?<strong>Chapter 342:</strong>


    “It’s Carrie on the line; keep it down,” Camille said to Albin, then switched to a cheerful tone to answer the call. “Hey, Carrie, what’s going on?”


    Carrie’s face appeared on the screen, her expression serious. “I’m at a variety show right now. Can you join me for a game segment?”


    “Sure, just send me the address. I’ll be there as soon as I can,” Camille responded quickly, grasping at the chance to leave.


    After ending the call, she showed her phone to Albin. “Look, I have to go. I don’t have time to chat.”


    Albin observed her eager attempt to get away and let out a smirk. He then took out his own phone and called Kristopher. “Kristopher, your wife’s at a variety show and needs a friend for a game. She tried to call Camille, but she’s tied up now…”


    Kristopher looked up, paused thoughtfully, and then asked, “Do you think I should go?”


    At the variety show set, the guests had just wrapped up their introductions when the staff escorted Lise onto the stage. She was dressed in a smoky pink V-neck tulle gown, and the dazzling diamond ne she wore drew everyone’s gaze.


    Lise’s refined beauty often went underappreciated in the shy world of entertainment. She usually depended on luxury brands to stand out. While many celebrities struggled to ess such exclusive attire, Kristopher could procure them for her instantly whenever she wished. Thanks to his financial power, she gradually became a favorite among both fans and colleagues, who oftenplimented her elegance.


    Strutting to the center of the stage with pride, she held her head high, her eyes briefly ncing at Carrie before focusing on Vicky.


    “Lise,” Vicky quickly said, taking her arm with excessive care, almost resembling a servant aiding herdy.


    Lise epted the microphone from the host. “Hello, everyone, I’m Lise. I’m friends with Vicky, and I’m here to participate in the games with her today. Please be gentle with me,” she added with a yful tone, winking and sticking out her tongue.


    The host’s attention was captured by the sparkling diamond ne. “That’s a stunning ne,” he said.


    With a casually refined gesture, Lise touched the ne. “It’s a gift from a dear friend,” she said casually.


    A male guest chimed in after a pause. “I recognize that ne! It went for eight million at an auction justst week!”


    The women in the audience gazed enviously, and the host teased, “A ne that pricey muste from more than a mere acquaintance.”


    Vicky interjected mischievously, “Let’s not be too hard on Lise. She’s naturally modest.”


    But her friend here is exceedingly generous, always ready to splurge to make her happy.”


    The crowd picked up on the hint of gossip and shifted their focus to Lise. Lise gave a small smile and responded, “For now, we’re just close friends. He’s very rich, so this ne is nothing for him.”


    She paused, her eyes subtly moving towards Carrie at the edge of the stage. “Originally, my friend wanted to gift me a piano, but I’m not much of a pianist. It would have been a waste, so I chose this ne instead.”


    Upon hearing this, Carrie clenched her fists, her nails pressing into her palms. The sharp physical pain couldn’t hide the deep hurt in her heart. It wasn’t excruciating, merely like the difort of a tiny needle prick.


    The gift wasn’t just a toy; it was something someone else had refused. Reflecting on her attempt to please him for an unwanted item made her feel foolish. Were it not for the stage setting, she might have been physically sick with the realization.


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