Chapter 647:
A private detective crouched in the shadows, lowering his camera as a sly grin tugged at his lips. The intimate photos of Carrie and Arion on the memory card in his hand were worth a fortune—perfect leverage for Aliza.
After the auditions wrapped up for the evening, Camille took the newcomers back to the hotel.
Arion had been called away by the Music Association for an impromptu performance, while Reece, working late as usual, had called Daxton to pick up Carrie.
The Morrison family had taken an instant liking to Daxton and often tried to nudge the two closer together. Daxton decided to take Carrie to a newly opened private restaurant that boasted authentic Orkset cuisine. The owner, a native of Orkset, had already built a reputation for the richness of the flavors.
As they approached the elevator, the clinking of laughter caught Carrie’s attention. A group of young women, their voices high and animated, walked toward them. At the edge of the group was Aliza, her smile faltering the instant she caught sight of Carrie.
Carrie glanced at the group. The women were all strikingly beautiful, clad in luxury from head to toe. From their designer dresses to the limited-edition handbags dangling from their arms.
Aliza, by contrast, seemed like an outsider desperately trying to blend in. Her bag—a basic, entry-level model from a luxury brand—stood out starkly against the exclusivity surrounding her. She trailed at the edge of the group, her posture subtly deferential.
The instant Aliza laid eyes on Carrie, her smile faltered, freezing in place as she came to an abrupt halt.
These girls were all from Isonridge’s elite families. Carrie’s eyes swept over them, her gaze calm and unreadable. Marina Webster, the leader of the group, walked confidently at the front. Marina was the daughter of the head of the Webster family and had recently returned from studying abroad in Izrosa. She was a name whispered often in social circles, rumored to be the most likely candidate for Reece’s hand. Marina had always harbored feelings for Reece.noveldrama
Aliza, on the other hand, had no place among these women. Her tenuous connection to them existed solely because she claimed knowledge of Reece’s girlfriend. She would not dare provoke the Morrison family herself, but she knew others might seize the opportunity, using it as a chance to broaden their connections and climb the social ladder.
Marina stopped abruptly, turning back with a flash of annoyance. “Aliza, why are you lagging behind? If you keep this up, do not bother coming out with us again.”
“Do you know them?” Daxton’s voice was soft but tinged with curiosity as he noticed Carrie’s gaze lingering on the group.
Carrie averted her eyes, her expression composed and calm. “No,” she said evenly. “I do not.”
Daxton studied her for a moment, as if weighing her response, but decided against probing further. Instead, he gestured toward the opposite hallway. “The restaurant is this way.”
As they turned to leave, Aliza hurried to catch up with Marina, her steps quick and eager. Leaning slightly closer to Marina, she whispered, “That is Reece’s girlfriend.”
Marina froze mid-stride, her perfectly manicured brows arching in mild disdain. “Girlfriend?” she echoed. Her gaze swept over Carrie’s retreating figure with calculated coolness. A faint smirk played at the corner of her lips as she called out, her tone commanding, “Hey, you there—stop.”
Carrie paid no attention to the commotion behind her and continued walking, her pace steady and unbothered.
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