?<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—Willow’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—buy 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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