?<strong>Chapter 769:</strong>


    Kendall had just left, and Carrie and Arion were still in the room when a figure appeared at the doorway, blocking their path.


    “You’re here!” The voice was warm, tinged with relief.


    “I was about to leave. I went to the performance hall to find you, but when I couldn’t, I was nning to take the back way out to catch up.”


    Kyson stood before them, dressed in workout clothes, his presence carrying a faint scent of freshundry detergent. It wasn’t cologne—just the crisp, clean fragrance of fabric softened by the wind.


    Beads of sweat dotted his forehead, catching the light and making him seem even more youthful and full of energy.


    Arion strode forward and pped him on the shoulder.


    “Kyson, what are you doing here?”


    Kyson’s eyes flickered to Carrie, his expression softening.


    “I heard Carrie was at the Music Association. Since I had business here, I thought I’d stop by and see if you needed any help.”


    The mere mention of Carrie erased the tension left by Kristopher’s earlier presence. Arion, now filled with pride, straightened his posture.


    “Everything went smoothly. Kendall has agreed to mentor Carrie himself.”


    He cast a sidelong nce at Kristopher and the women beside him.


    The brightness in his smile dimmed slightly. Lowering his voice, he added,


    “Let’s talk about this at home. We’ll have a celebratory meal first, then n a formal banquet.”


    Kyson followed Arion’s gaze. His eyes met Kristopher’s, and something unspoken crackled in the air between them.


    Kristopher, listening from nearby, understood instantly. Kyson was here for Carrie. And the sharp, wary glint in Kyson’s eyes?


    That was jealousy.


    Another fool.


    Kristopher exhaled lightly, unimpressed. Without another nce, he pushed himself up from his seat and addressed the three women with him.


    “Let’s go.”


    As he moved toward the door, he found Carrie standing in his way.


    Aliza, noticing his focus linger on Carrie, stiffened. A pang of unease struck her, but she quickly masked it. Stepping in front of Kristopher, she forced a smile and said,


    “Ms. Campbell, could you please move?”


    Carrie’s lips curled into a faint, knowing smile. Her gaze flitted to the second door beside them before settling back on Aliza.


    .


    .


    .