On January 1, 2024, Rapid Airlines issued $280 million of its 6% bonds for $257 million. The bonds were priced to yield 8%. Interest is payable semiannually on June 30 and December 31. Rapid Airlines records interest at the effective rate and elected the option to report these bonds at their fair value. On December 31, 2024, the fair value of the bonds was $270 million as determined by their market value in the over-the-counter market. Rapid determined that $1,000,000 of the increase in fair value was due to a decline in general interest rates. What is the carrying value of the bonds on December 31, 2024?

a. $257 million
b. $259 million
c. $269 million
d. $270 million