?<strong>Chapter 256:</strong>


    As she approached the gate, Carrie noticed several families lounging beneath the trees, engaged in after-dinner conversations. A plump, elderly woman with streaks of gray in her hair leisurely waved her fan, saying, “It seems most of our longtime neighbors have left. The younger ones who’ve taken their ce only returnte, weary from long work hours. Soon, the evenings will be too quiet for chats. After the news, it’s straight to bed for everyone.”


    A woman in her forties, swatting at a mosquito on her leg, retorted, “Oh, you’re missing the joy of life. Your son in Orkset bought a spacious house for you, yet you choose to stay here. What pleasure do you find in these nightly chats? All I get are mosquito bites everywhere!”


    The elderly woman sighed and replied, “When you’re old, you yearn for your roots. Youth may enjoy the constant motion, but at my stage, I seek tranquility and steadiness.”


    “Indeed, it’s difficult for the elderly to settle into new environments,” another slender senior added, edging closer. “Gracie from the third floor, always so strong, used to apany me on morning walks for groceries. But shortly after moving to Orkset with her granddaughter, she fell ill. Last I heard, she’s been hospitalized. It’s been a while since ourst conversation—I do hope she’s alright.”


    Gracie, the subject of their conversation, was none other than Carrie’s grandmother. At the start, Carrie halted abruptly, feeling suddenly out of ce about entering.


    The woman in her forties ceased her battle with the mosquitoes, casting a meaningful nce around. “It’s not about adjusting to difficulties. Orkset and Esterhall are only a few miles apart, with hardly any difference in weather. To me, it’s clear—family issues are what’s troubling her.” She paused, letting her words sink in.


    With the group hanging on her words, she continued, “Her daughter died shortly after her wedding. Rumors swirled that her husband was unfaithful. All alone, she raised her granddaughter. That girl ended up in a wealthy family, yet she always came to visit her mother’s grave by herself, year after year. Has anyone ever even seen her husband? Clearly, her inws and spouse don’t appreciate her. Two generations facing simr misfortunes—it’s no surprise Gracie’s distressed.”


    Thest time Kristopher joined Carrie for a visit to the cemetery, they chose not to stay at her childhood home, avoiding the attention of the neighbors. One after another, the neighbors began to specte.


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    “It’s true, isn’t it? Carrie’s husband never apanies her home. It’s obvious he has no regard for her. He can’t even be bothered to join her for a visit to her mother’s grave.”


    “As men grow wealthy, their morals often diminish! A small-town girl like Carrie can’t possibly keep a big-city boss under control.”


    “Some might say they’re already divorced, which could be what’s troubling her grandmother.”


    “I recall Carrie’s father kept a mistress—perhaps her husband follows in those footsteps.”


    “Or perhaps he’s too hideous to bring home. Wealthy men aren’t known for their looks.”


    “He’s probably as attractive as a pig.”


    Carrie, overhearing their wild conjectures, couldn’t help but twitch her lips in amusement. They weren’t entirely wrong—except about his appearance.


    “Why are you lingering out here instead of going inside?” a familiar voice suddenly interrupted.


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