.

    When everything wasplete, Oliver finished his ss of water and stood. He bowed slightly as he said his farewell. ¡°Ms. Campbell, if you encounter any difficulties in the future, please don¡¯t hesitate to contact me.¡±

    Carrie offered a faint smile. ¡°Kristopher has given me enough money. I can solve any problem with it. And if money can¡¯t solve it, I doubt you can either.¡±

    Her words carried a subtle jab, hinting at Lise and the chaos she had caused.

    Oliver, always perceptive, understood her meaning immediately. He knew better than to meddle in Kristopher¡¯splicated entanglements of love and hate. He lowered his gaze and replied softly, ¡°Ms. Campbell, Mr. Norris¡­ he hasn¡¯t had it easy these past years.¡±

    Carrie cut him off, her tone firm. ¡°He has nothing to do with me anymore, and I don¡¯t want to hear about him.¡±

    Realizing he had overstepped, Oliver nodded and quickly took his leave.

    The next morning, thewyer delivered the finalized divorce decree.

    Carrie had never seen it in person until now.

    Holding the official document in her hands, she couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of irony. This time, they were divorced for real. The legal bond that had once tied them together was now severed.

    Kristopher had made the process as straightforward as possible, signing everything in advance and ensuring there were no dys. He hadn¡¯t even required both parties to be present.

    Perhaps it was for the best. If they had been in the same room, Carrie wasn¡¯t sure how she would have faced him.

    Camille noticed the divorce decree in Carrie¡¯s hand and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Are you nning to move back to Bayview Vi?¡±

    Carrie snapped out of her thoughts and casually slipped the document into a drawer. ¡°No. I¡¯m not going back. I¡¯m thinking of selling Bayview Vi and buying a new ce.¡±

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    .

    .

 Chapter 610

    ?<strong>Chapter 610:</strong>

    The vi held too many memories of Kristopher¡ªghosts of moments she didn¡¯t want to relive. Returning would only dredge up the past, each memory ying out like a wound reopening.

    Camille nodded in agreement. ¡°Makes sense. That homewrecker Lise knows the address, after all. Move back, and she might crawl out of the woodwork to cause trouble again.¡±

    Carrie gave a curt nod, choosing not to dwell on the name that made her stomach churn. Instead, she shifted the conversation. ¡°What about you? Are you staying at Ripples Complex? Or, if you¡¯d rather, you can move into one of the properties under my name. I was going to rent them out anyway, not live in them myself.¡±

    Camille shrugged, grabbing a can of soda from the fridge. ¡°Nah, I am heading to Isonridge.¡±

    She popped the tab with practiced ease and took a sip before turning back to Carrie.

    Camille said, ¡°Ourpany just signed a bunch of fresh talents. Ruby pulled some strings and got Jenesis Morrison¡ªyeah, the Jenesis Morrison, former Best Actress Award winner¡ªto train them. Since she has been teaching at Isonridge Film Academy after retiring, I¡¯ve got to take the newbies there for her workshops. Ruby cannot leave thepany right now, so it¡¯s on me to babysit the recruits.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyebrow lifted. ¡°When did all this happen?¡±

    ¡°While you were busy handling Gracie¡¯s memorial service,¡± Camille replied, reaching for another soda. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s been so hectic I forgot to tell you. I only remembered when Ms. Morrison sent me the finalized course schedule this morning.¡± She handed the second can to Carrie, who epted it absently.

    Carrie ced the unopened soda on the table, her mind already spinning. ¡°I will go with you,¡± she said after a pause. ¡°There is a charity film that needs to be shot in Isonridge. I was not sure about taking the project, but this way, I can kill two birds with one stone.¡±

    Camille¡¯s gaze sharpened. ¡°And Lise? You are just going to let her walk free?¡±

    The mention of Lise hardened Carrie¡¯s expression. Her fingers tightened around the edge of the table.

    Carrie said, ¡°I do not have enough evidence to bring her down¡ªnot yet. With Mrs. Norris protecting her, my hands are tied for now. But I have hired a private investigator¡­¡±

    ¡°To shadow her 24/7. She has left a trail of dirt behind her, and I will make sure every bit of ites to light. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they turn. And when they do, she¡¯ll pay for everything.¡±

    Camille leaned back, satisfaction flickering in her eyes. ¡°Exactly. Karma does not miss a target. She will get what¡¯sing to her.¡±

    Three dayster, the bustling terminal of Isonridge Airport buzzed with activity as Carrie and Camille disembarked, nked by a dozen fresh-faced talents from Camille¡¯spany. Heads turned, conversations paused, and a ripple of curiosity spread through the crowd.

    It was impossible not to notice the group.

    Camille had an impable eye for beauty, and every one of her recruits was a showstopper. Even the most casual onlooker could tell this was no ordinary crowd.

    A few girls pulled out their phones, sneaking photos of the striking entourage. The bolder ones tried to get closer, their steps faltering when Camille¡¯s security team, prearranged and alert, stepped in to maintain order.

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 Chapter 611

    ?<strong>Chapter 611:</strong>

    Whispers floated through the air as onlookers spected which entertainmentpany the group belonged to.

    Carrie, well aware of themotion they were causing, kept to the back of the group. She hade prepared, donning a hat, sunsses, and a mask to obscure her identity. It worked¡ªmostly.

    With the towering boys in front of her, all over six feet tall, she managed to blend in like a shadow.

    The boys, though young, were quick to impress. They eagerly stepped forward, grabbing Camille¡¯s and Carrie¡¯s luggage without a second thought. Their enthusiasm earned an approving nce from Camille.

    She leaned closer to Carrie, her voice low but teasing. ¡°See? Younger men are a delight¡ªobedient, attentive, and so very thoughtful.¡±

    Carrie shot her a sidelong nce, unsure if Camille was joking or indulging in some wistful daydream of her own.

    Camille might y it cool, but Carrie knew she had not let go of Albin.

    As they reached the exit, the crisp air of Isonridge greeted them.

    Just then, a soft, familiar voice called out behind Carrie. ¡°Carrie?¡±

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s hosts thetest chapters

    Carrie turned, her gazending on Daxton standing a short distance away. His hair fell just to his brow, slightly tousled by the breeze, while the hem of his dark coat fluttered softly. The light behind him cast a long shadow at his feet, giving him a dramatic silhouette, but his presence was anything but brooding.

    Though dressed in all ck, Daxton radiated warmth and energy¡ªa stark contrast to Kristopher¡¯s cold, detached demeanor that still lingered like an unwee ghost in her mind.

    He approached quickly, his stride purposeful yet easy. As he neared, he nodded politely at Camille, offering her a small, genuine smile before his eyes settled on Carrie.

    ¡°I¡¯m d to see you again,¡± he said, his tone steady. There was no hint of surprise in his expression, only quiet certainty. It was as though he had known all along they would cross paths in Isonridge.

    Carrie tilted her head, ready to question the meaning behind his calm assurance, but before she could speak, he added, ¡°I found the person I was searching for in Foxfire.¡±

    His words sent a faint chill down her spine, her intuition stirring uneasily. The way he said it made her feel as if she were the missing piece in a puzzle she had not even known existed.

    ¡°I did not expect the person to be so close,¡± he continued, his voice low and deliberate. ¡°And connected to you.¡±

    Camille, sensing the tension, broke in smoothly. ¡°I will take the kids to get settled,¡± she said, gesturing toward the group of young talents whose curious eyes were darting between Carrie and Daxton.

    Her patience seemed to wear thin as a few onlookers stopped to stare. ¡°You can join us after you have finished your chat. This airport is too crowded to stand around.¡±

    Daxton offered Camille an appreciative nod, his voice warm. ¡°Thank you, Miss Nixon. Let us grab lunch sometime¡ªI owe you one.¡±

    With a brief wave, Camille herded the group away, leaving Carrie alone with Daxton.

    ¡°Come,¡± he said, gesturing toward a sleek ck Mercedes waiting just outside the terminal.

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 Chapter 612

    ?<strong>Chapter 612:</strong>

    Carrie hesitated for a heartbeat but followed him. Sliding into the car, she found herself suddenly aware of the quiet that settled between them. Daxton climbed in after her, shutting the door with a soft click.

    For a moment, neither spoke. Finally, Daxton broke the silence.

    ¡°Carrie, did you know your grandfather is Josh Morrison?¡±

    Her head snapped toward him, disbelief etched across her face. ¡°Josh Morrison? Are you certain? That¡¯s¡­ impossible. How could my grandfather be him?¡± Her voice trembled slightly. Josh Morrison¡ªthe Morrison family¡¯s piano prodigy¡ªhad died tragically young.

    Daxton leaned back slightly, his gaze unwavering as he spoke. ¡°I realized it when I attended your grandmother¡¯s funeral. His tombstone confirmed it. Your grandfather was not just any Morrison¡ªhe was the Mr. Morrison I have been searching for all this time.¡±

    Carrie blinked, her mind struggling to keep up with the revtion. ¡°Josh Morrison¡­¡± she murmured, the pieces clicking together.

    Suddenly, so many things made sense. Her grandmother¡¯s deep knowledge of Josh¡¯spositions. The antique piano at home¡ªits sound so rich and pure, unlike anything modern instruments could replicate. She had always thought it was just a family heirloom, nothing more.

    ¡°This,¡± Daxton said, pulling a yellowed photograph from his wallet, ¡°is a picture of Mr. Morrison from his family archives.¡± He handed her the fragile photo, and Carrie held it with trembling hands.

    Her breath caught as she studied it. The young man in the picture, barely in his teens, was undeniably herte grandfather. His features were softer, more youthful, but the resemnce to the older man in the portrait on his tombstone was unmistakable.

    Daxton¡¯s voice softened as he recounted the tale. ¡°Mr. Morrison did not die in an ident, as the world believed. He fell in love with a girl from a small town and gave up his studies abroad, his inheritance, and even his position as heir to the Morrison family fortune to be with her. All he took was a piano, and the two of them eloped.

    ¡°His father,¡± Daxton continued, ¡°was furious. In his anger, he dered his son dead to the world. But after Mr. Morrison¡¯s father passed away, the current head of the family¡ªyour grandfather¡¯s brother¡ªregretted the estrangement. He asked me to find Mr. Morrison. He believed that even after all these years, Mr. Morrison¡¯s descendants deserved to reconnect with their roots.¡±

    Daxton ced a hand over hers, his touch firm butforting. ¡°You are not alone, Carrie. You have got a family¡ªa history. And now that I have found you, I want to take you to the Morrison estate.¡±

    Carrie stared at him, her heart racing. He had dropped everything¡ªflown here in a private jet¡ªall for her. And yet, there was no joy on her face, only confusion.

    ¡°Family,¡± Carrie murmured under her breath, the word lingering softly in the still air. She repeated it as though testing its weight on her tongue.

    Her grandfather had passed away when she was too young to remember much about him. The Morrison family was a faint shadow in her life, a name she knew but had never truly connected with. He had never spoken of them.

    Noticing her muted enthusiasm, Daxton¡¯s expression softened. His tone followed suit, carrying a note of understanding. ¡°If you are not ready, we can postpone it for now. I will let the Morrison family know. There is no rush¡ªyou will be in Isonridge for a while. We can arrange the meeting whenever you feel prepared.¡±

    Carrie hesitated, her mind weighing his words. ¡°It is fine,¡± she said after a moment, her tone resolute. ¡°I will have to meet them eventually. Dying it for a couple of days will not change anything.¡±

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 Chapter 613

    ?<strong>Chapter 613:</strong>

    She nced down at her white T-shirt and jeans. They felt too in, almost out of ce for whaty ahead. Without fuss, she pulled a refined blouse from her bag and draped it over her shoulders, the soft fabric lending her a touch of poise.

    The Morrison family residence.

    Nestled in the heart of Isonridge, wherend was more valuable than gold, the Morrison estate sprawled in quiet majesty. The grounds resembled an opulent park, not as vast as the Norris Mansion but exuding an understated elegance that demanded respect.

    Carrie followed Daxton through the meticulously groomed garden. Their steps echoed faintly along a stone-paved corridor that led to the main courtyard.

    The oppressive summer heat clung to Isonridge like a second skin, with hot winds swirling mercilessly. But here, in the Morrison garden, century-old trees cast a protective shade. The cool air carried the faint, sweet aroma of blooming flowers, offering a reprieve from the scorching day.

    During the car ride, Daxton had briefed her on the family.

    The current head was Luca Morrison, her grandfather¡¯s brother. Luca had two children: Kody Morrison, a business prodigy and heir apparent, and Jenesis Morrison, a performance coach who was currently working with Carrie¡¯spany. Kody¡¯s two sons rounded out the family: Reece, a renowned businessman in his own right, and Arion, who embraced a more carefree lifestyle.

    Inside the Morrison residence, Carrie followed Daxton into the grand main hall. The space was vast, its polished floors reflecting the light streaming through tall windows. Three men sat in a neat row, dressed impably in formal suits.

    At the center sat an elderly man with silver hair. His upright posture radiated quiet authority, and the resemnce to her grandfather was unmistakable. It had to be Luca.

    As their eyes met, Luca¡¯s face broke into a warm smile. He rose with an eagerness that softened his dignified presence. ¡°You must be Carrie!¡± he said, his voice rich with warmth.

    Daxton gestured toward him. ¡°This is your grandfather¡¯s brother, Mr. Luca Morrison.¡±

    Carrie inclined her head slightly. ¡°Mr. Morrison.¡±

    Perhaps it was the unspoken bond of shared blood, but Carrie felt an unexpected warmth blossom within her. There was an ease to Luca¡¯s presence, a quiet familiarity that brushed aside the awkwardness she had anticipated.

    But Luca waved off the formality with an affectionate chuckle. ¡°Do not call me Mr. Morrison! I am your grandfather¡¯s brother. Just call me Luca.¡±

    ¡°Luca,¡± she said, her voice tentative yet respectful.

    His face lit up, his eyes crinkling with joy. ¡°Yes,¡± he responded warmly, repeating it as though savoring the sound.

    Two others stepped forward¡ªa middle-aged man with amanding presence and a young man with sharp, intelligent eyes.

    Carrie greeted them before Daxton could make introductions. ¡°You must be my uncle and cousin, right?¡± she ventured with a small smile.

    Even without seeing any photos beforehand, Carrie could tell the young man standing before her was far from the carefree type.

    Kody returned the smile, his tone filled with pride. ¡°Carrie truly is a Morrison¡ªso sharp.¡±

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 Chapter 614

    ?<strong>Chapter 614:</strong>

    From his pocket, he produced a sleek ck card, pressing it into her hand. ¡°This is for you. Buy whatever your heart desires.¡± The card gleamed, its weight familiar. Kristopher had given her the same type before¡ªunlimited.

    Reece stepped forward, holding out a car key. ¡°This is my gift to you,¡± he said with a soft smile.

    Their gestures were so generous, so open, that Carrie couldn¡¯t help but feel both touched and cautious. She met their eyes, her voice steady as she asked the question lingering in her mind. ¡°Have you done a DNA test to confirm the rtionship?¡±

    The group of men, normally decisive andmanding in public, found themselvespletely out of their depth as they stood before Carrie.

    Luca shot a pointed look at Kody, dissatisfaction clear in his tone. ¡°I told you there was no need for a paternity test. How could there possibly be a mistake?¡±

    Kody, caught off guard, struggled to respond. ¡°Well¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, his son Reece chimed in with a smirk, ¡°Dad, this really is your fault.¡±

    Kody turned to re at his son, a sharp, sidelong nce that made Reece quickly step back, raising his hands in mock surrender.

    Luca turned back to Carrie, his voice cautious yet sincere. ¡°Carrie, please don¡¯t take offense at all this. I just¡­¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curved into a faint smile, her tone calm. ¡°I¡¯m not upset. I just think that, given the significance of this discovery, it¡¯s important to confirm everything about our bloodline.¡± Her words, though gentle, wereced with undeniable logic. For the Morrison family, obtaining her DNA wouldn¡¯t have been a challenge. Daxton, who often saw her, could have easily taken a strand of her hair.

    Matters of blood rtions required certainty, and Carrie wasn¡¯t one to overlook such details.

    Luca, sensing her thoughts, quickly added, ¡°What¡¯s so valuable about it? You¡¯re the pride and joy of our Morrison family. Whatever you want, we can give it to you.¡±

    He paused, then borated, ¡°And just so you know, we didn¡¯t invade your privacy. Kody arranged the test using my DNA and your grandfather¡¯s. Your grandfather had donated blood years ago, and Daxton retrieved a sample from the hospital. The results confirmed he¡¯s my younger brother.¡±

    Carrie nodded in understanding, her doubts fading. ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    Reece, sensing the tension ease, grinned and gestured toward the chairs. ¡°Grandpa, Dad, let¡¯s all sit down. Carrie¡¯s been standing this whole time¡ªshe just got off a ne!¡±

    Luca nced behind Carrie, noticing she didn¡¯t have any luggage with her. ¡°Where¡¯s your luggage? Never mind, it doesn¡¯t matter. Reece can take you shopping for new thingster.¡±

    Carrie shook her head politely. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯m here in¡­¡±

    Isonridge for work, overseeing the students¡¯ studies. Staying here at home might be inconvenient.¡±

    Her hesitation wasn¡¯t just about practicality. Moving directly into the Morrison family home felt abrupt and presumptuous. This was their first meeting, after all, and they were only distant rtives.

    Back in Orkset, Carrie rarely interacted with rtives. Most of the ones on her father¡¯s side were as entric as Tristan. Daxton, standing nearby, broke the silence. ¡°Mr. Morrison, the teacher Carrie¡¯spany hired is Jenesis.¡±

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 Chapter 615

    ?<strong>Chapter 615:</strong>

    ¡°Jenesis? Aunt Jenesis?¡± Reece¡¯s eyes lit up at the name.

    Luca chuckled. ¡°It seems family bonds truly are unbreakable.¡± Pulling out his phone, Luca dered, ¡°I¡¯ll call Jenesis right now and ask her to take good care of you.¡±

    Reece sighed, rubbing his forehead in exasperation. ¡°Grandpa, Aunt Jenesis is still teaching. It¡¯s the middle of her ss.¡±

    ¡°Teaching? What could be more important than Carrie¡¯s matters?¡± Luca replied dismissively, his finger hovering over the dial. Reece turned to Carrie with a helpless smile. ¡°Carrie, only you can talk him out of this.¡±

    At first, Carrie had assumed meeting distant rtives would be nothing more than a formality. Yet, in just a few minutes, her perspective shiftedpletely. She could feel the Morrison family¡¯s genuine care for her, and it touched her deeply.

    Warmth filled her heart, but there was also a pang of regret. If only her grandparents were still alive to witness this moment of eptance¡ªperhaps it would have soothed some of the pain from the Campbell family¡¯s mistreatment.

    Following Reece¡¯s lead, Carrie turned to Luca with a gentle smile. ¡°Luca, let¡¯s not disturb Jenesis¡¯s work. My matters can wait.¡±

    After a brief pause, Luca sighed and put his phone away.

    Kody, who had been quiet until now, spoke thoughtfully. ¡°We spent years searching for my uncle, only to find out he¡¯s gone. And now, we¡¯ve found Carrie, the only one left from his family. We¡¯ve also learned a little about her past from Daxton. Both the Campbell and Norris families treated her unfairly. It¡¯s time to change that narrative.¡±

    He looked at Luca and said firmly, ¡°We should hold a formal celebration to let everyone know Carrie is the princess of the Morrison family. Let¡¯s see who dares to mess with her now!¡±

    In a sprawling 500-square-meter apartment in the heart of the city, Kristopher sat silently in the corner of the sofa. The glow of the city¡¯s nightscape outside the floor-to-ceiling windows cast faint reflections across the room, but he remained shrouded in shadows. His expression was unreadable, and the cold aura radiating from him seemed to suffocate the air around him.

    From the bedroom, Lise emerged reluctantly, draped in a white silk nightgown. She forced a weak smile as she approached. ¡°Kristopher, sorry to keep you waiting,¡± she said softly. ¡°The pills I take keep increasing.¡±

    She clutched her phone tightly, its residual warmth grounding her as she strolled toward Kristopher. Instead of sitting beside him as she normally would, she chose the solitary armchair opposite him.

    Kristopher sat up straight and ced a sleek card on the table between them. ¡°There¡¯s fifty million on this card,¡± he said coldly. ¡°I¡¯ve arranged a house, medical care, and a full team of caregivers for you abroad. This money is for your living expenses.¡±

    Lise¡¯s lips trembled slightly. She forced out her response. ¡°You promised to let me stay before finishing the current treatment.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze remained fixed on the table. His voice was sharp and unyielding. ¡°I let it slide when you harmed Carrie before because, back then, your actions didn¡¯t cause real damage. But this time, you¡¯ve gone too far. You killed my baby and caused Carrie¡¯s grandmother¡¯s death. Any one of those actions deserves punishment.¡±

    He flexed his fingers against his knee, his tone growing colder. ¡°This is not the time for negotiations, Lise. Be grateful for the heart inside you¡ªLisa¡¯s heart, which saved your life. You have no right to cause more destruction with it.¡±

    Lise stood abruptly, moving to sit beside Kristopher. Her fingers reached out tentatively, resting lightly on his forearm. Her voice was tinged with desperation. ¡°Kristopher¡­ Do you really feel nothing for me? Nothing at all?¡±

    Kristopher raised his head, his dark eyes meeting hers. The disappointment in his gaze pierced her. ¡°Lisa¡¯s heart inside someone as malicious as you is a tragic waste.¡±

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 Chapter 616

    ?<strong>Chapter 616:</strong>

    Tears welled up in Lise¡¯s eyes, glistening under the dim lights. She tried to defend herself, her voice trembling. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t me me, Kristopher. You should me yourself. You gave me hope. You pulled me out of the darkness. You¡¯re exceptional¡­¡±

    How could I not fall in love with you? Everything I did to Carrie, I did because you drove me to it. I loved you too much¡­ I wanted you to be mine, only mine.¡±

    Her voice cracked as she broke into a desperate sob. Kristopher¡¯s face darkened further. Whatever shred ofpassion he might have once felt for her had vanished, reced by nothing but disgust and hatred.

    His hand shot out, gripping her chin tightly. ¡°You have no right to talk about love,¡± he hissed. ¡°You¡¯ve turned that word into something filthy. If I could, I would kill you right now in exchange for Carrie¡¯s return.¡±

    For a moment, Lise was stunned, but then she let out a cold, mockingugh. She met his eyes, a twisted smile curling her lips. ¡°Kristopher, since you made me fall in love with you, you shouldn¡¯t have gone after Carrie. You ruined her yourself. You killed your baby yourself.¡±

    Kristopher shoved her away, his tone sharp and furious. ¡°Stop spouting nonsense! How could I have harmed Carrie? Do you think you can escape guilt by ming me?¡±

    Lise steadied herself on the armrest, her sneer deepening. ¡°When Carrie first mentioned divorce, you defended me at every turn. You tried to make me into your sister¡ªa stand-in for the guilt you carried after Lisa¡¯s death¡ªand at the same time, you wanted to y the role of a perfect husband for Carrie. They were right. You wanted everything to go your way. But I¡¯m not your sister, Kristopher. I¡¯m your ex-girlfriend. How could I ever coexist peacefully with Carrie?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s chest tightened. Her words echoed in his mind, a cruel and relentless melody that grated on his nerves.

    The tension made him tug at his cor. He drew in a sharp breath before stating firmly, ¡°None of this changes anything. My decision is final. I¡¯ll have someone pick you up tonight. You¡¯re leaving Orkset.¡±

    Before his words could fully settle, the door to the apartment swung open with a forceful bang. Billie stormed in with an imposing presence. ¡°I dare anyone to try and make her leave Orkset!¡±

    Billie settled firmly between Kristopher and Lise, her posture protective as she shielded Lise like a mother bear guarding her cub. ¡°Lise can¡¯t go abroad,¡± Billie said coldly. ¡°How is she supposed to survive all alone in a foreign country?¡±

    Kristopher sat still, his head lowered, as if the weight of the entire conversation had crushed him. His voice was low but steady when he replied, ¡°Even if I don¡¯t do anything, Carrie won¡¯t just let this go.¡±

    He slowly raised his head, his tired eyes locking onto Billie¡¯s. ¡°Mom,¡± he said, the exhaustion etched into every syble, ¡°we¡¯re talking about two lives here. The pain we felt losing Lisa is the same pain Carrie is feeling now. Back then, you couldn¡¯t forgive the man who caused the ident. How can we expect Carrie to forgive her?¡±

    Billie¡¯s eyes widened, her rage building like a storm. ¡°Back then?¡± she spat, her voice trembling with fury. ¡°How dare you even bring that up? You failed to protect Lisa then, and now you want to send Lise abroad to fend for herself! She¡¯s your sister! She shares the same blood as you!¡±

    Her grip tightened around Lise¡¯s hand, as if letting go would mean losing her forever.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression remained impassive. ¡°Even if Lisa were still alive, she would have to face the consequences of her actions. The medical care abroad is advanced. I¡¯ll cover her expenses, and Lise can still live a good life there.¡±

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 Chapter 617

    ?<strong>Chapter 617:</strong>

    Bang!

    Before Kristopher could continue, Billie grabbed a porcin cup from the table and smashed it on the floor. Shards of ss scattered everywhere, glinting under the light. ¡°I dare anyone to try and punish my Lise!¡± Billie roared, her voice raw with emotion.

    Lise, who had been silent until now, lowered her head and spoke quietly, her voice carrying a mix of guilt and defiance. ¡°I never meant to hurt Carrie¡¯s child,¡± she said. ¡°I just wanted him to disrupt the wedding. I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d actually use a gun. As for Gracie¡­¡±

    Lise hesitated, then continued with unsettling calmness. ¡°Everyone sees things differently. To Carrie, she was a loving family member. But to me, she was just an annoying old woman I barely knew. Why can¡¯t I dislike her?¡±

    Billie¡¯s heart clenched as she looked at Lise. Lise¡¯s face blurred with memories of Lisa, and the lines between her daughters and Lise seemed to merge.

    The grief of losing Lisa and the desperation of holding onto Lise overwhelmed her. Right or wrong no longer mattered. All she could think about was protecting her daughter at any cost.

    Billie¡¯s voice grew colder. ¡°The real culprit behind the shooting is still that murderer. He caused your sister¡¯s death and now hurt Carrie. Lise might just be his excuse. And as for Gracie? She failed to take her medication, which caused her sudden decline. Yes, Lise¡¯s words may have been harsh, but Carrie wasn¡¯t exactly kind to me when she was divorcing you. If I had let her words get to me and ended my life, would Carrie have beenbeled a murderer?¡±

    Billie¡¯s gaze sharpened, her tone cutting. ¡°Let¡¯s be honest, Kristopher. Gracie¡¯s health was failing for years. It was your money that kept her alive this long. It was my repeated efforts¡ªvisiting the Quinn family, bringing gifts, and finding a doctor¡ªthat allowed her to see your wedding with Carrie. She passed away peacefully. Without regrets.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s hands balled into fists at his sides. He stared at Billie, disbelief evident in his expression. Although he had never been close to his mother, especially after Lisa¡¯s death, he had always believed she was a fundamentally good person.

    He had thought that if anyone could understand Carrie¡¯s pain, it would be Billie. But now, hearing her cold dismissal of Gracie and her unflinching defense of Lise, he felt an ache in his chest. It wasn¡¯t grief¡ªit was disillusionment.

    Kristopher lowered his gaze again, his voice hollow. ¡°I can¡¯t face Carrie. Knowing her¡­ she might have been able to forgive if the harm was done to her. But when ites to her family, she will never move on.¡±

    Billie crossed her arms, her expression firm. ¡°It¡¯s not about forgiveness. Carrie has every right to hate Lise. She can hate the entire Norris family if she wants. But I want you to protect Lise. Make sure Carrie doesn¡¯t harm her. Let Lise live freely in Orkset. This isn¡¯t hard for you, Kristopher. You owe your sister a life.¡±

    The Morrison family residence.

    After the initial excitement of the reunion subsided, the Morrison family insisted that Carrie and Daxton stay for dinner. The so-called pleasantries quickly became a showcase of the Morrison family¡¯s wealth. One after another, family members showered Carrie withvish gifts¡ªluxury brand VIC cards, exclusive restaurant ck cards, and more.

    Since Josh¡¯s expulsion from the family, they hadn¡¯t found anyone with piano skills to rival his. To maintain their prominence, they encouraged their descendants to either excel in music or dominate the business world to attract talent and uphold their reputation.

    The Morrison family, having cultivated a business empire spanning multiple industries over three generations, had be even more influential than the Norris family. Suddenly, the door opened, and a striking woman entered.

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 Chapter 618

    ?<strong>Chapter 618:</strong>

    Her resemnce to Carrie was uncanny¡ªboth shared ssic features, though the neer exuded an air of grace and poise. Dressed in a flowing ck gown, loosely belted with brown leather, her low ponytail fell elegantly over her chest.

    It was Jenesis Morrison, Luca¡¯s daughter and a renowned triple award-winning actress. Despite being in her fifties, her youthful appearance and delicate skin gave her the radiance of someone decades younger.

    As she approached, Luca introduced her with pride. ¡°Carrie, this is Jenesis, my daughter. You may call her Aunt Jenesis.¡± Carrie rose from her seat and greeted her politely. ¡°Nice to meet you, Aunt Jenesis.¡±

    ¡°Wee home, Carrie.¡± Jenesis opened her arms, pulling Carrie into a warm embrace. Her voice trembled with emotion, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Unlike the stoic men of the family, Jenesis expressed her feelings openly.

    Carrie¡¯s own eyes brimmed with tears. The hug was filled with a warmth she hadn¡¯t felt in years¡ªa motherly affection she thought she¡¯d lost forever.

    Jenesis led Carrie back to the sofa, sitting beside her. ¡°Tell me, Carrie. How have you been all these years? And your grandmother? If it¡¯s inconvenient for her to travel, we have a private jet ready to bring her here.¡±

    The mention of her grandmother brought a lump to Carrie¡¯s throat. Her voice cracked as she replied, ¡°Grandma has passed away.¡±

    She recounted her experiences over the years in detail, making her story more vivid and immersive than Daxton¡¯s. The room grew heavier with each word. Jenesis, already emotional, choked back sobs. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯ve suffered so much. It¡¯s heartbreaking to think of all you¡¯ve endured.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey

    The Morrison family, for all their wealth and privilege, had seldom faced such hardships. Jenesis, in particr, felt a deep pang of guilt and sorrow. Though her own life hadn¡¯t been without struggles¡ªher brief marriage had ended in heartbreak, and her three miscarriages left her childless¡ªshe had lived a life of luxury and adoration. If she had a child, they would be around Carrie¡¯s age. Would they have endured such hardships?

    She had been pampered and raised in luxury, always the center of attention, except in matters of the heart. Carrie should have had the same life.

    She could not imagine how Carrie, a young woman, had managed all those years through such turmoil.

    The thought of Carrie marrying Kristopher Norris, not out of love but to escape being sold to the Crawford family, brought a fresh wave of sorrow to Jenesis. Instead of finding peace in her marriage, Carrie had endured constant torment, facing Lise¡¯s malicious schemes and Kristopher¡¯s wavering loyalty towards Lise.

    Not even an ordinary woman would have borne so much, Jenesis thought bitterly. If Josh were alive to see his granddaughter treated so poorly, he would have been heartbroken.

    Out of respect for the deceased, Jenesis couldn¡¯t bring herself to me it all on her grandfather¡¯s stubbornness, preventing Josh from marrying for love. However, Carrie¡¯s grandmother must have been an exceptional woman to raise Carrie so well. Perhaps if her grandfather had met Josh¡¯s girlfriend back then and been less rigid about social status, Carrie¡¯s tragedy might have been avoided.

    Jenesis held Carrie tightly in her arms, her embrace brimming with affection. Behind them, Luca discreetly dabbed at his eyes, trying to hide the tears that had escaped.

    Carrie, once convinced she was utterly alone in the world, felt a deep warmth seep into her heart. The support and love surrounding her chipped away at the ice she had built around herself for so many years. Despite the swell of emotion, Carrie remainedposed. She wasn¡¯t one to disy vulnerability easily, so she simply raised her hand and gently patted Jenesis on the back, a silent gesture of gratitude.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 619

    ?<strong>Chapter 619:</strong>

    Reece, noticing the emotional tension in the room, tried to lighten the mood with a cheerful smile. ¡°Carrie¡¯s back¡ªthat¡¯s all that matters. It¡¯s the best gift we could have hoped for.¡± The sentiment echoed through the room.

    Carrie, despite the hardships she had endured, stood as a testament to resilience. She had not only survived but flourished into an extraordinary individual. Her beauty was undeniable, even in a family known for their striking looks. Jenesis, who had once taken great pride in her own appearance, couldn¡¯t help but admit that Carrie¡¯s vibrant features surpassed even her youthful charm.

    But Carrie¡¯s appeal extended far beyond her beauty. Her aplishments as a screenwriter and actress had earned her a prominent ce in the entertainment industry. Jenesis had followed some of her works and was impressed by the intricacy of her storylines and the richness of her characters. Her performances on screen were just aspelling, with a depth and precision that brought her roles to life. Even Jenesis¡¯s students, budding actors and actresses in her drama sses, frequently mentioned Carrie with admiration, some even idolizing her.

