?<strong>Chapter 470:</strong>


    Carrie opened her mouth to decline, but Camille interjected quickly, “Of course, we’ll be there. And we’ll bring our partners. Let’s hope your mature man doesn’t chicken out of attending something so public!”


    Ailyn sneered, slinging her handbag over her shoulder. “Oh, he’ll be there! Unlike some people’s insignificant husbands, minemands respect. And Carrie, if you’re tired of being married to a useless man, let me know. Cory can introduce you to someone who matters.”


    With that parting shot, Ailyn nced disdainfully around the shop and dered, “Honestly, nothing here is worth my time. I won’t be back.”


    Camille turned to Carrie. “You have to bring Kristopher. I want to see the look on Cory’s face when he realizes the ‘insignificant employee’ is anything but.”


    Carrie stared down at her coffee cup, thette art now nothing more than a swirling mess. Her thoughts felt just as blurred. It wasn’t that she doubted Kristopher would attend. The issue was the growing instability in their rtionship. With so much tension, ying the role of a high-profile couple could do more harm than good.


    Just as Kristopher was finishing up at the office and thinking of inviting Carrie to dinner, his phone interrupted his ns by ringing. The caller ID showed it was Lise.


    Upon answering, Kristopher heard Lise’s voice,ced with a teasing tone, saying, “Kristopher, I’m out for dinner and forgot to bring any cash. Unfortunately, this ce doesn’t take cards.”


    “Are you not at the hospital? Where’s Elva?” Kristopher inquired, a sense of concern evident in his expression.


    Lise’s voice trembled with urgency as she responded, “Please, don’t let Elva know. She was at the office today, and I slipped away. The meals at the hospital are so dull; I can’t stand another day of it. I’d waste away before getting better.”


    This revtion left Kristopher momentarily disoriented, as the youthful voice on the line conjured a distant memory.


    “Just send me where you are. I’m on my way,” Kristopher said briskly before ending the call. He nced at the screen and saw Carrie’s contact still disyed. He promptly closed the contacts app and locked his phone.


    Camille had been shopping extensively, picking out clothes and essories. Carrie tried on various pieces; her natural elegance made each outfit stand out, though she felt the process was repetitive.


    On her way out, a tie caught her eye, its ck material interwoven with silver threads creating a gxy pattern. Recalling Kristopher’s fondness for thoughtful presents, she handed the tie to the shopkeeper. “Could you giftwrap this for me?”


    Camille, stepping out in hertest ensemble, caught this moment. Anticipating a critique for her apparent infatuation, Carrie was instead met with Camille’s casual question.


    “Is that avable in green? I think Albin would like one too.”


    Upon Carrie’s arrival back at Bayview Vi, the older couple had departed.


    The housekeeper, wiping her hands, came forward. “Mrs. Norris, have you had anything to eat? Mr. Norris informed me he won’t be joining you for dinner.”


    Nonchntly discarding her shoes and sliding into her slippers, Carrie responded casually, “Something light will do, I’m not very hungry.”


    She proceeded to the bedroom, ced Kristopher’s gift on the small table by his favorite sofa, and changed outfits in the dressing room.


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