?<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—she was standing up for him.


    A sudden, ragged inhale escaped Albin.


    Defying Kristopher was a rarity no one dared, but Carrie unflinchingly did so—for 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!”


    .


    .


    .