?strongChapter 93:/strong

Unexpectedly, she spotted Lise conversing with Kristopher’s mother and cousin. Carrie initially nned to slip by unnoticed, but something caught her attention. She found herself inadvertently listening as their conversation turned to discuss her.

Lise introducing her to potential connections? And a screenwriter who rivals Katrina in reputation, no less? That was hrious.

cing down the te she had just lifted, Carrie approached Billie with measured respect. “Billie,” she greeted.

Billie responded curtly, “Carrie.”

Social decorum was Billie’s paramount concern. Despite harboring numerous grievances against Carrie, she remained determined to maintain aposed facade and avoid bing the center of gossip.

Kailee stood nearby, her gaze radiating such intense jealousy it seemed almost tangible. Her eyes swept over Carrie with a mixture of resentment and reluctant admiration. How could this woman appear so effortlessly elegant? Even a garish color seemed to drape her with grace. How could a family that had recently risen from obscurity produce such refined beauty?

Carrie locked eyes with Lise, her voice crisp and direct. “Ms. Nash, there’s no need to involve yourself in my affairs. If you possess such valuable resources, I suggest you keep them for yourself instead of attempting to interfere.”

Despite being looked down upon, Carrie had no intention of revealing her identity as Katrina, which remained her most closely guarded lifeline.

Kailee, nursing a grudge about the invitation, couldn’t resist interjecting, “You’re ying so high and mighty, iming you want no resources? Then why are you even here?”

Lise, with exaggerated enthusiasm, jumped in. “This screenwriter is quite renowned, having written several hit scripts, potentially rivaling Katrina’s work. If you’re uncertain, I can provide her contact information for a direct connection.”

In reality, screenwriters of Katrina’s caliber were extremely rare in the entertainment industry. Lise’s im was transparently fabricated; even if she sought out one of those screenwriters herself, securing an audience would be nearly impossible.

Carrie responded with a calm smile. “I’m quite satisfied with my current show’s screenwriter.”

“Wow, I didn’t realize you were so loyal to your current screenwriter,” Lise said, her surprise seemingly genuine but her tone carefully calcted. A mischievous glint sparked in her eyes as she continued, “If I’m not mistaken, wasn’t Soren Rodgers also a screenwriter? Though his works have never quite hit the mark. I suppose you’re working with one of his scripts this time. Given your close rtionship, it makes sense you’d want to support him. My apologies for being presumptuous.”

Carrie instantly recognized Lise’s true intention: to subtly undermine her reputation by insinuating an inappropriate rtionship with Soren.

“What? You’re associating with another man? Carrie, you’re already married!” Kailee’s voice dropped to a harsh whisper, her expression contorting with exaggerated shock. She darted furtive nces around the room, clearly desperate to avoid drawing public attention to Carrie’s marital status.

Carrie’s face darkened. “My personal affairs are none of your concern,” she responded coldly, herposure unwavering. She recognized Kailee as nothing more than a pawn in arger strategic game, too naive to understand the maniptions unfolding around her.

“You!” Kailee huffed, stomping her foot in frustration.

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