?strongChapter 118:/strong

Unwilling to cater to his whims, Carrie tossed the bottle of mineral water his way before indulging in the c herself.

As she took a leisurely sip, she stated with a sly grin, “This drink is hardly worthy of someone with such refined tastes as you, Mr. Norris.”

Kristopher’s witty retorts deserted him, a sh of embarrassment crossing his features as he remembered his own snidements about Stewart’s choice of drink. The corners of Carrie’s mouth twitched upwards, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she delighted in his difort.

Suddenly, the room’s atmosphere was ripped apart by the roar of thunder, a brilliant streak of lightning illuminating the darkening sky, followed by a torrential downpour. Startled, Carrie’s focus momentarily shifted away from their banter, apse Kristopher exploited to snatch the c from her grip. He noticed a faint lip print where her mouth had touched the can. As he sipped from the same spot, memories of her soft lips lingered unexpectedly.

When Carrie collected herself, she found Kristopher smirking, the c can nearly empty as he unted it, saying, “Sometimes, trying something new isn’t such a bad idea.”

“Childish,” she retorted dismissively, rolling her eyes. Pulling out her phone, she decided it was time for him to leave. “I’m calling Oliver to take you home.”

His expression soured as she dialed, her voice brisk in the damp air. “It’s pouring outside. Can youe and pick up your boss?”

On the other end, Oliver’s response was unexpectedly nomittal. “I apologize, Mrs. Norris, but I’m tied up right now.” Carrie was standing close by, so Kristopher caught Oliver’s reply. He shifted, sinking further into the sofa, his c in hand, sipping with a rxed air.

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Carrie threw a nce toward Kristopher, her skepticism evident. She couldn’t drop the matter, insisting, “Isn’t there a driver or perhaps an assistant who could fetch him?”

Oliver responded with measured respect, “Every car’s under maintenance, and everyone’s gone for the day.” The coincidence struck Carrie as imusible. Yet, she realized she had never kept tabs on the vehicle maintenance schedules and thuscked the evidence to challenge his im.

Retreating toward the bathroom, she lowered her tone, her words meant solely for Oliver. “If this is your attempt to set us up, it’s pointless. His presence will only stir up further disputes.”

Oliver’s voice held a steady calmness. “Mrs. Norris, you might be reading too much into this. I really am tied up. Could you possibly have him wait a little longer? I’ll be there as soon as I finish up.”

Carrie, unable to mask her irritation, retorted sharply, “Oliver, the audacity to make your boss wait is quite bold.” With a scoff, she ended the call.

Returning to where Kristopher lounged, her expression nk, she dered, “I’m weary of this charade. Remember, this apartment is leased. I can leave whenever I choose.”

Kristopher eyed her with an unexpected look of surprise. “You really think I’d waste my time following you?” he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.

Carrie was taken aback by his response. She paused, scrutinizing him carefully, yet his expression remained genuinely baffled. Hesitantly, she ventured, “So, you’re saying this is just a coincidence?”

He shifted in his seat, his tone gentle. “Actually, I’m here assisting Albin’s cousin in her search for an apartment. She’s studying at the international school just down the road.”

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