Chapter 1560:

Before Corrine could fashion a response, he added, “The hour growste. You should rest.”

With those words hanging between them, he rose and departed without a backward nce.

As Nate’s silhouette retreated, a sudden, inexplicable panic surged through Corrine’s veins.

She sprang to her feet, his name tumbling from her lips before she could stop herself. “Nate…”

His stride faltered momentarily before resuming with grim determination. Not once did he turn back, his departure etched with finality that spoke volumes in the silence.

Corrine watched as darkness swallowed his figure, a soft sigh of resignation escaping her lips.

“Corrine, why did you let your emotions hijack your sense?” she chastised herself in a whisper.fn081d Read full story at FindN()vel/fn081d

She had recognized the explosive potential of those words even as they formed, so why had they spilled forth so recklessly?

While Corrine marinated in regret, Carl practically levitated with delight upon hearing of the rift between her and Nate. “You’re saying they quarreled?” he pressed eagerly.

If their rtionship had indeed fractured, perhaps Evelyn’s formal visit could be rendered unnecessary.

The thought alone coaxed a triumphantugh from Carl’s throat.

Lnd, reading Carl’s transparent glee, feltpelled to interject. “Sir, if their rtionship has truly fractured, Corrine will undoubtedly suffer the aftermath.” He exhaled with genuinepassion. “She seems cursed in matters of the heart. Every man who enters her life eventually reveals the same disappointing pattern.”

Carl dismissed this concern with a wave. “The world brims with suitors. If this match fails, she’ll simply discover another. Why make mountains out of molehills?” He had never desired Corrine’s union with the Hopkins family, and this development aligned perfectly with his deepest wishes.

Nothing could please him more.

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Observing Carl’s unbridled delight, Lnd hesitated before venturing cautiously. “Sir, this situation demands careful consideration. The arrangement cannot be dissolved by your decision alone.”

At this sobering reminder, Carl’s smile dimmed as reality intruded upon his momentary celebration.

This arrangement hadn’t been Carl’s creation. Unless the Hopkins family willingly relinquished their im, Corrine would inevitably be drawn down that unalterable path.

“My headstrong daughter, Kiley, was determined to chart her own course until the bitter end,” Carl’s weary sigh carried the weight of his concern, worry etching deep lines across his weathered face.

Sensing that memories had cast their shadow over Carl, Lnd hastened to offer reassurance. “Fortune must eventually smile upon Corrine. Surely the heavens will grant her their blessing.”

Carl’s gaze lifted to meet his, a whisper of hope softening his features. “One can only pray.”

Dawn broke to find Corrine emerging from her chamber, exhaustion smudged beneath her eyes like bruises against her skin.

She froze upon spotting Jules lounging against the staircase railing.

With arms folded casually across his chest, he quirked an eyebrow and shed a mischievous grin. “Just a gentle reminder—this remains the Ford Mansion. Perhaps a little discretion might be in order?”

He said the word “discretion” with particr emphasis.

Corrine met his teasing with a stony gaze. “He departedst night.”

“Departed?” Jules blinked in surprise. “Then how do you exin these?” His finger traced the air beneath her shadowed eyes, his expression a perfect blend of disbelief and triumph that silently challenged, “I’ve caught you in a lie. Let’s hear your creative exnation.”

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