    Jenesis, regaining herposure, pulled back slightly from the embrace. She gave a smallugh, brushing away the remaining tears. ¡°Look at me¡ªI¡¯m supposed to be the older one here, but you¡¯re the oneforting me.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s lips curved into a soft smile. ¡°I know you care about me.¡±

    Kody, his voice tinged with emotion, spoke up next. ¡°Carrie¡¯s return is a blessing to this family. Jenesis¡¯s tears are tears of joy. With Jenesis as the older princess, and now Carrie as our little princess, the Morrison family is whole again.¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins

    Reece added enthusiastically, ¡°This calls for a celebration! We can¡¯t let such a reunion go unmarked.¡±

    ¡°Yes, a grand celebration!¡± Luca dered with determination. His eyes gleamed with purpose. ¡°We¡¯ll let all of Isonridge¡ªand the entire nation¡ªknow that Carrie is the Morrison family¡¯s little princess. As for the Campbell family, the Crawford family, and Lise, I¡¯ll make sure none of them dare cross us again. The Morrison family doesn¡¯t go looking for trouble, but we¡¯re not afraid to put anyone in their ce.¡±

    Reece¡¯s expression darkened slightly. ¡°Grandfather, rest assured, I will make them pay.¡± Turning to Carrie, he added, ¡°Carrie, what about Kristopher? If you still hold resentment toward him, we won¡¯t spare him either. But¡­ if you¡¯ve let go, I¡¯ll respect your decision.¡±

    Reece was perceptive enough to recognize theplicated emotions Carrie might still hold for Kristopher. He couldn¡¯t act rashly without knowing her true feelings.

    Carrie¡¯s voice was steady, her gaze unwavering. ¡°Kristopher and I are even now. He made his mistakes, and I made mine. I knew about Lise, yet I chose to reconcile with him. I wasn¡¯t firm enough, and I brought much of this on myself. I don¡¯t want any further entanglements with him.¡±

    Her gaze dropped briefly, her hand instinctively resting on her abdomen. ¡°As for Lise, I¡¯ll make sure she faces the consequences of her actions¡ªlegally.¡±

    Kody nodded, his tone resolute. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that, Carrie. I¡¯ll ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. The Norris family¡¯s influence doesn¡¯t extend to Isonridge.¡±

    Daxton, who had been quiet until now, spoke up. ¡°I have some information about Lise as well. I¡¯ll share it with Reece once I get back.¡±

    The family turned to Daxton, realizing they had unintentionally overlooked him in the flurry of emotions.

    Kody smiled warmly. ¡°Daxton, you¡¯ve been a great help. It feels like you¡¯re one of us already.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 620

    ?<strong>Chapter 620:</strong>

    Jenesis chimed in, ¡°Carrie, don¡¯t worry. Isonridge has many skilled doctors. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll personally take you to see one. Your injuries are still fresh, but you¡¯re young and strong¡ªyou¡¯ll recover.¡±

    To be loved was to feel safe, grounded, and whole. For the first time, the pain and grief she carried felt a little lighter, as though the warmth of her newfound family could truly begin to heal the wounds of her past.

    The family dinner was a grand affair, with the dining table adorned by an array of dishes featuring expensive, high-quality ingredients. Kody and Jenesis had taken it upon themselves to prepare their signature recipes, which added an intimate, personal touch to the opulent evening.

    It was almost surreal. A stoic business tycoon and a celebrated actress, both renowned in their fields, cooking for Carrie¡ªa junior member of the family. It was the kind of story no one would believe unless they had seen it with their own eyes.

    Yet, amidst the lively dinner preparations, one seat at the table remained conspicuously empty. Arion was nowhere to be seen.

    As the family settled and the first tes were passed around, Carrie hesitated, her voice soft but clear. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we wait for my other cousin to join us?¡± Her question brought an abrupt pause. The family exchanged nces, and for a moment, the room was silent. Then realization dawned that she was referring to Arion.

    Kody broke the silence with a casual wave of his hand. ¡°Do not worry about him. He is abroad at the moment. We have not informed him about this family reunion yet.¡±

    With that, he picked up a piece of shrimp and carefully ced it on Carrie¡¯s te. ¡°Try this,¡± he said warmly. ¡°I made it myself. Daxton mentioned you enjoy spicy food. Our family may be rooted in Isonridge, but somehow, we have all developed a taste for spice.¡±

    Not to be outdone, Jenesis leaned over, adding a slice of spicy beef from the sd to Carrie¡¯s te. ¡°This recipe,¡± she began with a proud smile, ¡°I learned from a Michelin chef. I made it especially for you.¡±

    Carrie tasted both dishes, her expression lighting up as she praised their efforts. ¡°They are both delicious. The shrimp is perfectly tender, and the beef is bursting with vor.¡± The atmosphere around the table grew warm and animated. Perhaps deliberately, no one brought up Carrie¡¯s past experiences. Instead, the conversation danced around lighter topics¡ªher work, her future, and, eventually, her connection with Daxton.

    Kody turned his attention to Daxton, his gaze the measured look of a man evaluating a potential nephew-inw. ¡°Daxton and our family share quite a history,¡± he remarked. ¡°Back when I was in Steu Skua, it was Daxton who came to my aid. Funny enough, his middle name is the same as mine¡ªit almost feels like fate intended us to be connected.¡±

    Daxton responded humbly, ¡°We are all from Mothor, Mr. Morrison. If our roles had been reversed, I am certain you would have done the same for me.¡±

    Catching the drift of her brother¡¯s words, Jenesis shifted the conversation toward Carrie, her tone gently probing. ¡°Carrie, have you given any thought to your future ns? There are many exceptional young men from families of simr standing. You are young, with plenty of opportunities to meet someone you like.¡±

    Carrie paused, her hand hovering mid-air with her fork. A wistful smile softened her face as she answered, ¡°Thank you for your concern, Aunt Jenesis, but no. I have allowed rtionships to interfere with my work far too often in the past. Myst rtionship drained me¡ªmy energy, my courage. I do not think I have it in me to go through that again anytime soon.¡±

    Her words hung in the air, and a fleeting shadow passed across Daxton¡¯s face. Yet, he masked it quickly, offering a thoughtful smile. ¡°Fate has its own ns,¡± he said gently. ¡°If something is meant to be, it will happen in its own time.¡±

    His gaze lingered on her, his eyes reflecting a quiet longing that he kept to himself.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 621

    ?<strong>Chapter 621:</strong>

    The Morrison family observed the interaction, their impressions of Daxton positive. Yet, they were mindful of Carrie¡¯s history and struggles. To them, her happiness mattered above all else. Whether she married or not was secondary. The Morrison family had the means to support her unconditionally, for a lifetime if need be.

    Two dayster.

    Norris Group.

    Oliver strode into the office, a spring in his step as he delivered the news. ¡°Mr. Norris, the AR project in Isonridge is nearly finalized. Once the contract is signed tomorrow, we can move to production.¡±

    ¡°Isonridge?¡± Kristopher echoed, his attention snapping to the mention of the location. His expression shifted subtly, betraying a deeper thought.

    Oliver paused, slightly puzzled, but answered honestly. ¡°Yes. The partnerpany, Waterway Technology, is based in Isonridge. They were one of the firstpanies in Mothor to explore the AR field¡­¡±

    Kristopher interrupted abruptly, his voice cutting through Oliver¡¯s exnation. ¡°Is Carrie in Isonridge now?¡±

    Oliver quickly pieced it together. ¡°Yes, the trainees from Mrs. Norris¡¯spany are heading to Isonridge for performance sses. Mrs. Norris and Miss Nixon are apanying them,¡± he said, his tone measured.

    Kristopher did not bother to correct Oliver¡¯s choice of address. Instead, he replied with calm indifference, ¡°I will personally sign the AR project contract. Go and pack my luggage.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Oliver answered, though he sighed inwardly. It was disheartening, almost pitiable, how much Kristopher still cared for Mrs. Norris, even after the divorce. To Kristopher, she remained the wife he recognized, the only one he truly acknowledged.

    Who could say? Perhaps traveling to Isonridge and seeing her might soften her heart.

    Norris Mansion

    Kristopher¡¯s apartment was under renovation, so he had returned to the family mansion temporarily.

    As Oliver carried Kristopher¡¯s suitcase inside, Billie noticed him. Her tone was casual, but her curiosity was evident. ¡°Where are you headed?¡±

    Oliver gave a fleeting nce toward Kristopher before replying simply, ¡°Mr. Norris is going to Isonridge to sign a contract.¡±

    Billie frowned, a shadow of skepticism crossing her face. ¡°What kind of contract demands your personal attention?¡±

    Kristopher, already changing into slippers, replied with an air of detachment. ¡°In this digital age, projects like AR and the metaverse are uncharted territory for us. It is only natural I give them closer attention.¡±

    ¡°Kristopher, do not overwork yourself,¡± Lise interjected, her voice soft butced with an undertone of concern. She was well aware that Kristopher no longer held any warmth for her. Her only ally now was Billie.

    After Kristopher and Carrie divorced, Shawn and Mny had expressed their disapproval of Billie¡¯s interference but had chosen to avoid confrontation by retreating to Pinecrest for a while.

    With the elders gone, Lise had taken full advantage, frequenting the Norris Mansion as though she were a cherished daughter of the family.

    Kristopher, on the other hand, had immersed himself in work, often stayingte at the office or at hotels to avoid the mansion entirely. Now, as his gazended on Lise for the first time in weeks, his expression hardened. He did not spare her a single word as he brushed past her.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 622

    ?<strong>Chapter 622:</strong>

    ¡°I am heading upstairs to pack,¡± he said, nodding briefly to Billie before disappearing up the staircase.

    As his footsteps faded, Lise suddenly spoke up, her voice calcted. ¡°Kristopher, I heard Carrie went to Isonridge as well. Are you nning to see her?¡±

    Billie¡¯s expression darkened instantly. Her gaze sharpened as it turned to Kristopher. ¡°If she is in Isonridge, let her stay there. It is better that she remains upied with her own affairs, far from here. Kristopher, you need to avoid getting entangled with her again. It would only drag Lise into unnecessaryplications. Besides, there is no future for you and Carrie.¡±

    A weight settled in Kristopher¡¯s chest, but his face betrayed nothing. He met Billie¡¯s gaze with a steely calm. ¡°Mom, you are overthinking this. I have no idea where she is, nor do I care. I am on my own now, focused solely on thepany¡¯s new projects. The Norris Group has entered untested waterstely, and if we seed, it could mark a new era for us. Thepany has been stagnant for too long, and if we do not push forward, we risk being eclipsed by others.¡±

    Billie studied him for a moment, her stern expression softening ever so slightly. His resolve seemed genuine, and the practicality of his words reassured her somewhat. Given the way things had unraveled between him and Carrie, reconciliation was nothing more than a distant fantasy. Even if he dared to hope, Carrie¡¯s forgiveness was a door that seemed permanently closed.

    She gave a small nod. ¡°Have you settled everything concerning Lise?¡±

    Kristopher opened his mouth to reply, but Oliver, ever efficient, stepped forward smoothly. ¡°Mrs. Norris, please rest assured. I have already conducted a thorough investigation into Lise¡¯s background. Any potential issues have been addressed, and her reputation will remain impable.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Kristopher picked up his pace and walked ahead. He found it simple to look into others, but he had never taken the opportunity to investigate Lise. All of his knowledge about her throughout the years came from what she had shared with him directly. The perception he had of her was an illusion she had created.

    This time, Kristopher asked Oliver to look into things only because Billie pushed for the removal of all of Lise¡¯s past negative experiences. Kristopher believed that the issues needing concealment were connected to Carrie, so he directed Oliver to maintain a backup for hister examination.

    What he found was surprising. That seemingly delicate and naive woman was actually a wolf in sheep¡¯s clothing, much like her wayward father, if not more so. Throughout her school years, she had been a defiant teenager who bullied her ssmates in various ways.

    Now, just looking at Lise made him feel disgusted. His previous feelings of sympathy and pity for her seemed ridiculous. In reality, it was Carrie who truly deserved hispassion. However, he had repeatedly caused pain to Carrie for the sake of such a woman.

    Memories rushed back to him¡­ Carrie reached out to him after getting hurt in a fire, while he chose to remain with Lise and ignored her call. On the set, he leveraged his financial power to take the roles that Carrie had worked hard to secure, and in his rush to get Lise to the hospital, he identally knocked Carrie down. The events unfolded consecutively, and despite his ability to see through everything, he remained oblivious to Lise¡¯s poor performance each time.

    Kristopher entered his room and shut the door behind him. He approached the sink, turned on the tap, and sshed water on his face in an effort to soothe his mind. As he gazed at his reflection, he suddenly grasped the meaning behind all the emotional usations Carrie had directed at him. But what was the point of understanding at this moment? All the harm to Carrie had already been done, and he couldn¡¯t even hold Lise ountable for her behavior.

    Without warning, he lifted his fist and struck the mirror, breaking it immediately.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 623

    ?<strong>Chapter 623:</strong>

    It felt like he had discovered a way to release his feelings, hitting the mirror over and over until it was covered in cracks, warping his image into numerous pieces. ss shards were stuck in his hand, blood flowing down, but he remained unfazed, as if he were numb to the pain.

    ¡°Mr¡­ Mr. Norris!¡±

    Oliver walked into the room, unable to find Kristopher. When he reached the bathroom door, the sight before him turned his face pale with fear. He quickly turned around to grab the first aid kit, grumbling, ¡°Mr. Norris, what are you thinking? Even if you don¡¯t care about your own well-being, consider how Mrs. Norris will feel when she sees this during your trip to Isonridge. She¡¯ll be worried.¡±

    The final sentence hit a nerve in Kristopher¡¯s mind, bringing back memories of thest time he had used an arm injury to win Carrie¡¯s sympathy. He grabbed a few ss shards and clenched them tightly in his hand. It was only when Oliver, in a panic, dropped the first aid kit and hurried to free his hand that Kristopher finally released his grip.

    Oliver was worried. ¡°Mr. Norris, if you¡¯ve injured a tendon, it could permanently harm your hand.¡±

    He cleaned Kristopher¡¯s injuries with saline, observing the horrific gashes and the pieces of debris lodged in them, trying to keep his fear in check as he proposed, ¡°Mr. Norris, I think I should contact Dr. Molina for assistance. These injuries will take time to heal.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t heal fast¡­¡± Kristopher murmured softly. His face softened a little at those words. In that situation, it would be ideal to visit Isonridge and allow Carrie to see it.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??????? brings great stories

    ¡°Don¡¯t bother the doctors. Just let it be. Tidy up the bathroom and keep the family calm.¡± Kristopher brushed off the worry, nonchntly cleaned his injuries with alcohol, and carelessly bandaged them with gauze.

    The variety of ways to catch Carrie¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t what mattered; effectiveness was key.

    A few dayster, in Isonridge.

    Kristopher had just disembarked from the ne when representatives from Waterway Technology arrived to escort him to the hotel that awaited him.

    The spouse of Waterway Technology¡¯s founder had once been a cherishedpanion of Billie, a bond forged in the warmth of shared memories. Upon learning that Kristopher wasing to finalize a significant contract with them, Billie reached out to her old friend, hoping her friend would keep a watchful eye on her son. On the surface, it appeared to be a mother¡¯s concern, but in truth, she desired someone to discreetly observe Kristopher, ensuring he remained on the right path. If Kristopher attempted to reach out to Carrie, Billie would be notified immediately, ready to intervene if necessary.

    Billie¡¯s friend was no ordinary woman either. Although she hailed from a middle-ss background in Orkset, she skillfully navigated her way into the high society of Isonridge, transforming her social standing and embracing thevish lifestyle that came with it. She had consented to assist Billie, not out of nostalgia for their friendship, but because she wished to introduce Kristopher to her daughter, hoping to forge a connection that would benefit them both.

    In the grand hotel lobby, adorned with opulent chandeliers and plush furnishings, Kathleen Herrera, Billie¡¯s longtime friend, awaited Kristopher alongside a group ofpany executives. She was resplendent in a rich crimson dress that entuated her graceful figure, her hair elegantly styled in an intricate updo, embodying the essence of a high-societydy in Isonridge.

    Next to her stood her daughter, Aliza Herrera, a vision of youthful beauty. The mother and daughter shared a striking resemnce, their features harmonizing perfectly, and standing side by side, they appeared more like sisters than parent and daughter.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 624

    ?<strong>Chapter 624:</strong>

    Bernie Herrera, the founder of Waterway Technology, stepped forward with an air of enthusiasm, eagerly extending his hand to Kristopher. ¡°Mr. Norris, I didn¡¯t anticipate the Norris Group to value this project so highly that you would personallye to sign the contract,¡± he eximed, his voice filled with genuine excitement.

    Kristopher offered a courteous yet detached smile, raising his hand wrapped in bandages, a stark reminder of his recent mishap. ¡°I sustained a minor injury, so it¡¯s inconvenient to shake hands,¡± he replied, his tone calm yet polite.

    ¡°How did you get hurt? Should we summon a doctor for a closer examination?¡± Kathleen inquired, her brow furrowing with concern as she stepped closer.

    Kristopher lowered his hand and replied indifferently, ¡°It¡¯s nothing severe, just a cut from some ss.¡±

    Kathleen didn¡¯t press him further. Instead, she casually reminisced about old times to ease the atmosphere. ¡°I held you when you were born; now look how much you¡¯ve matured into such a fine young man. But you probably don¡¯t recall; I moved to Isonridge when you were less than a year old,¡± she said.

    Her voice was tinged with nostalgia as she nced affectionately at Bernie, their rtionship radiating warmth and love.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard my mother mention it,¡± Kristopher replied nonchntly.

    Bernie stepped closer, cing his arm around Kathleen¡¯s shoulders in a gesture of affection. ¡°It was my wife¡¯s idea to wee you today. I didn¡¯t expect her to have such an old acquaintance here; it must be destiny,¡± he dered, his eyes sparkling with delight.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all destiny,¡± Kathleen affirmed, pulling her daughter Aliza forward with a proud smile. ¡°This is my daughter. When you were in school, your mother used to jest that our children would be betrothed to one another.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Mr. Norris, I¡¯m Aliza.¡± Aliza introduced herself with confidence, her voice clear and bright.

    Kathleen chuckled softly and interjected, ¡°Why call him Mr. Norris? You should address him as Kristopher.¡±

    Aliza obediently responded, ¡°Kristopher.¡±

    Her voice was soft, her eyes sparkling with admiration for Kristopher¡¯s striking features, tinged with a hint of shy girlishness.

    The man before her was undeniably handsome, surpassing even the heirs of Isonridge¡¯s noble families. Aliza, always self-assured and raised in opulence, believed she deserved nothing but the finest. However, those she found appealing rarely reciprocated her interest.

    Bernie was not favored within the Herrera n and had carved his path through the inte technology boom independently, a testament to his resilience. Kathleen¡¯s family wielded little influence in Isonridge.

    So, Aliza¡¯s family background did not stand out in the affluent circles of Isonridge.

    But Kristopher himself was no longer considered a prime catch. Regardless of his capabilities, he hailed from a modest ce like Orkset, and he had been married once.

    When Aliza first learned of his divorce, she felt disdain for him. But the moment sheid eyes on him in person, it felt like love at first sight.

    Kristopher entered the room with an air of confidence, tall and striking in a dark-tailored suit that clung perfectly to his athletic frame, reminiscent of a model gliding down a catwalk. His features were sharp and noble, highlighted by a straight nose thatmanded attention.

    She could scarcely fathom that a business genius, celebrated by even her grandfather for his remarkable achievements, could possess a visage more captivating than that of a Hollywood superstar.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 625

    ?<strong>Chapter 625:</strong>

    Just one nce, and she felt an undeniable connection¡ªhe was her true love, the embodiment of everything she had ever dreamed of.

    A sleek ck Cayenne Turbo GT stood at the hotel entrance. The car, fully customized down to its smallest details, featured an audio system valued at over five million dors.

    Reece emerged from the car, offering his hand with a gentleman¡¯s grace. Carrie smiled brightly and rested her hand on his arm as she stepped out.

    ¡°Their lobster dish here is a must-try. If you¡¯re ever in Isonridge, don¡¯t miss out on the authentic vors,¡± he said with a gentle smile, his voice softer than usual.

    Reece, dressed in a simple white outfit, seemed more approachable than usual. He carried himself with a quiet refinement that softened his usual aloofness.

    Carrie wore a flowing light blue dress. A mint-colored hairpin rested delicately by her ear, making her appear youthful and radiant.

    The hairpin, a gift from Reece during their drive, sparkled with emeralds and tourmalines. Its small size belied its worth, valued at nearly half a million dors.

    Rather than being a product of a famous luxury brand, the hairpin was the work of a little-known designer from Mothor. Carrie could already see the potential in such unique pieces. Isonridge, the nation¡¯s bustling capital, thrived on opportunities. An independent designer store in Orkset would not expect to make substantial profits selling items like this, priced at just a fraction of the hairpin¡¯s value.

    As they entered the hotel lobby, her hand rested on Reece¡¯s arm. The room was lively with conversations among small groups. Kristopher stood with his back to Carrie, unaware of her presence. Aliza, however, immediately caught sight of Reece.

    ¡°Hi, Reece,¡± said Aliza, raising a hand in greeting.

    Her eyes then flickered to Carrie, revealing a subtle frostiness.

    Reece had always been one of the men Aliza admired. His charisma and achievements rivaled those of Kristopher. In Isonridge, the Morrison family was a cornerstone of high society. Yet, despite the Herrera family¡¯s prominence, even distant members of the Morrison lineage might not find them worth noticing.

    Reece, older than Kristopher by two years, had upheld a spotless reputation. The only woman on his record was a single ex-girlfriend. Now, appearing in public with a woman by his side, one question lingered. Was he preparing to announce a marriage?

    Aliza studied Carrie closely. Despite the jealousy simmering beneath herposure, she couldn¡¯t deny that Carrie was stunning. There was something familiar about her, though. It was as if they had crossed paths before.

    Bernie, catching Aliza¡¯s reaction, turned toward Reece and offered a warm greeting. ¡°Hello, Reece. Are you here for a meal?¡± Eager to strengthen their ties, Bernie was hopeful about introducing Aliza to the Music Association. While the Herrera family didn¡¯t have any formal business deals with the Morrisons, exchanges of gifts weremon between the two families.

    Joining the Music Association was a strategic move. It would align the Herreras with the Morrisons, giving their family¡¯s social standing a significant boost.

    Reece gave a small nod in acknowledgment. ¡°Yes, just here for a meal. Let¡¯s catch up another time. Goodbye for now.¡± He then gently guided Carrie forward.

    As they walked away, Carrie leaned in and whispered, ¡°Reece, who were they? Should I have greeted them?¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 626

    ?<strong>Chapter 626:</strong>

    His expression softened with a trace of indulgence. ¡°They don¡¯t matter. Remember, in Isonridge, the Morrison namemands respect. You don¡¯t have to second-guess yourself.¡± He paused for a moment before adding, ¡°If your grandfather were still alive, our family¡¯s influence would be even greater. There¡¯s no need for you to be overly polite. Take after our aunt. She¡¯s known for her unruliness.¡±

    Carrie sighed inwardly, feeling that the Morrison family¡¯s protective nature was overwhelming at times.

    Meanwhile, Bernie noticed Kristopher standing a short distance away. His expression was nonchnt, his head turned away, making it seem like he was oblivious to Reece¡¯s prominent background. Bernie told him, ¡°That man is Reece Morrison, the future patriarch of the Morrison family.¡±

    Hearing this, Kristopher slowly raised his head. His eyesnded on Reece and Carrie just as they stepped into the elevator.

    One look was enough to send a shock through him. His expression shifted instantly. ¡°Carrie?¡± he murmured, the name barely audible.

    Aliza¡¯s instincts red. Her sharp intuition prompted her to lean closer, suspicion evident in her tone. ¡°Kristopher, do you know Reece¡¯s girlfriend?¡±

    She didn¡¯t miss the chance to emphasize the word ¡°girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°Girlfriend?¡± Kristopher repeated, his voice filled with disbelief as his gaze lingered on the closing elevator doors.

    The next moment, just as Aliza was about to say something, Kristopher walked quickly to catch up with Carrie and Reece. As Kristopher approached the elevator, he saw the disy numbers rising steadily until they stopped at the top floor. Bernie and Aliza hurried after him, their eyes filled with confusion.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, what¡¯s wrong¡­¡± Bernie began, but Oliver, preparing himself, interrupted.

    ¡°Reece¡¯s girlfriend resembles a close friend of Mr. Norris quite a bit.¡±

    ¡°Close friend,¡± Aliza whispered softly, sharing a quick nce with Kathleen.

    It was clear that both she and her mother doubted Oliver¡¯s exnation. How could it really be just a resemnce? It was obvious that Kristopher recognized this person.

    Aliza had explored Kristopher¡¯s romantic past. Besides his ex-wife, the only other significant person was his first love, Lise. She had watched Lise on television, a woman with a delicate and graceful charm. Yet, the woman next to Reece, with her captivating and bold features, was nothing like Lise¡¯s type.

    Could she possibly be Kristopher¡¯s former wife?

    Aliza looked down, hiding the swirl of emotions in her eyes, the jealousy now mixed with some resentment. What were the chances of a divorced woman finding herself with a man she had only dared to dream about?

    Bernie, unlike his wife and daughter, paid no attention to such things. He was unaware of their curiosity about Kristopher and cared only about the possibility of working together. If the partnership worked out, thepany¡¯s profits could grow tenfold, giving him more confidence when dealing with his family.

    He took it upon himself to press the elevator button and smiled at Kristopher, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the top floor for dinner. The food here is fantastic.¡±

    Upon hearing ¡°top floor,¡± Kristopher straightened his suit and returned to his previous neutral demeanor, responding with a brief, ¡°Okay.¡±

    The elevator doors slid open, and they entered. With Kathleen¡¯s assistance, Aliza was able to position herself next to Kristopher. Aliza spotted the pen in Kristopher¡¯s suit.

    Kristopher reached into his pocket and initiated a chat. ¡°Kristopher, are you a fan of fountain pens? I really enjoy them as well. I own a limited edition, but it¡¯s a bit too masculine for my taste. If you¡¯re interested¡­¡±

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 Chapter 627

    ?<strong>Chapter 627:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s serious demeanor showed a trace of annoyance as he responded coolly, ¡°It was a present from my wife.¡±

    ¡°Your wife? Didn¡¯t you get divorced?¡± Aliza eximed, taken aback and unable to hold back her thoughts.

    ¡°Aliza, why are you being so disrespectful?¡± Bernie shot Aliza a disapproving nce before turning to Kristopher with a grin. ¡°Mr. Norris, my daughter has been indulged by both her mother and me. She often speaks without considering her words. Please, keep in mind that she is too young and don¡¯t take herments personally.¡±

    Aliza expressed her discontent, saying, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m 22 years old now. How can you still consider me too young?¡±

    While they were talking, the elevator arrived at the top floor. The doors slid open, revealing the ss entrance of the restaurant. Kristopher noticed Carrie and Reece entering a private room,ughing and conversing.

    Carrie had her arm wrapped around Reece¡¯s, and they looked like they couldn¡¯t be apart. Kristopher¡¯s mood quickly darkened.

    Initially, it was Daxton, and now it was Reece. Why did these guyse across as bothersome like insects?

    He had previous experience with Reece. In contrast to Daxton, Reece hailed from a joyful family with a strong foundation. Someone like him wouldn¡¯t choose a partner based on feelings alone; instead, he would focus on family status and rtionships.

    Despite Carrie achieving stardom and being a great screenwriter, she still appeared to be inconsequential inparison to the Morrison family.

    He remembered watching Carrie perform Josh¡¯s pieces.

    He realized that following Josh¡¯s death, the Morrison family had lost their former standing in the pianomunity. The few celebrated pianists were simply students from the music association, rather than direct heirs of the Morrison lineage.

    If the situation had continued, someone else might have assumed the role of president of the music association when Luca retired.

    Was Reece trying to get closer to Carrie to maintain the Morrison family¡¯s reputation in the music association?

    Kristopher¡¯s expression shifted. He had always looked up to Reece, but now he viewed him in a new light¡ªas someone who relied on women to ensure his family¡¯s stability.

    Oliver noticed the sharp shift in Kristopher¡¯s expression and leaned in, his voice barely audible. ¡°Mr. Norris, if you head over now, Mrs. Norris might not take it well.¡±

    The tension in Kristopher¡¯s jaw eased slightly at the words, though his eyes lingered on the private room¡¯s door where Carrie had disappeared. His fists unclenched slowly, and after a brief pause, he turned away.

    Without another word, he followed Bernie to their own private room, which happened to be adjacent to Carrie¡¯s.

    Inside, the dining table had already been meticulously arranged. Kathleen had ensured that Aliza was seated next to Kristopher. Aliza wasted no time. She picked up the menu and unfolded it between them, the edge of it brushing against Kristopher¡¯s arm. Her voice was light and cheerful. ¡°Kristopher, the food here is fantastic. How about we try these signature dishes?¡±

    Kristopher nodded absently, his mind clearly elsewhere. A quiet hum was all he could muster in response.

    But Aliza didn¡¯t seem to notice¡ªor perhaps, she chose to ignore it. With unshaken enthusiasm, she continued listing dishes, gesturing to the menu as if she were showing off her art exhibit. Noticing that Kristopher didn¡¯t object, Bernie quietly observed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He let his daughter carry on as she pleased. She was his only child, a prodigy on the piano with achievements that exceeded his expectations.

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 Chapter 628

    ?<strong>Chapter 628:</strong>

    In the next room, dishes arrived one after another, their aromas mingling in the air. Reece leaned forward, his fork hovering over Carrie¡¯s te as he ced a slice of steak onto it. ¡°Try this smoked slow-roasted steak,¡± he urged with a grin.

    The dish was beautifully crafted. A whole cut of beef, trimmed and seasoned with yellow mustard, coarse salt, and ck pepper, had been slow-cooked to perfection. Wrapped and baked until medium rare, it was then unwrapped, roasted openly, and spritzed with apple vinegar for an extra tang.

    Carrie took a bite. Her expression remained neutral. There was nothing remarkable about the vor.

    Definitely not worth its extravagant $699 price tag.

    Once again, she couldn¡¯t help but marvel at the sheer profitability of business in Isonridge.

    Still, she couldn¡¯t dampen Reece¡¯s enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s delicious,¡± she said with a polite smile.

    Reece¡¯s grin widened. ¡°There¡¯s plenty more where that came from. While you¡¯re in Isonridge, I¡¯ll introduce you to all the best culinary spots.¡±

    He paused, his tone shifting to something more serious. ¡°Are you nning to build your career here? There¡¯s not much left for you in Orkset. If youe back to Isonridge, our family can finally be together.¡±

    Carrie had just lifted her fork to pick up a piece of green vegetable. She paused at his words. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± she said, lowering her gaze. ¡°Mypany is just starting to find its footing. It¡¯s hard to step away now.¡±

    Reece leaned in slightly, his brows furrowing in concern. ¡°Why take on everything yourself? I¡¯ve got experienced people under me who can run a mediapany blindfolded. They could handle it for you. This way, you can have time and strength for other engagements.¡±

    She hesitated but finally nodded. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll think about it and let you know.¡±

    Her nomittal response didn¡¯t seem to dampen Reece¡¯s mood. He beamed, piling more food onto her te.

    Carrie looked down at the small mountain of dishes before her and sighed, half in exasperation, half in fondness. ¡°Reece, I¡¯m not a kid anymore. I can serve myself, you know. You should eat too.¡±

    Reece¡¯s expression softened as he chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ll always be our little princess, Carrie. You don¡¯t have to do everything alone. Coming back to the Morrison family means living like a princess.¡±

    Carrie felt a faint warmth bloom in her chest. Though they were cousins, Reece had always treated her with a genuine brotherly affection, and she cherished that bond deeply.

    As they ate and the conversation flowed, Reece leaned back slightly and asked, almost offhandedly, ¡°Carrie, do you y the piano?¡±

    She shrugged, reaching for her ss of water. ¡°A little. But I¡¯m not very good. My grandfather passed away when I was young, so I had to learn from a local teacher.¡±

    Reece nodded thoughtfully. ¡°When your grandfather left, he took a piano with him. It¡¯s said that if it were to be auctioned now, it could fetch millions. I¡¯ve always wondered what happened to it.¡±

    Carrie froze, her hand tightening around her ss. Memories of her grandmother¡¯s house flickered in her mind¡ªthe in, unassuming piano tucked into a corner of the sitting room. Slowly, she ventured, ¡°Was it¡­ a ck upright piano? With a gold M logo on it?¡±

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 Chapter 629

    ?<strong>Chapter 629:</strong>

    Reece¡¯s eyes sparkled as he nodded, his enthusiasm bubbling over. ¡°Yes, yes!¡±

    Carrie¡¯s breath caught, her lips parting slightly as surprise shed across her face. She hadn¡¯t expected this piano to be worth more than the one Kristopher had gifted her.

    A shadow passed over her expression before she managed a faint, bittersweet smile. Her voice trembled,yered with mncholy. ¡°My grandmother had been sick for so long¡ªmedications, hospital bills, school fees¡­ It¡¯s always been one thing after another. Money¡¯s never been easy for us. Grandma sold every piece of jewelry she had, but somehow, she kept this. She must¡¯ve loved it more than I ever realized.¡±

    Reece leaned in slightly, his tone soft and steady. ¡°Your grandfather was a generous man. It seems the people he loved carried that same kindness. Maybe now, wherever they are, they¡¯ve found peace¡ªtogether.¡± Reece gentlyforted her.

    Carrie blinked rapidly, as though trying to push back tears, and nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Her phone buzzed on the table, lighting up with Camille¡¯s name. Reece, ever perceptive, set his fork down and smiled gently. ¡°Take it. I¡¯ll step outside for a smoke, get some fresh air.¡±

    As Carrie answered the call, Reece made his way to the hallway. He leaned against the wall, pulling a cigarette from the pack in his pocket. He reached into his coat, then cursed under his breath¡ªhe¡¯d forgotten his lighter.

