My coldhearted ex demands a remarriage

Chapter 197:

They turned back to their tables with understanding looks.

His casual words sent a chill through Carrie. Her voice dropped, sharp and cold. “Thank you for your misplaced affection, Mr. Crawford. Regardless of my happiness, Kristopher and I are legally married. Surely, you wouldn’t want to be the other man, would you?”

Nate’s smile remained in place. “If it’s you,” he said smoothly, “I might not mind.”

Carrie felt her patience snap. Rising from her seat, she met his gaze with icy determination. “Thank you again, Mr. Crawford. Crawford, for your help in the past, however, it’s best if everything ends here. If rumors spread, it won’t just embarrass me—it’ll reflect poorly on you. I hear your father’s company is preparing for a public listing. Scandals wouldn’t do well for your family at a time like this.”

Her words were sharp and calculated, revealing she had done her homework. Carrie had long realized she couldn’t rely on Kristopher. After returning from Foxfire County, she’d looked into the Crawford family. She didn’t have enough resources to dig up dirt, but she was able to find out some matters of importance.

Nate’s easy demeanor faltered. He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing. The mask of politeness slipped, revealing something darker. “Are you threatening me, Carrie? Who can you rely on? Your father? Kristopher?” He sneered. “The Norris family prioritizes their interests above all. Now that Kristopher’s reunited with his true love, do you think he’d jeopardize his standing to protect you? My family’s company may not rival the Norris Group, but we’re powerful enough to make him think twice before crossing us.”

Carrie leaned forward, her hands braced on the table as she met his venomous gaze. “I rely on no one. And those with nothing to lose fear nothing. In today’s world, public opinion is a powerful weapon. Would your father really want you provoking a woman’s scorn and risking the Crawford family’s reputation?”

Her words hung in the air like a challenge, the last bits of cordiality between them evaporating in the rising tension. Straightening, she smiled coolly. “I’ll settle the bill now. Goodbye, Mr. Crawford.”

“And forever this time,” she thought silently.

Nate remained seated, his earlier charm twisted into something sinister.

He didn’t pursue her, but his expression darkened, his eyes gleaming with malice.

At the counter, Carrie paid for the meal, her mind racing. It was only after she stepped outside that she realized she had left most of the desserts untouched.

But returning to the table now would risk further confrontation. Some losses, she told herself, were necessary to avoid greater trouble.

She shook her head, heart aching, and walked out of the restaurant.

Nearby, a surprised gaze followed her retreating figure.

Albin watched the restaurant entrance until Carrie’s figure vanished into the night. He turned to his friends, disbelief etched on his face. “Quick! Tell me—am I seeing things? Was that woman just now Carrie, Kristopher’s wife?”

Kristopher and Lise had just left, and Albin and his friends entered shortly after through the side door.

His friends nodded in affirmation.

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