It was already dark out. If she was thrown out now, where could she go?
Not to mention, she was burning with fever and had no strength left in her body.
If she spent the night sleeping on the roadside, the cold night air and dampness could make her even worse.
She couldn't afford to be sick-she still had to save money for her father's medical treatment!
Just as Dara was about to completely lose hope, a lazy, magnetic voice suddenly rang out beside her.
"Well well, Miss Carter, where are you off to?"
The pain on her scalp suddenly lightened. Karina quickly let go, switching to a sweet and syrupy tone.
"Xavier! What a surprise! You're here so early!"
Xavier lowered his eyes lazily, glancing at Dara, who sat bleeding on the floor. Without showing much emotion, he replied, "I had nothing else to do, so I thought I'd come by early to visit Auntie Carter."
Then he casually pointed to the floor. "What's going on here?"
Karina forced a guilty smile. "Oh, nothing really. Just a servant with some improper thoughts trying to ruin our family dinner tonight. I was simply giving her a small punishment."
Dara didn't dare lift her head. She murmured softly, still trying to defend herself one last time. "No... I didn't... I really didn't..."
Karina's gaze darkened. She discreetly kicked Dara, a silent warning.
Dara immediately fell silent, lowering her head and sobbing quietly.
Xavier narrowed his eyes, smirking slightly. "If a servant made a mistake, you can deal with her later. Tonight, my dad is coming over-it's best not to create a scene. Just have her leave for now, don't you think?"
His tone was polite, as if seeking her opinion. Karina instantly felt flattered.
She quickly nodded. "You're right, Xavier. I wasn't thinking straight!"
She then turned to Dara and said coldly, "Go back to your room. Don't come out. You know what'll happen if you do."
"Yes... yes!" Dara responded as if she'd just survived a disaster.
She scrambled to her feet and began to leave.
As she passed by Xavier, she couldn't help but sneak a glance at him.
Her pupils constricted in shock, and she paused involuntarily.
This man was stunning-far more dazzling than any celebrity she'd seen on TV.
"What are you still standing there for?!"
Karina's voice came from behind, cold enough to kill.
Dara trembled, and in a low voice, whispered to Xavier,
"Thank you, sir."
She spoke so softly that she figured he couldn't possibly hear her-she just needed to express her gratitude for her own peace of mind.
But the man happened to turn around at that moment and gave her a faint smile. "Hurry along."
Dara's heart skipped a beat, the smile nearly melting her on the spot.
Clutching her chest, she nodded and said no more, hurrying out of the living room toward the servants' quarters.
Karina stepped forward, pretending nothing had happened, cheerfully trying to take Xavier's arm.
But he raised a hand to brush back his hair, effortlessly dodging her.
He then shoved both hands into his pockets and casually walked into the Carters's living room.
Karina quickly called out, "Mom, Xavier's here!"
"Oh my, Xavier!" Mrs. Carter walked over, beaming. "Please, come in!"
Xavier gave a polite smile. "Hello, Auntie."
"Yes, hello!" Mrs. Carter's eyes were glued to Xavier's face, her grin practically stretching from ear to ear.
She led him to the sofa and ordered the servants to bring tea.
Then she leaned close to Karina and whispered, "This young master of the Blaze family is even more handsome than the rumors say! No wonder you couldn't stop thinking about him after that dinner last time."
Karina blushed. "Mom, what are you saying?"
"Alright, alright, I'll stop! But I really approve of this son-in-law. Karina, you better go all out and win him over!"
Karina said nothing, but the smile on her face said it all.
Xavier ignored their whispering and instead casually observed the décor of the residence.
Without meaning to, his gaze swept over the floor not far away.
Though the broken porcelain had been cleaned up, the bloodstains on the carpet were still visible.
His eyes darkened slightly.
Turning around, he said with an easy smile, "The Carters clearly has a noble lineage-this house's interior just oozes taste and elegance."
"Oh, you flatter us!" Mrs. Carter replied modestly. "Compared to the Blaze family, our Carters is just a humble household."
Karina stood off to the side, smiling shyly, a far cry from the fierce woman who had just punished Dara.
After a bit more small talk, the sound of a car engine came from outside.
Mrs. Carter turned her head. "That must be Mr. Blaze!"
Karina quickly stood up, smoothing the wrinkles on her clothes, and followed behind her mother to greet the guests.
Xavier strolled along after them.
Henry, led by Mr. Carter, walked steadily toward the residence.
From a distance, Mrs. Carter called out warmly, "Mr. Blaze, what an honor to have you here!"
Karina also called out sweetly, "Hello, Uncle Blaze!"
Henry nodded, his gaze drifting past them and landing on Xavier standing behind.
A trace of surprise appeared on his face. "Xavier?! What... what are you doing here?!"
"Dad!" Xavier replied casually. "I came to join you. Aren't you happy?"
Henry felt something was off.
Wasn't Xavier always against the idea of marrying into the Carters?
Usually, just asking him to call Karina would feel like pulling teeth.
And now, he'd shown up at their house without saying a word-and voluntarily wanted to have dinner with them?
Though he still felt something strange about it all, Henry couldn't say anything in front of the Carters. He just smiled and said, "Of course I'm happy!"
Then he turned to Karina. "Look at her-so graceful and composed. A true lady from a prestigious family. You should spend more time with her."
Xavier chuckled lightly but didn't respond. Instead, he sniffed the air and said, "Smells amazing! Auntie Carter's cooking must be delicious!"
A flicker of disappointment flashed across Karina's face, but she quickly hid it with a rehearsed smile.
***