    Before he could go back for it, a hand appeared in his peripheral vision, holding out a sleek lighter.

    §Þ?§Ô? ¦Ô¦Ñ??§ä?? ?§ä g?l????l?.???

    The intricate design, adorned with a blue diamond, caught the light, sparkling like a taunt.

    Reece didn¡¯t need to look up to know who it was.

    Kristopher stood a few feet away, his expression unreadable except for the faintest smirk tugging at his lips.

    For a moment, Reece hesitated, staring at the lighter. His admiration for Kristopher had long faded, reced by a gnawing disdain after learning what Carrie had endured.

    The man he once respected now felt like a stranger, a hypocrite draped in charm.

    For Carrie¡¯s sake, he held back from punching Kristopher right there.

    Without a word, Reece dropped the unlit cigarette into a nearby trash can and straightened. He turned to leave, but as they brushed past, Kristopher¡¯s voice, low and cutting, stopped him in his tracks. ¡°She¡¯s not someone you should get involved with.¡±

    Reece¡¯s steps faltered. He turned, his gaze calm but unyielding. ¡°And what gives you the right to say that?¡±

    He knew Kristopher misunderstood his rtionship with Carrie, but he had no intention of exining. Seeing Kristopher¡¯s demeanor, it was clear he hadn¡¯t given up on Carrie. Letting him believe Carrie had moved on might not be a bad thing.

    Kristopher¡¯s smirk deepened, his tone cool. ¡°She¡¯s my wife. You should know better than to mess with a friend¡¯s wife.¡±

    Reece let out a dryugh. ¡°Friend? We¡¯re business associates at best, Kristopher. Let¡¯s not pretend it¡¯s anything more.¡± His gaze hardened, the sarcasm unmistakable. ¡°Besides, if memory serves, you¡¯re divorced. Carrie¡¯s free to make her own choices now.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze darkened, his narrowed eyes gleaming with a calcted coldness. ¡°I¡¯ve always admired the Morrison¡¯s business acumen,¡± he said, his tone sharp as ice. ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect the Morrison family to leverage personal rtionships to climb in the music world. Quite the strategy.¡±

    Reece stiffened, his brows knitting together. The usation hit like a splinter under the skin¡ªirritating and unwarranted. He studied Kristopher¡¯s expression, trying to decipher the hiddenyers of the jab, but the man¡¯s face was unreadable, save for the faintest curl of his lips.

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 Chapter 630

    <strong>Chapter 630:</strong>

    ¡°Think whatever helps you sleep at night,¡± Reece replied evenly, though the edge in his voice betrayed his irritation. Turning on his heel, he made to leave, determined to end the exchange before it spiraled further into pointless venom.

    Kristopher stepped forward, blocking his path. ¡°She¡¯ll always be my wife,¡± he said coldly. ¡°We¡¯ll reconcile sooner orter. She belongs with me.¡±

    Reece¡¯s restraint shattered in an instant. His fist connected with Kristopher¡¯s jaw with a resounding crack, his voice a snarl of fury. ¡°You jerk! Who are you fooling with this act of devotion? You call her your wife¡ªwhat a joke. Did you ever take care of her? You cost her her family, her dreams, her chance to have children. And now you dare lecture me?¡±

    Kristopher reeled back, the impact sending him stumbling.

    He caught himself after a couple of shaky steps, his hand brushing his jaw where Reece had struck. A fiery sting radiated through his face, but he refused to flinch. Instead, his icy stare locked onto Reece, the pain buried beneath a simmering fury.

    Reece adjusted his coat, breathing hard but visibly trying to regain control. He turned, intent on leaving the confrontation behind. But Kristopher wasn¡¯t done. With a sudden lunge, he swung his fist toward Reece¡¯s head.

    Reece saw the movement out of the corner of his eye and managed to duck, but Kristopher pivoted, driving a kick into Reece¡¯s side. The blow sent him sprawling onto the cold floor.

    Kristopher stepped forward, grabbing Reece by the cor and pulling him upright. Without hesitation, he delivered another punch, this timending it squarely on Reece¡¯s cheek.

    Reece staggered but refused to stay down. Gritting his teeth, he grabbed at Kristopher¡¯s clothes, using the grip for leverage as he mmed a fist into his opponent¡¯s side.

    The hit was solid, forcing a grunt from Kristopher, who retaliated with equal ferocity. Before long, they became entangled in a brawl.

    The hallway echoed with chaos as Kristopher and Reece¡¯s scuffle knocked over a decorative vase, sending it crashing to the ground. Themotion drew startled gasps from staff and curious onlookers emerging from private rooms.

    When the door to the Herrera family¡¯s room opened, stunned faces met the sight of two distinguished, usuallyposed CEOs rolling on the floor like unruly schoolboys. Their fists flew with raw intensity, neither willing to back down. Bernie stood at the doorway, his mouth agape, unsure whether to intervene.

    The sheer ferocity in their punches gave him pause. This wasn¡¯t a simple argument; this was personal, he thought, stepping back. At his age, stepping between them felt like inviting a trip to the hospital.

    It was Aliza who broke the paralysis. She turned to the staff nearby, her voice sharp with urgency. ¡°What are you standing around for? Stop them before someone gets seriously hurt!¡±

    Carrie appeared just then, stepping into the hallway with quick strides. The sight of the brawl froze her in her tracks, her breath catching. ¡°What¡¯s going on here? Kristopher, stop it! If you hurt him, I¡¯ll never forgive you!¡± she cried out.

    The wordsnded like a thunderp. Kristopher froze, his fist raised mid-swing, his gaze snapping up to meet Carrie¡¯s.

    For a moment, the tension between the two men hung in the air like a taut wire. Reece, battered but opportunistic, took advantage of the moment¡¯s hesitation tond onest punch to Kristopher¡¯s jaw.

    Kristopher staggered back, clutching his face as Reece scrambled to his feet, wiping blood from his lip.

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    <hr>

    Message from Noah: Happy weekend, dear readers! New chapters on Tuesday. God bless you and Noa wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 631

    ?<strong>Chapter 631:</strong>

    Carrie rushed between them, her arms outstretched as though physically shielding Reece. She turned to Kristopher, her eyes zing. ¡°If you touch him again, I¡¯ll call the police. I mean it.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s chest heaved, his face flushed with anger and disbelief. His eyes, bloodshot from the strain of the fight, bore into her. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯ve known him for what¡ªdays? And this is how you defend him? He started this!¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me who he is,¡± Carrie shot back, her tone icy.

    She turned her attention to Reece, her expression softening as she saw his battered face. Concern etched into every line of her features. ¡°You¡¯re a mess. Come on, we¡¯re going to the hospital. You have work tomorrow¡ªhow are you supposed to face people like this?¡±

    Aliza, who had been observing the unfolding drama with mounting shock, finally stepped closer. To her, Kristopher and Reece had always been the epitome of control and refinement. Yet here they were, reduced to this over one woman. It was shocking to see such a ssic love triangle unfold between two men so distinguished.

    She shifted her focus to Kristopher, noticing the blood seeping through the bandage on his hand and dripping onto the floor. Her eyes widened. ¡°Kristopher, you¡¯re bleeding again!¡± The wound on Kristopher¡¯s hand had reopened, soaking the bandage with blood, which dripped onto the floor.

    She pulled out her scarf, quickly wrapping it around his hand. ¡°Mom!¡± she called out to her mother in the room. ¡°Get a car ready! He needs to go to the hospital right now!¡±

    But Kristopher didn¡¯t acknowledge her efforts. His gaze remained fixed on Carrie, who was fussing over Reece as though Kristopher didn¡¯t exist. He felt a tightness in his chest.

    ???? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Carrie said softly, sliding her arm under Reece¡¯s for support.

    Reece managed a weak but warm smile, ruffling her hair. ¡°Are you full? If not, let¡¯s grab ate-night snack. I owe you.¡± Carrie gave him a yful p on the arm, her lips quirking in exasperation. ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about food? Why did you get into a fight with him?¡±

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Reece teased, dramatically sucking in a breath. Carrie gasped, immediately withdrawing her hand. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to¡ª let me check when we¡¯re in the car.¡±

    The easy banter between them was like salt in Kristopher¡¯s wounds. He stood frozen, his hands clenched at his sides, the pain in his hand palingpared to the sharp, searing ache in his chest.

    The scene before him pulled Kristopher into a haunting memory¡ªthe sharp sting of Nate¡¯s de sunk into his flesh. Back then, he¡¯d yed on Carrie¡¯s sympathy, feigning weakness to draw her closer.

    Now, he tried the same tactic, silently hoping she would notice his injury, hoping for just a flicker of the concern she used to show him. But she didn¡¯t even nce his way. Her attention was entirely on Reece, her gaze brimming with worry and care she once reserved for him.

    Kristopher had pictured this reunion so many times, imagining Carrie¡¯s anger, her hatred, even her sharp words cutting into him. But not this. He hadn¡¯t expected to feel like a stranger to her, hadn¡¯t imagined her moving on so effortlessly, standing at another man¡¯s side with such ease.

    Desperation twisted in his chest, driving him to shout after her retreating figure. ¡°Carrie, do you really think he loves you? He¡¯s just using you to bolster the Morrison family¡¯s influence in the Music Association!¡± His voice was raw, louder than he intended.

    She stopped. For a moment, a flicker of hope sparked within him as she turned her head slightly, just enough for him to see her profile.

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 Chapter 632

    ?<strong>Chapter 632:</strong>

    ¡°So what?¡± She turned fully, her gaze sharp and resolute. ¡°At least he won¡¯t hurt me¡ªor my family.¡±

    And with that, she turned back to Reece, slipping her arm under his to steady him. Together, they stepped into the elevator, and the doors slid shut behind them without so much as a backward nce.

    Carrie had implied, without hesitation, that even if Reece was merely using her, it did not matter to her.

    It was a harsh truth, one Kristopher could not ignore. He had hurt her countless times, failed to shield her from harm, and had been powerless to protect her family when it mattered most. The weight of these realizations,pounded by the fresh sting of anger, sent a shockwave through him. His chest tightened under the strain, and before he could stop it, he coughed violently, blood staining his lips.

    ¡°Ah!¡± Aliza shrieked, her face going pale. In a sh, she was at his side, clutching his arm with trembling hands. ¡°Kristopher, the car is ready. Please, let us get you to the hospital!¡±

    Kristopher, however, remained unyielding. With a cold, detached motion, he pulled his arm from her grasp. ¡°I am fine,¡± he said tly, his tone devoid of warmth.

    Aliza hesitated, her eyes wide with worry. She made to reach for him again, but Oliver stepped between them. His demeanor was calm yet resolute as he addressed her. ¡°Miss Herrera, Mr. Herrera, thank you for your hospitality. I will escort Mr. Norris for a medical check-up. We will contact you regarding our coboration once everything is settled.¡±

    Bernie, who had been standing stiffly in the background, finally found his voice. He had not anticipated such a dramatic turn of events, and the tension left him visibly rattled. Both Kristopher and Reece were men of influence¡ªoffending either could spell disaster.

    Ga lno vel s . takes you into new worlds

    Relieved that Oliver bore no animosity, Bernie quickly moved to shield Aliza, speaking with hurried politeness. ¡°Of course, Oliver. Please see to Mr. Norris¡¯s health. If there is anything you need, do not hesitate to reach out.¡±

    Aliza, however, was far lessposed. This moment¡ªthis vulnerable, human moment¡ªseemed like her chance to connect with Kristopher on a deeper level. Yet, her father¡¯s intervention left her with little choice.

    Reluctantly, she managed a strained smile and said, ¡°Oliver, please let us know Mr. Norris¡¯s test results. We will be worried until we hear from you.¡±

    ¡°Understood, Miss Herrera,¡± Oliver replied smoothly, already following Kristopher as he entered the elevator.

    Morrison Family Residence

    Reece, expecting Kristopher to head directly to the hospital, acted swiftly. He summoned a family doctor to the house, ensuring there would be no idental encounters between Carrie and her former husband.

    The doctor worked efficiently, tending to Reece¡¯s injuries. When he finished, he turned to Carrie with a reassuring smile. ¡°Miss Campbell, Mr. Morrison is perfectly fine¡ªjust a few minor scrapes and bruises.¡±

    In the Morrison family, it was now an unspoken rule¡ªCarrie held the highest status. Every decision, no matter how minor, was funneled through her first.

    Carrie nodded but frowned slightly, her worry not entirely eased. ¡°Kristopher has a strong grip,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°Are you sure there are no fractures or internal injuries? Perhaps a CT scan at the hospital would be safer.¡±

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 Chapter 633

    ?<strong>Chapter 633:</strong>

    Before the doctor could respond, Reece chuckled, waving her concerns away. ¡°Carrie, if I had a fracture, do you really think I would be sitting here joking with you? Trust me, I am fine. Kristopher might be strong, but I can hold my own. If anyone is worse off, it¡¯s probably him.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze lingered on Reece, her mind briefly drifting.

    Noticing her silence, Reece frowned. ¡°You¡¯re not still worried about that jerk, are you? Getting too attached to a man is a one-way ticket to endless heartache.¡±

    His sharp tone snapped her back to the moment. Carrie quickly smiled, brushing off hisment. ¡°No, of course not. I am only concerned that if Kristopher were seriously injured, the Norris family might retaliate.¡±

    Reece snorted, dismissing the notion with a wave of his hand. ¡°The Norris family? What do they amount to? Three generations of wealth and influence, at best. The Morrison family has stood strong for far longer. Their legacy cannot hold a candle to ours.¡±

    Carrie considered this, her thoughts drifting to the recent confrontation. Reece and Kristopher had seemed evenly matched during their sh. If Reece could emerge rtively unscathed, Kristopher¡¯s injuries likely mirrored his.

    ¡°Understood,¡± she replied simply, her tone calm.

    Reece suddenly leaned forward, an intrigued look crossing his face. ¡°Carrie, why did Kristopher keep bringing up the Music Association? He made it sound like I am using you to maintain our family¡¯s standing.¡±

    galnovels where stories grow

    Kristopher¡¯s pointed remarks had struck a nerve, nting a seed of curiosity that now demanded answers.

    Carrie paused, her thoughts clicking into ce as Kristopher¡¯s words echoed in her mind. Her roles as a screenwriter and actress, while respectable, held little weight within the Morrison family¡¯s legacy.

    ¡°Music Association? Using her?¡± The pieces began to align, a sudden realization dawning upon her.

    Reece noticed the subtle shift in Carrie¡¯s expression and leaned forward, curiosity etched on his face. ¡°Something on your mind?¡±

    Carrie hesitated, her fingers brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. ¡°I can y my grandfather¡¯s final masterpiece,¡± she said softly, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.

    Her admission felt weighty, almost fragile. While her piano skills were passable, they were far from exceptional. That single piece, her grandfather¡¯s legacy, was the only truly remarkable thing she could offer. Could the Morrison family really rely on just one song to maintain their illustrious standing in the music world?

    ¡°What?¡± Reece nearly leapt out of his chair, his excitement palpable. ¡°Carrie, you can y the piano? And you can y Great-uncle¡¯s final masterpiece?¡±

    Carrie offered a faint smile, her voice tinged with shyness. ¡°I can y, but I am not particrly skilled. I have only ever heard my grandmother hum that piece; I never had the chance to hear my grandfather y it himself.¡±

    Her words seemed to float past Reece, who was already swept up in his enthusiasm.

    Before Carrie could exin further, Reece¡¯s booming voice broke through the moment. ¡°Grandpa! Dad!¡± he called out, his tone urgent and thrilled.

    Momentster, Luca and Kody descended the stairs, both wearing expressions of mild confusion. Luca frowned as he reached the bottom step. ¡°Wasn¡¯t you supposed to take her out for dinner? Why are you back so soon? At her age, she should be out enjoying life, not cooped up here. After dinner, take her shopping. She did not bring much with her to Isonridge, just a few outfits. As her brother, you ought to be more thoughtful.¡±

    Reece waved away the scolding, his excitement bubbling over. ¡°Carrie can y the piano! And not just that¡ªshe can y Great-uncle¡¯s final masterpiece!¡±

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 Chapter 634

    ?<strong>Chapter 634:</strong>

    ¡°What?¡± Luca and Kody eximed in unison, their surprise genuine.

    Given that Carrie had grown up in a small town and lost Josh early on, they had assumed she hadn¡¯t learned to y. They had refrained from pressing her about it, not wanting to reopen old wounds.

    The Morrison family¡¯s tradition of piano mastery had waned over the generations, and with the younger members showing little interest, their departure from the Music Association had been inevitable.

    Carrie quickly repeated her earlier exnation, her tone cautious. She didn¡¯t want their hopes to soar, only to have them disappointed when they saw her actual skill level.

    ¡°Do not worry, Dad,¡± Kody interjected with a calm smile, helping Luca to a seat. He turned to Carrie with an encouraging nod. ¡°Carrie, would you mind ying for us? Just y your grandfather¡¯s final masterpiece¡ªit would mean a lot.¡±

    Carrie nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    The family gathered around the antique piano in the living room. Though not as illustrious as her grandfather¡¯s, the instrument was cherished, a relic steeped in Morrison history. Carrie took her seat, her fingers brushing the keys with reverence. When she finished, Luca¡¯s eyes glistened with unshed tears. His voice, thick with emotion, broke the silence.

    ¡°It is seventy to eighty percent simr to how Josh used to y. Josh often yed the piano right here, in this very room.¡± Luca and Josh had shared a bond that time and distance could never sever. It was this connection that had driven Luca¡¯s relentless search for his brother. Though he was the elder, his piano talent had always been overshadowed by Josh¡¯s brilliance. Their father¡¯s scoldings had been relentless, yet Josh had always stood up for him.

    Kody, his tone thoughtful, asked Carrie to y a few ssical practice pieces. By the time she finished, the family¡¯s assessment was unanimous. Carrie had a natural affinity for the piano, but her foundational skills needed refinement. With proper guidance, her potential could elevate her to remarkable heights.

    Reece leaned back, a teasing grin on his face. ¡°Maybe Kristopher was right. The Morrison family is counting on Carrie now.¡±

    Luca¡¯s expression darkened at the mention of Kristopher. His sharp gaze locked onto Reece. ¡°Did you take Carrie to see that rascal?¡±

    Carrie stepped in quickly, her voice steady. ¡°No, we only ran into him by chance while we were out.¡±

    Kody¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°By chance? How could that happen? Could he be following you all the way to Isonridge?¡±

    Meanwhile, in a hospital across town, Kristopher sneezed loudly.

    Oliver, standing nearby, frowned and passed him a tissue. ¡°Isonridge feels like a sauna in the summer. How did you manage to catch a cold?¡±

    Overwhelmed by a sudden feeling of remorse, Carrie suspected their meeting was more than mere chance. She hid her concerns to spare the Morrisons any distress, saying, ¡°It was purely idental. He was here to finalize a contract and wasn¡¯t alone at that time.¡±

    Curious, Kody asked, ¡°And who was he signing the contract with?¡±

    ¡°Bernie from the Herrera family. He¡¯s made a name for himself in the AR sector. I had thought about a partnership with him previously,¡± Reece replied.

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 Chapter 635

    ?<strong>Chapter 635:</strong>

    ¡°There are plenty of other things worth focusing on. Right now, Carrie¡¯s piano training is more important. Stay away from these passing trends,¡± Luca said impatiently.

    Noticing a bruise on Reece¡¯s cheek, Kody asked, ¡°Is that from a scuffle with Kristopher?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Reece admitted, knowing he couldn¡¯t hide it. ¡°He assumed I was after Carrie.¡±

    Luca, on edge, said, ¡°And why should Kristopher be concerned if someone admires Carrie? Does he still have feelings for her?¡± At Luca¡¯s suggestion, Carrie felt her heartbeat quicken. She quickly brushed off the topic, saying, ¡°Luca, whatever happened with Kristopher is history. We should drop it. His opinions are irrelevant now; we¡¯re divorced. And even if he feels that way, his mother would never approve.¡±

    With a sneer, Luca remarked, ¡°His mother? Not exactly the brightest, is she? Dead people don¡¯t juste back to life. Say Reece passed away and his heart ended up in some criminal¡ªno way would I excuse their crimes just because they got his heart.¡±

    Reece was left utterly dumbfounded. Surely Luca could have used a better figure of speech without gruesomely sentencing Reece to death in such a blunt way! Kody caught the gloom on Carrie¡¯s face and reassured her, ¡°Look, Carrie, there¡¯s no need to worry. We¡¯ve secured plenty of evidence. That woman¡¯s wrongdoings are severe enough to imprison her for many years.¡±

    ¡°Dad, can we stop talking about this? I¡¯ve barely eaten anything today and I¡¯m really hungry. Could you have the maid prepare something simple and quick?¡± Reece steered the conversation elsewhere.

    Kody nced at Reece with a look of scorn. ¡°Not only are you unable to y the piano, but despite your size and strength, you still end up losing fights and getting beaten up like this.¡±

    Once again, Reece found himself without words.

    It was frustrating that he was the one getting injured. He missed his brother, Arion Morrison. If Arion had been at home, he would have absorbed all the criticism from Grandpa and Dad.

    Days passed, and Carrie arrived at the hotel designated by herpany for the neers¡¯ amodation. It was here that they stayed and participated in a secluded training program.

    Camille had informed her during theirst conversation that today marked the initial evaluation for the new recruits, and Carrie was eager to witness the oues of their recent training efforts.

    Located on a pedestrian-only street, the hotel required vehicles to stop at the front entrance. Carrie had to walk two blocks to reach it.

    Wearing sunsses and a mask, she hadn¡¯t gone far before sensing someone trailing her.

    Despite usually carrying pepper spray after several unsettling incidents, her recent sense of security with the Morrison family had made her forget it this time.

    Amidst the bustling surroundings in the city center, she reassured herself that the risk of severe crimes like robbery or abduction was low. It was likely just a creepy stalker.

    With this in mind, she hastened her steps, verging on a run as she made her way toward the safety of the hotel.

    Unexpectedly, the person behind her also started to run. Her heart raced, and without turning back, she dashed toward the hotel, her pace quickening to a full sprint.

    arrie rushed toward the hotel entrance, her mind racing. She spotted a security guard nearby and was just about to call out for help when a voice, warm and clear, stopped her in her tracks. ¡°Carrie?¡±

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 Chapter 636

    ?<strong>Chapter 636:</strong>

    The sound carried a gentleness that made her instinctively lower her guard. She turned, puzzled, her heart still pounding.

    A young man stood a few feet behind her. His silver hair gleamed under the sunlight, falling effortlessly across his forehead.

    He looked no older than eighteen, with a mischievous smile that yed at the corners of his lips. A diamond stud in his left ear caught the light, glinting like a yful wink.

    He was tall and lean, dressed in a crisp white Loewe T-shirt beneath a stylish jacket. A small teddy bear dangled from his shoulder bag, adding a quirky charm to his otherwise polished appearance.

    Carrie studied him, her brow furrowing slightly. She removed her sunsses, her voice soft but guarded. ¡°Can I help you?¡± He looked familiar, but she couldn¡¯t remember who exactly he was. Her gaze lingered on his hair, perhaps because the silver reminded her of Soren.

    The young man¡¯s smile widened, his expression lighting up with excitement. ¡°It¡¯s really you! I knew it!¡± His cheeks flushed as he gazed at her, his eyes sparkling like he was meeting a lifelong hero. ¡°I¡¯m a huge fan. I absolutely love your scripts and the role you¡¯ve yed.¡±

    As he spoke, he fumbled around for paper and pen, eventually finding a marker.

    He held out the marker to her and lifted the hem of his pristine white T-shirt, revealing the expensive fabric with a grin. ¡°Would you sign this for me?¡±

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all

    Carrie blinked, hesitating. Her eyes flicked to the T-shirt, recognizing the logo immediately. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, that¡¯s a limited edition from Vic¡­¡±

    Signing on a T-shirt worth over twenty thousand dors didn¡¯t seem right.

    The young man waved off her concern. ¡°Yeah, it is. But who cares? A shirt¡¯s just a shirt. Your signature will make it priceless.¡± Carrie was momentarily lost for words.

    ¡°This is Isonridge, after all,¡± she mused inwardly, ¡°where even the fans casually wear designer brands like it¡¯s no big deal.¡± She uncapped the marker with practiced ease and signed her name, adding her pseudonym, Katrina, in elegant strokes. ¡°Thank you for your support,¡± she said warmly, handing back the marker. ¡°I¡¯d love to chat, but I¡¯ve got to go.¡±

    ¡°Got work waiting for me.¡± The young man¡¯s excitement didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Will you be in more dramas soon?¡± he asked eagerly.

    Carrie nodded, her tone candid. ¡°There¡¯s a new script almost ready. I¡¯ll be acting in it, but probably not as the lead. I¡¯ve started my own mediapany, so the spotlight will likely be on a neer.¡±

    The boy beamed. ¡°I¡¯ll support you no matter what!¡±

    Just then, Camille appeared in a flurry of energy, her heels clicking sharply on the pavement. ¡°Carrie! The audition¡¯s about to start¡ªwhy are you still out here¡ª¡±

    Her words trailed off as her eyesnded on the young man. Her expression shifted immediately, lighting up with curiosity and something bordering on admiration. ¡°Well, hello there! Where did this pristine young mane from?¡± She tilted her head, giving him an appraising nce. ¡°He¡¯s even more handsome than the neers we¡¯ve signed!¡±

    Before anyone could react, Camille stepped closer, her tone suddenly yful. ¡°Hey, handsome, ever thought about bing an artist?¡±

    The young man¡¯s blush deepened, his silver hair brushing against his cheeks as he looked away, clearly flustered.

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 Chapter 637

    ?<strong>Chapter 637:</strong>

    Carrie groaned, quickly grabbing Camille by the arm and pulling her away. ¡°Stop it, you¡¯re scaring him! You look like a viin trying to recruit a henchman! He¡¯s just a fan who stopped by for an autograph.¡±

    ncing back, Carrie noticed the young man still standing there, his marker clutched in one hand, his expression shy but glowing. She gave him a small wave before turning back to Camille.

    ¡°Besides,¡± she said, smirking, ¡°look at his outfit. He¡¯s probably the heir to some wealthy family. Why would he bother struggling as a trainee in the entertainment industry?¡±

    Camille arched an eyebrow at her. ¡°Says the woman who left behind a life of wealth and privilege as the Morrison family heiress to start a business with me.¡±

    Carrie paused mid-step, her lips pressing into a thin line. ¡°¡­Touche,¡± she muttered, conceding the point.

    Carrie and Camille stepped into the elevator. Unbeknownst to them, a man lingered in the shadows near the hallway, his camera hanging from his neck.

    ¡°Aliza, it¡¯s me,¡± he said, his voice low. ¡°I¡¯ve been staking out the hotel where Carrie is staying. Guess who I saw her with?¡± He didn¡¯t wait for a reply. ¡°Young Mr. Morrison!¡±

    ¡°Arion Morrison? How would he know Carrie? Don¡¯t tell me he¡¯s delivering something on Reece¡¯s behalf.¡± Her voice, muffled, was tinged with disbelief.

    The man chuckled softly. ¡°No, they don¡¯t seem to know each other that well. Arion looks like her fan. The kind who idolizes her.¡±

    Silence followed on the other end. Then, a loud crash.

    Back at her home, Aliza had swept a crystal bowl off the table in a fit of rage, sending the glossy blueberries scattering across the marble floor.

    Why? How could a divorced woman¡ªone with no wealth or family influencemand so much attention?

    Carrie¡¯s background wasughable in Aliza¡¯s eyes: the daughter of a wealthy man¡¯s ex-wife, raised in obscurity, with no connections to speak of. What did she have besides a pretty face?

    Aliza¡¯s hands curled into fists. ¡°And me?¡± she thought bitterly.

    ¡°I am the daughter of an elite family, my father a trailzer in Mothor¡¯s AR field. I am a rising star in the Music Association, a name that carried weight.¡±

    Aliza reyed Kristopher¡¯s words in her mind, his usation that Reece was using Carrie to secure the Morrison family¡¯s position in the Music Association. ¡°Can Carrie even y the piano?¡± she wondered.

    If that was what the Morrison family values about that woman, she decided she would ruin Carrie¡¯s hands and see how much they still care.

    Taking a steadying breath, Aliza spoke, her voice icy. ¡°Keep watching her. If Arion¡¯s a fan, he¡¯ll find another excuse to meet her.¡±

    Her lips curled into a smile, dark with malice. ¡°When the time is right, those photos will serve their purpose. A woman tangled between two brothers¡ªit¡¯ll be the scandal of the year. The Morrison family won¡¯t stand for it, and Reece will deal with Carrie himself.¡±

    In the hotel conference room, Carrie leaned back in her chair, a satisfied smile on her face. She had just finished reviewing the neers¡¯ performance assessments, and her confidence in her mediapany only grew.

    Jenesis observed the neers with a discerning eye, her years of experience as both an actress and a teacher evident in the calm precision of her assessments. Her unique training methods, honed over decades, had proven time and again that dedication could turn raw talent into refined skill.

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 Chapter 638

    ?<strong>Chapter 638:</strong>

    The results were encouraging. Eighty percent of the group had performed exceptionally, their efforts shining through in every detail. The remaining twenty percent, while earnest and hardworking, struggled with the finer points of technique. Yet Jenesis knew that with consistent practice and guidance, they too would catch up in time.

    As the session wrapped up, Jenesis turned to Carrie, her expression warm but professional. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯ve got an excellent eye for talent,¡± she said with quiet pride. ¡°The neers you¡¯ve chosen are full of potential¡ªand more importantly, they¡¯re willing to put in the work.¡±

    Carrie smiled, pulling Camille forward. ¡°I can¡¯t take all the credit, Aunt Jenesis. I wasn¡¯t even here for most of it¡ªhospitalized, going through the divorce. Camille and Ruby carried the weight.¡±

    Carrie felt a deep sense of belonging as she reflected on her life¡¯s recent changes. Despite the turmoil of the past, the Morrison family had embraced her fully, treating her as if she were one of their own.

    Beside her, Camille¡ªusually so carefree and bold¡ªoffered a rare moment of humility. ¡°I was just lucky,¡± she said modestly, a faint blush rising to her cheeks. ¡°It was my first venture, and somehow, everything just fell into ce.¡±

    Jenesis turned her warm gaze to Camille, her affection evident. ¡°I don¡¯t have children of my own, Camille, so I treat Carrie like a daughter. And since you¡¯re her best friend, that makes you family too. From now on, you can call me ¡®Aunt.¡¯ If you ever need help settling in Isonridge, don¡¯t hesitate to ask me.¡±

    Camille¡¯s grin stretched wide as she leaned closer. ¡°Thanks, Aunt Jenesis. I could get used to this.¡±

    Step into fiction with galnovels .

    Jenesis wrapped an arm around each of them, pulling them into a loose embrace. ¡°I hear you two love hotpot. How about I treat you to some authentic Iamb hotpot?¡±

    Jenesis led Carrie and Camille into the hotel lobby, theirughter lingering as they approached the seating area. It wasn¡¯t until they reached the plush sofas that realization struck ¡ª none of them had brought a car. Carrie had taken a taxi, and Jenesis had been dropped off by Kody on his way.

    ¡°I¡¯ll call a driver to pick us up,¡± Jenesis said as they settled into the sofa.

    Before she could dial, a deep, respectful voice interrupted. ¡°Where are you three headed? I can take you there.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s stomach dropped. Her heart sank as she looked up, her gaze meeting Oliver¡¯s calm andposed demeanor as he stood behind the sofa.

    Camille, reacting fast, immediately stepped in front of Carrie. Her eyes narrowed, suspicion radiating from her posture as she shot Oliver a wary nce. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    As she spoke, Camille¡¯s eyes darted past Oliver, scanning the lobby for any sign of Kristopher. The sight of his assistant usually meant the man himself wasn¡¯t far behind. When she found no trace of him, her unease only deepened.

    Jenesis, meanwhile, looked from Carrie to Camille, then to Oliver, clearly puzzled by the tension.

    Camille¡¯s voice broke the silence again, her tone sharp. ¡°Is Kristopher hiding somewhere nearby? What¡¯s he after this time? Carrie¡¯s divorced him, and yet he¡¯s still following her around like a shadow.¡±

    Jenesis¡¯s face shifted as the pieces clicked together. Her sharp gazended on Oliver. ¡°So, you¡¯re one of Kristopher¡¯s men,¡± she said coolly. ¡°Let me make this clear: the Morrison family can handle any situation in Isonridge that concerns Carrie.¡±

    Oliver remained calm, his tone level and reasoned. ¡°Miss Morrison, Miss Nixon, you¡¯re misunderstanding. Mr. Norris isn¡¯t here. I just happened to see you without a car while I was on business. With rush hour traffic, even the Morrison family¡¯s car wouldn¡¯t get you to dinner in time. By the time it arrives, your dinner might as well be a midnight snack.¡±

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 Chapter 639

    ?<strong>Chapter 639:</strong>

    Jenesis¡¯s lips curved into a faint, unimpressed scoff. She raised her phone again, this time with a new intent. ¡°Butler, send a helicopter to pick us up. I¡¯m at the hotel where Carrie¡¯spany is staying. There¡¯s a helipad on the adjacent building¡¯s rooftop. We¡¯ll head there now.¡±

    She ended the call, her tone casual but her gaze firm as she addressed Oliver. ¡°There¡¯s nothing in Isonridge that the Morrison family can¡¯t handle.¡±

    For a moment, Oliver was rendered speechless.

