?<strong>Chapter 320:</strong>


    “Mom, Mrs.


    “Quinn, we’re heading out now,” Kristopher said as he came to Carrie’s side, took the bag from her, and softly held her other hand. Her hand was gentle and soft in his, making him instinctively squeeze it lightly.


    As they departed from the living room, Carrie offered a nod in farewell. Exiting the room, she caught fragments of Mrs. Quinn’s murmured spection, asking, “When did these two grow so close?” Uninterested in the idle talk, Carrie continued out to the car with Kristopher.


    Deciding to go separately, she withdrew her hand from his. “I think I’ll drive myself.”


    Kristopher nced at their separated hands and smiled subtly. “No need for that. We’ll travel back together.”


    Just then, the ring of Kristopher’s phone cut into their conversation. He checked the caller ID but let it keep ringing, making no move to answer or dismiss it.


    Curiosity got the better of Carrie, who nced at the screen and saw Lise’s name, prompting her to quickly look away, dejected. After a brief pause, Kristopher finally took the call.


    Lise’s light-hearted voice came through the phone, asking, “Kristopher, did you eat yet?”


    “I’ve already eaten. What’s going on?” Kristopher’s tone was unusually tender.


    Lise pouted yfully and responded, “Can’t I just call to—”


    “At the Norris Mansion,” Kristopher interrupted, his voice devoid of emotion.


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    He noticed Carrie heading toward her car and quickly grabbed her wrist. Discontent showed in Carrie’s eyes. Was he expecting her to calmly listen to him flirting with a former love? She was on the verge of expressing her irritation but stopped herself, recalling Lise’s fondness for maniption and not wanting to indulge her.


    A mischievous look flickered across Carrie’s face as she said in a sugary voice, “Darling, I’m feeling really tired. Could you possibly continue this conversationter when we arrive home?”


    Pretending to be sultry wasn’t difficult for her.


    This unexpected demeanor took Kristopher by surprise, his eyes momentarily revealing his displeasure.


    “If it’s not important, Lise, please get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow.” He quickly found a reason to disconnect the call.


    After pocketing his phone, Kristopher’s gaze met Carrie’s.


    Carrie’s voice was cold as she spoke. “What’s wrong? Are you going to scold me? Or are you upset because I seem heartless towards your once-beloved, who’s now frail?”


    Carrie was visibly tense, like a defensive porcupine, her quills raised, prepared to strike at any provocation. She was like a tightly wound spring, seconds away from snapping into an explosive argument.


    After a brief silence, Kristopher let out a gentle sigh and moved as if to pull her closer. “You mentioned you were tired, didn’t you? Why stand there so defensively?”


    Evading his touch, Carrie looked at him warily. “Stop changing the subject! What are you scheming now? Are youpiling all this mentally to use against meter?”


    A faint smirk appeared on Kristopher’s face. “Why would I scold you? Just because you said you’re tired, do you think I’d lose my temper?”


    He paused, his expression thoughtful. “Carrie, do you truly think of me as a viin?”


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