?<strong>Chapter 507:</strong>


    Kristopher, who had just stepped away from a phone call, walked into the room and ced a hand on Carrie’s shoulder.


    His touch was casual, but the pride in his expression was unmistakable. “Of course,” he said with a grin. “This project’s sess is thanks to my wife.” His voice carried a teasing note as he turned to the group. “When the bonuses roll in, don’t forget who deserves a share.”


    The executives nodded eagerly, their respect genuine. “Of course, Mrs. Norris! Just name it, and it’s yours.”


    Carrie smiled, her cheeks flushing faintly under their praise. She gave Kristopher a yful nudge, her tone self-deprecating. “It wasn’t all me. Timing yed a big role. If the film had been shot a year earlier orter, it wouldn’t have coincided so perfectly with the government’s ns.”


    “That may be true,” one executive replied, his tone light. “But luck favors the talented.” He paused, then added with a flourish, “With your intelligence, poise, and charm, Mrs. Norris, you’re like a queen from the old legends—destined to bring prosperity wherever you go.”


    Carrie stifled augh, lowering her gaze to hide her amusement. Their words were over-the-top, like something pulled straight from a melodrama, but she had to admit—they were skilled at ttery.


    Nearby, Billie watched the scene with quiet satisfaction. Her daughter-inw hade a long way, earning respect in ways Billie hadn’t anticipated. “Dinner is ready,” she said warmly, stepping into the room. “Let’s all sit down and eat.”


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    Billie was d to see Carrie help Kristopher excel in his work. Her biggest concern had always been that Carrie’s family background didn’t match the Norris family, making her seem like nothing more than a decorative wife. But Carrie had proven that even without her family’s support, she could still be an invaluable partner to Kristopher.


    As the group moved toward the dining room, Kristopher’s grandmother, who had been watching from the sidelines, spoke up with a chuckle. “Our Carrie really was a hidden gem, wasn’t she? It’s wonderful to see her finally shine.”


    The executives, perhaps remembering their earlier indifference, nced at one another, guilt flickering briefly in their eyes. One of them cleared his throat and spoke earnestly. “It’s not that Mrs.


    “Norris was overlooked. It’s just that we were too blind to see her brilliance.”


    “Exactly!” another said, seizing the opportunity to redeem himself. He turned to Kristopher, his tone half-joking. “Mr. Norris, you have an exceptional eye—not just for projects, but for partners. While the rest of us were clueless, you’d already secured the most invaluable asset. Honestly, if we were yourpetitors, we’d be doomed.”


    Billie quietly observed their conversation before suddenly reaching for the serving fork and spoon, cing some food on Carrie’s te. “You should eat more. You’ve gotten so thin. I may not fully understand the nature of your work, you’re surrounded by the best of the business world, and they all acknowledge your efforts. Of course, I’m proud of you too. But as a member of the Norris family, your main duty is to have a child.” Mny quickly backed up Billie, adding, “Don’t misunderstand her—it’s not meant to pressure you. You’re still young, and your body will recover just fine. When Billie had her kids…” Before she could finish, a noticeable shift swept through the room. While a few of the executives maintained neutral expressions, most of the family members’ faces showed obvious rm. Billie, caught off guard, even dropped her spoon in surprise. Deep in thought, Carrie’s hand drifted instinctively to her lower abdomen. Ever since taking the pregnancy test, she often felt as if she could sense the baby’s heartbeat. Of course, she knew it was likely just her mind ying tricks on her. After all, herte-night inte searches told her that a fetal heartbeat wouldn’t appear until six weeks at the earliest. Still, the bond between a mother and her unborn child was something beyond the reach of medical exnations. She opened her mouth to say something. “I…” But Mny swiftly steered the conversation away. “Here, try this. It’s organic chicken from our housekeeper’s family farm.” The executives, assuming Carrie was too young to think about children, jumped in to ease the tension. “Mrs. durante 13 segundos


    Billie quietly observed their conversation before suddenly picking up the serving fork and spoon and cing some food on Carrie’s te. “You should eat more. You’ve gotten so thin. I may not fully understand the nature of your world—you’re surrounded by the best in the business world, and they all acknowledge your efforts. Of course, I’m proud of you too. But as a member of the Norris family, your main duty is to have a child.”


    Mny quickly backed Billie up, adding, “Don’t misunderstand her—it’s not meant to pressure you. You’re still young, and your body will recover just fine. When Billie had her kids…”


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