    As he processed Jenesis¡¯s assertive move, he couldn¡¯t help but think, Mr. Norris is up against a formidable rival this time. Not only was the Morrison family equally wealthy, but they also had a united, supportive family¡ªunlike Kristopher¡¯s fractured ties, especially with a mother who seemed more of a hindrance than an ally.

    Oliver bowed slightly. ¡°Sorry for the misunderstanding, Ms. Campbell. I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡±

    Jenesis stood, her demeanor asposed as ever. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said briskly. ¡°The timing should be perfect.¡±

    As Oliver disappeared from view, Camille flopped back onto the sofa, letting out a dramatic sigh. ¡°Jenesis, he¡¯s gone. You can stop pretending now. Let¡¯s just call a ride and get some food¡ªI¡¯m starving.¡±

    Jenesis raised an eyebrow, clearly confused. ¡°You think I was putting on a show for him?¡±

    Camille tilted her head. ¡°Weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Jenesis shook her head, her expression sincere. ¡°Of course not. It¡¯s just a helicopter. Most hotels and office buildings in Isonridge have helipads. It¡¯s far more convenient during rush hour than driving. Honestly, I wouldn¡¯t have thought of it if he hadn¡¯t mentioned the traffic.¡±

    Camille blinked, rendered speechless by the sheer practicality of her words.

    Coming from a smaller city like Orkset, Camille hadn¡¯t seen such extravagance normalized. Even the wealthy families she¡¯d encountered¡ªlike the Murrays or even the Norris family¡ªdidn¡¯t casually use helicopters for intra-city travel. Theck ofnding spots alone made it impractical.

    Turning to Carrie, Camille gave a slow, exaggerated thumbs up. ¡°Carrie, you¡¯re really living the life here. In a city as expensive as Isonridge, you¡¯re casually hopping into helicopters just to make it to dinner.¡±

    Carrie couldn¡¯t help butugh, shrugging. Even though her family was considered wealthy, Camille could only reach the conclusion that there was always someone wealthier, somewhere.

    Outside, Oliver climbed into a sleek ck sedan parked at the curb. He closed the door with a soft click and nced up at the rearview mirror, where Kristopher¡¯s face was partially visible in the shadowed backseat. ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± Oliver began cautiously, ¡°should we continue following them?¡±

    Kristopher sat silently, his features unreadable, his fingers idly rubbing his temples. The tension in his posture spoke volumes, though his voice was soft andposed when he finally answered. ¡°No. Let¡¯s head back.¡± He paused, his eyes narrowing as a cold edge crept into his tone. ¡°But investigate how she knows Reece.¡±

    Oliver hesitated, then ventured, ¡°It¡¯s likely through Jenesis. Ms. Campbell¡¯spany hired Jenesis as a teacher. She may have discovered Ms. Campbell¡¯s talent for piano during her lessons.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened, his gaze hardening as his voice dropped further, colder than before. ¡°Even the Morrison family can¡¯t interfere,¡± he muttered darkly.

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 Chapter 640

    <strong>Chapter 640:</strong>

    After dinner, Jenesis arranged for someone to escort Camille back to the hotel. Carrie was just about to leave with her when Jenesis caught her arm, a sly smile curling on her lips. ¡°Staying at a hotel was fine before,¡± she said, her tone light but firm. ¡°But tonight, you¡¯reing home.¡±

    Carrie nced at Jenesis, her enigmatic expression leaving no room for argument. Even if she pressed for an exnation, she knew she would not get one. Resigned, she nodded and followed her back to the Morrison estate.

    The quiet hum of the corridor greeted them as they walked toward the heart of the house. Carrie noticed the soft glow of light spilling from the living room. She hesitated, her curiosity piqued. ¡°Is someone still up in the living room?¡±

    Jenesis chuckled softly and nced toward the light. ¡°It used to be rare for us to gather there¡ªeveryone preferred thefort of their own rooms. But now, every time you are here, they wait for you in the living room. You have brought a kind of warmth to this house, Carrie. Even though our family is close-knit, it has always been a little¡­ quiet, especially with more men than women around.¡±

    Carrie followed her, a faint smile tugging at her lips as the words sank in. The moment they stepped into the living room, the soft rustling of movement drew her attention. Luca and Kody set aside their newspapers, and Reece ced his tablet face down on the table.

    Reece rose and approached her with his usual air of calm authority. Without a word, he gently took her wrist and smiled. ¡°Come on, let me show you your new room.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, Kody joined in, his tone persuasive. ¡°Carrie, I know staying at the hotel worked before, especially since we hadn¡¯t prepared a room for you. But now, it¡¯s different. Your room has been renovated just for you. Won¡¯t you give it a chance?¡±

    The best stories are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s???????

    Luca leaned forward, his voice carrying a hint of mock severity. ¡°Honestly, who stays at a hotel when their family home is just around the corner? What would people think of the Morrison family if they knew?¡±

    Carrie could not help but smile at theirbined efforts. This time, she did not resist. ¡°Alright, I will move back home.¡± Kody and Luca exchanged triumphant nces before stepping forward. ¡°Perfect,¡± Luca said, gesturing toward the hallway. ¡°Let¡¯s take a look. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t like, we can fix it.¡±

    As they led her to the room, Carrie could hardly suppress her curiosity. When they stepped inside, her breath caught in her throat.

    It was not merely a bedroom; it was a luxurious suite, thoughtfully designed with distinct areas for sleeping, working, rxing, and even entertaining. A wardrobe upied one corner, while a small study and lounge area filled the opposite side. The en suite bathroom gleamed with modern elegance. Fresh flowers in rare varieties adorned the room, their delicate fragrance filling the air.

    Above her, the ceiling light sparkled with embedded natural white sapphires, their brilliance surpassing even the finest crystals. Unlike the ssic elegance that defined the rest of the Morrison estate, this room exuded a modern charm that felt distinctly hers.

    When Reece had casually chatted with her about decor, Carrie had not given it much thought. Interior design was not something she ever considered seriously. The home she shared with Gracie had in white walls, devoid of any particr style or ir. Later, both Bayview Vi and the Ripples Complex had been adorned in a sleek, modern design¡ªsomething she had grown fond of for its clean lines and simplicity. Without much thought, she had mentioned her preference for that style during their conversation.

    Never in her wildest dreams did she expect the Morrison family to take her words to heart and actually decorate her room that way.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze fell on the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling window that offered an expansive view of the grounds. Her eyes lit up when she noticed the sleek ck piano positioned before it. She walked over, her fingers grazing the polished surface. ¡°Is this Grandpa¡¯s piano?¡±

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    Message from Noah: Best regards, dear readers! New chapters on Friday. God loves you, and Noa wishes you all the best. (>?=)?

    .

 Chapter 641

    ?<strong>Chapter 641:</strong>

    She turned to Kody, recalling how he had asked for the keys to Gracie¡¯s apartment just days ago. He had exined that he wanted to bring the piano back, but she never expected to find it here. She felt that since the piano had once belonged to the Morrison family, returning it to them was like bringing a piece of Grandpa back home.

    Reece joined her by the piano, his voice gentle. ¡°You are the only one in the family with a talent for the piano. You are also your grandpa¡¯s only descendant. This piano belongs to you.¡±

    Tears pricked her eyes as she whispered, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Jenesis approached her, brushing a hand tenderly through her hair. ¡°Silly girl, there is no need to thank us. Family takes care of each other.¡± Her voice softened with emotion as she added, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you have been through to be so easily moved. It¡¯s just a room.¡±

    Reeceughed, his tone light but carrying a hint of gravity. ¡°Exactly. Besides, everything in the Morrison family will be yours someday.¡±

    Though the words were meant to reassure, they carried an unspoken weight. Carrie had no idea that the family expected her to one day lead them as the head of the Morrison family¡ªa role traditionally held by the president of the prestigious Music Association.

    For now, they chose to keep this future burden from her. For tonight, it was enough to let her bask in the warmth of a home that was finally hers.

    The heartfelt conversation in the room was interrupted by a voice echoing from the hallway. ¡°Grandpa, Dad, Aunt, where are you?¡±

    M?§Ô? ??????? ?? ??l????l?.???

    Reece pped his thigh as a thought struck him. ¡°Ipletely forgot¡ªArion¡¯sing back today. I haven¡¯t told him about Carrie yet!¡±

    Before anyone could respond, a silver-haired figure appeared in the doorway. Arion stood there, his trendy outfit slightly rumpled, a teddy bear-shaped bag hanging off his shoulder. He looked around, grumbling, ¡°Why is everyone hanging out in this room? I¡¯ve been looking all over for you¡­¡±

    But then his gazended on Carrie, and his words trailed off. His eyes lit up as recognition dawned. ¡°Wait¡­ Carrie? What are you doing here?¡±

    Before Carrie could answer, Arion¡¯s eyes darted to the rest of the family, confusion written all over his face. ¡°And why¡¯s everyone here? Did I miss something?¡±

    ¡°Arion¡­¡± Kody began, clearing his throat to break the awkward silence. No one wanted to admit how often Arion seemed overlooked in family discussions.

    Reece stepped forward with an easy smile, pping Arion on the shoulder. ¡°Arion, this is Carrie¡ªJosh¡¯s only granddaughter. She¡¯s our cousin.¡±

    For a moment, Arion blinked at Reece and then at Carrie, his brain seemingly short-circuiting. ¡°Is this some kind of April Fool¡¯s joke?¡±

    Carrie was equally taken aback. She hadn¡¯t expected the silver-haired young man who had chased her for an autograph earlier to be introduced as her cousin. ¡°It¡¯s not a joke,¡± Reece said firmly.

    The realization finally hit Arion, and the light in his eyes dimmed as disappointment washed over him. ¡°Oh no¡ªmy idol is my cousin!¡±

    In his mind, he¡¯d been spinning romantic fantasies about Carrie since the moment he met her. His idol had be his cousin.

    The realization hit him like a punch to the gut, and the die-hard fan¡¯s heart broke into a million pieces.

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 Chapter 642

    ?<strong>Chapter 642:</strong>

    As he stood there, visibly crestfallen, Carrie smiled warmly, breaking the silence. ¡°Arion, we meet again.¡±

    Reece¡¯s brows shot up in surprise. ¡°Wait, you two know each other?¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing special,¡± Arion interjected quickly, stepping in front of Carrie with an exaggeratedly casual air. His eyes darted meaningfully toward her, practically begging her not to spill the truth.

    ¡°We just, uh, bumped into each other on the street earlier.¡± Trying to maintain hisposure, Arion zipped up his jacket to conceal therge, bold signature emzoned on his expensive T-shirt.

    Carrie smiled knowingly but decided to y along. ¡°That¡¯s right. We just passed each other. His silver hair is hard to miss.¡±

    Now that she thought about it, the resemnce was undeniable. Arion¡¯s features were strikingly simr to Reece¡¯s, though the former¡¯s trendy attire gave him apletely different vibe.

    Luca, however, was less than impressed. He let out a heavy sigh, crossing his arms as he eyed Arion with disdain. ¡°I¡¯ll never understand how someone like you ended up in the Morrison family. You dress like a street punk every day. And that ridiculous toy on your shoulder! You¡¯re almost thirty¡ªyou should be settling down, not ying with things meant for children.¡±

    Arion puffed up indignantly. ¡°Grandpa, are you losing it? I¡¯m not even twenty-five yet!¡± He was only a few months older than Carrie.

    ¡°That¡¯s beside the point,¡± Luca snapped, his sharp gaze unyielding. ¡°What matters is that your cousin Carrie is moving in with us today. You¡¯d better take good care of her.¡±

    Arion was quick to adapt, his face breaking into a wide grin as the idea of having a cousin sank in. He stepped forward and made an exaggerated bow. ¡°You don¡¯t even need to say it, Grandpa! Carrie¡¯s the treasure of the Morrison family now, and I¡¯ll treat her like it.¡± He straightened and ced a hand over his heart, his tone bing increasingly ridiculous. ¡°I¡¯ll handle her with the utmost care. I¡¯ll do whatever she says. I¡¯ll obey her every word without question. If she tells me to¡­¡±

    Before he could finish his absurd deration, Carrie burst intoughter, mping a hand over his mouth. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough!¡±

    The room erupted intoughter, the atmosphere warm and joyful as the family settled into their newfound dynamic.

    Arion, having missed the earlier conversations, was bursting with curiosity. He insisted on bringing everyone back to the living room to discuss Carrie¡¯s past.

    Luca frowned, his stern expression emphasizing his disapproval. ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about? It¡¯ste, and she works hard every day. A girl needs her rest to stay healthy and vibrant.¡±

    Unfazed, Arion argued, ¡°Young people these days are night owls. Staying upte is the norm. Instead of hiding under the covers ying on her phone, why not gather as a family, have coffee, and chat?¡±

    Kody shot him a cold nce. ¡°Don¡¯t you have better things to do? If not, go practice the piano. Your talent is rare. Don¡¯t let it go to waste.¡±

    Carrie couldn¡¯t help but smile at her family¡¯s protectiveness. She spoke up to ease the tension. ¡°It¡¯s okay. The past is the past. When I talk about it now, it feels like it happened in another lifetime.¡±

    Her calm tone shifted the mood, but Arion noticed the weight behind her words. He nced at Reece, mouthing silently, ¡°Bro, was her past really that bad?¡±

    Reece responded with a deadpan look, as if Arion were aplete idiot.

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 Chapter 643

    ?<strong>Chapter 643:</strong>

    Realizing he might have overstepped, Arion gave himself a light p on the forehead, silently regretting his loose tongue.

    As Carrie recounted her story, Arion¡¯s regret deepened. Each word painted a vivid picture of hardship, resilience, and pain. He had never imagined her life could have been so harsh. In their family¡¯s narrative, Josh Morrison had always been a genius¡ªa man whose piano talent surpassed both his father¡¯s and grandfather¡¯s. Yet, Arion hadn¡¯t considered how Josh¡¯s banishment had left asting impact on Carrie¡¯s life.

    It all clicked. Josh¡¯s only skill had been ying the piano. If he relied on it for a living, his talent would surely have made him famous. But fame would¡¯ve risked exposing his ties to the Morrison family.

    Arion remembered hearing from his grandfather that Josh¡¯s father, their great-grandfather, had forbidden him from using the Morrison name after driving him away. Great-grandpa wanted Josh to struggle and submit, but Josh changed his name and never bowed down. He didn¡¯t use the Morrison name, and his talent was buried because of it.

    In stark contrast to the warm camaraderie of the Morrison household, Kristopher¡¯s hotel room was steeped in darkness and solitude. The faint glow of a singlemp illuminated the shadows, casting a soft light on the sofa where Kristopher sat. His legs were crossed on the coffee table, his head leaning back against the cushion as he stared nkly at the twinkling city lights outside the floor-to-ceiling window. Isonridge shone like a jewel, but for him, not a single light felt weing.

    There had once been a light waiting for him. A light that had felt like home.

    He poured himself a generous amount of red wine, filling the goblet to the brim in a way that would make any wine connoisseur cringe. But tonight, etiquette didn¡¯t matter. All Kristopher wanted was to drown himself in the kind of stupor that would dull the ache in his chest, even if only for a while.

    He hadn¡¯t expected the divorce to feel so final. A single certificate had severed their bondpletely, and he was left with nothing but memories. The image of Carrie standing protectively in front of Reece burned in his mind. The concern in her eyes, the way her body shielded him¡ªit wasn¡¯t an act. Kristopher knew her well enough to see the truth. Carrie genuinely cared for Reece.

    How could a woman change so quickly? He wondered bitterly. She had once told him she loved him. How could she move on so easily?

    Frustration wed at his chest. He tugged at his cor, unbuttoning the top two buttons, but it did little to ease hisbored breathing. He reached for the remote and pressed a button, opening the window slightly. The sounds of the city flooded in, mingled with faint strains of music drifting from a nearby rooftop. ¡°Why does the once passionate turn cold first, while the slow burn keeps boiling over¡­¡±

    The lyrics struck him like a knife. Carrie had grown cold, but he was still boiling over.

    The disparity in their emotions was a cruel irony. Love that was out of sync was doomed from the start, destined to leave one side broken and hurting.

    Kristopher let out a hollowugh, his lips curling into a bitter smile as he tilted his goblet and downed the wine in one gulp.

    There was a knock on the door. Kristopher, mistaking the visitor for Oliver, frowned deeply as he set his wine ss aside and stood up to answer the door.

    When he swung the door open, he was taken aback to find Aliza instead. His face clouded over. ¡°You?¡±

    Just then, Albin poked his head around the corner. ¡°Kristopher, I couldn¡¯t get hold of Oliver, and I bumped into Aliza near the hotel lobby. She heard me venting about him and suggested she could bring me up, iming she knows you.¡±

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 Chapter 644

    ?<strong>Chapter 644:</strong>

    He offered Aliza a grateful smile. ¡°Thanks, Aliza. I owe you a meal.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s expression turned frosty as he stared at Aliza. ¡°Miss Herrera, you spill other people¡¯s private information more freely than a tabloid. Sharing my personal details with just about anyone? If this is typical of your family, I¡¯m reconsidering any deals with your father.¡±

    Aliza calmly exined, ¡°Kristopher, there¡¯s been a misunderstanding. I saw Mr. Murray at a video conference with my dad, and I knew you two were close.¡± She had done her homework on Kristopher¡¯s social circle, knowing Albin was his trusted confidant.

    Yet Kristopher remained unyielding. ¡°My rtionship with him isn¡¯t the issue. My address is private. You should have asked me before sharing it. That¡¯s justmon courtesy.¡±

    Caught off-guard by Kristopher¡¯s stern reaction, Aliza was left speechless, her smile stiffening.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed into a chilly stare as he said to Albin, ¡°Still loitering in the hallway? nning on making it your bed for the night?¡±

    ¡°Right, I¡¯ming now.¡± Albin quickly made his way inside, shing a sheepish smile and mouthing a silent ¡°thank you¡± to Aliza. ¡°Really appreciate your help today, Aliza.¡±

    With a disinterested demeanor, Kristopher shut the door and then scrutinized Albin disdainfully. ¡°What brings you here, anyway?¡±

    ¡°Just found out yesterday that you were in Isonridge. Noticed your wife¡¯s IP address switched to here. You¡¯re here for her, aren¡¯t you?¡± Albin settled into the couch, looking rxed.

    Leaning against the door, Kristopher retorted, ¡°So what if I am? What¡¯s it to you?¡±

    Albin perched on the back of the sofa, eyeing Kristopher. ¡°How could this not matter? Camille joined your wife here in Isonridge. As friends, we should be in this together, chasing after our wives.¡±

    Kristopher stood up abruptly and walked toward the master bedroom. Just before closing the door, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t disturb my sleep unless it¡¯s something serious.¡±

    Outside the door of the suite, Aliza paused to gather her thoughts, her eyes fixated on the door que, her expression one of irritation. Despite her pride, the thought of seeing Kristopher¡¯s attractive face every day for the foreseeable future helped her regain herposure. She had time. If Carrie could end up as Mrs. Norris, she believed she could too.

    Upon returning to her apartment, Lise was greeted by the sight of a fat man lounging on her sofa. The coffee table was strewn with an array of snacks and beer cans, which filled the room with an unpleasant scent.

    Upon hearing the sound, the man raised his head and offered a grin, his yellowed teeth on disy. ¡°Daughter, your ce is rather splendid.¡±

    This man was Lise¡¯s father, who had been notably attractive in his younger days, a trait Lise had clearly inherited. Yet, decades of overindulgence in eating, smoking, and drinking hadpletely obscured his once charming appearance.

    With a cautious look over her shoulder, Lise swiftly shut the door, stepped in, and said with a frigid tone, ¡°How did you find your way in here?¡±

    ¡°A father knows his daughter best,¡± he retorted, squinting through his beady eyes. ¡°You¡¯ve never changed your passwords, so I tried them all.¡±

    Lise casually ced the Hermes bag that Billie had given her on a cab and approached her father, asking, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you never to return to Orkset?¡±

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 Chapter 645

    ?<strong>Chapter 645:</strong>

    Pretending to be distressed, her father said, ¡°All my money¡¯s gone, I¡¯ve been cheated¡­¡±

    Cutting him off, Lise asked sharply, ¡°Cheated? By whom? You¡¯ve been gambling again, haven¡¯t you? You promised you were going to change when you started gambling. Now, I¡¯m giving you thirty thousand a month, which is more than enough for a good life back here.¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t you give up this awful habit?¡± Lise asked sharply, her frustration evident.

    His grin vanished, reced by a shameless expression. ¡°Someone¡¯s digging into that car crash,¡± he replied, his tone almost smug.

    The following morning in Isonridge, a modern web drama project featuring youthful characters and straightforward plots had caught thepany¡¯s attention. Carrie viewed it as an ideal opportunity to train her new recruits, and she nned to use this project to help hone their skills.

    The Morrison family had lent their support, assisting her in securing a university gymnasium in Isonridge to hold the auditions.

    Leaving the Morrison residence, Carrie was apanied by Arion, who mentioned he needed to stop for coffee and suggested she proceed to the venue without him.

    It was her first time at the university, and she wasn¡¯t familiar with theyout. The emptiness of the campus, especially heightened by the weekend, made it all the more confusing.

    As she surveyed her surroundings, a distinct voice emerged from behind. ¡°Are you lost?¡±

    ?????????????????.c??m hosts thetest

    Turning around, she was greeted by the sight of a young man, his silhouette softly illuminated by the sunlight, making his features slightly blurred but his brown eyes strikingly clear.

    Wearing a crisp white tracksuit and holding a basketball casually in his hands, he looked every bit the part of a typical college student heading to a game.

    Carrie hesitated for a moment, shielded by her sunsses and mask, but then, concerned about appearing impolite, she removed her sunsses and sheepishly admitted, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m trying to find the gymnasium but seem to be a bit lost.¡±

    The young man twirled the basketball at his side and shed her a friendly smile. ¡°I¡¯m headed that way myself. I can show you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied, slipping her sunsses back on as they began walking together. They maintained a respectful distance, one that could easily amodate another person between them. Halfway through their walk, he nced at her and said, ¡°The gym¡¯s been booked by a film crew for auditions today. Are you auditioning?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Noticing that he didn¡¯t recognize her, Carrie simply went along with it, not feeling the need to borate.

    Internally, she questioned if her disguise was too much. After all, she wasn¡¯t particrly well-known.

    ¡°We¡¯re here.¡± Upon arriving, he pointed towards a structure adorned with a clock and said, ¡°That¡¯s the gym right there. Just keep going straight.¡±

    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Carrie said, waving as they parted ways.

    He stood still, watching as Carrie gradually disappeared into the distance. Once she was out of sight, he lowered his head and quickly sent a message.

    ¡°Arion, for the favor of securing the gym, kindly forward me the list of today¡¯s auditioning neers.¡±

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 Chapter 646

    ?<strong>Chapter 646:</strong>

    Upon entering the gymnasium, Carrie found Arion already there, greeting her with a coffee in hand. ¡°Carrie, howe you arrived after me?¡±

    ¡°I got dyed because I got lost and had to ask for directions,¡± she said, sipping her coffee, perfectly sweetened. The Morrisons always remembered how she liked her drinks.

    Hitting his forehead with his palm, Arion expressed his oversight, saying, ¡°Shoot, I forgot you weren¡¯t familiar with the way.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I managed,¡± Carrie reassured him, smiling. ¡°I¡¯m off to watch the auditions now. If you find yourself getting restless, go ahead and look around. We can catch up over dinnerter.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good, I¡¯ll catch a few games. I¡¯ve yet to start ranking in the new season,¡± Arion said, settling beneath the basketball hoop and pulling out his phone.

    Leaving Arion to his games, Carrie moved towards the neers. Deciding to lead by example, she assumed the role of the female protagonist. Facing the group, she asked, ¡°Who¡¯s up for the role of my counterpart in the male lead?¡±

    The group of recent college graduates shared hesitant looks before stepping back in unison. Carrie¡¯s reputation for ster performances preceded her, earning des even from Asher, which intimidated anyone thinking of sharing the stage with her. Her skill would unintentionally highlight their inexperience.

    ¡°Carrie, what about me?¡± Arion, who had been distracted by his phone, noticed the awkward silence. He quickly put down his bags, raised his hand, and stepped forward, concerned that Carrie might feel embarrassed.

    Camille turned to Arion, her eyes narrowing with skepticism. ¡°Since when did you get into acting?¡±

    ¡°Do not underestimate me,¡± Arion shot back, a spark of defiance in his voice. His posture straightened as if to emphasize his point. ¡°And for the record, I am older than you. You might want to show some respect and stop treating me like a kid.¡±

    Camille crossed her arms and tilted her head, a teasing pout forming on her lips. ¡°You look so youthful, though. If we walked down the street together, people would think I am your older sister.¡±

    Carrie watched their yful bickering, a faint smile tugging at her lips. It was almost nostalgic. Not too long ago, Camille and Albin had sparred in the same way.

    The memory brought a fleeting ache, bittersweet and heavy. So much had happened in such a short span¡ªit felt like a lifetime ago.

    She shook her head, banishing the creeping sentimentality, and mustered a bright smile. ¡°Alright, big brother,¡± she said to Arion, her tone light. ¡°I am counting on you.¡±

    What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Arion¡¯s performance shattered all expectations. His ability to memorize his lines after just two readings left the crew stunned, and his acting was natural, immersive¡ªfar beyond what one might expect from a neer.

    For so long, the Morrison family had dismissed him as little more than a pampered rich kid, and Carrie and Camille had unknowingly bought into that perception.

    But watching him now, it was clear how wrong they had been. From an early age, Arion had received the finest education money could buy. He was anything but a failure.

    The only reason he had seemed less remarkable was because he stood in the shadows of brilliance¡ªhis grandfather, father, and brother, all titans in their fields, left little room for anyone else to shine.

    As the room erupted into apuse for Arion and Carrie¡¯s performance, no one noticed the faint shadow that slipped away from the second-floor balcony.

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 Chapter 647

    ?<strong>Chapter 647:</strong>

    A private detective crouched in the shadows, lowering his camera as a sly grin tugged at his lips. The intimate photos of Carrie and Arion on the memory card in his hand were worth a fortune¡ªperfect leverage for Aliza.

    After the auditions wrapped up for the evening, Camille took the neers back to the hotel.

    Arion had been called away by the Music Association for an impromptu performance, while Reece, workingte as usual, had called Daxton to pick up Carrie.

    The Morrison family had taken an instant liking to Daxton and often tried to nudge the two closer together. Daxton decided to take Carrie to a newly opened private restaurant that boasted authentic Orkset cuisine. The owner, a native of Orkset, had already built a reputation for the richness of the vors.

    As they approached the elevator, the clinking ofughter caught Carrie¡¯s attention. A group of young women, their voices high and animated, walked toward them. At the edge of the group was Aliza, her smile faltering the instant she caught sight of Carrie.

    Carrie nced at the group. The women were all strikingly beautiful, d in luxury from head to toe. From their designer dresses to the limited-edition handbags dangling from their arms.

    Aliza, by contrast, seemed like an outsider desperately trying to blend in. Her bag¡ªa basic, entry-level model from a luxury brand¡ªstood out starkly against the exclusivity surrounding her. She trailed at the edge of the group, her posture subtly deferential.

    The instant Alizaid eyes on Carrie, her smile faltered, freezing in ce as she came to an abrupt halt.

    These girls were all from Isonridge¡¯s elite families. Carrie¡¯s eyes swept over them, her gaze calm and unreadable. Marina Webster, the leader of the group, walked confidently at the front. Marina was the daughter of the head of the Webster family and had recently returned from studying abroad in Izrosa. She was a name whispered often in social circles, rumored to be the most likely candidate for Reece¡¯s hand. Marina had always harbored feelings for Reece.

    Aliza, on the other hand, had no ce among these women. Her tenuous connection to them existed solely because she imed knowledge of Reece¡¯s girlfriend. She would not dare provoke the Morrison family herself, but she knew others might seize the opportunity, using it as a chance to broaden their connections and climb the socialdder.

    Marina stopped abruptly, turning back with a sh of annoyance. ¡°Aliza, why are yougging behind? If you keep this up, do not bothering out with us again.¡±

    ¡°Do you know them?¡± Daxton¡¯s voice was soft but tinged with curiosity as he noticed Carrie¡¯s gaze lingering on the group.

    Carrie averted her eyes, her expressionposed and calm. ¡°No,¡± she said evenly. ¡°I do not.¡±

    Daxton studied her for a moment, as if weighing her response, but decided against probing further. Instead, he gestured toward the opposite hallway. ¡°The restaurant is this way.¡±

    As they turned to leave, Aliza hurried to catch up with Marina, her steps quick and eager. Leaning slightly closer to Marina, she whispered, ¡°That is Reece¡¯s girlfriend.¡±

    Marina froze mid-stride, her perfectly manicured brows arching in mild disdain. ¡°Girlfriend?¡± she echoed. Her gaze swept over Carrie¡¯s retreating figure with calcted coolness. A faint smirk yed at the corner of her lips as she called out, her tonemanding, ¡°Hey, you there¡ªstop.¡±

    Carrie paid no attention to themotion behind her and continued walking, her pace steady and unbothered.

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    .

 Chapter 648

    ?<strong>Chapter 648:</strong>

    ¡°Carrie! I am talking to you! Can you not hear me?¡± Marina¡¯s voice rose, sharp andced with frustration.

    At that, Carrie stopped in her tracks, turning her head to nce over her shoulder.

    The girl leading the group caught the eye immediately. Her brown curls framed her face like a halo, and her vibrant red dress clung to her figure, entuating her striking features. She looked like a porcin doll¡ªradiant and wless.

    Yet, there was something about her eyes. The subtle upward tilt held a hint of arrogance and defiance, dimming her charm and leaving an air of unpleasantness.

    Marina shoved her handbag into the arms of the girl beside her without so much as a word of acknowledgment and marched toward Carrie, her heels clicking sharply against the floor. As she closed the distance, she finally got a good look at Carrie¡¯s face, and for a fleeting moment, envy flickered across her otherwise self-assured expression.

    How could a small-town girl radiate such elegance? Carrie looked more like a high-society socialite than Marina herself, despite all her efforts.

    No wonder Reece was drawn to her. Carrie must be some kind of femme fatale, a master in the art of seduction. Even Marina had almost fallen for her charms.

    Standing face-to-face, Carrie in simple ts was nearly as tall as Marina in her heels. Marina lifted her chin, her posture rigid and confrontational.

    ¡°Stay away from Reece,¡± she warned, her tone low and icy. ¡°A woman like you has no ce marrying into the Morrison family, especially since you have already been married once.¡±

    The weight of her usation hung in the air, and in that moment, both Carrie and Daxton realized Marina had entirely misunderstood the situation.

    Carrie had no intention of setting the record straight. Aliza¡¯s connections to Kristopherplicated things, and thest thing Carrie needed was for Kristopher to discover her ties to the Morrison family.

    If he did, he would only grow more guarded, making it harder for her to collect the evidence she needed against Lise.

    Her gaze flickered to Aliza, who had subtly stepped back, clearly trying to dissociate herself from the confrontation.

    Carrie¡¯s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. So, this was Aliza¡¯s game. The spat between Kristopher and Reece must have stirred some insecurity in Aliza, prompting her to send a pawn¡ªa privileged but naive girl with a strong family name¡ªto challenge Carrie. How utterly tedious.

    Carrie¡¯s smile turned cold as she met Marina¡¯s eyes. ¡°You pampered princess, do not let yourself be used as someone else¡¯s pawn like a fool,¡± she said, her voice steady but cutting. Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel and walked away.

    ¡°Who are you calling a fool?¡± Marina shrieked, chasing after her. ¡°Reece and I grew up together! He said he would marry me when we were in kindergarten. Do not think you can steal him from me!¡±

    Carrie could not help the wry smile that tugged at her lips. This girl was little more than a naive dreamer.

    She made a mental note to bring this up with Reeceter. If he truly harbored feelings for this spoiled little princess, he needed to protect her from maniptive people like Aliza.

    Her thoughts shifted briefly to Kristopher. It seemed he always had a knack for attracting cunning women. How had her own judgment been so poor, falling for the same man as those women?

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 Chapter 649

    ?<strong>Chapter 649:</strong>

    Daxton, meanwhile, stayed rooted in ce, stepping forward only to block Marina¡¯s path with an arm outstretched. ¡°Miss, I suggest you show some respect.¡±

    Marina¡¯s indignation red as she snapped, ¡°Do you even know who I am? How dare you¡ª¡± Her words died on her lips as her eyes finally took in Daxton¡¯s face.

    Recognition struck her like a blow. Herplexion turned ashen, and she took an involuntary step back. Memories she had buried wed their way to the surface: Daxton, abroad, severing a gang leader¡¯s head in the middle of the street. The blood had sprayed across the white snow, steaming in the cold. That grotesque image had haunted her dreams for months.

    ¡°Why¡­ why is it¡­¡± she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.

    Daxton offered her a polite, almost gentle smile. ¡°Do we know each other, Miss?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± she blurted, shaking her head fervently. ¡°No, we do not.¡± Grabbing the arm of the girl next to her, she turned sharply and hurried away, her pace bordering on a sprint.

    As they retreated, one of the girls cast a curious nce back at Daxton. ¡°Marina, do you know him? He seems so gentle, even more approachable than Reece. What are you so afraid of?¡±

    Marina hissed under her breath, ¡°Shut up.¡±

    Carrie, unaware of Marina¡¯s sudden shift in demeanor, only noticed the group entering the elevator as she turned back. Daxton approached her, his demeanor calm and reassuring. ¡°Do not let people like that ruin your mood,¡± he said softly. ¡°Come on, let us go get something to eat.¡±

    As night fell, the city of Isonridge shimmered under a nket of dazzling lights. From a vantage point high above, the endless streams of traffic below resembled a glittering Milky Way, weaving fluidly between towering buildings.

