?<strong>Chapter 325:</strong>


    Afterpleting her morning routine, Carrie found lunch waiting. Kristopher was already at the dining table, absorbed in the fluctuations of the stock market on his iPad.


    She joined him at the table, quietly drawing out a chair.


    Kristopher remained focused on his screen. “Did the shareholders reach out to you?”


    Carrie’s hand froze around her water ss. “What have you done now?”


    Kristopher leaned back in his chair, extending his arm to take a cigarette out of a pack.


    Just then, Oliver strolled in, a grin ying on his lips. “Mrs. Norris, just take a look at Orkset’stest news, and you’ll catch up with everything.”


    Carrie sighed, shifting her focus to the news alerts on her phone.


    A headline caught her eye, detailing the downfall of an establishedpany tricked by a fraudulent supplier, now teetering on the brink of bankruptcy. Commenters spected about possible business fraud or insider betrayal. The scandal surrounding the Campbell family business, once hidden, hade to light, with the supplier now under investigation by authorities.


    Having read the article, Carrie was certain Kristopher was behind it.


    She nced up to express her gratitude. “Thank you.”


    In response, Kristopher lit his cigarette and inhaled deeply. As he exhaled, the smoke veiled his face, masking his expression. He idly tapped his cigarette against the table, his fingers gracefully poised, a mischievous grin ying on his lips. “Is that the extent of your gratitude—just a few thoughtless words?”


    Carrie paused, locking eyes with him. “What kind of thanks are you looking for?”


    Kristopher shifted in his seat, his reply hanging in the air.


    Meanwhile, Oliver wiped his forehead, sweating at the thought that reiming family assets had been handled so deftly by Kristopher. It would be a perfect opportunity to use this to argue against a divorce.


    Kristopher stretched out his legs. “Take a trip with me abroad when you’re free. I’ve been swamped and need a break from the stress.”


    Oliver shot Kristopher a confused and frustrated look, puzzled by histest maneuver. Kristopher, usually direct and resolute, wouldn’t confess his feelings for Carrie, always beating around the bush.


    Oliver exhaled heavily, turning to Carrie with hopeful eyes. Carrie’s initial impulse was to say, “Why don’t you bring Lise along?” However, her gaze fell on the still-open news article on her phone screen.


    Clutching it tighter, she decided otherwise. “Alright.”


    After a short pause, she looked up, her face calm. “Kristopher, don’t you think it’s a bit unnecessary for us to keep going through these motions in our rtionship?”


    Awfully Close


    Kristopher’s face grew grim as he stared at the glowing tip of his cigarette. It flickered and faded, much like the fragile state of their rtionship. Crushing the half-burnt cigarette in the ashtray, he said in a cold tone, “You agreed, so just see it through.”


    He didn’t even bother to look at her.


    Just then, Willow walked in, carrying dishes, and paused when she saw the tense scene. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke gently. “Ma’am, I’m not sure if I should say this, but…”


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