?<strong>Chapter 469:</strong>


    Shawn had always seemedrger than life, the embodiment of power and control. It was inconceivable that he would stoop to having such a foolish woman as his mistress.


    Determined to stop her runaway imagination, she asked directly, “Since when did the Norris family have someone like that?”


    Ailyn, catching the flicker of curiosity in Carrie’s tone, straightened with triumph. For once, it seemed, Carrie’s interest had shifted to her husband. Ailyn allowed herself a smug pause before revealing, “He’s Kristopher’s uncle—Cory.”


    Ailyn smirked. Even Carrie, who was typically detached, seemed to feel drawn into the web of gossip. After all, power like that cast an irresistible shadow. This was all due to her man reaching the pinnacle of Orkset.


    Carrie was struck dumb.


    Just then, having heard, Camille strolled into the shop. “What? Ailyn, why on earth would you settle for an old man?” Camille nted herself squarely in front of Carrie, her expression dripping with disdain as she appraised Ailyn.


    Ailyn, momentarily startled, quickly recovered. She ced a hand theatrically on her chest as if to steady her nerves.


    Ailyn said, “Camille! You’ve gotten so bold—what happened to the quiet girl from school? You nearly scared me to death! And old man? Please! Cory is mature, not old.”


    “Don’t tell me you’d still go for those aimless boys from college. I’ve grown out of high school crushes and fleeting flings, thank you very much.”


    Carrie’s thoughts drifted to the whispered rumors about Cory’s wandering eye, orchestrated marriage, and supposed indiscretions. She never imagined one of her former ssmates would be tangled in such drama.


    She sized up Ailyn. Despite the designerbels that screamed luxury, there was no denying her looks were unremarkable.


    After a pause, Ailyn countered, “Camille, let me ask you—are you married yet?”


    Camille pulled out a chair beside Carrie and dropped into it. “Why so nosy? That’s hardly your concern.”


    Taking her cue, Carrie cast a sidelong nce at Ailyn and added coolly, “If I recall, Cory already has a wife. Andst I checked, she’s not you.”


    Camille chuckled. “Maybe you’re just bitter because you can’t find anyone to marry you.”


    Ailyn’s expression changed. “What do you two know? Cory and his wife? That’s not a marriage—it’s a business deal. She’s just another spoiled woman born into wealth.” Pausing for effect, Ailyn continued, “Speaking of wealth, Camille, your family’s pretty well-off too, aren’t they? Better hope your future husband doesn’t end up like Cory—disinterested and disloyal. Or maybe you should aim for someone like Carrie’s husband. At least an ordinary employee is easy to keep in line.”


    “Ordinary?” Camille turned sharply to Carrie, surprised.


    Carrie barely heard her. Kristopher’s stern, unyielding face flickered in her mind. She stifled augh, wondering how he’d react to being described as “easy to keep in line.”


    Ailyn reached for her coffee but withdrew her hand when she noticed it had gone cold. With a dramatic sigh, she stood up, her tone turning dismissive. “I’m done with this conversation.”


    After all, both our lives and our opinions have changed since we graduated. Anyway, there’s a ss reunioning up, and you’re both invited. Will you be there?”


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