    To most, Isonridge was merely a bustling metropolis. But to the wealthy, it was a haven of extravagance¡ªa city that promised an endless buffet of indulgence, from fine dining to opulent entertainment.

    Take, for instance, a simple hometown dish from Orkset. What might cost no more than a modest sum at a local restaurant in Orkset could skyrocket to thousands in Isonridge, served as an elite delicacy to those eager to unt their wealth.

    Even with Daxton footing the bill, Carrie could not help but feel a pang of unease. She had no desire to relive the vors of home badly enough to justify such absurd prices. The ride back to the Morrison family estate was calm, Daxton¡¯s car slicing through the night with effortless ease.

    When the car pulled to a stop at a quiet corner near the estate, Daxton nced at Carrie, who sat silently in the passenger seat. ¡°How have you been with the Morrison familytely, Carrie?¡± he asked, his tone light but tinged with genuine concern.

    Carrie hesitated briefly before her lips curved into a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯ve been doing well. Everyone at home has been very kind to me. My grandmother always treated me well, but¡­ I suppose I had always felt the absence of aplete family.¡±

    Her gaze drifted out the window, her eyes reflecting the soft, ambient light. ¡°Thank you, Daxton, forpleting that picture for me. You helped me find what I was missing.¡±

    Fiddling nervously with her seatbelt, she continued, her voice quieter now. ¡°Sometimes, I lie awake at night and wonder if all this is just a dream. Not long ago, I felt trapped in a nightmare, enduring pain and fear that seemed never-ending. And now¡­ it feels like I have stumbled into paradise. Everything is so perfect, it feels almost unreal.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s eyes softened as he listened, his expression one of quiet affection. ¡°That is all in the past, Carrie. From now on, happiness is all you will know.¡±

    The car fell into apanionable silence until Carrie gently broke it. ¡°Alright, Daxton, you can drop me off here. It¡¯ste, and I don¡¯t want to disturb Luca or make it difficult for you to turn around inside.¡±

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 Chapter 650

    ?<strong>Chapter 650:</strong>

    ¡°Okay.¡± Daxton unbuckled his seatbelt and stepped out first, circling around the car to open her door. His movements were smooth and unhurried, ever the gentleman.

    ¡°You go ahead,¡± he said, leaning casually against the car as she stepped out. ¡°I will stay until I see you safely inside.¡±

    Carrie nodded, offering him a small wave before heading toward the estate.

    Daxton watched her retreating figure as it disappeared into the shadowy alley, only moving once she was out of sight. He retrieved a cigarette from his pocket, lighting it with a flick of his lighter.

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±

    The deep rumble of an approaching car broke the stillness. A sleek ck luxury vehicle pulled up beside him, its rear window gliding down to reveal Albin.

    Daxton¡¯s gaze flicked toward him, then away again. Taking another drag from his cigarette, he replied without looking back, ¡°Mr. Murray, I do not believe we are on such familiar terms that we need to exchange pleasantries.¡±

    The car door opened, and Albin stepped out, his eyes scanning the area. ¡°Are you pestering Carrie again?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s attention shifted, and for the first time, he noticed the man sitting in the back seat: Kristopher. Thetter¡¯s gaze was cold and assessing, his expression unreadable.

    Daxton crushed the half-finished cigarette under his heel, extinguishing its ember.

    ¡°Noment,¡± he said curtly, turning to get into his car. Kristopher¡¯s voice cut through the silence, slow and deliberate. ¡°Carrie will never like you.¡±

    Daxton froze mid-step, then straightened, turning to face him. His lips curled into a sardonic smile. ¡°Kristopher, what makes you believe you are so superior? Do you fancy yourself a puppet master, pulling everyone¡¯s strings? If you¡¯re so clever, then tell me¡ªhow did you end up being outwitted by Lise, amon delinquent?¡±

    The words hung in the air like a taunt, and this time, Daxton did not wait for a response. He slid into the driver¡¯s seat, revved the engine, and sped off without a backward nce.

    Kristopher remained silent, his jaw tightening as he absorbed the sting of Daxton¡¯s parting words. Finally, he turned to Albin. ¡°Go back to Orkset. Look into Lise.¡±

    Albin frowned, leaning back in his seat with a sigh. ¡°Kristopher, he was just trying to provoke you. Oliver already investigated everything about Lise back then. Besides, I only just arrived in Isonridge and haven¡¯t even seen Camille yet.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s brow furrowed, his voice taking on a colder edge. ¡°Check the details of her heart transnt. I will even help you win your girlfriend back if that¡¯s what it takes.¡±

    The next morning, Carrie woke up to a strange shift in the usual warmth of the Morrison family¡¯s home. The atmosphere was thick with tension, a stark contrast to the usual lively energy. No one had gone to work. Instead, they were all gathered in the living room, their faces serious and grave.

    As Carrie entered, the mood abruptly shifted. Smiles appeared, and voices rushed to greet her with exaggerated concern. Luca was the first to speak. ¡°Carrie, what would you like to eat today?¡±

    Kody, eager as ever, offered, ¡°Carrie, how about I buy you an office building, and you move yourpany to Isonridge?¡±

    Jenesis, ever the optimist, suggested, ¡°Carrie, how about I take you and your team to the amusement park today? A little work-life bnce never hurt anyone, especially after all those endless rehearsals.¡±

    Reece, always thinking ahead, added, ¡°If you¡¯re going to the amusement park, I¡¯ll have them close it for the day. It¡¯s far too hot to enjoy yourself outdoors, fully equipped like that.¡±

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 Chapter 651

    ?<strong>Chapter 651:</strong>

    Carrie¡¯s curiosity deepened. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that their suggestions were all tied to wealth and influence, she might have thought the Morrison family¡¯s stock prices had plummeted.

    Arion suddenly stood up, his movements unnaturally hurried as he tried to hide something behind his back. ¡°Carrie, whatever you do, don¡¯t check your phone today.¡±

    Before he could finish, Kody gave him a tap on the head with a financial magazine. ¡°From now on, keep your mouth shut at home. No talking unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary.¡±

    Carrie, not thinking much of it, instinctively asked, ¡°Is there another trending topic on social media, like Twitter?¡±

    Jenesis gently led her to the mahogany sofa. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, really. Reece is already handling the situation. Do not worry, it won¡¯t affect your career. It¡¯s just that it will take a bit of effort to exin things in Isonridge¡¯s high society.¡±

    Carrie, sensing something was off, pulled out her phone and checked the social media tform.

    The first headline she saw read: The Morrison Brothers Compete for the Affection of the Same Woman, Extraordinary Tactics of the Divorced Woman from a Small Town.

    The images attached showed her and Reece arm in arm in a restaurant, followed by photos of a scene with Arion, cleverly staged to look like an intimate moment between the two of them, rather than a rehearsed scene.

    The controversy quickly snowballed. While her marriage to Kristopher had not yet been made public,izens had already pieced together her celebrity status as Carrie, drawing conclusions that her sess was tied to the Morrison family¡¯s influence. Some even spected that her identity as Katrine had been bought, questioning how someone so young could have written such profound scripts.

    Luca mmed his fist on the table in frustration. ¡°The media in Isonridge needs to be shaken up. They will write anything to gain attention.¡±

    Carrie quickly stood up, trying to calm Luca down. ¡°Luca, it¡¯s not worth getting upset over. I have dealt with these kinds of negative topics before. It¡¯s normal for public figures to face these things.¡±

    Luca was unmoved. ¡°Normal? Jenesis is in the entertainment industry, but when has anyone ever dared to write about her like this?¡±

    Carrie fell silent.

    Which paparazzi would ever dare to target Jenesis, the Morrison family¡¯s princess?

    Reece, guilt flickering in his eyes, spoke up, his voice low. ¡°This is my fault. That day, I did not rify my rtionship with Carrie, thinking the misunderstanding would make Kristopher give up. I never imagined it would bring this kind of trouble her way. In the end, it¡¯s because of Carrie¡¯s background that people in Isonridge do not take her seriously. We need to bring forward the family recognition banquet¡ªso no one dares to underestimate her again.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Luca gave a firm nod and turned toward Kody. ¡°How are the preparations for the family reunion banqueting along?¡± he asked, his tone businesslike.

    Kody let out a weary sigh, rubbing his temples. ¡°I reviewed the guest list you put together. Honestly, Dad, you¡¯ve practically invited half of Isonridge¡¯s elite. There is no way the family estate can amodate that crowd. I had to arrange for the event to be held at the suburban estate. We haven¡¯t been there in years, so it needs some serious sprucing up.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of events,¡± Jenesis chimed in, rummaging through her handbag. ¡°I almost forgot something important. The day after tomorrow is Kyson Webster¡¯s birthday. The invitation arrived a few days ago, but since none of you were home, I held onto it.¡± She pulled out an embossed invitation and waved it at them.

    Kody shrugged dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s just another younger person¡¯s birthday. Reece or Arion can handle it, like they always do.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 652

    ?<strong>Chapter 652:</strong>

    Luca leaned back thoughtfully for a moment before replying. ¡°Actually, since the family reunion banquet is still a while away, this would be a great opportunity. Reece and Arion should take Carrie with them. It will be the perfect chance to introduce her to everyone and make it clear she is a cherished member of the Morrison family¡ªnot someone they can disrespect.¡±

    Reece¡¯s eyes sparkled with amusement. ¡°Great idea. Kyson and Daxton are close. We should invite Daxton to join us as well.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Luca agreed, a hint of approval in his gaze. ¡°Having a witness like Daxton would make it even better. We should absolutely bring Daxton along.¡± He gave Reece a nod of approval. ¡°You always have a way of thinking things through.¡±

    Two dayster.

    Carrie found herself stepping into a whole new world. For the first time, she was attending an event as part of the Morrison family, and they had spared no effort in making her debut remarkable.

    A professional styling team had been brought in well in advance, and Jenesis, ever the perfectionist, had ensured no detail was overlooked. Concerned that the men might miss something, she had even invited Camille to assist with the preparations.

    Exclusive seasonal gowns from luxury brands arrived in abundance, their elegance and opulence almost overwhelming. Jenesis held up a golden backless gown, her expression alight with excitement. ¡°This one would be perfect for you, Carrie.¡± Camille

    Jenesis leaned in, her eyes sparkling as she studied the gown. ¡°You are right! With those shoulder des, Carrie would look absolutely stunning.¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, Reece stepped forward, took the dress from Jenesis, and unceremoniously tossed it onto the couch. ¡°Not happening. There will be plenty of male guests at Kyson¡¯s party, and this dress is inappropriate.¡±

    Surprisingly, Arion, who usually loved to challenge his brother, nodded in agreement. ¡°Exactly. Wearing that would give those guys an undeserved show. None of them are worthy of seeing my sister like that!¡±

    Carrie froze for a moment, the scene triggering a memory. Kristopher. He had always hated it when she wore revealing clothes.

    The same protective air, the same familiar tension, yet everything was different now.

    Jenesis noticed the momentary shift in Carrie¡¯s expression, and something stirred within her. She nced at the discarded dress, a wistful smile ying on her lips.

    It felt painfully familiar. Back in her own youth, Kody had been the same way¡ªstrict and unyielding. He would not let her wear anything backless, deep V, or too short. Her curves were hidden beneath modest designs, and the media always described her with words like elegant and intellectual.

    Shaking off the memory, Jenesis crossed her arms and dered, ¡°You all act like grumpy old men. Carrie is in the prime of her youth! If she does not show off a little now, when will she? At seventy or eighty?¡±

    But Carrie, unfazed by the debate, let her eyes wander over the racks of clothing. Her gaze caught on a deep purple suit¡ªa bold, masculine design that exuded sharp sophistication. The vibrant color struck a chord with her.

    Moreover, with her freshly cut short hair, she found herself drawn to the effortless elegance and striking sharpness of suits, a wee contrast to the restrictive and overly borate nature of long dresses.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wear this one,¡± she said decisively, pointing to the suit.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 653

    ?<strong>Chapter 653:</strong>

    Everyone turned to see what Carrie was pointing at, their reactions showing clear surprise.

    Arion looked at Carrie, concern etching his face. ¡°Carrie, are you bothered by something?¡±

    As he spoke, he shot a reproachful look at Reece. ¡°Reece, you always have to interfere! Look, now Carrie¡¯s upset because of you.¡±

    Reece responded with a scornful look, ¡°Weren¡¯t you silent just a moment ago?¡±

    Camille moved closer to Carrie, gently cing her hands on Carrie¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Carrie, you look absolutely stunning in a suit, just as much as in a dress.¡±

    Carrie shed a smile and answered, ¡°I¡¯m not upset. I just feel that with my shorter hair, suits suit me better now.¡±

    Reece paused to think, then nodded. A suit was indeed more appropriate than something more revealing. ¡°Carrie is gorgeous¡ªshe¡¯d look great in anything.¡±

    Jenesis agreed with a nod. ¡°Wear what makes you happy, Carrie. Whether it¡¯s a backless dress or a suit, as long as you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s what matters.¡±

    Arion quickly picked out another suit of a matching color. ¡°Perfect! I¡¯ll wear this, and we can go as matching cousins.¡± Reece was left without words.

    Once again, he had been outmaneuvered.

    ???€$? ???t??§ñ? ?n ??ln?¦Í¦Ål?.c??

    Carrie chose a deep V-neck blouse in the same color to pair with her suit, lending a gentle, feminine ir to the sharp outfit, enhancing its unique appeal. It was both stylish and audacious.

    For once, the makeup artist felt redundant. Carrie¡¯s natural beauty rendered any extra touches unnecessary. She applied only a light makeup and neatly straightened Carrie¡¯s hair.

    Arion selected a pair of ck pointed ts, knelt down, and helped Carrie slip them on. ¡°High heels can be treacherous. With your height, ts are perfectly adequate.¡±

    Reece moved to stand behind her and draped a violet diamond ne around her neck. ¡°I acquired this at an auction. I originally bought it for you to wear at the family reunion banquet, but itplements today¡¯s outfit so well. I¡¯ll find another one for the reunion banquet.¡±

    He discussed the multi-million-dor ne as if it were just a simple essory.

    Camille adjusted her expression, a slight nasal twinge in her voice. ¡°It¡¯s such a joy to have someone watching over you. I really miss my brother. Carrie, I¡¯m thinking about heading to Orkset tomorrow to see him.¡±

    Jenesis gently put her arm around Camille, offeringfort. ¡°Try not to cry just yet; you¡¯ve just finished your makeup. Why don¡¯t you use my private jet? I¡¯ll handle the new trainees at ourpany. It¡¯s almost summer vacation anyway, so it¡¯s quieter around here.¡±

    Looking at her reflection, Camille fought back tears. She was here to stand by Carrie today, and she knew she had to maintain herposure to avoid spoiling her makeup or drawing unwanted attention to herself.

    She was dressed in an elegant ck dress, her hair neatly pinned up to entuate her clear forehead and sparkling eyes. Her demeanor had significantly matured since her initial return to Mothor; she no longer bore the semnce of a naive child.

    The sun cast a vibrant glow over Isonridge in the afternoon. High-rise buildings lined the skyline, standing majestically.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 654

    ?<strong>Chapter 654:</strong>

    While the Morrison family¡¯s home exuded a ssic and refined charm, the Websters¡¯ residence was a modern vi situated near a vast shoppingplex, which could easily be mistaken for an exclusive designer store by those not in the know.

    Arion enthusiastically informed Carrie, saying, ¡°Kyson actually founded and runs the university where you rented the gymnasium.¡±

    ¡°Principal?¡± Carrie expressed her surprise.

    The birthday boy was just 22, younger than her by two years. She had assumed he was merely a wealthy student, yet he had established a university.

    As their vehicle approached the entrance to the Webster property, a young woman in a blue dress hurried out from the main house. ¡°Reece, I saw your car and had toe out! Why are you sote?¡±

    Carrie was the first to exit the car. When she met the young woman¡¯s gaze, the warmth on the woman¡¯s face disappeared. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± the woman demanded coldly.

    Carrie¡¯s gaze locked onto the woman in front of her, recognition striking immediately. It was the same woman who had been openly hostile to her at the mall¡ªthe one whose sharp words still lingered in Carrie¡¯s memory.

    She had meant to ask Reece about the womanter, but with the whirlwind of moving into the Morrison household, reuniting with Arion, and adjusting to her new life, the question had been forgotten.

    Reece stepped out of the car first, his frame tense as he instinctively moved to shield Carrie behind him. His voice was firm but devoid of warmth. ¡°Marina, I¡¯m only here today because it¡¯s your brother¡¯s birthday. If you¡¯re rude to Carrie, I won¡¯te again.¡±

    The woman¡ªMarina¡ªfroze, her wide eyes brimming with unshed tears. ¡°Reece!¡± Her voice quivered as she struggled to keep herposure. ¡°You¡¯ve beenpletely fooled by her. Do you even know¡ª¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need anyone else to tell me what kind of person my cousin is,¡± Reece interjected smoothly, his arming to rest protectively around Carrie¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Cousin?¡± Marina repeated, stunned. The usation on her face gave way to disbelief as her gaze flickered from Carrie to Reece.

    Before the moment could grow any more awkward, Arion stepped out of the passenger seat, a casual smile on his lips as he strolled to Carrie¡¯s other side. ¡°Marina,¡± he said lightly, ¡°let me introduce you properly. This is our cousin, Carrie.¡±

    His smile widened, and he shot Reece a sly look. ¡°Of course, she might also be your cousin in the future.¡±

    Reece¡¯s expression darkened, his sharp re cutting through Arion¡¯s mischief like a knife.

    Carrie caught the tension in Reece¡¯s eyes and, for a brief moment, felt a pang of sympathy for Marina. It wasn¡¯t difficult to see the feelings the woman harbored for him¡ªfeelings that clearly weren¡¯t reciprocated.

    Marina¡¯s face flushed a deep red, her hands twisting nervously. After a moment, she managed to stammer, ¡°What about the online rumors¡­?¡±

    Arion leaned in slightly, his striking eyes twinkling as he replied with a coaxing tone, ¡°Oh,e on. A clever girl like you wouldn¡¯t believe those trashy gossip ounts, would you? Of course, they¡¯re fake.¡±

    Marina¡¯s gaze swept over the three of them: Carrie, Reece, and Arion. She couldn¡¯t deny it¡ªthe resemnce between them was uncanny. Their enchanting eyes seemed to be carved from the same mold. No wonder Carrie had caught her attention at first sight, Marina thought bitterly. She hadn¡¯t just found Carrie beautiful¡ªthetter had looked like Reece.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 655

    ?<strong>Chapter 655:</strong>

    Memories of the mall encounter resurfaced, along with Carrie¡¯s sharp words about Aliza. Marina clenched her fists, silently cursing Aliza.

    Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice from the house. ¡°Miss Webster, where have you been? Mrs. Webster is asking where the gifts should go.¡±

    Marina stiffened, herposure returning. ¡°Reece, I should head inside to help,¡± she said, her tone quieter now. A shy blush crept across her cheeks as she nced at Carrie, words hovering on her lips. But instead of speaking, she turned and followed the servant, her apology swallowed by her pride. Halfway inside, she nced back at Carrie.

    She tried to apologize, but the words seemed stuck in her throat. In the end, she just walked on inside.

    As Marina disappeared into the house, Carrie turned to Reece with a yful grin. ¡°Reece, you¡¯re really popr with thedies.¡± Arion, ever the troublemaker, mimicked her teasing tone. ¡°Indeed.¡±

    Reece remained expressionless, brushing off their remarks with a t tone. ¡°Stop talking bullshit. She¡¯s just like a sister to me. Besides, she moved away when she was younger, and we lost contact.¡±

    Hearing this, Carrie felt a bit more sympathetic towards Marina. It must take a lot of courage to hold onto feelings for someone for so many years.

    ¡°What sister?¡± Another car pulled up beside them, and Camille stepped out, her face piqued with curiosity.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s brings you fresh updates

    Since there wasn¡¯t enough space in one car, Camille hade with Daxton.

    Carrie chuckled, folding her arms. ¡°The spoiled princess of the Webster family. She¡¯s apparently a childhood friend of my brother¡¯s.¡±

    She turned to Daxton, who had emerged from the car behind Camille. ¡°Remember the woman we ran into at the mall that day?¡±

    Daxton¡¯s lips curved into his usual gentle smile. ¡°I don¡¯t really remember.¡±

    Reece looked at him, puzzled. ¡°Didn¡¯t you meet Marina when you were in Izrosa?¡±

    ¡°Reece, Izrosa is huge. The chances of running into her were slim. Besides, even if I did, I wouldn¡¯t have recognized her,¡± Daxton replied with a patient sigh.

    Reece gave a sheepish smile. ¡°You¡¯re right. That was silly of me.¡±

    Inside the elegant Webster vi, Marina handed off the gift she was carrying to the housekeeper. She turned to leave, but a familiar figure caught her eye. Aliza was stepping out of the restroom, her expressionposed and self-assured as always.

    The memory of how Aliza had misled her into believing Carrie was romantically involved with Reece resurfaced with brutal rity. Because of that lie, Marina had confronted Carrie unfairly, leaving a bitter stain on her rtionship with the Morrison family.

    Now, knowing the truth, Marina couldn¡¯t stop her frustration from bubbling over. The Morrison family was protective of their offspring, and if her actions had damaged her ties with them, she might never repair her connection with Reece. Her anger red hotter as she marched over to Aliza in her high heels, her steps echoing against the polished floor.

    ¡°Marina, you¡ª¡± Aliza began, startled, but the words barely left her lips before¡ª

    ¡°Whack!¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 656

    ?<strong>Chapter 656:</strong>

    The sharp sound reverberated through the room as Marina¡¯s hand connected with Aliza¡¯s cheek.

    Aliza stumbled slightly, her hand flying to her face as she stared at Marina, wide-eyed and disbelieving. ¡°Marina, what did I do?¡± she asked, her voice trembling with an edge of wounded innocence.

    But Marina was seething, her fury unchecked. ¡°You¡¯re as cunning as your mother! I looked into it and found out Carrie¡¯s ex-husband is Kristopher. You¡¯ve been getting cozy with him recently¡ªdon¡¯t tell me you¡¯re trying to use me to get rid of Carrie!¡±

    Aliza blinked, thenposed herself, her expression morphing into one of hurt. ¡°Marina, how could you think that of me? Did Carrie put these ideas in your head?¡±

    Her voice softened, as if appealing to their years of friendship. ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since we were kids. The Herrera family may not have the Webster family¡¯s influence, but we¡¯ve always had better manners than these small-town nobodies. How could you doubt me like this?¡±

    Aliza¡¯s expression turned earnest. ¡°It¡¯s true I¡¯m getting close to Kristopher. But Carrie is his ex-wife, not his current one. They were already divorced before we met. If Kristopher truly loved her, why would they have gotten divorced in the first ce?¡±

    Marina crossed her arms tightly, her stance defensive but her expression still uncertain. ¡°You¡¯re lying! Reece told me himself¡ªCarrie is just his sister.¡±

    Hearing this, Aliza¡¯s panic eased slightly. She quickly masked it with a soft sigh of relief, her mind spinning. She had already looked into Carrie¡¯s background. Carrie had grown up in Orkset, and her parents had no connection to the Morrison family. How could she possibly be a Morrison child?

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your gateway to fiction

    Feigning pity, she fixed Marina with a sympathetic gaze. ¡°Oh Marina, you¡¯re so gullible. Do you believe everything they tell you?¡± As she spoke, she reached out to pull Marina closer.

    Marina took a step back, suspicion shing in her eyes. ¡°What are you implying?¡±

    Aliza¡¯s tone became even more measured, her expression serious. ¡°Think about it. Reece¡¯s father only has one sibling, Jenesis, who had no children. So tell me, Marina, how could Reece suddenly have a cousin?¡±

    Marina hesitated, her initial certainty starting to waver. ¡°Maybe she¡¯s a cousin from his mother¡¯s side?¡±

    Aliza let out a faintugh, rolling her eyes in exaggerated disbelief. ¡°A cousin you¡¯ve never heard of, from a family as prominent as the Morrisons? Really?¡±

    Marina tried to piece things together. ¡°But Arion is here too,¡± she countered. ¡°If Carrie was involved in anything improper with either of them, there¡¯s no way they¡¯d all show up together. That would make the Morrison family aughingstock!¡±

    ¡°Marina, you still don¡¯t get it, do you?¡± Aliza said with a meaningful tone.

    Marina furrowed her brow. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Aliza sighed, her expression almost regretful. ¡°There was news circting a few days ago¡ªrumors, gossip. The Morrison family worked hard to suppress it, but people who needed to know still saw it. The Morrisons have always maintained a spotless reputation, Marina. They wouldn¡¯t tolerate even the smallest hint of impropriety.¡±

    She straightened, her voice turning pointed. ¡°Think about it. Why would they go out of their way to bring a so-called cousin to your brother¡¯s birthday party? Have you ever seen a Morrison cousin treated with such fanfare before?¡±

    Aliza continued, ¡°Having both brothers bring her here is the perfect way to squash any rumors. It makes everything seem clean and proper, doesn¡¯t it? Even you believed it enough to confront me about it. Cousin? Don¡¯t believe a word of it.¡± With that, she gave Marina a knowing look, her lips curling into a faint smile.

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 657

    ?<strong>Chapter 657:</strong>

    Marina¡¯s face twisted with fury, her nails digging into her palms. ¡°That scheming woman! I was just about to apologize to her!¡± she spat. ¡°Now I¡¯ll go down there and expose her true nature for everyone to see.¡±

    Before Marina could storm off, Aliza¡¯s hand shot out, gripping her wrist. ¡°Wait!¡±

    ¡°Wait for what?¡± Marina snapped, yanking her arm free. ¡°Am I supposed to be afraid of some small-town girl?¡±

    Aliza sighed, her expression measured. ¡°It¡¯s not about being afraid of her. It¡¯s about being smart. If you confront her now, you¡¯ll only y into her hands. Don¡¯t you see? You¡¯ll be making the scandal that the Morrison family is trying so hard to bury even worse. And even if you seed in exposing her so-called ¡®true nature,¡¯ do you really think that will make Reecee running back to you?¡±

    Marina froze, Aliza¡¯s words striking a nerve. Her shoulders slumped as the fire in her eyes dimmed slightly. ¡°Then what am I supposed to do? Nothing I try seems to work!¡±

    Aliza¡¯s expression softened into something resembling sympathy, though her sharp eyes gleamed with calction. ¡°Listen to me. Today, all the prominent figures from Isonridge are here. If you can make her embarrass herself in front of everyone, both Reece and Arion will grow to despise her. Once that happens, making her fade away from Isonridge will be an easy task.¡±

    Marina looked uncertain but intrigued. ¡°What exactly should I do?¡±

    Aliza nced around and took her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s talk in your room.¡±

    Meanwhile, Carrie and her group approached the main building. Laughter and the hum of conversation drifted out from the grand hall, but one particr exchange caught Carrie¡¯s attention before they even entered.

    ¡°Mr. Norris, young and sessful, your decisive business tactics put us all to shame,¡± someone inside was saying. ¡°May I ask which family¡¯s daughter is your wife?¡±

    Before Kristopher could answer, another voice chimed in, amused. ¡°Oh, Mr. Norris is already divorced. But I hear he¡¯s been getting close to ady from the Herrera familytely. Miss Herrera is highly skilled in piano and rumored to be joining the Music Association soon. A perfect match in status and talent.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze zeroed in on the man in question. Kristopher stood near the bar, impably dressed in a sleek ck suit that made him stand out even among the glittering crowd of elites. He swirled his wine sszily, his expression neutral, neither confirming nor denying the im.

    To Carrie, his silence was as good as an admission.

    She scoffed quietly, her lips curving into a faint, sardonic smile. ¡°Can¡¯t this man ever sleep alone?¡± she thought. ¡°It seems he¡¯s found someone new already. So much for being devoted to Lise. Or maybe he just likes love triangles¡ªalways keeping a backup for stability.¡±

    Beside her, Reece followed her gaze, his brow furrowing as he noticed Kristopher. ¡°What¡¯s he doing here?¡± he muttered. Arion, quick to act, offered, ¡°I¡¯ll get Jason to show him out.¡±

    Carrie shook her head, stopping him with a gentle tug on his arm. ¡°No need. Don¡¯t trouble anyone over him.¡± She smirked faintly. ¡°Besides, if we do that, it¡¯ll look like I care too much about him. It¡¯s just a birthday party. Let¡¯s pretend he doesn¡¯t exist.¡±

    Reece nodded in agreement. ¡°Carrie has a point.¡±

    But as if sensing their presence, Kristopher nced toward the entrance. His sharp gazended on Carrie and immediately locked there, his expression unreadable. She seemed to have warmed up to another man.

    .

    .

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 Chapter 658

    ?<strong>Chapter 658:</strong>

    The guests around him followed his line of sight to the doorway, where the Morrison siblings and theirpanions made their entrance. The room seemed to pause for a moment as the group appeared¡ªthree men and two women, all breathtakingly elegant, as if they had stepped out of the pages of a fashion magazine.

    At the center of them all was Carrie, radiant andmanding. Her tailored suit, paired with her short hair, gave her a sharp yet maic look. The massive purple diamond resting against her corbone sparkled under the chandelier light, but even its brilliance paled inparison to her luminous features. Her eyes, gleaming like they held gxies, swept across the room with an almost imperceptible coolness.

    It wasn¡¯t just her striking appearance¡ªit was the way she carried herself. Gasps rippled through the crowd as everyone processed the sight before them.

    Finally, someone voiced out what they were all thinking. ¡°Reece, Arion,¡± they asked with a note of curiosity, ¡°which of you is this beautifuldy apanying?¡±

    Reece¡¯s expression chilled over in an instant. Without giving Kristopher a second nce, he said firmly, ¡°This is my cousin, the pride of the Morrison family.¡±

    After a brief pause, his eyes scanned the room, and the air grew heavy with tension. ¡°Today, I¡¯ve brought her to Kyson¡¯s birthday celebration to introduce her. Let me make this clear¡ªany insult toward my cousin is an insult to the Morrisons. I will not tolerate any past loyalties standing in her way.¡±

    The crowd was visibly stunned by the revtion. They had not known Carrie to be associated with the Morrisons.

    Surprise flickered across Kristopher¡¯s face before relief washed over him. The weight that had been pressing on him for days seemed to lift.

    Though puzzled by Carrie¡¯s connection to the Morrisons, Kristopher felt an unexined joy knowing she hadn¡¯t chosen another. As these thoughts swirled in his mind, a subtle smile crept onto his face.

    Reece quickly noticed Kristopher¡¯s change. He tightened his jaw and stepped in to block Kristopher¡¯s view of Carrie.

    He still suspected Kristopher of harboring intentions toward his cousin. Knowing Carrie once had feelings for him, Reece worried she might falter and go back to Kristopher, just like Jenesis had.

    ¡°Is that really you?¡± A young man in a gray suit parted the crowd as he approached.

    He adjusted his gold-rimmed sses, his eyes wide as he regarded Carrie.

    For a moment, Carrie looked equally taken aback. ¡°Were you the one who helped me with directions at the university that day?¡± Arion was quick to respond, stepping up to hug the man. ¡°Kyson, are you acquainted with Carrie?¡±

    ¡°Carrie¡­¡± Kyson murmured her name softly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth.

    Carrie exined, ¡°I was there to screen new talent for our firm and got turned around. Mr. Webster was so helpful.¡±

    She gave a sheepish grin. ¡°I mistook Mr. Webster for a student; he seemed so young.¡±

    Arion made the introductions smoothly, saying, ¡°Kyson, meet my cousin, Carrie.¡±

    Kyson moved towards Carrie, offering his hand with a warm smile, saying, ¡°Hi, Carrie, I¡¯m Kyson Webster. Thank you for joining us today.¡±

    Carrie barely had a chance to respond when two more hands shot out in front of her.

    Kristopher and Daxton chimed in together. ¡°Hi there, I¡¯m Kristopher Norris.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Kyson.¡±

    Their eyes met briefly, and an evident tension filled the air. Both masked their difort with polite smiles, but a chill of apprehension lingered.

    Camille whispered urgently into Carrie¡¯s ear, ¡°This feels like a showdown, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    Clearly annoyed, Carrie gently shoved Camille aside and managed a small nod toward Kyson. ¡°Hi.¡±

    Kyson, sensing the unfolding drama, discreetly pulled back his hand, opting not to shake hands with Kristopher or Daxton. Arion then presented three wrapped boxes to Kyson, saying, ¡°These are from all of us.¡±

    Peering over Arion¡¯s shoulder at Carrie, Kyson asked, ¡°Which one is your gift?¡±

    Caught off guard by the direct question, Carrie hesitated before exining, ¡°Since we hadn¡¯t met before, I was unsure what to get you. I sought Arion¡¯s advice for the gift.¡±

    Kyson gestured for a servant to take the gifts and said to them, ¡°Please feel free to rx here. I must greet the other guests now.¡±

    .

    .

    .

 Chapter 659

    <strong>Chapter 659:</strong>

    Kyson brushed past Carrie, their eyes locking briefly.

    Carrie acknowledged him with a nod, catching the subtlety of his nce.

    Kyson leaned in, his voice a whisper meant only for her. ¡°Next time, I¡¯d love a gift that¡¯s personally from you.¡±

    He walked away before she could respond, leaving her to reflect on his boldness.

    Carrie stood still, her eyes following him as he left, confused by his familiarity.

    Why was he acting so overly familiar?

