?<strong>Chapter 580:</strong>


    Carrie suspected that Ruby’s job loss was tied to her not extending her contract with thepany. Seeing an opportunity, Carrie linked her arm with Ruby’s. “This might be advantageous. I was just about to ask you for a favor but wasn’t sure how to approach you. It seems like fate’s making it easier for us to talk now.”


    Ruby tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face. “Hmm?”


    Carrie took her hand and gently pulled her toward the apartment. “Don’t just stand there in the hallway. Let’s talk inside.”


    Once inside, a sense of calm washed over Carrie. The apartment, modest yet warm, was her sanctuary—the one ce that truly felt like her own. She led Ruby to the sofa and gestured for Camille to join them.


    As they settled in, Carrie took a deep breath and broke the silence. “My family’spany is back under my control,” she began, her voice steady. “The old contracts and coborations have been wrapped up. Now, I’m nning to take it in apletely new direction. I want to start a mediapany.”


    She turned to Ruby, her gaze unwavering. “I need someone I can trust. Someone to help me make this vision a reality. And you won’t just be an employee—I’ll give you equity. You’ll be my partner.”


    Ruby’s previously listless eyes brightened with a spark of excitement. Without hesitation, she grabbed Carrie’s hands tightly. “Deal! I’m done being a worker bee. Time to flip the script and be the boss! Don’t worry—I won’t freeload. I’ve got money, and I’ll invest as a shareholder!”


    Camille leaned in, cing her hand atop theirs with a yful grin. “Count me in! I’ve been thinking about starting something of my own, too. I’m tired of living a life revolving around men and rtionships.”


    The energy in the room shifted, the weight of past struggles lifting as the three womenunched into animated conversation.


    Ideas flowed freely—artist recruitment, marketing strategies, thepany’s vision—each contributing her unique perspective. For the first time in weeks, Carrie felt a glimmer of hope. Talking about the newpany was like opening a window to let in fresh air. It was a ray of light cutting through the darkness, giving her a renewed sense of purpose.


    Hours passed, and Carrie’s body reminded her she was still recovering. She leaned back against the sofa, her exhaustion evident. Ruby noticed and reined in her excitement. “Let’s stop here for tonight. Carrie, are you staying here or heading back?”


    Carrie hesitated before offering a small smile. “I need to take my medication, so I’ll call my driver to pick me up.” She didn’t want to linger. If she stayed too long, there was a chance Kristopher might show up. Thest thing she wanted was for Camille to endure another confrontation with him.


    When Carrie returned to Bayview Vi, the house was eerily quiet. Kristopher still wasn’t home. The maid greeted her cautiously, sensing the tension in her demeanor. “Oliver said there was an urgent matter at the office,” the maid exined hesitantly. “Mr. Norris has been working so hardtely.”


    Carrie let out a sharp, humorlessugh, her expression cold. An urgent matter at the office? She thought bitterly. More like overtime at Lise’s ce. She imagined him already asleep there, wrapped in tenderfort and understanding. It wasn’t hard to see why he might prefer it. At home, all he’d find was her sarcasm and detachment. If she were in his position, she might have made the same choice.


    Once in her bedroom, Carrie sat on the edge of the bed and felt her phone buzz.


    Expecting a message from Camille, she was surprised to see a notification from the private investigator Daxton had introduced to her.


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