My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 94:

She turned to Billie, her lips pursed in a dramatic pout. “Auntie, look at how she’s behaving!”

Billie, who had maintained a stoic silence until now, finally spoke. Her stern voice cut through the tension. “You might claim it’s none of my business, but it is certainly mine.”

Billie’s blatant favoritism toward Kailee bordered on the absurd. Her bias was so transparent it was almost comical. Carrie had long suspected Billie was the type who blindly prioritized family loyalty above all else. Yet, as time passed, she realized the dynamics were far more complex. Even Cory seemed desperate to marry his daughter into some powerful family and benefit from it. So that was just family tradition.

Carrie parted her lips but remained silent. Instead, she lowered her head, embodying demure submission.

Billie’s reprimand was sharp and calculated. “You’re bringing embarrassment to our family. I don’t care about your private conduct, but here, in public, as a Norris family member, you must maintain our reputation. You represent our image and must be cautious. This isn’t a casual ladies’ luncheon. It’s inappropriate to be seen with a stranger, let alone follow him here. Now, come with me.”

“I’m sorry,” Carrie apologized, her tone respectful and seemingly obedient as if nothing had fundamentally changed.

For a fleeting moment, Billie’s icy demeanor seemed to thaw, but Carrie’s next words swiftly refroze it.

Carrie gripped the fabric of her dress, her voice a hushed whisper of determination. “But I can’t leave. My boss is still here, and it would be inappropriate to abandon him midway through the event. As a newcomer, I can’t risk damaging the Norris family’s reputation by acting irresponsibly.”

Billie’s gaze locked onto Carrie, a cold understanding dawning in her eyes. She let out a sardonic laugh. “Now I see your true self. I wish Shawn and Melany could witness this facade you’ve so carefully constructed.”

gⱯlnσν𝓮𝓁s․𝒸оm hosts thrilling adventures

Kailee chimed in with gleeful malice, “Look at you, Carrie. You’re practically rebelling against Aunt Billie now!”

Lise, the architect of this discord, wore a faint smile of triumph. Having stirred the pot to her satisfaction, she decided against fanning the flames further. Glancing at her phone, she spoke with calculated politeness. “Mrs. Norris, Kailee, Ms. Campbell, I’ve got some matters to attend to. I’ll leave you to enjoy yourselves.”

“Billie, I’ve been away too long. My boss might come looking for me,” Carrie interjected hastily, crafting an excuse to escape the brewing storm. “I’d better head back.”

Billie’s eyes burned holes into Carrie’s retreating figure, anger radiating from her like heat off asphalt on a summer’s day. Seeking privacy, she pulled out her phone and dialed Kristopher. “Did you know Carrie attended the Bowman Group’s party?” she demanded.

Kristopher’s response was matter-of-fact. “Yes, I gave her the invitation. She’s been emotionally fragile since the fire.”

“I thought the Peninsula Hotel’s desserts might lift her spirits,” Kristopher said, though his words barely registered over Billie’s frustration.

“I’ve heard rumors of her involvement with a rich playboy from the Rodgers family. You should control her better before anyone discovers she’s your wife. She’s barely been part of the family, and already she’s compromising our image.”

Billie had long tolerated Carrie’s humble background, hoping for an eventual pregnancy. But Carrie’s apparent attempts to leverage her status as Mrs. Norris, along with the absence of any grandchild, were wearing thin her patience.

.

.

.noveldrama