Chapter 282 
After leaving Hivalis, Carly neither saw Connor again nor heard any news about the Zane family, which brought her a deep sense of peace and happiness. The most significant change in her life was that she could finally provide Ronald with a warm and stable environment to grow up in. Although she couldn’t afford a house in Strico, she meticulously decorated their rented apartment, transforming it into a cozy and inviting home Every day after school, Ronald would quietly practice his writing and reading. Once he finished his homework, he would head outside to play for a while, enjoying the simple yet peaceful life they had created. 

Whenever Stacey had some free time, she would occasionally bring her children over to visit Carly and Ronald. These visits were always filled with joy and laughter. Sometimes, Carly would take Ronald to Hayden and Becky’s place for a playdate. Over time, Ronald and Jeremy developed a close friendship, and Carly and Becky became inseparable friends as well. 
After getting to know Becky better, Carly realized that, much like herself, Becky had started with little knowledge of jewelry design. Becky wasn’t even proficient in drawing initially, but through hard work and determination, both women honed their skills. They shared a belief that perseverance and effort would lead to improvement over time. 
Isabella would occasionally visit and teasingly complain that Carly was now closer to Becky than to her own sister. Carly often found herself reassuring Isabella, but fortunately, Isabella was only joking and was genuinely happy that Carly had found a good friend in Becky. Knowing Carly had friends and found joy in Strico made Isabella feel relieved and happy. 
Now, Carly’s only lingering concern was her career. She didn’t want to rely on the Carter family’s support indefinitely and felt a strong sense of indebtedness to them. Fortunately, after a year of hard work, she began to find success in her jewelry design endeavors. Her creations were finally market–ready and started generating real commercial value and profit. She hoped her designs would bring financial gains to the Carter family and repay the support they had given her. 
Carly’s talent and hard work proved to be more than capable. Over the next few years, she designed numerous jewelry pieces that, once launched, generated substantial profits for the Carter family. Despite receiving lucrative offers from other jewelry companies, she turned them down without hesitation, always remembering the journey that had brought her to her current position. 
Seven years later, her designs played a crucial role in saving the Carter family from a major crisis at the World Jewelry Design Competition. Not only did her design win first place in that competition, but it also caught the attention of Eklonna, a prestigious jewelry brand. Eklonna extended an invitation for her to join their team, but Carly chose to remain loyal to Carter’s Jewel. She made it clear that as long as Carter’s Jewel was in business and the Carter family was in charge, she would not consider switching companies. Many believed she missed out on significant opportunities by declining Eklonna’s offer, but Carly felt content with her decision. 
Over time, people began to notice the jewelry pieces worn by royal families worldwide featured designs that were distinct from Eklonna’s signature styles. These new pieces were unique, elegant, and luxurious. Only a select few with access to the elite circles knew that these designs came from Carter’s Jewel in Zentiscape. 
As a result, Eklonna ceased to be the sole exclusive supplier for royal families. Carter’s Jewel gradually rose to prominence, with its designs becoming increasingly popular among royalty worldwide. 
After many years of dominance, Eklonna’s designs began to feel stale and uninspired to the elite clientele who craved something fresh yet still befitting their noble status. Carter’s Jewel emerged as the perfect solution, offering jewelry pieces that were both luxurious and uniquely designed. 
The added prestige of the brand being led by Hayden’s wife made Carter’s Jewel even more appealing. The elite were eager to own pieces from this new brand, seeing it as a fresh, desirable addition to their collections. But that tale of success would be one for another time. 
Carly could not have foreseen the future success of Carter’s Jews from the outset. She simply stayed true to her heart, driven by the kindness and support the Carter family had shown her. As she grew and achieved her own success, she felt a 
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Chapter 282 
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deep sense of loyalty and gratitude toward the Carter family. Leaving them or appearing ungrateful was never an option for 
her. 
Eight years after her divorce from Connor, Carly unexpectedly ran into him again. Ronald had just finished his middle school exams, proudly placing second in the city. It was Jeremy, Hayden’s son, who had taken first place. To celebrate their children’s achievements, the families planned a trip together. It was during this trip that they encountered Connor. 
Connor appeared to have remarried. He was with a tall woman who had a rather fierce demeanor, and they were accompanied by a little girl, around three years old, perched on Connor’s shoulders. 
“Daddy, Mommy, look! The flowers over there are so pretty!” The little girl wriggled with excitement, her tiny feet kicking and bouncing up and down. 
Connor, struggling to keep his balance, instinctively let go of her as she wriggled, causing the child to nearly fall off his shoulders. The woman beside him quickly caught the child and gently lifted her off Connor’s shoulders. In a split second, she raised her hand and slapped Connor across the face. “What is wrong with you, Connor? Can’t you even hold a child properly? You’re useless!” she scolded him harshly. Connor appeared timid and remained silent, not daring to utter a word. 
Carly was not the only one who noticed the commotion; Ronald saw it as well. After so many years, Ronald almost failed to recognize Connor. However, after a moment and a closer look, he managed to identify his father. As Ronald focused on the scene, Connor noticed him too. Initially, Connor did not recognize Ronald, but when he saw Carly standing next to him, he immediately realized who they were. 
Carly turned away, unwilling to engage with Connor. “Let’s go check out another place,” she said to Ronald. He nodded slightly and followed her, both of them turning their backs on Connor. 
Watching their retreating figures, Connor began to panic. Realizing what was happening, he instinctively tried to follow them. However, just as he moved to run after them, his current wife noticed the situation and stopped him. “Connor, what are you doing?” she asked, glaring at him. 
Following his gaze, she saw Carly’s retreating figure. Quickly, she handed their daughter to Connor and hurried after Carly. 
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