Chapter 649:
Daxton, meanwhile, stayed rooted in place, stepping forward only to block Marinaâs path with an arm outstretched. âMiss, I suggest you show some respect.â
Marinaâs indignation flared as she snapped, âDo you even know who I am? How dare youââ Her words died on her lips as her eyes finally took in Daxtonâs face.
Recognition struck her like a blow. Her complexion turned ashen, and she took an involuntary step back. Memories she had buried clawed their way to the surface: Daxton, abroad, severing a gang leaderâs head in the middle of the street. The blood had sprayed across the white snow, steaming in the cold. That grotesque image had haunted her dreams for months.
âWhy⦠why is itâ¦â she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
Daxton offered her a polite, almost gentle smile. âDo we know each other, Miss?â
âNo,â she blurted, shaking her head fervently. âNo, we do not.â Grabbing the arm of the girl next to her, she turned sharply and hurried away, her pace bordering on a sprint.
As they retreated, one of the girls cast a curious glance back at Daxton. âMarina, do you know him? He seems so gentle, even more approachable than Reece. What are you so afraid of?â
Marina hissed under her breath, âShut up.â
Carrie, unaware of Marinaâs sudden shift in demeanor, only noticed the group entering the elevator as she turned back. Daxton approached her, his demeanor calm and reassuring. âDo not let people like that ruin your mood,â he said softly. âCome on, let us go get something to eat.â
As night fell, the city of Isonridge shimmered under a blanket of dazzling lights. From a vantage point high above, the endless streams of traffic below resembled a glittering Milky Way, weaving fluidly between towering buildings.
To most, Isonridge was merely a bustling metropolis. But to the wealthy, it was a haven of extravaganceâa city that promised an endless buffet of indulgence, from fine dining to opulent entertainment.
Take, for instance, a simple hometown dish from Orkset. What might cost no more than a modest sum at a local restaurant in Orkset could skyrocket to thousands in Isonridge, served as an elite delicacy to those eager to flaunt their wealth.
Even with Daxton footing the bill, Carrie could not help but feel a pang of unease. She had no desire to relive the flavors of home badly enough to justify such absurd prices. The ride back to the Morrison family estate was calm, Daxtonâs car slicing through the night with effortless ease.
When the car pulled to a stop at a quiet corner near the estate, Daxton glanced at Carrie, who sat silently in the passenger seat. âHow have you been with the Morrison family lately, Carrie?â he asked, his tone light but tinged with genuine concern.
Carrie hesitated briefly before her lips curved into a warm smile. âIâve been doing well. Everyone at home has been very kind to me. My grandmother always treated me well, but⦠I suppose I had always felt the absence of a complete family.â
Her gaze drifted out the window, her eyes reflecting the soft, ambient light. âThank you, Daxton, for completing that picture for me. You helped me find what I was missing.â
Fiddling nervously with her seatbelt, she continued, her voice quieter now. âSometimes, I lie awake at night and wonder if all this is just a dream. Not long ago, I felt trapped in a nightmare, enduring pain and fear that seemed never-ending. And now⦠it feels like I have stumbled into paradise. Everything is so perfect, it feels almost unreal.ânoveldrama
Daxtonâs eyes softened as he listened, his expression one of quiet affection. âThat is all in the past, Carrie. From now on, happiness is all you will know.â
The car fell into a companionable silence until Carrie gently broke it. âAlright, Daxton, you can drop me off here. Itâs late, and I donât want to disturb Luca or make it difficult for you to turn around inside.â
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