?<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—it 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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