Chapter 8 Family Gathering

When Carly heard there might be a way out, she set aside her embarrassment, hoping he wouldn't make a big deal of it.

Kristian picked up on her hopeful vibe and teased, "How about a 20% discount?"

Was she letting her imagination run wild?

Kristian hopped back into his car. By the time Carly snapped out of it, Cormac had already pushed her into the car.

The car door then slammed shut.

Carly wrapped her arms around herself and eyed Kristian cautiously, her voice shaking a bit.

"What do you want from me?"

Kristian shot back, "We just split up, and here you are, delivering yourself to me. Miss me that much?"

Carly was at a loss for words.

Did he really think she crashed into his car on purpose?

She would have steered clear if she knew it was his car!

Carly chose not to explain, her thoughts consumed by the eight million.

With her staying quiet, Kristian went on to answer his own question. "I missed you."

He paused, his gaze intensifying, his voice deepening.

"I've got to say... I'm fond of your voice."

In the evening, Carly was on her bed, recording a message, and then she sent it to the "Creditor".

He let her off the hook for the repair costs, but in exchange, she had to read him a story for ten minutes every day for three months.

He didn't care what kind of stories they were.

He just liked listening to her voice.

Carly felt a chill thinking about how odd this man was, trying to figure out if he had some bizarre hobby.

But then, she remembered she had just saved herself eight million. A wave of relief washed over her.

Her phone rang. It was from Declan.

"Hurry up and come down. I'm waiting for you outside your place!"

Suddenly, Carly recalled that tonight was the night she was supposed to go to the Mason family's grand mansion to greet Declan's cousin.

The mansion was perched on a hill in the eastern suburbs.

Currently, a huge rectangular table was set up with fancy dishes and fine wines.

The Mason family members were engaging in light conversation around the table.

Carly, sitting next to Declan, didn't say a word.

At gatherings like these, she felt it was best to just blend into the background.

Brody Mason, the family's patriarch, descended the stairs, looked around, and his expression darkened a bit. "Kristian hasn't come back yet?"

Aydan offered a warm smile. "Grandpa, he might be getting over jet lag. Let's give him a little more time."

Right after he spoke, a scornful laugh came from the entrance. "Aydan, you're always looking out for me!"

Carly's eyelids fluttered. The voice sounded strangely familiar.

A tall figure approached, stopping a short distance from Carly.

The light from an old crystal chandelier bathed him, casting his strikingly handsome face in a golden light.

Wearing black trousers and a shirt, his tall, poised figure radiated a natural sense of elegance.

Who else could it be but her creditor?

Carly's complexion went white. She quickly looked down, her ears ringing.

How could he be Declan's cousin?!

Aydan moved to embrace him. "Welcome home, Kristian."

Kristian dodged the hug with a smirk. "So, I've received your generous gift."

Aydan appeared confused. "Gift? Kristian, there might be a misunderstanding. I haven't sent you any gift."

Kristian looked down, seemingly trying to gauge the truth in Aydan's words.

Brody cut in, gesturing towards the chair next to him, "Kristian, come sit. Let's grab a bite and talk."

A servant offered a chair to Kristian, saying, "This way, please."

Carly let out a sigh of relief. The chair was across from hers, but with several people in between them.

If she was careful, Kristian might not even notice her.

Carly had her escape plan ready. She'd say she was allergic and breaking out in a rash.

Luckily, her bag was right behind her. Quietly, she took out a mask.

Yet, Kristian didn't seem to offer her the chance to sneak away.

He headed straight for the chair opposite Carly.

Carly saw a shadow move in front of her and then heard a soft chuckle.

"My future cousin-in-law, right? Trying to leave without a word? Won't you even say goodbye?"

Carly stiffened, her heart racing.

When had Kristian recognized her? Had he always known who she was?

What a despicable man! Carly thought angrily. She wished she had hit his car harder, maybe then he wouldn't be here to trouble her.

All eyes were suddenly on her.