?<strong>Chapter 458:</strong>


    Kristopher epted the transfer with a quick tap, slipped his phone into his pocket, and got to his feet. Leaning down, he carefully scooped her up in his arms. “Come on, let’s get you to bed,” he said softly.


    Too drained to open her eyes, Carrie didn’t protest and curled upfortably in his arms.


    Kristopher carried Carrie to the bedroom and carefully ced her on the bed. But just as he tried to pull away, her arms wrapped tightly around his neck. He lost his footing and tumbled forward,nding on top of her, his frame pressed against her soft form. His throat tightened, and he hesitated as he leaned closer for a kiss. But at that moment, her hold on his neck ckened. She released him, turned away, and snuggled into the nkets. Within moments, her breathing became steady as she drifted off to sleep.


    Kristopher froze for a moment, his gaze lingering on her. After a quiet sigh, he straightened himself and turned, heading toward the bathroom without a word.


    The following morning, when Carrie stirred awake, the bed beside her was empty, but faint noises drifted up from downstairs. She figured Kristopher was in the kitchen and didn’t give it much thought. With azy stretch, she sat up, catching the faint scent of alcohol still clinging to the sheets. shes ofst night’s events, including her bold demand for money from Albin, came rushing back. She cautiously opened her mobile banking app. As expected, there it was—a fresh deposit of $2.5 million.


    She suddenly understood why wealthy men were so tempting to others. It had been absurdly easy—she’d been steredst night and still walked away with $2.5 million.


    After taking a shower and slipping into somefy home clothes, Carrie made her way downstairs. She wasn’t sure how to face Kristopher. They’d been giving each other the silent treatment, butst night’s drunken blunder made the act feel a little forced.


    Still, the issue with Lise wasn’t something she could easily overlook. As Carrie entered the living room, she noticed Kristopher was nowhere in sight. Her eyes caught the open door leading to the garden, where Mny was tending to the flowers with a watering can, while Shawn sat close by, engrossed in a newspaper with his reading sses perched on his nose. Carrie hesitated for a split second before quickly stepping outside.


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    “Shawn, Mny, what a surprise! What brings you here?” Carrie greeted them with a smile.


    Mny paused mid-action, turning with a warm smile. “Ah, Carrie, you’re up already?”


    Carrie hurried over, gently taking the watering can from Mny’s hands and setting it aside. Linking her arm with Mny’s, she said with a small grin, “Why didn’t you wake me when you arrived?”


    Mny gave her hand a light pat and smiled. “There was no need to disturb you. You’ve been working so hardtely—you deserve all the rest you can get.”


    Carrie guided Mny to the seat beside Shawn, then greeted him softly, “Shawn.”


    “Mm,” Shawn responded without lifting his gaze from the paper.


    Reaching into her bag, Mny pulled out a small box, opening it to reveal an exquisite jade bracelet. The bracelet was breathtaking, crafted fromvender jadeite with a smooth, radiant finish. It was a rare piece, blending remarkable beauty with immense value. With a gentle smile, Mny took Carrie’s hand and slid the bracelet onto her wrist.


    “I found this lovely piece a few days ago and thought of you. Purple jade is said to bring good luck; may it add to yours.”


    Carrie gazed at the softvender hue on her wrist, feeling a wave of warmth in her chest. “Thank you, Mny.”


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