?<strong>Chapter 606:</strong>


    Mny’s eyes shimmered with tears, her voice thick with emotion. “It is our family’s misfortune that we failed you, that we couldn’t keep you or the baby. If you ever face hardship, Carrie,e to us. We will always support you.”


    This quiet exchange carried an unspoken agreement—the elderly couple had tacitly epted the inevitable end of Carrie and Kristopher’s marriage. It was a union that had borne too much pain and loss, a bond that could not survive without leading to more heartbreak.


    When it came time to honor Gracie, the Norris family spared no effort. The funeral was grand yet dignified, attended by wealthy and influential guests who offered flowers and paid their respects. Even Kristopher had used his connections to locate and invite old neighbors from Gracie’s hometown, ensuring the ceremony reflected her legacy.


    Gracie’s grave had been prepared long ago, right beside her husband’s. Few noticed his grave—except for Daxton. His eyes narrowed as he caught sight of the small photo etched onto the tombstone. Francis Moran?


    Recognition struck him like a thunderbolt. The man in the photo was not just anyone. It was Josh—the elusive piano prodigy from the Morrison family, the one Daxton had spent years searching for. A chill ran down his spine. He thought, “No wonder I found no trace of him in Foxfire. A dead man cannot leave tracks.”


    Daxton crouched subtly, rearranging the flowers he had ced to conceal the name and photo on the tombstone. “If Mny recognizes this…” he thought grimly. Mny had met Josh before, and if the Norris family discovered Carrie’s Morrison lineage, the divorce might never go through.


    As the crowd began to disperse, Kristopher approached Carrie, his expression a mix of hesitation and determination. Gently, he ced a hand on her shoulder.


    M??? ?ρ?α??? ?? ?α??σν???.?σ?


    She stepped back before he could finish, her gaze cold but steady. “Let us end this here,” she said quietly. “I will not return to Bayview Vi. Arrange a time for the divorce decree, and have yourwyer contact mine for the property settlement.”


    Her tone was calm, devoid of anger, but it cut deeper than any shout or usation.


    Before Kristopher could respond, Daxton stepped forward, his voice light yet tinged with genuine concern. “Carrie, let me take you back.”


    Carrie offered him a polite smile, shaking her head. “Thank you, Daxton, but I am fine. I’m going back to Ripples Complex. Camille is staying there now, and we will head back together.”


    Hearing her mention Camille, Albin pushed his way through the thinning crowd, his awkward smile not quite masking his unease. “I can give you two a ride,” he offered eagerly.


    Camille shot him a withering nce, her tone ice-cold. “No, thank you. I brought a driver today.”


    Without waiting for a reply, she looped her arm through Carrie’s and led her toward the car. Neither woman looked back.


    Left behind, Kristopher, Daxton, and Albin stood in a tense silence, the air between them crackling with unspoken hostility. Kristopher’s gaze sharpened as he turned to Daxton, his tone a low warning. “Even if we are divorced, Carrie is not someone you should pursue.”


    Daxton smirked faintly, his voice smooth as silk. “Worry about yourself, Kristopher. Lise caused Gracie’s death. Do you think Carrie will let that slide?”


    Kristopher’s jaw tightened, and before he could think, his fist was already rising.


    .


    .


    .