?<strong>Chapter 1015:</strong>


    At the mention of stock prices, Aliza hesitated, then nodded. “You’re right. You always think things through.” She gave him a smile. “I’ll call your assistant instead. They can take us home, and I’ll have the doctore directly to the house.”


    “Thank you,” Kristopher said softly, though his eyes, now lowered, were cold and unreadable.


    Not long after, his assistant arrived with several staff members in tow. They moved quickly and efficiently, helping Kristopher up and leading him out of the restaurant. Aliza followed closely behind, her heels clicking against the floor.


    As Kristopher was guided past the screen, a movement in the corner of his vision caught his eye. Through a narrow gap in the partition, he saw her—Carrie. She was sitting with her family,ughter lighting up her face, her presence woven effortlessly into the warmth of the gathering.


    A strange emptiness swept over him. For a brief moment, he imagined himself seated at that table—belonging.


    As if sensing his gaze, Carrie paused and looked up. Her eyes scanned the restaurant instinctively. But Kristopher had already turned away, vanishing behind the cluster of assistants escorting him out. All that remained in her line of sight were the retreating backs of his entourage.


    Arion, seated beside her, followed her gaze curiously. “So many people? What’s going on over there?”


    Reece gave him a cool nce. “Why are you always so nosy?”


    Arion raised a brow, unfazed. “It’s not me being nosy. Carrie was the one looking. I’m just asking on her behalf.”


    Reece replied tly, “Carrie has her own voice. If she’s curious, she’ll ask.”


    Carrie let out a softugh. “I was just looking. Nothing more.” The tension at the table eased, and Arion, seizing the moment, changed the subject. “By the way, Carrie—how’s your piano practiceing along? The Music Association’s first assessment ising up soon. Feeling confident?”


    Joining the Music Association wasn’t a one-time feat. Every level had to be earned through strict assessments—much like graded music exams or high-level tests.


    Competitions were held regrly. Those who passed advanced to the next level. Those who excelled rose to higher ranks: intermediate, senior, even mentor or president.


    But those who failed lost their membership and were dismissed from the association altogether.


    Carrie’s expression grew thoughtful at the mention of the uing assessment. “There are still a few small details I need to refine,” she said. “How about this—after dinner, I’ll head to the Music Association to practice.”


    Reece frowned, concern tightening his brows. “You’ve been pushing yourself pretty hardtely. Can your body handle it? Maybe I should ask Dad to speak with the Association. You can take the assessment after the baby’s born.”


    Carrie gently stroked her belly, her expression soft. “There are still several months before the baby arrives, and I’ll need time to recover afterward. If I wait until next year, the others who joined with me will have gone through three assessments already. Some might even make it to mentor level, and I’ll still be stuck as a beginner.” Her voice held no resentment—just quiet determination.


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