?<strong>Chapter 991:</strong>


    Luca responded with a skeptical scoff. “Your regrets hardly seem genuine, Ms. Hinks. You’ve remained silent until now, offering no exnations, and suddenly you appear. This isn’t merely an apology, is it?”


    Kelsey exchanged a nervous look with Jacob.


    With a reassuring squeeze of her hand, Jacob said, “We admit to failing in guiding our daughter correctly. Alethea’s behavior, although overly indulgent, does not reflect her usual kind and gentle nature. She has always been well-regarded in Egoshire. Her first friend in Isonridge was from the Herrera family…”


    Carrie and her family exchanged knowing looks, recognizing Jacob’s attempt to deflect me onto Aliza.


    While Aliza had engaged in questionable behavior in the past, Carrie was skeptical of her involvement this time.


    As expected, Jacob nced at Carrie before saying, “I’ve heard that the Herrera girl has tried to frame Ms. Campbell on several asions. I suspect Alethea was influenced by someone with ill intentions.


    When my wife first met Ms. Campbell, she felt an undeniable warmth toward her. Our family has also been eager to connect with the Morrison family since moving to Isonridge. In times like these, we must stand united and not fall prey to the schemes of small-minded people.”


    Carrie perceived that the Hinks family had efficiently managed the aftermath of Alethea’s actions, effectively erasing any incriminating evidence. Pursuing the issue would likely cast the Morrison family in a naive light.


    Offering a polite smile, Carrie gestured towards the chairs. “Please, let’s sit down. There’s no need for all of us to remain standing.”


    Understanding Carrie’s reluctance to escte the matter, Luca looked towards Jenesis.


    With a weing smile, Jenesis reinforced Carrie’s invitation. “Indeed, take a seat. We wouldn’t want anyone to think the Morrison familycks hospitality.”


    Jacob helped Kelsey to a chair,menting lightly, “You’re too gracious, Ms. Morrison. After a long car ride, stretching our legs is quite refreshing.”


    Kody motioned for the servants to serve drinks. “I hope you’ll enjoy this—it’s Carrie’s preferred coffee blend, slightly sweetened.”


    As Jacob tasted the coffee, he exchanged a meaningful look with Kelsey—a silentmunication honed over the years.


    The tension had noticeably eased, thanks in part to Carrie’s diplomacy and the subtle emphasis on her favored coffee, highlighting her valued position within the Morrison family.


    While sipping her coffee absentmindedly, Kelsey offered some politepliments before beginning her exnation more deliberately. “I want to rify the situation. We’re not seeking a free pass here.” With a sheepish smile, she nced at Jacob and said, “We’re frankly quite new to wealth. Lacking in finesse, you could say. We didn’t know a better way to express our sincerity than to offer support for Carrie’s uing projects. We’re beginners in this industry and have no fixed investment budget; Carrie would retainplete control.”


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