?strongChapter 58:/strong

“Carrie, what on earth are you wearing?” she scoffed, scrutinizing Carrie’s attire with disdain. “The Norris family holds a name for elegance, yet here you are, dressed so inly.”

“How is it that living with Kristopher hasn’t refined your tastes even slightly? You still exude that air of amoner.” Kailee’s words dripped with disdain as she scrutinized Carrie’s outfit.

Carrie was dressed simply, in a brown knit sweater from a popr retail brand, paired with beige wide-leg pants that embraced a trendy yet minimalist fashion. Her entire ensemble was modest, especially when contrasted with the opulence of the Norris residence, and priced at less than a thousand dors.

A memory of Kristopher’s earlier advice shed through Carrie’s mind, a premonition of this very moment. As regret began to creep in, Kristopher himself entered the room. “Kailee, show some decency. She’s your cousin-inw,” he interjected with a dismissive air, not even sparing Kailee a nce but turning to address Billie casually. “Mom.”

“Kristopher…” Kailee’s demeanor instantly crumbled into one of rm upon hearing his voice. Of all the family, he was the one she dreaded most.

Undeterred, Kristopher pressed on, his voice tinged with a firmness that resonated in the room. “Did you hear me?” he demanded.

“Yes,” Kailee mumbled, her head bowed in reluctant submission.

It was only then that Kristopher’s tone softened, his gaze shifting to admire Carrie’s poise. He smiled. “It’s only thosecking in self-assurance who hide behind expensive clothes. No matter what Carrie wears, she always looks amazing.”

Cory and Kailee exchanged a look, their faces clearly etched with dissatisfaction. Despite their feelings, they fell into reluctant silence. Any further conversation risked offending Kristopher.

As they halted, Shawn and Mny made their entrance. The couple was impably dressed in matching suits of cloud-white, announcing their arrival with an air of elegance. Carrie instantly recognized the attire as the work of a bespoke tailor from Isonridge, a shop famous for its connection to a royal family’s tailor, making each piece a coveted collector’s item.

Even though Shawn had stepped down from his active duties years ago, his presence stillmanded attention. Cory tensed, acutely aware of Shawn’s apparent disfavor towards him, and tried to make himself less noticeable. Meanwhile, Mny exuded calm and tranquility, a testament to her life devoted to personal growth and peace.

When her eyesnded on Carrie, they softened with concern. “Carrie,e over here, let me see how you’re doing,” she said gently.

Carrie moved toward them, respectfully nodding at Shawn and warmly taking Mny’s hand. “Mny, I’m really okay now,” she assured her. “Shawn, Mny.”

Kailee, trailing behind, threw a discreet nce at Carrie, her lips barely moving as she mouthed, “Suck up.” Carrie noticed but chose to dismiss it. Her bond with Mny was heartfelt, free from any pretense of seeking approval.

Interrupting the moment, Kristopher cut in with an update, aiming to ease their concerns. “Grandma, there’s no need to worry. A top dermatologist from Steu Skua, known for his expertise in scar treatments, will soon be at a conference in Orkset. I’ve arranged for Carrie to meet him for a thorough examination.”

Carrie’s eyshes flickered subtly in response to the news, her face remainingposed as she absorbed the information. Kristopher always provided for her materially without hesitation.

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