?<strong>Chapter 379:</strong>


    Camille sighed. “Much the same. I’m hardly one to talk. Albin and I are just figuring things out as we go.” With a bitter smile, Camille added, “You know, Carrie, life has a way ofing full circle. The challenges meant for you can’t be escaped.”


    Carrie’s eyes dropped to the coffee table’s corner, her gaze distant and contemtive.


    After their meal, Camille left to meet Albin, and they said their goodbyes outside the office. Carrie decided to return to her apartment to pick up a few personal items.


    As she stood by the road to hail a taxi, a high-end car abruptly pulled up in front of her. Anxiety fluttered in Carrie’s chest as the window lowered, revealing Billie’s face to her. Billie wore a dark suit with arge pearl pinned at the cor. Combined with her expressionless face, she looked as if she were on her way to a funeral.


    Carrie’s hand tightened into a fist before rxing. In a gentle tone, she said, “Billie, this is quite the surprise.”


    Unmoved, Billie responded tly, “This isn’t by chance. I was looking for you.”


    “Hmm?” Carrie’s brow furrowed, a hint of puzzlement in her gaze. This was a first; Billie had never actively sought her out, as they usually maintained their separate existences without crossing paths.


    “Get in the car,” Billie said, her impatience evident.


    With the driver remaining still, Carrie opened the car door herself and slid in next to Billie. As they joined the flow of traffic, the driver elerated.


    Billie, wrapping a shawl embedded with gems around her shoulders, eyed Carrie’s stomach. “Still no news?”


    Carrie caught the implication immediately, her hand reflexively covering her stomach. “Not yet.”


    Billie shifted her stare away slowly, maintaining her even tone. “You’re considering children with Kristopher, you should really be thorough with your medical visits. This child will be Kristopher’s first. It’s not a matter to take lightly.”


    Carrie felt a sting from Billie’s remarks, perceiving herself reduced to merely a vessel for childbirth. Having chosen not to pursue a divorce from Kristopher, she found herself unable to openly confront Billie. Yet, she was determined not to return to the restrictive, stifling existence she had previously endured.


    Every unequal rtionship was doomed to fail eventually; oppression couldn’tst forever. With a hesitant tone, she softly replied, “I’m up to date with all my health check-ups.”


    Billie nced at her with clear disdain. “But pre-pregnancy screenings are different from regr health exams.”


    Tracing the seams of her pants with her fingers, Carrie kept her gaze down. After a brief pause, she looked back up at Billie, her mind already set on what to say.


    Carrie said softly, “Then I’ll call Kristopher to join us. After all, pregnancy involves both of us, and it’s not enough for just me to get checked.”


    It’s often noted that the dynamics between a mother-inw and daughter-inw are heavily influenced by the husband. Unable to confront Billie directly, Carrie decided to let Kristopher handle his mother.


    Billie felt an urge to respond sharply. Her interactions with Carrie had often been more akin to those with a subordinate, and she was ustomed to Carrie’s usualpliance. The recent assertiveness in Carrie’s behavior was unsettling for Billie. Yet, upon reflection, Billie recognized the validity of Carrie’s point. Her intentions were aimed at considering the well-being of future generations, not creating difficulties for Carrie.


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