?<strong>Chapter 312:</strong>


    With a casual tone, Kristopher remarked, “Should I start listing all of your shady dealings, one by one?” His eyes scanned the room, locking onto each person as he spoke. While Carrie’s gaze was sharp, Kristopher’s was undeniably lethal. A chill swept through the room, as if the threat of a de hovered just inches from their necks.


    Theirpany wasn’t even worthy of partnering with a Norris Group subsidiary, and under Kristopher’s scrutiny, they felt like deer frozen in headlights, barely daring to breathe.


    An older man mustered what little courage he had and said, “Mr. Norris, even if there are internal issues, they don’t concern you, do they? Your wife might be Mr. Campbell’s daughter, but she doesn’t own shares or hold a position here.”


    “Are you using me of meddling?” Kristopher’s fingers idly traced the back of Carrie’s hand, her skin soft as velvet. The older man let out an awkward chuckle. “I didn’t mean it like that.”


    With a faint smile, Kristopher replied, “Well, I quite enjoy meddling.” His gaze drifted toward Carrie, filled with a teasing warmth that seemed to silently seek her approval. Carrie couldn’t help but marvel at his audacity to flirt in such a setting, nearly shattering theposed image she had struggled to uphold.


    Flirting was one thing, but why do it so tantly? Heat crept to her cheeks, and she felt slightly embarrassed. Quietly, she pressed her nails into his palm. To Kristopher, it was nothing more than a light scratch, like a kitten’s yful nip, and he simply tightened his hold on her hand. Luckily, the others were too preupied with the damning documents, sweating with nervousness, to catch on to their subtle exchange. Only Oliver, standing silently behind Kristopher, noticed the entire interaction. A quiet sense of relief washed over him. It seemed Kristopher was finally wising up when it came to love. Always the professional, Kristopher had never been one to indulge in such behavior at formal events.


    Carrie gathered herposure, keeping her tone steady andposed as she spoke. “The price I’m offering may not be the highest, but it’s reasonable. I’m offering the same for all your shares. Aren’t you concerned that Mr. Campbell might quietly sell them behind your backs? His connections and resources are far more extensive than yours, and by then, your shares will be worth even less.”


    Kristopher kept one arm wrapped around Carrie’s shoulder, the other gripping her hand. “Several of your actions have already crossed legal boundaries, making this more than just an internal affair. What do you think might happen if I reported them as a concerned citizen?”


    Tristan’splexion turned ghostly pale. “You!”


    Kristopher’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile. “Dear Father-inw, you can either take the money and walk away or sink with your underlings. You know which choice makes sense, don’t you?”


    The phrase “Dear Father-inw” wasn’t meant as a gesture of respect, but rather as a sharp mockery. Kristopher’s grip on Carrie tightened as he leaned in, his voice a soft whisper in her ear. “I’m here with you.” The words left Carrie momentarily stunned, making her question whether their rtionship was truly beyond saving. She silently cursed herself for being so easily influenced, as if a small hint of warmth from him could erase all the pain from the past.


    The shareholders watched in bewilderment as the couple engaged in flirtatious, sharp-witted exchanges, their words sharp enough to cut through steel. They were the perfect pair of mischief and mayhem!


    Tristan paused, then leaned over to whisper to Cindy, “Perhaps it’s best we sell our shares to her and negotiate a good price. Holding onto a sinking ship isn’t worth it anymore. We could move abroad with our daughter and start again.”


    In his thoughts, Tristan imagined Yara’s potential future once she was well—her beauty and intelligence could well secure her a wealthy marriage abroad.


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