Chapter 258:

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Lettie wasn’t interested in academics; instead, she obsessed over comparing their outfits, toys, and friends. Meanwhile, Carrie, who lived with Gracie, didn’t have the means for many new clothes. Every time Lettie got a new dress, she made sure to show it off right in front of Carrie’s residence.

As time passed, Carrie pursued higher education, while Lettie remained in the town. Their lives took different paths, and they eventually drifted apart. Carrie had little interest in local rumors. After a brief exchange of polite small talk, she and Kristopher ascended the stairs.

Shortly after they disappeared upstairs, Lettie returned on her electric scooter.

Seeing her mother outside, she approached excitedly. “Mom, did you notice that incredibly lavish car parked down the street? It looks like something straight out of a TV show, the kind driven by big-time CEOs. It must be worth tens of millions!”

Her mother gave her a skeptical look. “Dream on! A multimillion-dollar car in our poor area? Do you even understand how much ten million is? If we sold our apartment and all the apartments around here, it still wouldn’t add up to that much!”

“You just don’t get it,” Lettie retorted with a flicker of annoyance, quickly replacing it with a smile. She made up her mind to rise early the next day, hoping to witness what might be a real-life fairy tale romance.

Her mother tapped Lettie on the forehead teasingly and said, “You’re exactly Carrie’s age, and look at her—married and happy. Her husband is not only tall and handsome, but also generous enough to bring us gifts. You’ve always tried to outdo her. When you were kids, it wasn’t about academics. Now, you’re falling behind in the marriage department too. What are you actually competing for? You spend your days lost in fantasies. Aren’t you worried about being single at thirty?”

Catching sight of the gift box in her mother’s hand, Lettie peeked inside with a mild look of surprise. The vision of the luxury car still lingered in her thoughts. She casually tossed the gift box back into the bag and waved her hand dismissively. “It’s just some food. Hardly valuable at all. When I marry a CEO who cruises around in a luxury car, I’ll be handing out gold bracelets to the whole neighborhood.”

“Have you lost your mind, spouting such fantasies in broad daylight?” her mother scolded.

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Lettie paid no attention to her mother’s words and wheeled her scooter towards the parking shed.

Piano Upstairs.

Carrie opened the door, her tone casual but brisk. “Just leave the things in the living room.”

Oliver set the bags down, glancing around the small apartment. He straightened, then hesitated before speaking.

“Mrs. Norris, let me help you clean.”

Carrie shook her head, already heading toward the dust-covered furniture. “No need. I can manage. You should rest.”

Oliver looked uncertain, his eyes briefly darting to Kristopher, who stood silently near the door.

“Meet me at the alley entrance at eight tomorrow,” Kristopher said, his voice calm but firm.

“Yes, sir.” Oliver gave a curt nod and headed for the door.

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