?strongChapter 91:/strong

Carrie stepped forward, her movement fluid and graceful. She extended her hand. “Carrie Campbell. It’s an honor to meet you, Mr. Bowman.”

Clifton’s handshake was brief but warm. He smiled at Soren, remarking, “No wonder you decided to attend. Supporting such a charmingdy is certainlypelling. Though one typically keeps such beauty discretely hidden, not disyed.” He clearly misconstrued Carrie as Soren’s lover.

Carrie remained unperturbed. She understood the subtleties of business interactions—Clifton was merely probing, assessing whether Soren was manipting investments for personal interests.

Soren recognized the underlying message instantly. “Mr. Bowman, let’s not jump to conclusions.”

“Carrie and I share a purely professional rtionship. Having secured your investment, we select roles with utmost care. Though she’s new to the industry, I’m confident her performance will exceed expectations.”

His professional interest in Carrie was genuine. Tonight’s attendance wasn’t solely about introducing her but also navigating theplex industryndscape, with the intricate dynamics in his family and thepetitive undercurrents in the industry.

Clifton’s smile remained enigmatic. “I eagerly await the surprise you’ll deliver.”

As their conversation concluded, the surrounding atmosphere shifted. Networkers surrounded Soren, while several young men—now aware Carrie wasn’t romantically linked to him—began making bold approaches.

In a shadowed corner, Lise watched the unfolding scene, her eyes burning with a mixture of resentment and excluded frustration.

Every chapter lives on g a lno vels ;m

Lise glided into the event, her light-green long dress cascading elegantly, the diamond ne from Kristopher catching the light. She had dressed to make a statement, hoping tomand attention among the elite.

Yet, in this gathering of wealthy socialites, her carefully crafted image seemed to dissolve. The high society crowd regarded her with a detached indifference that cut deeper than outright dismissal. Despite her rising stardom, she remained an outsider—the women casting subtle, judgmental nces, the men maintaining a calcted distance out of respect for Kristopher.

Only a few aspiring actors and actresses, desperate towork, acknowledged her presence. The rest of the room seemed to look through her as if she were invisible.

Unconsciously, Lise’s fingers tightened around her wine ss, her grip reflecting her growing frustration. She couldn’t help but contrast her situation with Carrie’s.

When Carrie had married Kristopher, even though many had initially overlooked her, the prestigious families had eventually extended a grudging respect. Now, about to be divorced and stripped of the Norris name, Carrie was just another unknown in the entertainment world.

Somehow, she had still managed to capture Soren’s attention with her effortless charm. Lise had worked tirelessly, even stumbling into rare opportunities, yet she could never achieve the ease with which Carrie seemed to navigate these social minefields. The unfairness burned within her.

Scanning the room, she spotted Billie and Kailee’s arrival. Billie had always been critical of women around Kristopher who didn’t meet her strict social standards.

Lise knew better than to directly challenge her, but an opportunity for subtle maniption presented itself. After a brief hesitation, she glided toward Kailee, making her move as seamlessly as a chess yer advancing a pawn.

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