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    “Since your ident , I’ve been the one looking after you and helping you. Apart from spending time and fooling around with Ryan every day, what has Carrie done to support you? They say that when a daughter gets married, she forgets her family. Carrie is no exception . She hasn’t even married into the Hoffman family yet, but she''spletely forgotten about her hardworking mother, who raised her!"


    Shannon was momentarily speechless, feeling like she had been struck by lightning.


    Whether Carrie’s marriage to Ryan would really benefit her was still up for debate.


    Looking realistically at her own situation, she couldn’t even take a step out of the door, and her own safety was now in jeopardy. How could she have the energy to care about Carrie’s future?


    Her children, though rted by blood, were distinct individuals. Her priority was to be resilient and live a fulfilling life.


    “Fine, agree!” Shannon forced out those words through gritted teeth, her eyes filled with determination . “As long as you help me get rid of Winston , I promise the Hoffman family will never ept Carrie."


    Bethany’s eyes lit up with excitement at Shannon’s words.


    Even if Ryan married that fool, it would not matter because she would not be able to join the Hoffman family. She would never be legitimate, and she would just bea mistress.


    *The air in the study was warm and harmonious. Gregory and Ryan exchanged small talk. As an elder, Gregory asked Ryan about his career. Ryan came fully prepared and responded smoothly.


    Though Ryan had been close to Justin since they were children, he was now in a different position. Facing his future father-inw, who had experienced numerous grand asions, Ryan couldn''t help but feel a little nervous.


    "Mr. Hoffman, please have some tea. Ms. Carrie, this is your favorite orange juice." Paul approached with a tray.


    "Thank you, Uncle Paul," Carrie said, holding up the ss with a bright and innocent smile.


    Paul couldn''t help but smirk, feeling a surge of warmth in his heart.


    Bethany and Carrie had such different personalities. But frankly speaking, Paul couldn''t see any trace of elegance or manners in Bethany. While Shannon knew how to act like ady and maintain herdylike demeanor, Bethany couldn''t even be bothered to pretend. She was like a wild girl. Before, Paul had worried about Carrie''s future, afraid that because of her autism, she would live a lonely life and never experience love, marriage, or building a family like a normal girl. But now, it seemed he had worried too much. With Ryan showing her love and attention, Carrie''s future would be secured. She would never be bullied again.


    Carrie drank her orange juice contentedly, her lips glistening.


    Ryan chuckled and pulled a clean handkerchief from his pocket, patiently and tenderly wiping the water stains from her lips. The proficiency with which he did this indicated that he had done this kind of thing often.


    "Ahem... Ryan." Gregory cleared his throat, feeling overwhelmed by the disy of affection. "After all you''ve been through, I can see that you have genuine feelings for Carrie. Since you want to be with my daughter, I won''t stand in your way.


    However, Carrie is still young. She''s been sheltered by us since she was a child.


    She''s simple-minded and inexperienced in the ways of the world. This is her first time in love, and it''s her first time staying away from home for so long. You see, Carrie has never gone out at night before. Ryan, you''ve broken our family rules."


    Ryan said with a grin while looking around. "I''m sorry, Uncle Greg. I didn''t consider this thoroughly. But if Carrie stays with me, I can''t let her go out at night.


    There are so many bad people outside, and Carrie is so beautiful. What if she was targeted by someone? How can I not worry?"


    Gregory shook his head. "I''m not talking about going out or staying indoors. What I mean is that although you two are in a rtionship, you haven''t legally married yet. Living together like this won''t affect you much, but my daughter is a pure and innocent girl. This could tarnish her reputation."N?velDrama.Org content rights.