chapter 16 It's really well-intentioned.

During her years abroad, Mila had frequently dealt with flashlights, becoming particularly adept at recognizing the refracted light from reflective surfaces in the sun.

The Carrie before her was just as sinister as she had been five years ago. Ostensibly here to seek forgiveness, she had actually covertly arranged for someone to film this encounter. If Mila's prediction was correct, soon after she joined the YH Group, a video of her purportedly bullying Carrie would likely surface online.

When that happened, Mila would once again become the target of public outrage, much like she had five years ago. But now, she was a well-known designer and a valued member of the HJ Group. She wouldn't be the only one facing embarrassment.

Carrie was indeed quite resourceful.

Mila sneered and said, "What is Miss Chu's purpose? You physically attacked me at the company entrance, and now you've come to my home for a pitiable show, even orchestrating a clandestine recording. I'm uncertain if Miss Chu is here to apologize or to assert her dominance."

Carrie's face went pale in an instant.

"Miss Katherine, I have no idea what you're talking about. I truly am begging you to return. Edwin, I—"

"Miss Chu has quite the flair for pretense. It's a shame you seem to have forgotten my profession. I'm an automotive designer. I work with car components every day and have ample interaction with reflectors. Next time, if Miss Chu wishes to set a trap, I suggest you be more discreet, ensuring that the photographers lurking in the shadows shield their cameras."

Mila's words prompted Edwin's eyes to narrow.

He quickly scanned the area and spotted a figure hastily retreating down the street.

Edwin's gaze abruptly darkened.

"If you're not sincere in your apology, then leave and spare yourself the embarrassment."

"No, Edwin, it's not like that. I genuinely—"

Carrie rushed to explain. She couldn't allow Edwin to realize what a cunning character she truly was, nor could she let Mila relish in her triumph. That person wouldn't reveal the truth anyway, so she simply denied it.

Mila couldn't be bothered with them.

"If you're up to some kind of tricks, go home and do it. If you have any issues with me, address them directly. But Mr. Ye, I hope you'll provide an explanation for today's events. I'm sorry, but I'm feeling a bit fatigued. Please, make yourselves at home."

With that, Mila turned and headed back into the room. The door slammed shut, effectively shutting Edwin out.

Edwin was taken by surprise, the door almost colliding with his handsome features. He instinctively stepped back to dodge, but failed to notice the step. He missed it and tumbled to the ground.

"Edwin."

Carrie swiftly caught him, her eyes filled with concern.

"Are you okay? This Katherine is truly audacious. She's just a car designer. How dare she treat you like this? We don't need her. I refuse to believe that, as long as we have the funds, we can't hire a better designer."

Carrie's words caused Edwin to furrow his brow once again.

He pulled his arm from Carrie's grasp, then turned to look at her with a cold gaze.

For the first time, Edwin realized that he might have never truly understood Carrie.

He'd always thought of her as gentle and kind. Five years ago, she'd borne Jayden for the sake of the Ye family's legacy, disregarding her own reputation. She'd stayed with the Ye family, unofficially, to care for Jayden's upbringing. Normally, he saw her as loving and tender, but today she seemed somewhat out of character.

Though he harbored doubts about Mila's identity and purpose at the YH Group, Carrie and she had never met before. Yet, she had unashamedly assaulted Mila at the company entrance. Edwin, for the first time, caught a glimpse of the envy in Carrie's eyes. Perhaps her presence in the Ye family wasn't solely for Jayden.

This realization left him inexplicably repulsed.

"Carrie, you've been with the Ye family for five years, correct?"

Edwin inquired calmly.

Carrie was slightly taken aback, uncertain of his intentions. She quickly nodded.

"Yes, five years."

"You're not young anymore, and I've genuinely imposed on you for Jayden all these years. If you happen to meet a suitable man, do inform me. I'll arrange for you to be married as the Ye family's first lady. Don't worry, the dowry will be exceptionally generous."

Edwin's words left Carrie utterly shocked.

"Edwin, what do you mean? You want to push me out of the Ye family? Why? Just because I offended Katherine? Listen to me, I know I was wrong. I apologized to her, and I didn't send anyone to film it. I swear!"

Carrie's tears flowed instantly, her expression as pitiful as before.

Edwin spoke coldly, "It has nothing to do with her. What I said is true. You're too mature to squander your youth in the Ye family. Some people never return once they leave. You should have a life of your own."

With that, Edwin turned and left.

Carrie's face drained of color, and her body trembled even more violently.

No!

No!

She had waited five years, loved him for so long, and gone through so much to give birth to Jayden. She'd believed it was a blessing in disguise, but how could he utter such heartless words?

Was it because of that woman, Katherine?
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