?<strong>Chapter 585:</strong>


    Daxton, sensing her difort, offered her a warm smile, his nce toward Mny a silent reassurance. The title wasn’t meant for her—it was simply a formality for the elders. Carrie, unable to reciprocate with “Nephew,” nodded politely instead.


    Mny, now seated, patted Carrie’s hand. “I didn’t want to invite outsiders to today’s family dinner,” she said, her voice light but deliberate. “Among all the Norris rtives and friends, you are closer to Daxton. I thought having him here would keep you from being bored with just us old folks.”


    Daxton stepped forward with an easy grace, his tone gentle as he replied, “Great-grandma, the fault is mine for not visiting you and Great-grandpa sooner. I’ve been back in Orkset for some time, but I should havee earlier.”


    His words were polite, but Carrie understood their subtext. With Kristopher having severed the ties between the two families, Daxton’s visits might have been seen as inappropriate. He ced the gift bags on the coffee table, and Carrie instinctively reached out to help.


    As her fingers brushed against his sleeve, the fabric slipped away before they could make contact.


    It was just like the missed opportunities they had to be together. Daxton lowered his eyes, lost in his thoughts.


    “What’s this?” Carrie asked curiously, ncing at the elegantly wrapped gift box on the table.


    Daxton’s tone was calm and unassuming. “It’s a sleep-aiding incense I brought back from abroad. Its sweet, mellow scent is perfect for helping the elderly rx before bed.”


    The elder members of the Norris family, once powerful figures who hadmanded respect and authority, now often struggled with restless nights. For them, calming incense was more than a luxury—it was a necessity.


    This particr incense was natural and far superior to medicinal alternatives. It smelled wonderful and offered numerous health benefits without any side effects.


    In a family like the Norrises, where luxury wasmonce and material wealth was unimpressive, the most meaningful gifts were those that demonstrated thoughtfulness and care. Mny’s discerning eyes swept over the exquisite packaging.


    She could tell at a nce that the incense was not only rare but incredibly valuable—something money alone couldn’t easily buy. Daxton’s modest exnation, devoid of self-promotion, only deepened Mny’s appreciation for him.


    “You’re very thoughtful,” Mny said warmly, patting Daxton’s hand. She signaled a servant to take the gift box away for safekeeping.


    As the conversation continued, Billie entered the room, her armsden with shopping bags. Her face was lit with a bright smile, but when her gazended on Carrie, seated on the sofa, the smile faltered briefly.


    A flicker of guilt crossed her features before she quicklyposed herself.


    “Take these to my room,” Billie instructed the maid, handing off the bags. Turning to Carrie, she reced her hesitation with an awkward smile. “Oh, Carrie, you’re here.”


    Mny nced at Billie, thenughed, taking Carrie’s hand. “Billie’s been shopping non-stop these past few days,ing home with bags full of things. I don’t know how she finds it so entertaining to shop alone. Carrie, when you have time, you should go with her and pick out whatever you like.”


    Billie, usuallypliant with Mny’s suggestions, offered a strainedugh and politely declined. “Mrs. Quinn and the others have been inviting me out recently. Carrie doesn’t usually enjoy those kinds of social gatherings. Mny, don’t trouble her with it.”


    “If she wants anything, she can just have it delivered to Bayview Vi and charge it to my ount.”


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