?<strong>Chapter 481:</strong>


    He shot a quick look at Camille, silently pleading for her to back him up.


    Albin eyed the man’s extended hand but didn’t take it. Instead, he nced at Camille with a yful smirk. “Oh?”


    “You used to y volleyball with the boys all the time?”


    Carrie spoke up with a steady tone. “It’s not like that. Camille was really reserved back then. When the girls picked their teams, they usually stuck to their cliques. Since Camille wasn’t part of a group, she often got ced with the boys.”


    After hearing her exnation, Albin finally reached out and gave the man a quick handshake.


    The man’s forehead glistened with sweat, overwhelmed by how much weight Albin seemed to give Camille’s words. After all, the Murray family was a powerhouse in Orkset’s elite circle, with strong connections to the Norris family. Despite Albin’s notorious yboy image, he was in a league far above their own.


    The man’s attitude toward Camille changed, his expression now tinged with respect. Everyone knew about Albin’s infamous reputation—always surrounded by women yet never tied down to any. These weren’t the same clueless students from years ago.


    Sensing the shift, they wasted no time piling on thepliments: “Camille, who’d have guessed you’d be the luckiest of us all, so adored by Mr. Murray?”


    “Mr. Murray is an incredible catch, and you’re stunning. You make such an ideal pair.”


    “So, when’s the big day? We’re all waiting for your wedding.”


    Carrie, noticing their overly ttering tone, gently took Camille’s hand and gave a soft smile. “That entirely depends on Camille’s answer.”


    The message was unmistakable—ultimately, the choice was Camille’s to make.


    Albin jumped in with a grin, “Exactly. If Camille says no, it only means I need to try harder. But don’t worry; I’ll keep at it until she agrees.”


    A short distance away, Ailyn observed the scene, and her eyes burned with jealousy.


    Why? How could Carrie, a married woman, capture Daxton’s interest? And why did Camille, once an outcast, attract such attention from the heir of the Murray family? It didn’t make sense.


    Meanwhile, here she was, stuck with a repulsive, middle-aged man, forcing herself to endure the disgust she felt every time heid a hand on her.


    Why did life have to be so unfair? She wasn’t as beautiful or charming as Carrie or Camille.


    What was supposed to be a reunion to put those women in their ce had ended up being a stage for them to shine, stealing the spotlight and making her feel even smaller.


    Ailynposed herself, stepping forward with a strained smile stered on her face. Her tone was sweet, but the sharp edge underneath was unmistakable. “Carrie, where’s your husband? Didn’t you say you’d bring him along? So, why did you show up with Daxton instead? Don’t tell me he’s too embarrassed to show his face now that you’re leaning on Daxton to save you.”


    Carrie met Ailyn’s gaze with unruffled calm, her expression as unreadable as a nk page. “He’s still at work,” she replied evenly. “But he’ll be here soon. Running into Daxton was just a coincidence.”


    Her eyes driftedzily across the room, pausing just long enough to make her audience feel scrutinized. A faint, sardonic smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Speaking of partners, your boyfriend isn’t here either, is he? Why’s that? Did his family finally put their foot down?”


    The casual barbnded like a firework in a quiet room. Everyone knew who Ailyn’s boyfriend was—Cory Myers. The Myers family held significant sway in Orkset, and it didn’t take much digging to uncover Cory’s ring truth: he was married. Yet, the business world was a ce where turning a blind eye often served self-interest. Many tolerated Ailyn’s affair, hoping she’d forge a stronger connection to the Norris family. But Carrie’s pointedment cracked that fragile pretense. Those who’d grown weary of Ailyn’s airs couldn’t help but chuckle behind their hands, their amusement poorly disguised.


    Ailyn’s face darkened, her irritation bubbling over. “Compared to your useless husband,” she snapped, “my boyfriend is extremely busy. You wouldn’t understand his kind of workload. You ordinary workers have no clue what it’s like to be in charge. I’m sure you think bosses just sit around all day, don’t you?”


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