    Though they had met only once, he already felt at ease asking for a gift.

    Next time? What did he mean by that? Was he alluding to some future birthday? A year from now, she might not even be around.

    ¡°Carrie, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Reece leaned closer, noticing her distant look.

    Carrie returned to the moment, saying, ¡°Nothing, really.¡±

    ¡°Excuse me.¡± Reece motioned to the crowd, leading Carrie toward the dessert table. ¡°Carrie, what would you like to drink?¡± The crowd parted for them, though their eyes lingered with suspicion.

    Despite doubts about the Morrison brothers¡¯ im that Carrie was a cousin, Reece¡¯s introduction left them no room for challenge.

    At first, some were drawn to Carrie for her beauty or the Morrison family¡¯s status, hoping to strike up a conversation, but their attempts were unsessful.

    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s delivers what you seek

    Reece and Arion stood by Carrie protectively, with Daxton just a step behind, effectively blocking anyone from approaching. Consequently, the crowd turned their attention towards Camille. With a quick flick of her wrist, Camille captured a photo of those eager to connect with her on WhatsApp, quickly sharing it on social media for Carrie, Albin, and a few chosen friends to see. Her caption read, ¡°Sometimes, letting go of the old brings in the new.¡±

    At home, Albin logged into his social media and came across Camille¡¯stest post, a feeling of unease creeping over him.

    Every corner of the house still reflected Camille¡¯s touch, bringing back a rush of shared memories.

    He roamed the living room restlessly before finally texting Kristopher.

    ¡°Kristopher, my assistance will end if I lose my wife. I¡¯ll need something from you if you expect my help to continue.¡± At the event, Kristopher, after a moment¡¯s thought, initiated a video call with Albin and approached Camille.

    Flipping his phone towards the men around her, he said, ¡°Her husband would like a word.¡±

    Albin grasped the situation and said, ¡°Apologies, I¡¯ve been in a spat with my wife¡­¡±

    Before he could continue, the crowd dispersed, pocketing their phones.

    With her hands on her hips, Camille scolded Kristopher, ¡°Mr. Norris, when did I get a husband? And why am I thest to find out?¡±

    ¡°The incentive is there. Now do your part,¡± Kristopher replied emotionlessly and then hung up.

    He slipped his phone into his pocket and offered a shrug. ¡°Apologies, I was uninformed. I¡¯m merely rying the message.

    Any concerns should be directed to Albin himself.¡±

    While addressing Camille, his eyes never strayed from Carrie. Arion shot Kristopher a disapproving look. ¡°Is that enough staring, Mr. Norris? It¡¯s rude to stare at a woman so intently.¡±

    With a sly grin, Kristopher responded, ¡°A true gentleman appreciates beauty. To admire is to be human, and in admiration, there is no insult, merely respect.¡±

    .

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    .

    <hr>

    Message from Noah: Best regards, dear readers! New chapters on wednesday. God loves you, and Noah wishes you all the best. Have a wonderful Sunday! (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 660

    ?<strong>Chapter 660:</strong>

    At Kristopher¡¯s words, Carrie turned abruptly, giving him a cold, detached stare. ¡°It seems, Mr. Norris, that you only want what you can¡¯t have.¡±

    Kristopher stumbled over his response, taken aback by her sharpment.

    Setting her te aside, Carrie said to Reece, ¡°Reece, it¡¯s a bit stifling in here. Could we step outside for a breath of fresh air?¡±

    Reece then turned to Daxton purposefully, saying, ¡°Daxton, would you mind apanying Carrie for a stroll?¡±

    His request was directed at Daxton, but his eyes warned Kristopher, hinting at an unspoken reminder.

    Earlier that day, Reece had openly introduced himself as Carrie¡¯s cousin. Now Kristopher knew she was single. This seemed to encourage him anew. Reece realized it was crucial to find a dependable partner for Carrie, someone who could keep Kristopher¡¯s persistent advances at bay.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Daxton said, setting aside his ss and escorting Carrie out. Carrie passed Kristopher with the aloofness of a stranger, barely acknowledging his presence.

    The onlookers, too intimidated to approach her, continued to sneak peeks at Carrie.

    Daxton cast a subtly victorious look back at Kristopher, a silent taunt.

    Hidden under his sleeve, Kristopher¡¯s fist clenched tightly. He wished he could turn back time; he would have hidden Carrie away, shielding her beauty from everyone¡¯s eyes.

    Arion, puzzled by the unfolding events, decided to follow, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll join too.¡±

    Camille, quickly understanding Reece¡¯s strategy, caught hold of Arion¡¯s arm. ¡°Arion, I¡¯m not familiar with this ce. With Daxton apanying Carrie, perhaps you could show me around?¡±

    Reece chimed in, ¡°Miss Nixon is very close to Carrie. She¡¯d be quite upset if you didn¡¯t take good care of her friend, Arion.¡±

    Upon hearing that, Arion stopped in his tracks and faced Camille. ¡°They say the bartender here makes a mean cocktail. Are you into drinks? I¡¯d love to show you.¡±

    The moment Carrie and Daxton made it outdoors, a maid came rushing toward them, tray in hand.

    In her haste, the maid collided with Carrie, causing the juice to drench her outfit.

    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry, Ms. Campbell. It was unintentional,¡± the maid stammered, her face turning pale as she desperately attempted to remove the stains from Carrie¡¯s outfit.

    Yet, the more she tried to clean it, the deeper the dragon fruit juice set into the fabric.

    Overwhelmed by the situation, the maid was close to breaking down. Daxton asked, ¡°Is there an extra outfit you can wear? This will need dry cleaning.¡±

    Tears streaming, the maid managed to exin, ¡°There¡¯s a guest lounge upstairs stocked with new clothes for situations like this.¡±

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 Chapter 661

    ?<strong>Chapter 661:</strong>

    Carrie examined the ruinous stains and instructed, ¡°There¡¯s no need to cry. Just show me where it is.¡±

    She turned to Daxton. ¡°Could you let my cousins know I¡¯m going with her to change?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll apany you,¡± Daxton replied, visibly ufortable with the situation. Carrie offered a half-smile. ¡°You can¡¯t very well follow me into the changing room. I¡¯ll be back in no time.¡±

    Directing the maid, she said, ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    ¡°Right this way, Ms. Campbell,¡± the maid responded, her eyes downturned as she masked her lingering distress.

    Carrie brushed at the spreading stains on her suit as she followed the maid to the third floor.

    The maid cast a concerned nce her way. ¡°Ms. Campbell, there¡¯s quite a bit of juice in your hair. Would you like to rinse it off?¡±

    The sticky liquid had seeped down Carrie¡¯s cor, making her skin crawl. She had always been meticulous about cleanliness.

    She paused, weighing her options, before giving a reluctant nod. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Following the maid¡¯s lead, Carrie entered a meticulously arranged room where the ck-and-gray minimalist design whispered of masculine sophistication. Noticing Carrie¡¯s wandering gaze, the maid motioned toward a doorway. ¡°Ms. Campbell, the bathroom is this way.¡±

    Carrie pulled her attention back and moved in the indicated direction. Leaving the door slightly ajar, the maid spoke softly. ¡°Ms. Campbell, you can hand me your suit for cleaning.¡±

    Without hesitation, Carrie slipped out of her clothes and passed them through the narrow gap.

    The maid collected the garments, eased the bathroom door shut, and silently turned the key in its lock.

    Emerging from her quick shower, Carrie discovered an unsettling detail ¡ª every toiletry item on the sink was clearly meant for men, as was the lone bathrobe hanging nearby.

    Apprehension crept along her spine.

    She hurriedly wrapped herself in the oversized robe and rushed to the door, only to find it wouldn¡¯t budge.

    Her mind raced as she forced herself to assess the situation methodically.

    In the past, Marina would have been her first suspect for such mischief.

    Yet earlier today, Reece had revealed Carrie¡¯s true identity to Marina. Surely, Marina wouldn¡¯t dare antagonize her future cousin-inw unless she hadpletely lost her senses.

    This thought brought temporary relief ¡ª perhaps the maid had simply made a mistake.

    She pounded against the solid wood, raising her voice. ¡°Hey, is anyone there? The door¡¯s locked ¡ª I can¡¯t get out!¡±

    The silence that answered sent ice through her veins.

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 Chapter 662

    ?<strong>Chapter 662:</strong>

    While she barely knew Marina, there was no way to be certain the woman wouldn¡¯t act irrationally.

    Despite her persistent calls, either the room¡¯s soundproofing or the floor¡¯s emptiness ensured no response came.

    Her heart plummeted as memories of previous dangers surfaced. She cursed herself for not having Daxton escort her.

    Drawing from experience, she reasoned that if someone meant her harm, they wouldn¡¯t have bothered with this borate setup just to trap her in a bathroom. A more likely scenario for reputation damage would involve sending in a man topromise her.

    It was an overused plot, but its effectiveness in destroying a woman¡¯s reputation remained unchanged.

    This line of thinking deepened her suspicions about Marina ¡ª perhaps she truly doubted Carrie¡¯s Morrison connection.

    Her instincts screamed to call for help.

    Reaching for her phone, she realized with dawning horror that it remained in her suit jacket, now in the maid¡¯s possession.

    Amid her rising panic, she spotted salvation ¡ª a window beside the bathtub. Scrambling onto the porcin surface, she thrust open the window and shouted desperately, ¡°Reece! Arion! Camille! Daxton!¡± Her cries echoed unanswered into the empty air.

    The unfamiliar view confirmed she faced the mansion¡¯s rear while the party continued in the front hall ¡ª no one would hear her calls across that distance. Leaning out, she calcted her options. The third floor sat roughly seven meters high, with narrow one-foot ledges marking each floor¡¯s exterior wall.

    A fall from this height might hurt, but it wouldn¡¯t prove fatal.

    She weighed her choices: risk her reputation at the birthday party and potentially embarrass the Morrison family, or chance a sprained ankle. For Carrie, it wasn¡¯t even a contest.

    Carrie carefully slipped off her slippers, holding onto the window ledge to steady herself as she climbed out.

    d in only a bathrobe, her heart raced with a mix of determination and apprehension. Beneath her robe, she waspletely bare, and the cool breeze brushed against her skin, adding to the vulnerability of her position. She prayed silently that no one would pass by at that moment. If anyone looked up, they could see far more than she¡¯d ever intended.

    The first ledge was close, and with her long legs, she stepped onto it easily.

    But the next was a daunting three meters away.

    Carrie crouched down, gripping the ivy vines that climbed the wall like lifelines. She moved slowly, lowering herself inch by inch.

    The world below seemed far away as her feet dangled in the air, searching for a foothold.

    ¡°Carrie?¡± The sound of a familiar voice made her freeze.

    Her head turned with difficulty, and she looked down to see Kristopher staring up at her, his face etched with concern.

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 Chapter 663

    ?<strong>Chapter 663:</strong>

    Ignoring how exposed her lower body might be from his vantage point, she yelled, ¡°Call someone¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, the vine in her hand snapped with a crack.

    She gasped as gravity imed her.

    She fell backward uncontrobly, and one panicked thought shot through her mind. ¡°It¡¯s over. If Ind headfirst, I¡¯m done for.¡±

    But the expected pain never came. Instead, shended with a heavy thud on something solid yet yielding. A muffled groan reached her ears.

    Dazed, Carrie tilted her head slightly and realized she was sprawled across Kristopher¡¯s chest. His face was twisted in pain.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked hurriedly, scrambling off him, her voice tinged with genuine worry.

    Kristopher gingerly touched his ribs and propped himself up on one elbow. His words came out strained butced with humor. ¡°Lucky you¡¯re skinny. If you were any heavier, I¡¯d be down a rib or two.¡±

    Relief flickered across her face, but she quickly suppressed it, schooling her features into a cold mask. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said curtly.

    M??? ??d???? ?? g????????.????

    Kristopher raised an eyebrow, meeting her gaze. ¡°You don¡¯t look like you¡¯re thanking me. You look like you¡¯re plotting revenge.¡±

    Her breath caught as his familiar woody scent filled the air between them. She realized their faces were only inches apart, her nose practically brushing against his.

    His eyes followed hers down,nding on her slightly parted lips, the faint cherry hue drawing his attention.

    Memories of the moment her bathrobe had shifted shed unbidden in his mind. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed slightly as he inhaled sharply.

    Just as he leaned in, his lips lowering toward hers, Carrie jerked back.

    She turned her head sharply, his lips brushing against her ear instead.

    The faint graze sent a wave of heat rushing to her cheeks, her ears turning a vivid shade of red.

    ¡°I need to change,¡± she stammered, quickly pushing herself to her feet, her eyes darting anywhere but him.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze traveled down to her bare feet, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°And where are you nning to change?¡±

    Carrie huffed, her patience thinning. ¡°As my ex-husband, you¡¯re asking too many questions.¡± She crossed her arms, adding pointedly, ¡°I¡¯m going to my brother. He¡¯ll help me.¡±

    Kristopher rose slowly, brushing dirt from his suit with deliberate movements. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for your ex-husband, you¡¯d be a vegetable by now. This feels like the modern-day version of biting the hand that feeds you.¡±

    Carrie red at him, though her indignationcked its usual fire. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t suddenly called my name, I wouldn¡¯t have fallen!¡± Her voice wavered, losing volume as her logic faltered.

    Kristopher loomed over her, his gaze steady and unyielding. ¡°And how exactly are you nning to walk back to the banquet hall dressed like this?¡±

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 Chapter 664

    ?<strong>Chapter 664:</strong>

    Carrie froze, her confidence crumbling. She nced down at her bare feet and tugged at the hem of her bathrobe nervously.

    Before she could finish, Kristopher leaned down and scooped her up effortlessly.

    ¡°Hey!¡± she yelped, her legs iling as she tried to wriggle free. ¡°Put me down!¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes flicked downward, the hint of a smirk ying at his lips. ¡°If you want everyone to see what¡¯s under your bathrobe, keep kicking. I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Carrie quickly crossed her legs and held her robe tightly closed, stopping her struggle.

    Yet, she retorted with indignation, ¡°Do you actually think everyone acts like you, constantly staring at women? I never realized you were such a creep.¡±

    Kristopher paid no mind to her harsh words, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly in a smirk, his eyes gleaming with a hint of mischief. He lifted Carrie effortlessly, carrying her from the side entrance to a room that was tastefully decorated in a simple yet elegant style,cking thevishness of the previous one but equipped with all the necessary amenities.

    Curiously, Carrie inquired, ¡°Where are we?¡±

    After setting Carrie down on the bed, Kristopher shut the door and said, ¡°This is the Webster family¡¯s guest lounge. I overheard a servant mention it when I arrived.¡±

    While he made a phone call, Kristopher said, ¡°Oliver, could you send a woman¡¯s suit to the Webster family¡¯s guest room? Something simr to what Carrie was wearing would be ideal.¡±

    After ending the call, silence enveloped the room, punctuated only by the distant sounds outside. Kristopher and Carrie, now seated by the bed and standing by the door respectively, did not speak.

    Approaching the bed with casual interest, Kristopher asked, ¡°How did you end up entangled with the Morrison family?¡±

    With a sharp nce, Carrie responded, ¡°What business is it of yours? Shouldn¡¯t you keep the distance appropriate for an ex?¡±

    Ignoring her suggestion, Kristopher sat beside her, supporting himself with his hands behind him as he looked at her curiously. ¡°I¡¯ll find out either way.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s demeanor chilled. ¡°Kristopher, when will you start respecting others?¡±

    With sincerity in his voice, Kristopher replied, ¡°I do respect you. I¡¯m just trying to protect you from these corporate sharks.¡±

    Carrie retorted with a sneer, ¡°Isn¡¯t that exactly what you are, a capitalist?¡±

    At that moment, a series of knocks disrupted their conversation.

    Oliver¡¯s voice filtered through the door, saying, ¡°Mr. Norris, are you there?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristopher responded as he rose and moved toward the door.

    He cracked the door open just enough to shield Oliver from seeing inside. Without raising his gaze, Oliver handed over two bags, saying, ¡°These are the same as Mrs. Norris¡¯s suit, freshly picked up from the boutique.¡±

    Relieved, Oliver was d the boutique was right across the street from the Webster residence; otherwise, he would have been at a loss.

    epting the bags, Kristopher murmured, ¡°Keep watch at the door.¡± After thinking for a moment, he added, ¡°Maybe step back a bit.¡±

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 Chapter 665

    ?<strong>Chapter 665:</strong>

    Kristopher was concerned that Carrie might utter something biting that Oliver could overhear, potentially embarrassing him.

    Yet, Oliver interpreted these instructions with a bit of surprise.

    Responding with a nod, Oliver said, ¡°Understood, Mr. Norris.¡±

    He shut the door and positioned himself several meters down the hallway. Did Mr. and Mrs. Norris get back together? But at a birthday party? Surely, they should proceed with caution under such circumstances.

    Returning to the bedroom, Kristopher tossed the bags onto the bed, instructing Carrie, ¡°Put these on.¡±

    Carrie, retrieving the bags, looked up at him and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to leave the room?¡±

    With a smirk, Kristopher teased, ¡°Is there a part of you I haven¡¯t seen? Feeling shy?¡±

    Herughter, tinged with frustration, Carrie retorted, ¡°What right do you have to see me without any cost?¡±

    Adjusting his shirt nonchntly, Kristopher teased, ¡°I could pay, you know.¡±

    £í????£å £õ??£ä??£ô£å£ó ??£î ???£ì????£ö??£ì??.??????

    ¡°Make it ten million then,¡± Carrie said, raising an eyebrow challengingly.

    She was confident Kristopher would never consent to such a ludicrous sum.

    Carrie¡¯s sharp tone cut through the room. ¡°I know you¡¯re not short on money. If you want to humiliate me by throwing cash around, I have nothing more to say.¡± Her words carried a deliberate edge, a challenge hidden in their implication. If Kristopher transferred the money, it would be as though he were treating her like a woman who could be bought.

    But Kristopher was unruffled. Without hesitation, he pulled out his phone and began typing. His calm demeanor was maddening, effortlessly sidestepping the trap in her words. ¡°Giving my wife a million dors is no big deal,¡± he said nonchntly.

    He turned the screen toward her, showing thepleted transaction. ¡°It¡¯s done. You can check your ountter.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s jaw tightened, her voice rising slightly. ¡°Mind your words! I¡¯m your ex-wife. Ex-wife!¡±

    Kristopher shrugged dismissively. ¡°An ex-wife is still a wife.¡± It was clear he wasn¡¯t taking her correction seriously.

    Before she could retort, he turned and walked toward the bathroom.

    Momentster, Kristopher returned, carrying a basin of warm water with a towel draped over his arm.

    He approached her with measured steps, his expression unreadable. ¡°Have a seat,¡± he instructed.

    Caught off guard, Carrie hesitated but eventually sat down.

    Her eyes followed his movements, her confusion deepening as he knelt on one knee before her. Gently, he ced her feet in the basin.

    The warmth of the water was soothing, but it was nothingpared to the sensation of his hands.

    His palms were hot, his fingers slightly roughened with calluses that traced her skin delicately as he washed away the dirt.

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 Chapter 666

    ?<strong>Chapter 666:</strong>

    Her entire body stiffened at his touch, a shiver running up her spine.

    She instinctively tried to pull her foot back. ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± she muttered, her voice tinged with unease.

    The intimacy of the moment was overwhelming.

    Carrie bit her lip, feeling trapped in an unexpected wave of vulnerability. She had heard of men who treated women to casual flings or shallow gestures, but this¡ªwashing her feet¡ªwas different.

    It was personal. Intimate.

    And yet, their rtionship wasn¡¯t one that could bear such affection.

    But Kristopher¡¯s grip was firm, steady. He didn¡¯t let her retreat.

    She watched quietly as he continued washing her feet.

    When he finally finished, he used the towel to carefully dry her feet.

    Without a word, he picked up the basin and disappeared into the bathroom.

    Kristopher turned on the faucet, letting the sound of running water fill the bathroom. He leaned back against the toilet seat, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with practiced ease. The smoke curled upward, but it did little to settle the storm within him.

    He stared at the tiled floor, frustrated at himself. He never imagined himself in such a situation.

    His gaze drifted downward to the source of his predicament, and he cursed under his breath. His body¡¯s reaction was disgraceful, a stark betrayal of his attempt to maintainposure. Her presence, the feel of her skin against his hands, the subtle sway of her figure¡ªit had all ignited something raw and primal inside him.

    Kristopher clenched his jaw, exhaling sharply. For the first time, he fully understood what people meant by instinctual desire.

    It wasn¡¯t logical, nor was it something he could suppress. It was pure, unfiltered want¡ªanimalistic in its intensity.

    Meanwhile, Carrie took the opportunity to change.

    The bag Oliver had prepared contained everything she needed, down to the smallest details, including undergarments.

    She hurriedly slipped into the fresh clothes, her eyes darting nervously toward the closed bathroom door, half expecting Kristopher to walk out at any moment.

    Once dressed, she nced at the bathroom, her brow furrowed in thought. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, she tiptoed to the door, carefully opened it, and slipped out.

    The corridor was quiet, save for the faint sound of footsteps echoing softly. As she closed the door behind her, she froze, spotting Oliver standing not far away.

    He turned at the noise, his expression one of mild surprise. ¡°Mrs. Norris? Why are you out here?¡±

    Carrie quicklyposed herself, smoothing her expression into one of detached indifference. ¡°Which way is the banquet hall?¡± she asked coolly, ignoring his question entirely.

    Oliver, slightly taken aback by her tone, pointed down the corridor. ¡°Straight ahead, then turn left.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡± Without another word, Carrie strode off.

    Inside the room, the sound of the faucet ceased. Kristopher put out his cigarette, straightened his tie, and stepped out of the bathroom.

    He opened the bathroom door and saw that the room was empty. Carrie was long gone. He instinctively opened the door and stepped into the corridor, where Oliver still stood near the entrance.

    He didn¡¯t need Oliver to tell him Carrie had bailed on him.

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 Chapter 667

    ?<strong>Chapter 667:</strong>

    Kristopher let out a quietugh, shaking his head. ¡°That heartless girl,¡± he muttered under his breath.

    Oliver stared at him, stunned. There was no trace of anger in Kristopher¡¯s voice, only a warmth that bordered on amusement.

    Terrified that Kristopher might pursue her, Carrie hastened back to the banquet hall.

    Reece, observing her agitated expression, ced his object down and approached her, with Daxton trailing close behind.

    Extending his hand, Reece gently moved a loose hair from her face. ¡°What¡¯s the hurry?¡±

    Observing her, Daxton¡¯s expression turned into a scowl upon noticing the pristine condition of her suit.

    How was it possible that there was no sign of the dragon fruit juice that had drenched her just a short while ago?

    ¡°I thought you might be waiting here for me,¡± Carrie muttered to Reece, her eyes darting across the room, yet the maid from before was nowhere to be seen.

    Facing Daxton, she asked, ¡°Have you seen that maid return, Daxton?¡±

    ¡°No, why?¡± Daxton replied.

    Having escaped any serious mishap, and it being her first time attending a party with her cousins, Carrie preferred not to stir up any issues in another¡¯s home.

    With a forced grin, she remarked, ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡±

    ¡°Nothing?¡± Kristopher burst into the hall, his cold stare scanning the crowd. ¡°Is this the Webster family¡¯s way of hosting? By stealing guests¡¯ attire and locking them in restrooms?¡±

    Carrie, taken aback by Kristopher¡¯s defense, stood rooted to the spot. Their divorce had been finalized; legally, they were no longer connected, so why was he still meddling in her affairs?

    If he truly couldn¡¯t move on, sending Lise to jail would have been sufficient, and they might never have divorced.

    She had offered him a choice.

    Yet, here they stood, faced with the consequences of his decision. What was the purpose of his renewed interest?

    Such shallow and deflective excuses were incredibly aggravating!

    Marina had barely reached the staircase¡¯s midpoint when Kristopher¡¯s voice halted her. Her heart dropped at the sight of Carrie, impably dressed amidst the gathering.

    Though Carrie¡¯s makeup had washed away, her appearance was anything but dull; she radiated a simple, genuine beauty.

    Marina caught only a fleeting glimpse of Carrie¡¯s allure before turning to make her escape back upstairs.

    Kyson, puzzled by Kristopher¡¯s usations, spotted Marina¡¯s hasty departure. As if a light bulb went off, he looked up sharply and called out, ¡°Marina, where are you off to?¡±

    All eyes in the hall turned toward her direction.

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 Chapter 668

    ?<strong>Chapter 668:</strong>

    Caught in the act, Marina halted, turned slowly, and managed a strained smile. ¡°Just heading up to change, Kyson, no big deal.¡±

    Her weak exnation did little to assuage Kyson¡¯s growing suspicions of her involvement in the ordeal Kristopher was alluding to. His brow furrowed. ¡°Come back down.¡±

    Despite his youthful looks, Kysonmanded authority as a school principal and now looked particrly formidable.

    Marina protested weakly. ¡°Kyson!¡±

    Yet, Kyson remained firm, his voice chilling, saying, ¡°Return here now.¡± With great reluctance, Marina made her way back down, each step seeming to weigh her down.

    Upon reaching the bottom, Kyson addressed Carrie directly, saying, ¡°Who locked you in the bathroom? I can represent your interests to the Webster family.¡±

    Carrie caught the hostile look in Marina¡¯s eyes, confirming her earlier doubts¡ªMarina was indeed as reckless as she appeared.

    Feeling no need to protect anyone, Carrie detailed the entire ordeal calmly. After she finished, Kristopher chimed in, ¡°If I hadn¡¯te along when I did, she might well have ended up unconscious.¡±

    Horrified upon hearing of Carrie¡¯s fall from the third floor, Reece and Arion rushed to her side and meticulously checked her for injuries.

    To their amazement, she appearedpletely unharmed, yet Reece¡¯s face was still etched with worry. ¡°We¡¯re leaving for a CT scan right now.¡±

    Carrie flexed her arms and legs, chuckling. ¡°Reece, look at me, I¡¯m totally fine. He¡¯s just overreacting.¡±

    She avoided mentioning Kristopher by name, instead referring to him simply as ¡°he.¡±

    For once, the Morrison brothers agreed with Kristopher. ¡°Being cautious isn¡¯t an overreaction! Head injuries are serious!¡±

    Love sometimes felt burdensome. To her cousins, she seemed more breakable than ss.

    Carrie stood her ground. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m okay! I¡¯m not fragile, and besides, Inded on Kristopher. He¡¯d be in worse shape if anyone was hurt.¡±

    She feared this incident might lead her cousins to overprotect her even more.

    Arion looked over at Kristopher, saying, ¡°He¡¯s tough. You¡¯re not built like him.¡± At a loss for words, Carrie could only marvel at her cousin¡¯s ring double standards.

    Meanwhile, Marina, joining Kyson, voiced her skepticism. ¡°How is that overreacting? It was only from the third floor. She¡¯s a country girl, used to handling much tougher situations.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s response was a slow, cold re at Marina.

    A cold smirk appeared on his face, though his eyes remained detached. In a chilling tone, he said, ¡°Miss Webster, if you believe it¡¯s an exaggeration, why don¡¯t we go there now? You can experience a headfirst fall yourself.¡± His tone was cold, carrying an implicit threat.

    Marina flinched, turning to find Daxton¡¯s icy stare fixed on her as well. The sensation sent a shiver down her spine, prompting visions of Daxton looming in her mind.

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 Chapter 669

    ?<strong>Chapter 669:</strong>

    Fear washed over her, draining the color from her face. She quickly retreated behind Kyson, gripping his suit sleeve tightly.

    She wondered how Carrie had managed to win over such formidable allies. At the same time, she secretly rejoiced that she had not listened to Aliza¡¯s suggestion to find a man to ruin Carrie¡¯s reputation.

    The Webster family was deeply involved in both business and education, upholding a strict code of conduct. While Marina often acted the part of the pampered heiress, she harbored no true malice.

    Her intent had merely been to frighten Carrie as a form of reprimand.

    Kyson firmly pulled Marina from behind him, his expression stern. ¡°Marina, are you involved in this?¡±

    Marina¡¯s gaze shifted nervously. ¡°I¡¯ve been upstairs all this time. How could I know what happened to her?¡±

    Kyson saw through her evasion. He turned to his assistant, instructing, ¡°Check the security footage. Find out which maid escorted Ms. Campbell upstairs.¡± As he spoke, he gave Marina a piercing look, his voice harsh. ¡°I offered you a chance to confess. If you won¡¯t, and I find out, you¡¯ll be sent back to Izrosa permanently. Our family does not harbor such malice.¡±

    Marina stared at Kyson in shock, her eyes welling up as she protested, ¡°Kyson, I¡¯m your sister! How can you side with her over me? She¡¯s not even hurt. Why should I be exiled to Izrosa?¡±

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    Though his expression remained stern, Kyson¡¯s voice softened slightly. ¡°Mistakes I can forgive, consequences I can handle. But I cannot stand by as you continually err and weave lies upon lies.¡±

    Marina¡¯s emotions, stretched to their limit, finally broke.

    Tears streamed down her face as she threw herself into Kyson¡¯s arms. Kyson embraced her gently, stroking the back of her head to calm her trembling frame. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid,¡± he murmured. ¡°I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    Once Marina¡¯s sobs quieted slightly, Kyson lifted his gaze to meet Carrie¡¯s, his expression solemn. ¡°Ms. Campbell, I¡¯m not excusing Marina¡¯s behavior. She¡¯s always been a bit naive and could nevere up with such a malicious n on her own. I¡¯ll investigate this matter thoroughly, and once I have the full picture, I¡¯ll personally bring her to the Morrison family to apologize.¡±

    Marina peeked out from Kyson¡¯s arms, her face streaked with tears and a hint of defiance. ¡°I only wanted to scare her a little,¡± she said, her voice breaking. ¡°Who knew she¡¯d try climbing out the window? If she¡¯d just stayed put for a while, I would¡¯ve let her out after the banquet ended.¡± Her words, though tearful, were a clear admission of guilt.

    Carrie¡¯s face remained calm, her voice even as she replied, ¡°Forget it. I didn¡¯t really lose anything. Let¡¯s just move on.¡±

    Marina¡¯s sheltered upbringing was evident. She was a ssic example of a naive youngdy whocked the awareness to grasp the consequences of her actions.

    But Carrie suspected someone else had orchestrated this incident. Her thoughts circled around Aliza.

    Carrie¡¯s eyes flicked toward Kristopher, rolling slightly in exasperation. Somehow, everything always seemed to circle back to him.

    Reece, however, wasn¡¯t as forgiving. His cold gaze settled on Marina, his tone sharp and cutting. ¡°I told you that Carrie is my cousin. Yet, you still treated her this way. Do you have a problem with me?¡±

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 Chapter 670

    <strong>Chapter 670:</strong>

    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Marina stammered, her voice faltering as she bit her lip. She struggled to find an exnation that wouldn¡¯t make her seem foolish or petty. If she admitted she¡¯d thought Carrie was Reece¡¯s lover, she¡¯d only embarrass herself further, revealing not just her jealousy but also herck of tact.

    She couldn¡¯t embarrass herself like that.

    Nearby, hidden among the crowd, Aliza let out a relieved sigh. Marina hadn¡¯t implicated her. Sensing her window to escape, Aliza quietly slipped through a side door.

    None of the staff would speak against her¡ªshe¡¯d made sure of that. As long as she denied any involvement, no one could trace this back to her.

    Reece turned to Carrie, his tone softening. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have brought you here today. Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    ¡°Reece¡­¡± Kyson started, his voice hesitant. He wanted to persuade Reece to stay, but the words caught in his throat.

    If the Morrison siblings left now, it would create an undeniable rift between the Morrisons and the Websters. Moreover, he had just begun to connect with Carrie. Thest thing he wanted was for their budding rtionship to sour into estrangement.

    Marina, mustering her courage, stepped forward. Her voice was soft but steady as she said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. This was my fault.¡±

    Carrie didn¡¯t respond to Marina. Instead, she turned to Reece, her hand reaching for his in a calming gesture. ¡°Reece, Ms. Webster has already apologized. If we leave now, it might seem like we¡¯re being unreasonable.¡± Her voice carried a measured warmth as she added, ¡°It¡¯s my first time in Isonridge, and Mr. Webster helped me the other day. Ms. Webster and I¡­ well, we¡¯ve gotten to know each other through this little misunderstanding.¡± She nced around the crowd meaningfully, her eyes lingering on the spot where Aliza had been. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s better to deal with open hostility than hidden threats.¡±

    Though Carrie didn¡¯t directly ept Marina¡¯s apology, her words served as an olive branch.

    Marina, sensing this, felt a faint sense of relief mixed with something unfamiliar¡ªa budding admiration for Carrie.

    She hesitated before asking softly, ¡°Are you really Reece¡¯s cousin? Our families have known each other for years. Where did Reece suddenly get a cousin from?¡±

    All eyes turned to Reece. With a resigned sigh, he answered, ¡°I should¡¯ve exined better. She¡¯s my granduncle¡¯s granddaughter.¡±

    Confusion rippled through the crowd. ¡°Granduncle?¡± The term seemed to mean little to most of them.

    But then, Kyson¡¯s eyes widened as realization dawned. ¡°Ms. Campbell¡­¡± he began, his voice tinged with disbelief. ¡°Are you the granddaughter of Mr. Josh Morrison?¡±

    The room filled with whispers and murmurs.

