?<strong>Chapter 586:</strong>


    Daxton, ever polite, turned toward Billie. “Mrs. Norris,” he greeted formally.


    Though they were technically rtives, Daxton always addressed Billie with formality.


    As a child, he had once called her by her name, only to be met with a stern re. From then on, he had been perceptive enough to stick with “Mrs. Norris.”


    Billie, preupied with maintaining appearances, barely spared Daxton a nce.


    She had always treated Roberto’s side of the family with a distant, almost indifferent attitude.


    She gave him a faint nod of acknowledgment before turning her focus back to Carrie. Daxton’s gaze lingered on her briefly before he lowered his eyes to conceal his thoughts.


    His informants had already reported Billie’s frequent meetings with Lise, portraying an affectionate mother-daughter bond. Eager to deflect attention from herself, Billie sat beside Carrie and asked casually, “Didn’t Kristophere with you today?” A flicker of sadness crossed Carrie’s eyes, though she quickly masked it with a faint smile. “Kristopher’s on a business trip abroad. He hasn’t returned yet.”


    Billie, oblivious to the recent strain in Carrie and Kristopher’s rtionship, nodded absentmindedly.


    Mny, however, was somewhat aware of the growing tension and had invited Daxton to help liven the atmosphere.


    Mny interjected smoothly to change the subject. “Alright, let’s not talk about him. There are so many dishes today that Carrie loves. Kristopher is the one missing out.”


    Relieved that Mny hadn’t insisted on Carrie apanying her shopping, Billie rxed, though she remained oblivious to the underlying tension in the room.


    In the living room, the group maintained an air of cordiality, their interactions polite and harmonious on the surface. But beneath the facade, each person harbored their own thoughts and concerns.


    Only Daxton sat quietly, his sharp eyes observing everything. He alone understood that this calm was merely a deceptive pause—the forewarning of a brewing storm that would soon engulf them all.


    The meal was ready soon enough, and it was clear the dishes had been carefully chosen to please Carrie. Every te reflected her favorite vors.


    Even Shawn and Mny, who typically preferred lighter fare, found themselves eating more spicy food than usual.


    Carrie set her fork down and stood, gently moving the few lighter dishes closer to the elderly couple. “Shawn, Mny, you don’t usually eat spicy food. Eating too much at once might upset your stomach.”


    Mny smiled warmly, her tone affectionate. “You always look out for us. I haven’t been feeling welltely, and nothing has tasted quite right. I thought I’d try something more vorful.”


    Before Carrie could return to her seat, her phone began to ring.


    She nced at the screen—it was the private detective.


    She hesitated for a moment before declining the call.


    Across the table, Daxton’s eyes flickered toward her. He pretended not to notice and helped himself to another piece of braised beef brisket.


    The stewed beef brisket was infused with spicy vors, making it incredibly delicious.


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