?<strong>Chapter 893:</strong>


    It was Daxton’s car.


    The surprise in her eyes was obvious.


    Despite being part of the Norris family, Daxton had never livedvishly. Unlike Kristopher, he had never unted his wealth. His lifestyle had always been that of a man from an ordinary, middle-ss background. Seeing the surprised look on her face, Daxton chuckled. “Are you surprised that I’d have a car like this?” His tone was light, unbothered. He patiently exined, “Recently, I’ve been working on several overseas deals. The partners are either foreign consortiums or major business tycoons. I needed something that would leave a good impression.”


    Carrie nodded in understanding. It made sense.


    In the business world, appearances mattered. Even socialites and wealthy women often splurged on expensive bags and jewelry just to maintain their ce in elite circles.


    Recalling Daxton’s recent disappearances, she now understood the reason—he had been focused on business.


    Just as they neared the car, the door swung open. A woman stepped out. She removed her sunsses slowly, her gaze settling on Daxton and Carrie with quiet scrutiny.


    She was young-looking, barely in her early thirties, yet her demeanor and the air of authority around her suggested she was older. Elegant. Poised. Commanding.


    Daxton’s voice broke through the momentary silence. “This is my mother,” he introduced simply. Then, turning to the woman, he said, “Mom, Carrie isn’t feeling well. Can you move to the back seat?”


    “Carrie?” M asked softly, as though lost in thought.


    Daxton furrowed his brows slightly. “Yes. This is my girlfriend, Carrie—the one I’ve told you about.”


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    The woman—M—looked Carrie up and down again. Then, without another word, she silently stepped aside and moved into the back seat. Daxton gently ced Carrie in the passenger seat, grabbed a bottle of water from beside her, opened it, and handed it to her. “Drink some water.”


    M’s voice cut through the air before Carrie could even take a sip. “What’s wrong with you?”


    Her tone wasn’t warm. Nor was it particrly harsh. It was coldly indifferent—not a question born out of concern, but one meant to assess.


    Carrie took a slow sip of water, feeling the cool liquid ease the tightness in her chest. She exhaled quietly before turning to M with polite detachment. “Mrs. Garcia, I’m fine. I just had a bit of heatstroke.” Then, shifting her gaze to Daxton, she added, “Just take me back to the apartment.”


    Daxton frowned slightly. “Are you sure? I can call the Morrison family’s private doctor to check on you.”


    Carrie shook her head. “No need. I just had a physical examination recently—everything was normal. Besides, there’s been a lot happeningtely, and I don’t want to add to my family’s worries.”


    As she spoke, her thoughts drifted back to Alethea. If her family learned about the conflict between her and Alethea, they wouldn’t just let it slide. The Hinks family would be questioned, tensions would rise, and inevitably—trouble would follow.


    But Alethea… No matter how arrogant or domineering she acted in public, at home, she was still an adopted daughter. She had to at least pretend to be obedient and well-mannered.


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