    ¡°Unbelievable, isn¡¯t it? Josh died so young, in his twenties. How could he possibly have a granddaughter her age?¡±

    ¡°Even if the Morrison brothers both fell for the same woman, they wouldn¡¯t dishonor Josh Morrison¡¯s legacy. Honestly, without Josh¡¯s legacy, Luca would hardly be president of the Music Association.¡±

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    Message from Noah: Warm greetings, dear readers! New chaptersing this Friday. God bless you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (©¤??O)

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 Chapter 671

    ?<strong>Chapter 671:</strong>

    ¡°It¡¯s undeniable¡ªMs. Campbell¡¯s eyes mirror those of the Morrison brothers.¡±

    Reece lifted his hand to hush the crowd and began to unravel the story. ¡°Great-uncle once defied our family¡¯s tradition of marrying within our ss for love, choosing to leave the family. The dead have passed, and originally, I hadn¡¯t nned to disclose so much.

    ¡°However, I didn¡¯t anticipate such skepticism about my cousin¡¯s lineage, a doubt that almost endangered her. The Morrisons have long benefited from Josh¡¯s genius. Carrie is his direct descendant. If anything happens to her, our family won¡¯t sit back and do nothing.¡±

    With a grave tone, Arion moved closer and continued, ¡°There are no strangers among us today. You are all esteemed friends of the Webster family and close to the Morrisons as well. Concerning my cousin¡¯s situation, I ask that you keep this confidential for now. We will soon host a family reunion where we¡¯ll provide a full disclosure to you and the media. I hope to see all of you there.¡±

    The revtions had everyone reeling, yet, given their experience with dramatic revtions, they refrained from further inquiries, instead extending their best wishes. ¡°Congrattions, Reece and Arion, for discovering such a remarkable and beautiful cousin.¡±

    Marina¡¯s eyes widened with regret, and internally, she med Aliza for her predicament.

    The Morrison family¡¯s protective nature towards their daughters was legendary, and Marina had nearly sabotaged the longstanding friendship between the Morrison and Webster families.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze on Carrie was intense and mysterious. Although his emotions wereplex, he managed to keep aposed exterior.

    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn

    He felt d that Carrie found another family who cherished her as much as her own.

    Yet, Kristopher saw Carrie¡¯s new connections as an obstacle in his quest for her affection. Even if Carrie were to reciprocate his feelings, convincing the Morrison family to ept him as a nephew-inw seemed daunting.

    His wealth and influence, usually formidable, seemed trivial before the Morrisons. At that moment, Kristopher confronted a harsh truth: stripped of his wealth, his love seemed superficial¡ªhe felt he had little of substance to offer Carrie.

    He was certain of the identity of his enemy, yet he found himself powerless to seek retribution for his child and for Gracie.

    Briefly, he hesitated; however, Kristopher was not one to easily give up.

    The disturbance shifted everyone¡¯s focus to Daxton, with the crowd teasingly questioning, ¡°Mr. Garcia, since you¡¯re here with them, are you Ms. Campbell¡¯s boyfriend?¡±

    Camille quickly said, ¡°I¡¯m here too. We¡¯ve been friends with Carrie for years. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±

    Feeling unsettled from Albin¡¯s earlier call, and aware of the repercussions any misstep in Isonridge could bring to her family, Camille felt saddened by her inability to assist Carrie.

    Now, as Daxton became the topic of spection, she rified their tonic rtionship to stop any rumors.

    Daxton, wearing a gentle smile, responded softly, ¡°At the moment, I am merely a friend of Carrie¡¯s. Whether that changes is up to Carrie.¡±

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 Chapter 672

    ?<strong>Chapter 672:</strong>

    Daxton¡¯s statement subtly indicated his affection for Carrie.

    Tucked within her sleeves, Carrie¡¯s hands clenched the fabric of her suit tightly. Her suspicions confirmed, she realized her feelings about Daxton¡¯s affection were urate.

    She lifted her gaze to meet Daxton¡¯s.

    He returned her look with a gentle expression, treating his deration as if it were merely a casualment.

    Feeling a rush of emotion, Carrie averted her eyes and looked down.

    Daxton had always been in the same category as Camille to her¡ªa dear friend. His unexpected revtion took her by surprise.

    Daxton, perceiving her difort, added softly, ¡°If Carrie wishes, I¡¯m content to be just her protective older brother, like Reece and Arion, for all her days.¡± His gant, caring demeanor won admiring looks from many women there. Marina, watching, felt a twinge of envy, wishing Reece would show such tenderness towards her.

    Kristopher¡¯s tone,ced with a hint of usation, broke the moment. ¡°She obviously doesn¡¯t feel the same. Affection isn¡¯t something you can force. You and Carrie have known each other so long¡ªif there were feelings, something would have developed by now. Your apparent devotiones off more as emotional maniption. If you really cared, you wouldn¡¯t pressure her this way.¡± Everyone could sense the thick tension of jealousy in the air.

    Recalling Kristopher¡¯s earlier defense of Carrie, an observant onlooker said, ¡°Mr. Norris, do you have feelings for Ms. Campbell too?¡±

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    Kristopher paused, his thoughts briefly on unresolved issues with Lise, and responded ambiguously, ¡°Affection can¡¯t be measured in mere words; time will show what one truly feels.¡±

    The youthful crowd wasn¡¯t shy about delving into such discussions, enlivening the atmosphere with their banter.

    One boldly asked, ¡°Ms. Campbell, faced with interest from two such remarkable men, whom would you choose?¡±

    Carrie responded calmly, ¡°Love is about destiny. The world is full of exceptional people, but that doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll fall for every one of them.¡±

    Kyson chimed in, supporting her view. ¡°Exactly, rtionships are a matter of destiny.¡±

    As he spoke, his unwavering starended on Carrie, his light brown eyes capturing her surprised look.

    Carrie was confused.

    Why would he make such a statement out of the blue? Was he drawn to the unfolding drama, or perhaps, to her?

    To divert attention from Carrie and Kristopher¡¯splicated dynamic, Reece said, ¡°Let¡¯s remember that today is about Kyson. Carrie isn¡¯t looking for a rtionship. Moreover, anyone seeking to be with her must not only gain her affection but also pass the Morrison family¡¯s scrutiny. We don¡¯t prioritize social status, but we absolutely reject anyone who might cause her harm.¡±

    While Reece¡¯s warning might have been lost on others, Kristopher and Daxton clearly understood its directedness.

    Daxton shot Kristopher a look filled with subtle contempt.

    Kristopher pretended not to notice and coldly averted his gaze.

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 Chapter 673

    ?<strong>Chapter 673:</strong>

    The crowd, quick to pick up on Reece¡¯s protective stance towards Carrie, tactfully shifted the conversation and dispersed.

    Carrie chatted with everyone for a few moments, then found an excuse to sit down on a nearby sofa.

    After the emotional toll of the evening and confronting several individuals, she felt drained and chose to sit in solitude until dinner.

    Kristopher, having lingered nearby, approached her and said sarcastically, ¡°You¡¯re overly generous to that woman. She nearly left you incapacitated. If you¡¯d demanded ten million, I bet the Websters would¡¯veplied. It seems Kyson has taken a liking to you as well.¡±

    Carrie, slightly raising her eyelids, responded calmly, ¡°Is being sarcastic a way to mask your jealousy? We¡¯re no longer together; my preferences are none of your concern, correct?¡±

    She didn¡¯t pause for his reaction, adding, ¡°And as forpensation, it¡¯s you who should be settling the bill, not the Websters.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯sugh was tinged with frustration. ¡°Why should I be the one to pay? Carrie, are you targeting me because you think I¡¯m an easy mark?¡±

    Carrie nced down, brushed imaginary lint from her garment, and exined casually, ¡°You ignited this chaos; Marina was merely a tool used by others in your game.¡±

    Kristopher leaned back, exhaustion and frustration etched across his face. His voice carried a tinge of weariness as he addressed Carrie. ¡°I admit the past incidents were my fault, but you can¡¯t hold me ountable for every woman who dislikes you because of Lise.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s expression remained impassive, but her words were sharp. ¡°If there weren¡¯t an endless parade of women around you, I wouldn¡¯t bother holding you responsible.¡± She crossed her legs, sinking into the sofa.

    Kristopher¡¯s jealousy red, though he tried to mask it with nonchnce. ¡°The men around you are far worse than me when ites to flirting. They don¡¯t settle for just one woman.¡±

    Carrie arched a brow, her legs crossed as she sank deeper into the plush sofa. ¡°The women around them can¡¯tpare to yours. Even Marina¡¯s so-called attack was child¡¯s y. Locking me in a bathroom? A juvenile stunt¡ªand one she didn¡¯t evene up with on her own.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s jaw tightened. ¡°It¡¯s because the Morrison family shields her.¡± The conversation had circled back to the very start.

    ¡°Fine.¡± Carrie¡¯s tone was t, her patience clearly waning. ¡°If that¡¯s how you want to spin it, then fine.¡± She refused to let him get to her.

    ¡°Let me remind you: You protected Lise over a heart transnt, risking my life. Am I not allowed to protect my future cousin-inw for my living cousin? Marina locked me in a room. Lise hired people to shoot at me.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s retort died on his lips. He had no defense.

    Carrie uncrossed her legs and stood, her movements slow but deliberate.

    As she walked past him, she paused, leaning in close enough for her words to sting like a whip. ¡°The Campbell family bullied me when I was powerless and alone. And now? You and your mother are no better.¡± Her voice dropped, venomced in her whisper. ¡°But now I have a family¡ªa formidable one. Instead of wasting your time arguing with me, why don¡¯t you focus on protecting your precious sister?¡±

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 Chapter 674

    ?<strong>Chapter 674:</strong>

    Kristopher¡¯s voice was hoarse as he replied, ¡°I didn¡¯t protect her. I¡¯ll give you an exnation.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s bitter smile didn¡¯t reach her eyes. ¡°An exnation? What does that even mean? Sending her abroad to live infort as a privileged heiress? That¡¯s hardly punishment.¡±

    Disappointment flickered in her gaze as she took a step back. ¡°Kristopher, when you agreed to the divorce, I thought you¡¯d finally made a decision. I thought you¡¯d chosen something.¡± Her words came sharp and final. ¡°But you¡¯re still the same. You want everything at once.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips parted, but before he could respond, Carrie cut him off with a cold, clear voice. ¡°And one more thing¡ª I know Marina¡¯s little stunt today was orchestrated by Aliza. I don¡¯t have evidence yet, but that won¡¯t stop me from dealing with her. I won¡¯t let another Lise take root.¡±

    With that, she turned sharply on her heel, her steps purposeful as she headed toward Reece. Her icy demeanor softened as she neared her cousin, a genuine smile lighting up her face.

    For the first time in a long time, Carrie felt like she had solid ground beneath her feet.

    Kristopher¡¯s expression darkened. Seeing Oliver approach, he said coldly, ¡°Look into any recent interactions between Carrie and Aliza.¡±

    Oliver hesitated, lowering his voice. ¡°Mr. Norris, Bernie isn¡¯t a major yer, but the Herrera family backs him. Investigating too openly will alert them.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s tone turned dismissive, his voice edged with annoyance. ¡°What¡¯s the Herrera family to me?¡±

    He sat down heavily in the spot Carrie had just vacated. The sofa still radiated her warmth, and her faint scent lingered in the air, teasing his senses. His mind drifted unbidden to the memory of her in the bathrobe earlier. Now, the image reyed in vivid detail: the curve of her chest, the elegant line of her legs, the faint flush across her cheeks.

    In the chaos of saving her, he hadn¡¯t paid attention to the way the fabric had slipped, revealing glimpses of her smooth skin. It had been a long time since they¡¯d been this close.

    He missed her, he admitted to himself. Not just her presence, not just the sound of her voice. His body missed her too.

    Oliver leaned closer, his voice patient as he spoke to Kristopher. ¡°It¡¯s not that we¡¯re afraid of the Herrera family, but your ultimate business n isn¡¯t finalized yet. If something as minor as this alerts them to your movements and makes them cautious, wouldn¡¯t that be a loss?¡±

    Both the people from Orkset and those from Isonridge had underestimated Kristopher¡¯s capabilities.

    As Kristopher¡¯s closest confidant, Oliver had witnessed his relentlessness firsthand. From orchestrating strategies for a small county to shaping the economy of an entire nation, Kristopher¡¯s rise had been nothing short of extraordinary.

    Every step forward had been hard-earned, a testament to his resilience.

    ¡°Anything concerning her is never trivial.¡± Kristopher¡¯s voice was low but firm, carrying a weight that left no room for argument. He reached for the ss Carrie had used, his eyes fixed on the faint lip print she had left on the rim.

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 Chapter 675

    ?<strong>Chapter 675:</strong>

    Oliver adjusted his tone, his approach now more empathetic. ¡°What Mrs. Norris truly cares about isn¡¯t the women around you, but theck of certainty you give her. She wants to feel your unwavering devotion.¡±

    He paused, then added meaningfully, ¡°And right now, the bigger concern is the suitors circling her. Mr. Norris, if you keep holding back, silently giving without expressing yourself, someone else may seize the opportunity.¡±

    Compared to the Kristopher who was now consumed by love, Oliver missed the ruthless man he had once been.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze lingered on the ss for a moment longer.

    Then, setting it down carefully, he said with an air of finality, ¡°I understand. As for Aliza, don¡¯t investigate her directly. Find someone who opposes the Herrera family and let them take the lead. When the truthes out, have her dealt with quietly. Don¡¯t let her know why it happened.¡±

    Oliver blinked in surprise. He hadn¡¯t expected Kristopher to have already devised a strategy. The tension in his shoulders eased, and he nodded.

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s attention shifted, his gaze finding Carrie across the room. She wasughing with Reece, her eyes crinkling into crescents as her radiant smile lit up the space around her.

    His fingers unconsciously traced the rim of the ss again, his thoughts drifting.

    Carrie had always been maic, drawing people to her without even trying. Now, Daxton, Kyson, and who knew how many others seemed captivated by her as well.

    The thought gnawed at him. He wanted to pull her away from it all, to bring her back to the ce she belonged¡ªby his side.

    But Kristopher wasn¡¯t a man content with mere possession. He didn¡¯t just want her physically present; he wanted her to return willingly, to look at him with the same love and devotion she once had.

    Thetter half of the birthday party went smoothly. After dinner, Carrie left with Reece and Arion to return to the Morrison residence, while Daxton took Camille back to her hotel.

    When Daxton¡¯s car pulled up outside the hotel, Camille¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. Standing by the roadside was a familiar figure.

    Her brother, Melvin Nixon, waited there in a simple white shirt and jeans. His usually aloof expression softened by a gentle smile as he spotted Camille.

    ¡°Melvin!¡± Camille eximed, her voice bright with delight as she bolted out of the car and ran to him.

    She threw her arms around him, squeezing him tightly in a bear hug. The familiar scent of freshlyundered clothes, warmed by the sun, filled her senses.

    Her brother never used perfume; this simple fragrance was the mostforting and secure to her.

    Melvin hugged her just as tightly but said nothing at first. Instead, he nced over her shoulder at Daxton, his smile polite but distant.

    ¡°Mr. Garcia,¡± he said evenly, ¡°thank you for bringing my sister back.¡±

    He still wore a smile, but it carried a faint hint of polite indifference.

    Daxton¡¯s response was equally formal. His tone was t, his expression indifferent. ¡°There¡¯s no need to thank me. I was just following Carrie¡¯s instructions to ensure her best friend got home safely. If anyone deserves thanks, it¡¯s her. I¡¯m just the messenger. I¡¯ll be on my way now.¡±

    Without waiting for a reply, Daxton gave a curt nod and got back into his car.

    Melvin turned his attention back to Camille, his expression softening once more as he gently ruffled her hair.

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 Chapter 676

    ?<strong>Chapter 676:</strong>

    ¡°Your best friend told me someone was jealous, iming her brothers treated her like a treasure. I couldn¡¯t let my little princess be treated with less respect, so I came to bring you home myself.¡±

    Before she could respond¡­

    Melvin¡¯s voice dropped, his tone quieter and more serious. ¡°You¡¯ve been out long enough. Are you ready toe home now?¡±

    Previously, Camille had managed to somewhat mend her rtionship with Melvin, maintaining contact even though she rarely returned home.

    However, her recent rtionship with Albin, known for his dubious reputation, made her wary of Melvin¡¯s reaction, prompting her to start keeping her distance from him as well.

    Clutching Melvin¡¯s arm and pouting yfully, Camille said, ¡°Melvin, I¡¯ve missed you, but I just can¡¯t face going back home. I¡¯d rather stay at Carrie¡¯s ce.¡±

    Melvin paused with a sigh and responded, ¡°Why do you insist on crashing at other people¡¯s ces?¡± He then added, ¡°Listen, there¡¯s a small three-bedroom t near your office that I own. It¡¯s been empty; I haven¡¯t even rented it out yet. You could live there by yourself.¡±

    Camille ttered him. ¡°You know, having you as a brother is like finding a treasure. You¡¯re even better than Carrie¡¯s cousins.¡±

    With a more serious expression, Melvin said, ¡°It¡¯s fine topliment me, but let¡¯s not put others down. We shouldn¡¯t offend the Morrisons. After all, they were kind enough to arrange a private jet to fly us back to Orkset. It¡¯s wrong to bite the hand that feeds us.¡±

    Camille pouted. ¡°Oh,e on, Melvin, I was only teasing. You¡¯re so young; why do you have to act so old all the time?¡±

    Melvinughed lightly, finding humor in her words. ¡°One second you call me the best brother, and the next, you¡¯re calling me old-fashioned. Your opinions change quicker than the weather.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t changed my stance!¡± Camille quickly countered. ¡°Being old-fashioned isn¡¯t bad. Nowadays, every girl wants a boyfriend who¡¯s mature, right?¡±

    Melvin replied with a hint of irony, ¡°And you think Albin fits that bill?¡±

    ¡°That was just one mistake! Why do you always have to dwell on the past?¡± Camille eximed, half-joking as she waved her fist.

    Pausing to think, she said earnestly, ¡°If we¡¯re talking about maturity, Reece and Daxton really shoulde to mind. Their approach is always meticulous¡­¡±

    Before she could finish, Melvin abruptly gave her a cold look and said firmly, ¡°You better stay away from Daxton, and avoid being alone with him in the future.¡±

    Camille brushed off his concern with augh, waving her hand. ¡°Melvin, what¡¯s gotten into you? Why would Daxton be interested in me? I¡¯m merelymenting on their personalities, nothing more. There¡¯s no romantic interest on my part towards Reece or Daxton!¡±

    Melvin tightened his grip on her wrist, saying, ¡°Listen to me, stay away from him.¡±

    Puzzled, Camille asked, ¡°But why?¡±

    ¡°Just trust me on this. As your brother, I have your best interests at heart,¡± Melvin responded sternly.

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 Chapter 677

    ?<strong>Chapter 677:</strong>

    Returning home, Carrie quickly showered and climbed into bed.

    The silky quilt enveloped her, easing the day¡¯s stress.

    She stretched out, grabbed her phone from the pillow, and decided to read a novel before sleep.

    At that moment, Kristopher messaged her: ¡°Are you back yet?¡±

    Carrie began to reply sarcastically, ¡°Ex-husband, ever heard of boundaries?¡± She was about to hit send when it struck her¡ªKristopher might actually enjoy her scoldings, always seeming to wee her reprimands.

    Realizing that scolding him might just be ying into his hands, she reconsidered.

    This banter between them didn¡¯t really feel like arguing; it was more like flirting. With that thought, she erased her response.

    As she was about to close WhatsApp, another message from Kristopher appeared.

    ¡°I¡¯m truly sorry about Aliza. I promise to provide the rity you need. Not only that, I¡¯ll answer all your questions.¡±

    Carrie frowned at Kristopher¡¯s words, her mind overflowing with doubts.

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    Everything? Did he mean Lise too? How much more could possibly change now? If he had genuinely been willing to be harsh with Lise, things wouldn¡¯t havee to this.

    She ced her phone down, choosing to ignore Kristopher.

    There¡¯s an old saying that actions speak louder than words, especially in matters of the heart. Had he been truly resolute, Lise would have been behind bars long ago.

    Her phone vibrated, pulling her from her thoughts.

    Daxton¡¯s message read: ¡°I¡¯ve left Camille at the hotel. Her brother was there to meet her.¡±

    Carrie pondered her response before simply replying, ¡°Thank you, I appreciate it.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t anticipated Daxton would bring up the evening¡¯s events.

    He said, ¡°I didn¡¯t have any special intentions tonight. I just believe in being open about my feelings. Liking someone should be honest and direct. I hope this doesn¡¯t make you feel ufortable.

    You are like a rose I admire from a distance. I appreciate its beauty but have no desire to pluck it. The same goes for you. My affection is genuine, without any expectations of reciprocity. If you ever find yourself drawn to me, I hope it¡¯s driven by your own emotions, not a sense of obligation.¡±

    Daxton had made his feelings clear. If Carrie now chose to keep her distance, it would appear small-minded.

    She exhaled deeply. Daxton had a knack for predicting her responses.

    With some hesitation, she answered, ¡°Of course not.¡± After pausing to think, she continued, ¡°You¡¯re still in the same spot as Camille in my life. You remain my best friend, just as always.¡± She sighed once more, feeling unexpectedly hypocritical.

    How could their rtionship ever return to its former simplicity?

    Once romantic feelings enter a friendship, its purity ispromised.

    All she could do now was let the future unfold. Perhaps Daxton would soon meet someone truly meant for him, and this brief chapter would dissipate like dust in the wind.

    Daxton quickly texted back: ¡°In that case, your best friend would like to take you out to dinner tomorrow.¡±

    Before Carrie couldplete her response, Daxton added, ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell me you¡¯re busy, right? Your brothers are all out, and thepany is just running routine rehearsals.¡±

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 Chapter 678

    ?<strong>Chapter 678:</strong>

    Quietly, Carrie erased the draft response ¡°I have something tomorrow¡± from her message box.

    She typed anew: ¡°Alright, see you tomorrow.¡±

    Simultaneously, a message from Camille arrived: ¡°Heading back soon! Thanks for the incredible private jet!¡±

    Included was a picture of Camille and Melvin.

    Though Carrie had been close with Camille for years, she barely knew Melvin, having only seen him asionally and from afar.

    Melvin didn¡¯t bear much resemnce to Camille. He possessed a gentle, refined attractiveness and always wore a courteous smile. Yet, his smile seemed reserved, merely polite rather than warm,cking Daxton¡¯s natural friendliness.

    ¡°Safe travels,¡± Carrie replied, then turned off her phone and closed her eyes, preparing for sleep.

    The next day, Carrie woke up refreshed, her sleep undisturbed and restful. By the time she opened her eyes, the soft glow of dawn was spilling into the room, painting everything in shades of gold.

    After a quick shower, she headed to the dressing room. Rows of high-end designer pieces greeted her¡ªluxurious outfits ranging from casual wear to elegant evening gowns, all more extravagant than anything she¡¯d owned at Bayview Vi.

    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s

    Her hand hovered over an intricately designed dress, but she paused, reminded of her ns with Daxton. She set it aside and chose a light blue sportswear outfit instead, opting for a look that radiated youthful energy.

    Once dressed, she stepped into the hallway, where a maid was busy cleaning. ¡°Good morning, Miss Campbell,¡± the maid greeted her with a quick smile before offering an update.

    ¡°Mr. Luca Morrison has taken Mr. Arion Morrison to the conservatory. Mr. Kody Morrison and Mr. Reece Morrison have gone to Fash to sign a contract, and Miss Jenesis Morrison is at the hotel. She said there¡¯s no need for you to worry about thepany¡ªshe¡¯ll handle the new recruits herself.¡±

    Carrie nodded with a faint smile. ¡°Got it. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Oh, and Mr. Reece Morrison prepared breakfast for you before he left,¡± the maid added. ¡°It¡¯s waiting for you in the dining room.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡± Carrie¡¯s smile deepened.

    The warmth and care she received from her newfound family always touched her.

    As she entered the dining room, the scent of freshly prepared food greeted her. On the table were sandwiches, a ss of juice, and a perfectly cooked egg with golden,cy edges that gave it an exquisite touch.

    Reece wasn¡¯t skilled in the kitchen, so his effort hinted at how much he cared. The Morrisons had no shortage of chefs, and even the maids could whip up a feast.

    Still, the family members preferred to cook for her themselves.

    She understood¡ªit was their way of making up for the love she had missed out on all these years.

    Carrie sat down, reaching for the juice. As she lifted the ss to her lips, she heard the maid¡¯s voice rising outside the dining room. ¡°Miss Webster, you can¡¯t just barge in! Let me take you to the living room. Miss Campbell is having breakfast; please wait until she¡ª¡±

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 Chapter 679

    ?<strong>Chapter 679:</strong>

    The maid¡¯s anxious voice carried through the air, but it did little to stop Marina, who stormed in with her bag in hand, leaving the maid looking flustered. Spotting Carrie, the maid sighed in relief as if she had found a lifeline. ¡°Miss Campbell, I¡ª¡±

    Carrie waved her off. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You can leave now.¡±

    ¡°Miss Webster, what brings you here today?¡± Carrie asked, raising an eyebrow as she leaned back in her chair.

    Marina was dressed in a white tank topyered with a pink long-sleeved shirt and matching shorts.

    Her vibrant outfit exuded youthful energy, though her stormy expression was far from cheerful.

    Marina tossed her luxury handbag onto the table with a casual air and plopped into the chair next to Carrie. ¡°What? Can¡¯t I visit if there¡¯s nothing going on?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s gaze remained steady. ¡°Reece isn¡¯t home,¡± she replied coolly.

    A flicker of embarrassment crossed Marina¡¯s face, but she quickly retorted, ¡°Who said I¡¯m here to see him? Can¡¯t Ie to see you?¡±

    ¡°What could we possibly need to discuss?¡± Carrie asked, pretending to be deep in thought.

    After a moment, she looked up with a yful expression. ¡°Oh, I know. You¡¯re here to apologize to me in person.¡±

    She waved her hand dismissively. ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m not petty enough to hold grudges against someone as naive as a child.¡±

    Marina¡¯s face flushed with frustration. ¡°You!¡±

    Carrie cut her off, her voice calm yet sharp. ¡°What about me? If you¡¯re here to apologize, at least do it properly. Pointing fingers¡ªreally? Is that how the Webster family raises their children?¡±

    Her gaze flicked to Marina¡¯s hand, and the implied criticism hung in the air.

    Thement was more embarrassing than painful.

    Within the esteemed circles of Isonridge, usations of improper upbringing had never touched the Webster family, much less been thrown in their face. Apart from Kyson, no one had the audacity to reproach her in such a manner. Even the senior members of her family showered her with affection, not to mention her circle of friends.

    In the circles of high society where ranks mattered, the Websters, being the elite, were always treated with reverence.

    With a sh of anger, Marina yanked her hand away, her gaze burning Carrie with resentment.

    Carrie couldn¡¯t help but think Marina looked a bit adorable in her anger, like a feisty little doll.

    Marina¡¯s eyesnded on the sandwich on the table, and her lips curled into a sly smile. ¡°Is this what the Morrisons serve you? It looks worse than street food.¡± She smirked, clearly pleased with herself as arrogance twinkled in her eyes. Carrie observed that Marina wore her emotions openly¡ªa sign of her sheltered upbringing as a privileged youngdy.

    Any other woman her age behaving simrly would likely have faced numerous challenges.

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    .

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 Chapter 680

    <strong>Chapter 680:</strong>

    Raised by her grandmother in a small town, Carrie had mastered the art of reading people and ingratiating herself from a young age to avoid being mistreated.

    Facing Marina, Carrie responded calmly, ¡°Actually, Reece made this himself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Marina¡¯s eyes bulged with astonishment.

    ¡°Believe it or not,¡± Carrie replied casually, then added, ¡°You might want to check Arion¡¯s WhatsApp status for confirmation.¡±

    She had just seen a recent update from Arion¡ªa picture of Reece busy in the kitchen.

    As Carrie reached for the sandwich again¡­

    ¡°Hold on!¡± Marina blocked her hand and quickly pulled out her phone. Quickly navigating to WhatsApp, Marina pulled up Arion¡¯s profile and tapped on his status.

    A photo of Reece, wearing an apron and expertly frying an egg, was proudly showcased.

    The egg shown in the picture was a perfect match for the one on their table. Holding her phone firmly, Marina was taken aback by the level of indulgence the Morrisons showed Carrie.

    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, where the best stories live

    Carrie, merely a distant cousin long estranged from the Morrisons, hadn¡¯t been in touch for over two decades. Marina had thought their kindness was merely a courteous gesture for Mr. Josh Morrison.

    Yet, it seemed the Morrisons were more affectionate towards her even out of sight.

    Carrie looked over at Marina¡¯s phone and saidzily, ¡°You see? Now do you believe me? Can I please have my breakfast?¡± She reached out for the egg dish once more.

    Marina set her phone down and quickly intercepted her hand.

    ¡°Wait, I¡¯ll give you a thousand dors for your breakfast,¡± Marina blurted out hastily.

    Carrie shook her head and said, ¡°No, I¡¯m really hungry, and a thousand dors isn¡¯t tempting.¡±

    Marina immediately raised the offer. ¡°How about ten thousand dors for it?¡±

    Still, Carrie shook her head.

    Marina, frustrated, offered more, saying, ¡°A hundred thousand then!¡±

    Finding Marina¡¯s desperation amusing, Carrie raised three fingers yfully. ¡°Make it three hundred thousand.¡±

    Marina¡¯s eyes narrowed. ¡°Three hundred thousand, really? Fine, done!¡±

    ¡°Sold!¡± Carrie immediately slid the te towards Marina.

    Having just paid three hundred thousand for a simple meal, Marina felt a sting of annoyance. ¡°Your greed is showing. You bring your provincial ways here and disgrace the Morrison name.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re buying it, whyin? Actually, I¡¯ll just take it back and eat it myself. Honestly, if I needed three hundred thousand, Reece would simply give it to me,¡± Carrie retorted, pretending to make a move to reim her breakfast.

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    <hr>

    Message from Noah: Hello dear readers! New chapters on Sunday. God bless you, and Noah wishes you all the best. (=?=) /

    .

 Chapter 681

    ?<strong>Chapter 681:</strong>

    Marina shot to her feet, stepping between Carrie and the table like a shield. Her arms spread wide, her voice taut with frustration. ¡°You! How can you say one thing and do another?¡±

    Carrie tilted her head, an amused smile tugging at her lips. ¡°You were the one who called me greedy. For the Morrison family¡¯s reputation, I thought it best to follow your advice.¡±

    Her words dripped with mockery, but it was her demeanor that stole the moment. A faint glimmer lit Carrie¡¯s eyes, her beauty so effortless it felt almost unfair.

    Standing in ts, Marina was at least half a head shorter. Carrie¡¯s gaze bore down on her, teasing and unyielding. The proximity was suffocating, and Marina could feel the faint warmth of Carrie¡¯s breath brushing her skin.

    Marina stammered, taking a clumsy step back. She dropped her gaze, staring at her own feet as if they were the most fascinating thing in the room. ¡°Sorry. I misspoke,¡± she muttered, her voice barely audible.

    Carrie, satisfied with Marina¡¯s retreat, swept back into her chair with the grace of someone used to being obeyed. She gestured at the te in front of her. ¡°Go ahead. Eat while it¡¯s hot.¡±

    Before Marina could respond, a familiar voice cut through the tension. ¡°Looks like the breakfast I bring will be wasted.¡±

    Daxton¡¯s arrival was as casual as always. The Morrison family had practically rolled out the red carpet for him, treating him as both a savior and Carrie¡¯s future husband. He walked in like he owned the ce, two bags swinging at his sides.

    Daxton¡¯s gaze swept over the room. His eyesnded on Marina, who had shifted her stool to the far side of the table, clutching her te like a prized possession.

    Carrie¡¯s face lit up as she nced over her shoulder. ¡°Perfect timing,¡± she said with a hint of mischief. ¡°My breakfast just got stolen.¡±

    ??T€$? ¡é??t??§ñ? ¨ªn galn?¦Í¦Ål?.???

    Daxton smirked, piecing together the situation with ease¡ªArion¡¯s social media post from earlier had given him all the clues he needed.

    He exchanged a knowing smile with Carrie, their silent understanding as natural as it had been in their university days.

    Carrie, sensing the shift in the air, deflected. ¡°What did you bring?¡± she asked, her tone deliberately casual.

    Daxton didn¡¯t answer immediately. His attention lingered on Marina, his curiosity piqued. With a polite nod, he broke the silence. ¡°Miss Webster, isn¡¯t it? We meet again.¡±

    Marina flinched at the sound of her name. Her eyes darted toward him, but only for a second before they dropped to the table. ¡°Mr. Garcia. Hello,¡± she murmured, her voice trembling.

    Under the table, her hand twisted the hem of her blouse, the fabric damp with cold sweat.

    Carrie picked up her coffee, inspecting it like a jeweler appraising a diamond. ¡°No sugar cubes? Really, Daxton?¡±

    He scratched the back of his head, grinning sheepishly. ¡°Must¡¯ve slipped my mind.¡±

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 Chapter 682

    ?<strong>Chapter 682:</strong>

    Carrie scanned the room and noted the absence of any servants. It wasn¡¯t surprising¡ªlike her, the Morrison family valued their privacy and preferred to keep their household free of constant staff.

    Carrie sighed, already standing. ¡°I¡¯ll grab some from the kitchen. You two can talk.¡±

    ¡°I¡ªI¡¯ll go with you,¡± Marina blurted out, almost tripping over her words. Carrie waved her off without a second thought. ¡°No need. It¡¯s only a two-minute walk.¡±

    Daxton broke the tension, his voice soft. ¡°Miss Webster, have we met before?¡±

    Carrie disappeared before Marina could protest further, leaving her alone with Daxton.

