?<strong>Chapter 264:</strong>
She narrowed her eyes, suspicious. Was this just an excuse to tease her? He was infuriatingly good at these small provocations.
“Oh, thanks,” she muttered, too hungry to dwell on it. She returned her attention to the food. Afterst night’s exhausting events, her body felt drained, and she was ravenous.
Kristopher withdrew his hand, heading into the bathroom without another word. Watching the exchange, Oliver sighed quietly in relief. “Mr. Norris, I’ll wait for you at the alley entrance,” he offered, eager to escape.
Carrie barely noticed. She rummaged through the bag, pulling out more food. She nced toward the bathroom, watching Kristopher brush his teeth meticulously, as if he had all the time in the world. She couldn’t help but wonder about him. How was he not starving? He hadn’t eaten a thing sincest night, yet he didn’t look the least bit hungry.
When Kristopher finally returned, he sat at the dining table, opened hisptop, and began typing as if nothing had happened. He sipped his coffee in between keystrokes, the rich aroma mingling with the scent of breakfast.
Carrie tilted her head, unable to keep her curiosity in check. “Aren’t you hungry?”
Kristopher looked up, his expression neutral. “Of course. I’m not a robot.”
She tilted her head, unimpressed. “Then why are you drinking coffee instead of eating breakfast?”
He paused, the corner of his mouth twitching upward. “Are you concerned about me?”
Carrie rolled her eyes. “Eat or don’t—it’s none of my business.”
She stood abruptly, walking to the sofa to grab a small keychain. Removing a key from it, she returned and ced it on the table in front of him. “Here’s a spare key. I’m heading to my alma mater. Not sure when I’ll be back.”
“Dinner tonight,” Kristopher said, not looking up from his screen as he typed out a response to an email.
“No need,” she replied without much thought.
Turning toward the mirror, she caught sight of her neck and corbone. Her eyes widened slightly at the red marks still visible fromst night. She sighed, digging into her suitcase to pull out a turtleneck sweater. She slung her bag over her shoulder, slipping her phone inside as she headed for the door.
Kristopher cleared his throat pointedly, the sound subtle yetmanding her attention. She turned briefly, meeting his gaze. His expression seemed to demand a proper goodbye. Instead, she gave him a fleeting nce before shutting the door without a word.
For a moment, Kristopher sat there, staring at the closed door. His fingers drummed lightly against the table as his mind circled around a single thought: Acting like nothing happened. What did this woman take him for?
Outside, Carrie descended the stairs just as Lettie arrived on her electric scooter. Lettie spotted her immediately and came to a stop, her eyes narrowing as they roved over Carrie’s simple sportswear and bare face. Lettie had always prided herself on being the most fashionable woman in town.
She loathed the small-town vibe and went out of her way to emte thetest trends from the big city. Today, she had taken extra care, applying delicate makeup and donning her most expensive outfit in hopes of running into the owner of the luxury car she had seen yesterday. Her finely tailored woolen suit, which had cost her an entire month’s sry, was meant to impress. But standing side by side with Carrie, who wore nothing more than understated sportswear, Lettie’s efforts felt futile.
Carrie’s natural beauty outshone her polished appearance, making Lettie’s jealousy burn hotter. Lettie’s eyes swept over Carrie again, and she sneered, her tone dripping with contempt. “I heard you married a rich man and gave away stuff to the neighbors yesterday. But look at you—still no taste. Not a single designerbel in sight.”
Carrie nced down at her clothes, which she’d taken from Bayview Vi. The outfit was a custom-made piece, crafted forfort and understated elegance. Itcked a logo, but its price rivaled any luxury brand.
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