?<strong>Chapter 522:</strong>


    Carrie’s cheeks flushed as she pushed against his chest, slipping out of his arms. “Billie’s waiting for me.”


    “I have to go,” she said hurriedly.


    Smoothing her hair, she nced nervously at the lounge door. Although she knew the office was soundproof, the thought of Oliver unexpectedly walking in made her uneasy. Grabbing her phone, she quickly dialed Oliver’s number.


    “Oliver, can you drive me to the Norris Mansion?” she asked.


    Oliver answered promptly, “Of course, Mrs. Norris.” Momentster, the door to the adjacent lounge opened, and Oliver stepped out. Kristopher’s gaze darkened as he adjusted his shirt and unbuttoned his cor. His voice was icy. “Oliver, where did you disappear to? Growingzier by the day, are we?”


    Oliver hesitated, unsure of Kristopher’s mood but quick to respond. “I was just sending some emails, Mr. Norris.” It wasn’t aplete lie—he had been replying to work messages while giving the couple some privacy.


    Kristopher tugged at his cor, keeping a straight face. In a bid to escape the situation, Oliver quickly added, “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take Mrs. Norris to the Norris Mansion.”


    Kristopher’s lips thinned, but he didn’t argue. “Hmm,” was all he said. However, his sharp gaze lingered on Carrie, making her squirm.


    Relieved to escape the suffocating atmosphere, Carrie hurried out of the office and stepped into the elevator.


    At the Norris Mansion, the poker game was already underway by the time Carrie arrived. A maid had temporarily filled in for the missing yer. The two other women in the room were Mrs. Quinn, whom Carrie remembered as the one who had brought her health supplements during a previous visit, and Mrs. Diaz, a regr guest in Billie’s social circle.


    Diaz often yed poker with Billie, and while Carrie recognized her, she didn’t know much about her or her background. Previously, when Kristopher had kept Carrie at arm’s length and Billie hadn’t warmed up to her, the women in this social circle had barely acknowledged her presence. Today, however, was different.


    As soon as Carrie entered the room, even before she could greet them, Mrs. Quinn looked up and eximed with a warm smile, “Carrie! Last time I came by with some health supplements, you left in such a hurry I barely got to see you. But today, you look radiant—more beautiful than when you first got married!” She leaned closer, studying Carrie as if trying to solve a delightful mystery. “No wonder they say fame adds a glow. I didn’t believe it before, but seeing you, I’m tempted to try my luck in the entertainment circle myself!”


    Mrs. Diazughed, her tone teasing. “At your age, trying to step into the entertainment circle? Be careful you don’t throw your back out dancing and end up bedridden for half a month.”


    Mrs. Quinn yfully pped Mrs. Diaz’s arm, and the two women chuckled. Carrie smiled politely, walking further into the room. “Billie, Mrs. Quinn, Mrs. Diaz,” she greeted.


    Mrs. Quinn’s eyes sparkled with curiosity as she gave Carrie another thorough once-over. Then, turning to Billie, she said with feigned nonchnce, “Billie, don’t you think Carrie looks like she’s gained a bit of weight? Could it be… she’s pregnant?”


    Hearing Mrs. Quinn’s words, Billie nced at Carrie, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes. “It’s been a while since you saw her, so you might remember it wrong. She’s always as thin as a rail. I don’t think she’s put on a single pound.”


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