Chapter 348:
The director nodded in agreement, playing along. “Lise’s health is the priority. Her condition has always been
delicate. Head to the hospital for a check-up. We'll handle things with Vicky; don’t worry about it.” He was
genuinely terrified that Lise might storm onto the stage and turn the show into a messy showdown between the
wife and the mistress. Sure, he wanted high ratings, but not at the cost of courting disaster.
Vicky watched the scene unfold, seething as everyone lavished praise on Carrie, her frustration building with
each complimentary word. The female emcee who had been flattering her moments ago now gushed about the
couple’s perfect chemistry. Forcing a tight smile, Vicky stepped forward, cutting through the clamor. “Since
Carrie's friend has graced us with his presence, shouldn't we move on to the next segment?”
Her interruption was met with a frosty glance from the female emcee, whose earlier warmth had vanished faster
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtthan a snowflake in the sun. The host turned to Vicky, his cheerful facade faltering. With a grin that didn’t reach
his eyes, he said, “Actually, Lise mentioned she wasn’t feeling well and decided to leave, so we'll have to tweak
the schedule a bit.” The subtle dig didn’t escape Vicky. She knew all too well that the host wasn’t about to give
her any opportunities to shine, especially since she lacked the sort of clout Kristopher commanded.
Hearing Lise’s name, Kristopher’s brows knitted together in a frown. He leaned in close to Carrie, muting the
microphone she held with a flick of his finger. “Lise is here too?” he asked.
Carrie's lips twitched, and she noted the way he instinctively shielded her. Yet, deep down, she couldn't forget
that it was his fault Lise had been dogging her like a shadow.
“She cto humiliate me,” Carrie replied coolly, her tone as cutting as a shard of glass.
Kristopher raised an eyebrow, a wry smirk curling his lips. “You? Humiliated? With your sharp tongue, you're
practically untouchable.”
The words slipped out before he could think better of them. Realizing they were still on camera, he softened his
tone, adding with a sigh, “Don’t hold it against her. With her heart condition, she’s more sensitive than most.”
Carrie pressed her lips into a thin line, refusing to reply. It was always the sstory, the stired excuses
trotted out on Lise’s behalf.
Interpreting her silence as agreement, Kristopher reached out and gave her a light pat on the head. The gesture
was oddly tender yet condescending, like pacifying a petulant child.
On the sidelines, Vicky's eyes narrowed as she watched them. The way Kristopher and Carrie seemed lost in
their own little world sent an ache of jealousy coursing through her.
The host, ever the diplomat, stepped in with an easy smile. “Since Vicky's friend had to leave, why don’t we
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmswitch gears and have a talent showcase instead?”
The suggestion lit a spark in Vicky's eyes. She pounced on the opportunity like a cat spotting a mouse. “I can
play the violin,” she announced, her voice brimming with confidence.
For ten years, she had honed her skills on the violin, always keeping it on hand for moments just like this. Her
gaze darted toward Carrie as she added, “Ms. Campbell, since you've managed to marry into wealth, surely you
have a few tricks up your sleeve. Care to joinfor a duet?”
The challenge hung in the air like a gauntlet thrown at Carrie’s feet. Inwardly, Vicky smirked. She was convinced
that Carrie's popularity was little more than a cleverly orchestrated mirage. If the woman had any real talent,
she'd have flaunted it a hundred times over by now.
In her mind, the stakes were clear. She had already burned her bridges with Carrie, and any apology would fall
on deaf ears. If she was going to face backlash after this show, she might as well go all out and drag Carrie down
with her. Vicky imagined the headlines: a self-made talent standing tall against a woman propped up by her
husband. Public sympathy would flow her way like water seeking its level.