My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage - Chapter 165

Chapter 165:

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Doubt nagged at her as she scanned the area again. Only a solitary surveillance camera loomed at the alley’s entrance, its lens a silent guardian over the snaking, shadow-filled lanes that offered perfect hiding spots.

“What’s troubling you? You seem off today. Why not take a day off? I don’t mind pulling a double shift tonight to ensure we stay on schedule.” Asher proposed, his voice laced with worry as he caught sight of her pale complexion.

Carrie perched tensely beside him, her voice barely above a breath. “It’s nothing serious. I just had this unsettling feeling of being observed.”

Leaning forward, Asher peered out into the fading light and remarked, “I see no one. Perhaps it was merely the gaze of a curious villager.”

Reassured, he settled back, gently squeezing her shoulder. “Relax. We’re under the government’s roof here. Neither obsessive fans nor relentless paparazzi would dare disrupt our peace.”

Carrie hummed a soft acknowledgment, her mind racing. If Oliver had confirmed that those notorious men were securely detained without bail, who could be lingering? Could it be Nate? His image briefly haunted her thoughts, yet she dismissed it as quickly as it came.

After all, her filming schedule was no secret; Nate had every opportunity to visit openly, without resorting to these shadowy tactics. Despite her reasoning, a persistent unease clung to her, unsettling her further.

Carrie spent a tense week waiting for the filming in Foxfire County to conclude. Only when the project wrapped up did she feel a sense of relief. Time moved swiftly, and soon, the day of Melany’s birthday banquet arrived. Unlike previous years, the celebration wasn’t hosted at a lavish hotel. Instead, it took place at the Norris Mansion under the guise of simplicity, though the true intent was clear: to create opportunities for Kristopher and Carrie to grow closer.

As the family’s daughter-in-law, Billie took charge of the arrangements. She personally managed every detail, from venue decorations to guest lists, program schedules, and catering. The effort required was monumental, but Billie embraced it with enthusiasm. For her, this was more than just a family celebration; it was an opportunity to showcase her abilities, solidify her standing among the Norris family elders, and establish her reputation within elite circles.

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By evening, guests began arriving. Billie greeted them warmly, directing early arrivals to the garden, where she served them tea as they mingled amidst the breathtaking floral display. Hundreds of pots of exotic and rare orchids, specially imported for the occasion, adorned the lawn. While the compliments for her efforts flowed freely, Melany pulled Billie aside with a concerned look.

“Where’s Kristopher?”

Billie, basking in the praise, waved off the question lightly. “He’s probably at the office. Don’t worry; he’ll be here in time for your birthday.”

Melany’s expression soured. “Why is he still at the office? I told him days ago to bring Carrie along.”

Billie stiffened, her earlier pride giving way to irritation. Despite her hard work, Melany’s first concern was Carrie.

Annoyed, Billie replied, “They’re signing a major contract with a European company today. Isn’t a hundred-million-dollar project more important than Carrie?” Since the last family gathering, Billie had been waiting for the right moment to discuss Carrie’s divorce from Kristopher. To her, Carrie was a constant thorn in her side—a poor fit for the Norris family—and she longed to see her replaced with someone “more suitable.”

Melany, unwilling to argue further, sighed and waved dismissively. “Fine. You continue hosting the guests. I’ll call Kristopher myself.”

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