Chapter 961
Both Harrison and Marina looked over at Carter in surprise.
Embarrassed, Carter quickly looked down, but the tips of his ears were visibly red.
Marina paused for a second, then a genuine smile touched her lips. “I’m glad you like it,” she said.
After that, her attitude toward Carter became noticeably warmer, the distance between them shrinking.
Meanwhile, Susan received another call from Boris demanding money. Seizing a moment when Ryan was out, she secretly left the house.
After temporarily placating Boris with another payment, she was returning home, racking her brain for a long-term solution, when an old frenemy called. The woman told her that Carter was seen frequently with Marina and that they seemed to be getting along well.
“You’re really something, Susan, using your son like that,” the woman said, her voice dripping with envy. “I hear even Harrison Lancaster likes him now and has acknowledged his place in the family. Looks like you’ll be reaping the benefits from that son of yours p>
The woman’s words were laced with acid. But Susan felt no sense of triumph or joy. Instead, her hand trembled so badly that the cup of hot water she was holding tilted, spilling its scalding contents all over her leg.
A maid cried out in alarm and rushed to help her up.
“Mrs. Paisley, are you alright p>
“I’m fine Susan’s mind was racing, barely registering the pain. She hastily asked the woman on the phone a few more questions before finally hanging up to change her clothes and apply some ointment to the burn.
Just as she finished, Ryan returned home.
She hurried to greet him.
“Ryan, when is Carter coming home? I miss him p>
Ryan gave her a cool glance as he handed his things to a servant and walked inside. “He’ll come back when he feels like it,” he said dismissively. “If you miss him, you can video call him p>
“But that’s not the same Susan followed behind him, protesting weakly.
“How is it not the same?” Ryan
stopped and turned to face her. “You
hardly paid any attention to him
when he was living here. Why this sudden attachment now that he’s gone p>
Susan lowered her head, avoiding his scrutinizing gaze. “I was wrong before. But he’s still my son, how could I not care about him? With his… status… being alone at the Lancaster estate who knows if being bullied. Ryan, I’m so worried. Let’s just go pick him up and bring him home, alright p>
Ryan’s gaze softened slightly, but his decision was firm. “With Anastasia there, no one will bully him. Besides, it’s more convenient for his medical treatments. If you miss um call him p>
With that final, non-negotiable statement, he walked away.
Susan was left standing alone, a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach.
After a moment’s thought, she called Carter.
“Carter, you’ve been there for several days now. It’s time you came home. Should I come and pick you up p>
Carter was silent for a moment before replying, bypassing her question. “Is something wrong p>
“No, nothing’s wrong, your mother just misses you. And besides, it must be so inconvenient for you there, with your… situation. I’m worried about you p>
“That’s not necessary,” Carter cut her off flatly. “There’s nothing inconvenient about it. I’m doing very well here. If there’s nothing else, I’m going to hang up p>
“Wait p>
Susan tried to protest, but the line went dead. Carter had already hung up.
Carter didn’t believe a single word she said.
She hadn’t cared about him for years. Why the sudden concern now?
The last time Susan had shown this much ‘interest’ in him was when she was trying
to use him to win Ryan back. He figured she must be plotting something again.