Chapter 674:
Kristopher’s voice was hoarse as he replied, “I didn’t protect her. I’ll give you an explanation.”
Carrie’s bitter smile didn’t reach her eyes. “An explanation? What does that even mean? Sending her abroad to live in comfort as a privileged heiress? That’s hardly punishment.”
Disappointment flickered in her gaze as she took a step back. “Kristopher, when you agreed to the divorce, I thought you’d finally made a decision. I thought you’d chosen something.” Her words came sharp and final. “But you’re still the same. You want everything at once.”
Kristopher’s lips parted, but before he could respond, Carrie cut him off with a cold, clear voice. “And one more thing— I know Marina’s little stunt today was orchestrated by Aliza. I don’t have evidence yet, but that won’t stop me from dealing with her. I won’t let another Lise take root.”
With that, she turned sharply on her heel, her steps purposeful as she headed toward Reece. Her icy demeanor softened as she neared her cousin, a genuine smile lighting up her face.
For the first time in a long time, Carrie felt like she had solid ground beneath her feet.
Kristopher’s expression darkened. Seeing Oliver approach, he said coldly, “Look into any recent interactions between Carrie and Aliza.”
Oliver hesitated, lowering his voice. “Mr. Norris, Bernie isn’t a major player, but the Herrera family backs him. Investigating too openly will alert them.”
Kristopher’s tone turned dismissive, his voice edged with annoyance. “What’s the Herrera family to me?”
He sat down heavily in the spot Carrie had just vacated. The sofa still radiated her warmth, and her faint scent lingered in the air, teasing his senses. His mind drifted unbidden to the memory of her in the bathrobe earlier. Now, the image replayed in vivid detail: the curve of her chest, the elegant line of her legs, the faint flush across her cheeks.
In the chaos of saving her, he hadn’t paid attention to the way the fabric had slipped, revealing glimpses of her smooth skin. It had been a long time since they’d been this close.
He missed her, he admitted to himself. Not just her presence, not just the sound of her voice. His body missed her too.
Oliver leaned closer, his voice patient as he spoke to Kristopher. “It’s not that we’re afraid of the Herrera family, but your ultimate business plan isn’t finalized yet. If something as minor as this alerts them to your movements and makes them cautious, wouldn’t that be a loss?”
Both the people from Orkset and those from Isonridge had underestimated Kristopher’s capabilities.
As Kristopher’s closest confidant, Oliver had witnessed his relentlessness firsthand. From orchestrating strategies for a small county to shaping the economy of an entire nation, Kristopher’s rise had been nothing short of extraordinary.
Every step forward had been hard-earned, a testament to his resilience.
“Anything concerning her is never trivial.” Kristopher’s voice was low but firm, carrying a weight that left no room for argument. He reached for the glass Carrie had used, his eyes fixed on the faint lip print she had left on the rim.
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