    Carrie nced back as she walked toward the kitchen, noticing Marina¡¯s hesitant movements. A smirk yed on her lips. Perhaps Marina, with her romantic streak, was contemting something absurd¡ªlike buying the Morrison family¡¯s entire kitchen for some oundish reason.

    Not a chance! Carrie thought.

    Meanwhile, Daxton, watching Carrie disappear around the corner, shifted his focus back to Marina. He leaned forward slightly, his tone gentler now, almost probing. ¡°I feel like there¡¯s some misunderstanding,¡± he said, his dark eyes searching hers. ¡°You seem¡­ a little afraid of me.¡±

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m fine,¡± she insisted, though her voice betrayed her.

    His lips curved into a gentle smile. ¡°Alright. If you say so.¡± He paused, as if deliberating. ¡°I guess we couldn¡¯t have met before. I¡¯ve only been to Izrosa once. That wasst summer.¡±

    Marina¡¯s head shot up, her expression betraying her surprise. ¡°Summer? You went to Izrosa in the summer?¡±

    Daxton raised an eyebrow, confused. ¡°Yeah. Business trip. It was my first time signing a contract there.¡±

    Her face fell into a contemtive frown. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it winter?¡±

    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m

    ¡°Winter?¡± he asked. ¡°Why would it be winter?¡±

    Realizing her slip, Marina quickly backtracked. ¡°I just mean¡­ Izrosa is more beautiful in winter. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Daxton shrugged. ¡°Unfortunately, I haven¡¯t been there in winter.¡±

    Marina frowned, her skepticism lingering. ¡°You¡¯ve never seen the snow in Izrosa?¡± she pressed, her voice tinged with hesitation.

    The memory of that snowy day still haunted her.

    He shook his head, his confusion deepening. ¡°I went to Izrosa in the summer. Snow doesn¡¯t exactly fall in that season,¡± he replied, chuckling softly. His tone was light, but his eyes sharpened, studying her closely. ¡°Miss Webster, the strange questions? Could it be¡­ you¡¯ve mistaken me for someone else?¡±

    ¡°Mistake you¡­¡± Marina murmured, her earlier suspicion now turning into certainty.

    Daxton leaned back, his posture rxed yet deliberate. ¡°It happens more than you¡¯d think,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°People im they¡¯ve seen me in all kinds of ces I¡¯ve never been. Odd, considering I don¡¯t think I have one of those forgettable faces.¡±

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 Chapter 683

    ?<strong>Chapter 683:</strong>

    Carrie strolled back into the room just in time to catch their conversation. She set the sugar cubes on the table, her tone light but thoughtful. ¡°You know, no matter how simr two people¡¯s features might be, their vibe is never the same,¡± she mused.

    She nced at Marina and added with a casual wave of her hand, ¡°Take that celebrity¡¯s body double, for example¡ªthe one who had stic surgery to look exactly like the original. Sure, their features were identical, but anyone paying attention could tell the difference right away. It¡¯s all in the energy they give off.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s remark struck a chord in Marina, shifting her perspective in an instant. Her rigid thoughts softened as she mulled it over.

    She thought about Daxton. He had always been calm, polite, even charming¡ªa far cry from the dark figure who had haunted her memory of that snowy day in Izrosa.

    Even when she¡¯d caused trouble for Carrie at the mall, Daxton had been nothing butposed. He¡¯d stepped in to de-escte, never once raising his voice or acting harshly.

    ¡°If the man I saw back then really was Daxton,¡± she thought with growing rity, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t still be standing here.¡±

    The realization hit her like a gust of fresh air, clearing away the lingering dread. With that, the tightness in her chest eased. Her fear began to dissolve.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said.

    Marina said, her voice quiet but steady. She met Daxton¡¯s gaze, sincerity etched into her features. ¡°I must have mistaken you for someone else.¡±

    Daxton responded with a gracious smile, waving her apology aside. ¡°It¡¯s really no big deal, Miss Webster. It¡¯s perfectly normal to mistake someone for someone else.¡± He hesitated briefly, then added with a curious tilt of his head, ¡°Though I am curious¡ªwhat does this person who looks like me look like? Do you have any photos?¡±

    His measured retreat eased the tension in the air, and Marina felt a wave of relief wash over her.

    Read all updates at g?ln¦Òv?ls

    Marina shook her head quickly, almost too quickly. ¡°No, I don¡¯t. I only caught a glimpse of him in a crowd. It was from far away, so I probably just saw it wrong.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Daxton¡¯s smile remained, but his eyes held a flicker of something more¡ªcalction, perhaps.

    Marina¡¯s response confirmed what he had already suspected. Her reaction at the mall,bined with her time studying abroad, pointed to one undeniable conclusion: she must have seen him in Izrosa. Specifically, on that day.

    He remembered the moment vividly. That had been no ordinary kill.

    It was necessary, executed in broad daylight with no time to cover his tracks.

    Both the police and Daxton had been hunting the same man, but Daxton had gotten there first. The evidence the man held could havended Daxton in prison for life.

    If anyone else had seen him that day, he wouldn¡¯t have hesitated to silence them. But Marina was different. Hurting her would draw attention from both the Webster and Morrison families,plicating things far more than he could afford.

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 Chapter 684

    ?<strong>Chapter 684:</strong>

    Fortunately, Marina¡¯s innocence was clear. Daxton weighed his options and decided it was safer to take a calcted risk, letting her believe she had simply mistaken him for someone else.

    Daxton hadn¡¯t expected the situation to resolve so smoothly. Carrie¡¯s remark had been an unexpected boon, steering the conversation exactly where he needed it to go.

    He nced at her with a hint of admiration.

    It felt almost like fate, the way her words had perfectly reinforced his story. Coming from a third party, it carried a weight his own reassurances wouldn¡¯t have had.

    Carrie broke his thoughts by handing him a slice of bread. ¡°Here, let¡¯s eat together,¡± she said brightly, her tone carefree.

    ¡°I want some too.¡± Before Daxton could take the bread, Marina reached out and snatched it from Carrie¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Carrie eximed, blinking in surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just buy the breakfast Reece made for me? Is it not enough? Or¡­¡± She tilted her head, her lips curling into a smirk. ¡°Do you just have a massive appetite?¡±

    Marina¡¯s eyes shifted uneasily, her tone defensive. ¡°Can¡¯t I just want another piece of bread? I gave you 300,000¡ªasking for one more piece isn¡¯t too much, is it?¡±

    Carrie arched an eyebrow but let it slide. She knew Marina wanted to keep the breakfast Reece had prepared as a keepsake, though she chose not to bring it up.

    The three ate in silence, the air thick with unspoken thoughts.

    Finally, Daxton broke the quiet. ¡°A new shopping street is opening today. Want to check it out? The restaurant we¡¯re going to for lunch is nearby.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Carrie replied with a nod, her tone neutral.

    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you

    Marina¡¯s response was abrupt, her irritation clear. She set her ss of juice down with an audible clink. ¡°Firste, first served. I was here first, and I¡¯m hanging out with Carrieter. You can schedule her for another day.¡±

    The tension in her voice betrayed her intent. Marina wasn¡¯t here just for idle chatter. She had noticed her brother¡¯s growing interest in Carrie and saw an opportunity¡ªnot just for him, but for herself.

    If Kyson could win Carrie over, it might give Marina more reasons to be around Reece.

    Carrie frowned slightly, her confusion evident.

    Daxton, calm as ever, pulled out his phone and handed it to Marina with a quiet smile. ¡°If we¡¯re going by ¡®firste, first served,¡¯ I made ns with Carriest night.¡±

    Marina¡¯s defiance wavered. She put the bread back down, her face flushing.

    ¡°Fine. I¡¯m full. I¡¯ll go with you.¡±

    Daxton said gently, ¡°If Carrie agrees, I don¡¯t have any objections.¡±

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 Chapter 685

    ?<strong>Chapter 685:</strong>

    Marina turned to Carrie, her eyes wide with a pleading look. ¡°Carrie¡­¡±

    Carrie met her gaze with a sidelong nce. ¡°Stop causing drama, and I¡¯ll agree.¡±

    Marina¡¯s pout deepened, but Carrie¡¯s firm tone left her no room to argue. The truth¡­

    Carrie didn¡¯t dislike Marina. She found Marina¡¯s antics mildly entertaining, and their families¡¯ close rtionship made it easier to tolerate the woman¡¯s quirks.

    ¡°Me? Stirring up drama?¡±

    Marina huffed, her lips curving into a yful pout. ¡°You¡¯re so biased against me! Everyone makes mistakes, but I¡¯ve learned from mine. Can¡¯t you stop holding grudges?¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright. My bad,¡± Carrie replied, her tone indulgent, as if she were pacifying a child.

    Marina¡¯s expression softened almost immediately. ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡±

    The shopping district Daxton had mentioned was only a short walk from the Morrison residence.

    The trio set out together, but Marina deliberatelygged behind, her steps slowing as she watched Carrie and Daxton walk ahead.

    They were deep in conversation,ughing softly as they strolled side by side. Their easy camaraderie made Marina grit her teeth. Fishing her phone out of her pocket, she quickly typed out a message to Kyson: ¡°Kyson, I¡¯ve got a situation here. Come over. It¡¯s urgent.¡±

    She added their location and hit send, ncing guiltily at Daxton¡¯s back. She knew this was underhanded, but she didn¡¯t care. The world wasn¡¯t fair, so she couldn¡¯t afford to y fair. Besides, Carrie¡¯s allure was overwhelming. If she didn¡¯t act now, her brother wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.

    Marina¡¯s gaze shifted to Carrie¡¯s silhouette ahead of her. Even from behind, Carrie was captivating. Her tall frame, perfectly proportioned with a slim waist and long legs, exuded effortless elegance. Worse still, she managed to be slender yet impossibly curvaceous¡ªabination that Marina found infuriating.

    Her eyes dropped to her own figure, and she let out a resigned sigh.

    Your journey begins on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s

    Not long ago, she had bristled with indignation, wondering why a divorced woman from a small town drew so much admiration.

    But now she realized that, on Carrie, being divorced was such a minor detail it didn¡¯t even count as a w.

    After Kyson¡¯s birthday party, Marina had done her research. She learned that Carrie had wed her way up from humble beginnings, attended the top university in Orkset, and forged her ce as both a celebrated screenwriter and a talented actress. Now, she even had the Morrison family¡¯s backing.

    Most importantly, as an extreme beauty enthusiast, Marina found it impossible to dislike Carrie any longer once she realized Carrie wasn¡¯t her rival in love.

    How could she dislike a woman who carried herself with such grace, even after forgiving Marina¡¯s earlier attempts to undermine her? The thought made Marina bite her lip. If their roles had been reversed, she doubted she¡¯d have been so magnanimous.

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 Chapter 686

    ?<strong>Chapter 686:</strong>

    She even thought it might be a blessing that Carrie was divorced¡ªotherwise, Kyson wouldn¡¯t even stand a chance of being worthy of her.

    Such a stunning and self-assured woman¡ªif Carrie happened to like girls, Marina wouldn¡¯t have minded in the slightest.

    ¡°Ah-choo!¡±

    Carrie sneezed suddenly, turning around with suspicion in her eyes.

    ¡°What are you sneaking around behind me for? Were you secretly badmouthing me?¡±

    Marina raised her hands in mock surrender, her eyes wide with innocence. ¡°I swear, I¡¯m not!¡±

    She tucked her phone away and jogged to catch up. ¡°I was just texting a¡ª¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Carrie gave her a sidelong nce, clearly not entirely convinced, before letting it drop.

    As they continued walking, they arrived at themercial street Daxton had mentioned.

    The moment they stepped in, Carrie realized it wasn¡¯t what she had imagined. Instead of bustling shops filled with trendy items, the area was lined with elegant stores showcasing traditional crafts and the studios of renowned master artists. The price tags here didn¡¯t just speak wealth¡ªthey shouted exclusivity. These weren¡¯t shops for casual buyers; every item was an investment.

    Marina¡¯s eyes lit up as she spotted a nearby boutique. ¡°Look! That gown store only sells pieces meant forpetitions or exhibitions. This is the first time they¡¯re actually putting things on sale! Let¡¯s go in. Should we buy a few?¡±

    Daxton chuckled, his tone warm. ¡°You¡¯d look stunning in a gown.¡±

    Carrie smiled at hisment and nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±

    L?t??¦Ó ?§ß¦Á¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????

    Shopping was best enjoyed with goodpany, and both Marina and Daxton managed to keep the mood light and easy.

    Excited, Marina grabbed Carrie¡¯s arm and practically dragged her into the shop. The store was serene, its quiet atmosphere a result of the high prices and the exclusive nature of the gowns, which catered only to the most discerning clientele.

    Daxton nced at the harsh midday sun outside. ¡°I¡¯ll get us some iced tea. Take your time and browse.¡±

    Carrie nodded, already drawn to the dazzling array of gowns. Each gown was like a piece of art, boasting meticulous stitching, luxurious fabric, and impable design.

    Each piece seemed to tell a story, the craftsmanship leagues above luxury brands that charged high prices just for a logo.

    Her eyesnded on a smoky gray gown. The intricate embroidery reminded her of the kind of timeless elegance Mny favored. She stepped closer, imagining how perfectly it would pair with one of Mny¡¯s coats.

    Reaching out to touch the fabric, she paused when another hand brushed the opposite side of the gown.

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 Chapter 687

    ?<strong>Chapter 687:</strong>

    She recognized the slender, familiar hand immediately.

    Dropping her own hand, she looked up to meet Kristopher¡¯s gaze. ¡°Are you stalking me?¡± she asked, her voice edged with annoyance.

    Before Kristopher could respond, Oliver stepped forward, his tone apologetic.

    ¡°Mrs. Norris, this is just a coincidence. Mr. Norris isn¡¯t following you. Mrs. Mny Norris heard about the store¡¯s opening and asked him to pick up a few pieces for her.¡±

    Carrie ignored the exnation, her expression cool. ¡°Oliver, you¡¯ve got the wrong person. There¡¯s no Mrs. Norris here. Seems like Mr. Norris has lowered his standards if he¡¯s keeping people on his payroll who can¡¯t even get names right.¡±

    Oliver paled slightly, realizing his mistake. ¡°My apologies, Ms. Campbell. That was my oversight.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes narrowed, a hint of sarcasm curling his lips. ¡°The usually magnanimous Ms. Campbell is making a fuss over something so trivial? It¡¯s just a mistake¡ªwhy such a big reaction? Or are you worried someone might misunderstand?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s eyes turned steely as she shot back, ¡°Yes, I am worried. My boyfriend is here, and I wouldn¡¯t want him to get the wrong idea.¡±

    As if on cue, a gentle voice called out, ¡°Ms. Campbell?¡±

    Both Carrie and Kristopher turned toward the doorway to see Kyson entering, his expression lighting up with surprise as he spotted Carrie.

    Kristopher¡¯s demeanor darkened instantly, his bodynguage shifting to something protective, almost territorial. He looked at Kyson as if thetter were a rival encroaching on his territory¡ªa wolf squaring off against a potential threat.

    ¡°Mr. Norris,¡± Kyson greeted politely, nodding in acknowledgment.

    His gaze softened as it returned to Carrie. ¡°Are you here to shop too? Have you seen my sister?¡±

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    Carrie gestured toward the fitting rooms. ¡°Marina¡¯s inside. She grabbed a lot of clothes to try on, so you might be waiting a while.¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s lips twitched into a mocking smirk. ¡°You¡¯re not seriously referring to Mr. Webster as your boyfriend, are you? Because from what I see, he¡¯s here for his sister¡ªnot you.¡±

    Kyson blinked, confused. He nced between Carrie and Kristopher, sensing he had walked into something he wasn¡¯t privy to. ¡°Carrie.¡± Another voice called out.

    Daxton walked over briskly,pletely ignoring the tension in the room. He handed Carrie a cup of iced coffee, his expression warm and casual. ¡°Your favorite¡ªiced Americano, no extra sugar.¡±

    Carrie epted the coffee with one hand while reaching out with the other to grab Daxton¡¯s hand. Lifting their joined hands in front of Kristopher, she dered with a bright, almost exaggerated smile, ¡°My boyfriend! See?¡±

    As she spoke, she lightly scratched Daxton¡¯s palm with her finger.

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 Chapter 688

    ?<strong>Chapter 688:</strong>

    This was a subtle signal they¡¯d used during their college years whenever they needed to act in sync.

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze fixed on their sped hands, his jaw tightening. He could see through Carrie¡¯s attempt to provoke him, but the sight still hit him like a punch to the chest.

    It was as if something precious, something that should have been his, had been stolen away. Even if it was just for show, the sting of jealousy burned in his chest.

    Yet he had no right to tell Daxton to back off. Not anymore.

    Kristopher¡¯s eyes darkened as he cast a warning nce at Daxton, who met his re with an expression that was almost smug.

    Oliver, standing nearby, frowned in disdain at Daxton. He couldn¡¯t fathom why Mrs. Norris¡ªno, Ms. Campbell¡ªwould associate with someone like Daxton.

    ¡°Carrie,¡± Kristopher finally said, his tone cutting, ¡°why would you go to such lengths to tell a lie just to provoke me?¡±

    Carrie rolled her eyes in annoyance and turned to face him fully. ¡°Mr. Norris, not everything revolves around you. Why would I waste my time trying to provoke you?¡± she retorted. ¡°Your assistant keeps calling me Mrs. Norris. I¡¯m just worried my boyfriend might get the wrong idea and think I still have some lingering connection with you. Is it wrong to make things clear?¡±

    Her words hit two targets at once, rebuking Kristopher while reassuring Daxton of her loyalty.

    Daxton, catching her drift, smiled softly. ¡°I trust you, Carrie. It¡¯s not like I just met you yesterday. I know how you are¡ªonce you¡¯ve decided on someone, nothing can make you change your mind. And when you¡¯ve let someone go, there¡¯s no turning back.¡±

    His pointed words carried an unspoken message: even if Kristopher tried to discredit him, it wouldn¡¯t matter. And Carrie¡¯s loyalty, once lost, could never be reimed.

    Kyson, who had been silently observing, understood the dynamics at y. Watching Carrie and Daxton hold hands stirred a strange sense of regret in him. He had arrived first, hadn¡¯t he? Yet somehow, he¡¯d missed his chance. Though he knew Carrie was using Daxton to get under Kristopher¡¯s skin, he couldn¡¯t help wishing he were the one she chose as her aplice.

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    Kristopher forced a tight smile, masking the turmoil brewing beneath hisposed exterior. ¡°Ms. Campbell,¡± he said with a mocking tone, ¡°there¡¯s no need for such dramatics. We¡¯re simply in the same shop by coincidence, and the title slip-up was just that¡ªa slip-up. People aren¡¯t robots; mistakes happen.¡± He paused, letting his gaze flicker briefly to Daxton and Kyson before settling on Carrie. His voice softened, a calcted shift. ¡°Besides, we were married for two years. I¡¯d like to think I still know a few of your habits. You were looking at that dress because you were thinking of Mny, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    Carrie¡¯s heart skipped, but she forced herself to remain stoic. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you know me,¡± she shot back coldly. ¡°I¡¯m not buying it for Mny. It¡¯s for me.¡±

    Kristopher chuckled lightly, his toneced with condescension. ¡°For you? Carrie, that pattern is so outdated. You¡¯re in your early twenties¡ªdo you really think that¡¯s your style? As an actress and an author, I thought you¡¯d have better taste.¡±

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 Chapter 689

    ?<strong>Chapter 689:</strong>

    A flicker of panic crossed Carrie¡¯s face before she quickly masked it with defiance. ¡°Why not? I can buy it for my aunt if I want to.¡±

    ¡°Your aunt?¡± Kristopher pressed, his smirk deepening. ¡°Then why did you just say it was for you?¡±

    Before Carrie could respond, Kyson stepped forward, his expression calm but his voice firm. ¡°I don¡¯t think Carrie needs to exin herself to you, Mr. Norris. And besides, you¡¯re divorced. It¡¯s really inappropriate for your assistant to call her Mrs. Norris. Carrie has every right to be upset about that.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Kyson added with a pointed smirk, ¡°she has a good rtionship with Mny. Isn¡¯t it perfectly natural for her to give her a gift? Or does the Norris family have some unwritten rule that forbids any contact after divorce?¡±

    Kyson¡¯s gaze sharpened, his tone turning faintly mocking. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I can only say it¡¯s absurd.¡±

    ¡°Mr. Webster, you really are good with words,¡± Kristopher said, his tone dry as he adjusted his cuffs. His gazezily shifted to Kyson, his smirk almost imperceptible. ¡°Anyone who didn¡¯t know better might think you¡¯re aedian.¡±

    Kristopher continued, his words deliberate and slow, ¡°And since you¡¯re so keen on post-divorce interactions, it¡¯s only natural for me to show a bit of concern for my ex-wife¡¯s daily life, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Carrie felt a flicker of irritation. She hadn¡¯t realized until now how cutting Kristopher could be. His words were like sharp barbs,nding precisely where they¡¯d sting the most.

    Breaking the tension, Daxton turned to Carrie, his tone gentle. ¡°Is there anything else you¡¯d like to see? If not, we should head to lunch.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else. Let¡¯s go,¡± Carrie said, looping her arm through Daxton¡¯s and turning to leave. She had barely taken a step when she paused and looked back toward Kyson. ¡°Mr. Webster, please take care of Marina¡ª¡±

    Before she could finish, the fitting room door opened with a flourish.

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    ¡°I just went to try on clothes, and you¡¯re already ditching me? That¡¯s awful! We came as a group of three. Shouldn¡¯t we leave together?¡±

    Marina stepped out, wearing a fitted purple dress that hugged her figure. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, but there was a trace of yfulness in her pout as she gazed at Carrie with mock betrayal.

    She twirled lightly, the fabric shimmering under the boutique¡¯s soft lighting. Turning to Kyson, she grinned. ¡°Kyson, how do I look? I thought Carrie looked stunning in purple the other day, so I wanted to try it for myself.¡±

    Kyson reached out to ruffle her hair affectionately. ¡°You¡¯re my little princess. You look good in everything.¡±

    Marina beamed before turning her attention back to Carrie. Tilting her head, she asked eagerly, ¡°Does it look good?¡±

    Marina¡¯s usual style leaned trendy and bold, but this dress gave her an almost ethereal elegance. It was different, but it worked.

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 Chapter 690

    <strong>Chapter 690:</strong>

    ¡°It looks good,¡± Carrie said simply, not wanting to discourage her. Marina seemed pleased but wasn¡¯t done.

    ¡°There¡¯s another dress in this color but with a slightly different style. How about we wear¡ª¡±

    Matching outfits?¡± Carrie blinked, caught off guard. Matching outfits? When had they be this close?

    Without waiting for a response, Marina held up the alternate dress, waving it in front of Carrie. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this look great?¡±

    Kristopher¡¯s gaze, however, never left Carrie. His eyes softened as he watched her, a flicker of something unspoken in his expression. Noticing this, Daxton shifted subtly, stepping between them to block Kristopher¡¯s view. He handed the dress Marina had chosen to a shop assistant and said to Carrie, ¡°It really does look nice. If you like it, I¡¯ll buy it for you as a gift.¡±

    Daxton wanted to push the limits and see if Carrie would ept his gesture in front of Kristopher. Sometimes, a debt bes so heavy that no amount of repayment can ever bnce the scales. And that was precisely what he intended.

    But before Carrie could respond, Kristopher held up a different dress, his voice calm but deliberate. ¡°This one suits you better.¡± The dress in his hand was a masterpiece¡ªa champagne base adorned with intricate crimson and indigo patterns inspired by ancient murals. Sequins, pearls, and gemstones formed delicate petals, catching the light in dazzling brilliance.

    The dress had been hidden behind them, unnoticed until now. But the moment Carrie¡¯s eyes fell on it, she couldn¡¯t look away.

    She genuinely liked it.

    While her wardrobe already held a few purple pieces, it wasn¡¯t because she was particrly attached to the color. It was simply that purple happened to suit her best out of all the options she had.

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    However, she didn¡¯t like the feeling that Kristopher knew her so well.

    Carrie quickly turned her gaze, her tone cool and dismissive. ¡°Do all CEOs think they know best? You assume everything has to be what you think. I don¡¯t like shy styles like this. The purple dress is better.¡±

    Her words were firm, but the brief flicker of interest in her eyes hadn¡¯t gone unnoticed¡ªby Kristopher, Daxton, or Kyson. Only Marina, blissfully oblivious, remained focused on twinning outfits.

    Daxton handed the purple dress to the shop assistant. ¡°Wrap it up,¡± he said with a smile.

    ¡°The Apsara was made for an elegant figure like yours.¡± The boutique designer hade downstairs after overhearing themotion. Her eyes lit up as she took in Carrie¡¯s appearance. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to open a shop before because my designs are unlike others. Most clothing is made for people to choose, but my designs choose the person. And you, Ms. Campbell, are the only one who can do ¡®Apsara¡¯ justice.¡±

    Carrie smiled politely, her tone apologetic. ¡°Thank you for thepliment, but I think the patterns are a bit too mboyant for me.¡±

    The designer, unfazed by her rejection, smiled warmly. ¡°That¡¯s understandable. But why not try it on? You might find it looks entirely different when you¡¯re wearing it.¡±

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 Chapter 692

    ?<strong>Chapter 692:</strong>

    The meaning behind his words wasn¡¯t lost on anyone, least of all Daxton. Kristopher¡¯s pointed subtext implied that if Carrie hadn¡¯t fallen for Daxton after knowing him for so many years, it would never happen.

    Kyson, who hadn¡¯t caught Kristopher¡¯s implication, spoke with quiet sincerity. ¡°Sometimes, destiny really is mysterious.¡± His words were meant only for Carrie.

    Kyson¡¯s mind wandered to their first meeting. That chance encounter when he gave her directions had lingered in his thoughts, leaving him to wonder why he hadn¡¯t asked for her number then. As if by fate, they¡¯d crossed paths again at his birthday banquet, and now here she was¡ªa member of the Morrison family, her life seemingly aligned with his.

    For years, Kyson had remained single, indifferent to rtionships. Yet the first woman to stir something in him was Carrie, a woman so effortlessly perfect it felt as though she¡¯d been crafted just for him.

    Hidden meaningsced everyone¡¯s conversations. Though no one mentioned Carrie by name, the implications about her were unmistakable.

    Embarrassment overwhelmed Carrie, making her wish she could vanish right there.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to change back into my clothes,¡± she said quickly and escaped from the scene.

    As Carrie entered the fitting room, a voice from outside called out,

    ¡°Apsara is for sale at today¡¯s opening. Please, bring it out for me to try.¡±

    With a frown, Aliza entered the store.

    In recent days, Aliza had devised numerous reasons to see Kristopher but failed to utter even a word to him. Oliver consistently turned her down. Even when her father tried to engage Kristopher under the guise of business cooperation, Oliver was the one who dealt with him.

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    Aliza was feeling low today, so upon hearing that the gown boutique was opening and the Apsara gown she coveted was avable, she decided to cheer herself up with some shopping.

    A shop assistant said politely, ¡°Miss, please wait a moment. The Apsara is being tried on by another customer. You might want to consider trying on another piece. The Apsara is a unique, limited edition.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only interested in the Apsara. I¡¯ll wait,¡± Aliza responded, eyeing the other gowns on disy. They were all beautifully made, but none seemed as spectacr as the Apsara.

    Alerted by the noise, the designer stepped out of the lounge and approached Aliza with courtesy. ¡°Miss, the Apsara might not suit you. Maybe you¡¯d like to consider some of our other designs, like this one, which is equally stunning.¡± The designer, renowned for outfitting the spouses of global leaders, dedicated herself to her art without pandering to affluent customers as some shop owners might.

    Aliza frowned at the pink dress presented by the designer. ¡°How could this simple, unremarkable dress be suitable for me?¡±

    ¡°The Apsara was not initially meant for sale; it demands very specific body dimensions. Unfortunately, it doesn¡¯t fit most,¡± the designer said.

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 Chapter 693

    ?<strong>Chapter 693:</strong>

    When Aliza heard this, her anger red up even more. ¡°Are you seriously blind? I¡¯ve been a dancer since childhood and have kept in excellent shape. No one has ever told me my body isn¡¯t suitable.¡±

    ¡°The issue isn¡¯t your physique; the dress itself has unique proportions that only fit a select few,¡± the designer calmly exined.

    Aliza, increasingly irritated, retorted, ¡°Just because it¡¯s rare doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t wear it. Don¡¯t assume it won¡¯t fit without letting me try it first! I have the best body on the street! If it doesn¡¯t fit me, then it shouldn¡¯t be on sale at all.¡±

    Had Carrie not just worn the dress so wlessly, the assistant might have sided with Aliza. However, Carrie¡¯s perfect fit made Aliza¡¯s ims seem arrogant and narrow-minded.

    With no desire to debate further, the designer said casually, ¡°Alright, please wait a moment.¡±

    Meanwhile, in the lounge, Marina stood to intervene, but Kyson restrained her. ¡°Marina, let¡¯s avoid any drama. I¡¯ve got this covered.¡±

    Kyson was aware of Aliza¡¯s maniptions against Marina.

    Marina gave him a reassuring smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kyson. I¡¯m not here to cause any trouble. I just want to watch her try on the dress and embarrass herself. Her figure isn¡¯t even as good as mine. I really don¡¯t know where she gets all that confidence from!¡±

    When Kyson heard this, he finally released her.

    Marina quietly crept up to the lounge door and, hiding behind the curtain, peeked outside.

    Daxton fixed a stern gaze on Kristopher. ¡°I know about your dealings with the Herrera family. You profess love for Carrie, yet you coborate with those who harm her. How can you say you care for her?¡±

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    ¡°Do you honestly think no one knows what you¡¯ve done?¡± Kristopher lowered his eyes, his voice cold as he spoke.

    Daxton dismissed the usation with a casual nce and said, ¡°Look, Mr. Norris, I¡¯m not just some kid. If you think I¡¯ve done something wrong, then prove it. If I¡¯m truly guilty, I¡¯ll face the consequences under thew¡ªnot just your baseless usations. And don¡¯t underestimate the Garcia family¡¯swyers.¡±

    Nearby, Kyson sat quietly, appearing aloof from the conversation. In reality, his thoughts were consumed with figuring out how he could outshine these men and win Carrie¡¯s affection.

    Though he was a renowned heir of the Webster family, Kyson found himself uncharacteristically unnerved by his feelings for a woman¡ªa sensation he wasn¡¯t ustomed to.

    Meanwhile, Carrie stepped out of the dressing room wearing the purple gown Marina had suggested earlier.

    She wanted to see how it fit before deciding whether to purchase it, especially since she had told Kristopher it was her preferred choice. Not buying it now would contradict her earlier deration.

    The fitting area was partially secluded from the main store by several racks, meaning Carrie and Aliza were unaware of each other¡¯s presence.

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 Chapter 695

    <strong>Chapter 695:</strong>

    Struggling with the fit, Aliza realized the designer¡¯s warning had been urate. She had sucked in her breath to zip it up, but the zipper refused to budge. Frustrated, she stormed out. ¡°Was this dress designed to mock people? Who could possibly fit into these ridiculous proportions?¡±

    ¡°Haha!¡± Marina burst intoughter.

    The memory of Aliza manipting her previously only fueled her current sense of satisfaction.

    Attracted by theughter, Aliza approached. She initially missed seeing Marina, instead spotting Carrie blocking her view.

    From a distance, Aliza called out, ¡°Carrie, what gives you the right tough? Just because you belong to the Morrison family? Remember, your grandma has passed, and you¡¯re nothing but a distant cousin they¡¯ve ignored for years. Even rich families have their ck sheep. What are you now? Merely a woman who¡¯s been through a divorce.¡±

    Carrie coldly lifted her eyes. ¡°True, I¡¯m hardly special. Yet, my cousin, who adores me, dismisses youpletely. The man I don¡¯t desire is the one you long for but can¡¯t have, and now you¡¯re resorting to these underhanded tricks just to try and push me away.¡±

    Inside, the men cast looks at Kristopher, some sympathetic, others taunting. Kristopher¡¯s expression was stormy, his silence heavy. He seemed poised to speak but ultimately held his tongue.

    Carrie had named no one specifically. By speaking now, Kristopher would only implicate himself.

    Marina emerged from behind Carrie, cing her hands on her hips and facing Aliza squarely. ¡°Aliza, you wouldn¡¯t dare cross the Morrison family, so you target the Webster family? Not even your parents can disrespect me without consequence.¡±

    Aliza¡¯s arrogant demeanor crumbled, reced by an expression of injury. ¡°Marina, how can you use me of such things? I admit my oversight in handling the resources, but my intentions were for your benefit. And besides¡­¡±

    She paused, casting a significant look at Carrie. ¡°She¡¯s only a distant cousin, devoid of any real family ties after decades of silence. Observe how she¡¯s treated by the Morrison brothers. Is this how rtives behave?¡±

    The sound of a p echoed sharply.

    Carrie¡¯s hand pped sharply against Aliza¡¯s cheek before she couldplete her usation.

    With cold detachment, Carrie warned, ¡°Speak with disrespect again, and it will be more than a p.¡±

    Dumbfounded, Aliza reached out to retaliate. ¡°How dare you p me for speaking the truth?¡±

    Her strike was abruptly halted by a firm grasp on her wrist.

    Kristopher intervened, ring at Carrie while saying to Aliza, ¡°Carrie remains a member of the Norris family, regardless of your feelings. You have no right to hit her.¡±

    Carrie¡¯s response was cold. ¡°Mr. Norris, please, our paths diverged long ago. I no longer belong with the Norris family.¡±

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