?Chapter 1577:

After a long pause, Carl finally spoke. “So, you n to let her return to the Independent Continent just like that?”

Seeing that he no longer opposed the engagement outright, Evelyn’s voice softened. “You’ve raised Corrine well. She’s kind, thoughtful, and strong. I’m not cruel. I won’t force her hand. If she chooses to give up the chance to return to the Independent Continent, it means she’s leaving behind her title, her ce in the most powerful family, and epting the fate that she’s the only survivor…” Her voice faltered for a moment, her eyes growing distant.

On the Independent Continent,nd was worth more than gold. Countless noble families lived there, rich beyond imagination. But very few knew that, evenbined, all those families couldn’tpare to one legendary n—wiped out in a single night more than twenty years ago.

The memory brought a wave of sorrow. Evelyn drew a deep breath to calm herself before speaking tly, “The entire n, hundreds of lives, gone. If Corrine chooses to bury the past, I will understand. I won’t force her into anything.”

Carl stared at her. “She’s not anyone’s pawn. She’s her own person. I hope you remember what you said today.”

As an outsider to their world, Carl couldn’t understand the weight Evelyn carried, nor the path Kiley had paved for Corrine. All he had ever wanted was for Corrine to live in peace. To him, nothing mattered more than knowing she was safe and well.

As each course was served, the meal began. Corrine and Nate were seated to Evelyn’s right, while the Fords took their ces on Evelyn’s left.

A hush fell over the group as they ate. The tension had eased slightly, but the residue of Carl and Evelyn’s earlier discussion lingered.

Silently, Corrine observed the expressions around her, her gaze frequently lowering to her te as she ate withoutment. Her mind, however, was preupied with the array of gift boxesid out on the table.

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Most of them contained extravagant offerings—heirloom jewelry, rare paintings,nd titles, luxury car registrations, and shares in Hopkins enterprises. Each gift was a gesture of significant generosity.

Yet, it was a simple hairpin that captured Corrine’s interest above all. She recognized the craftsmanship instantly. It looked identical to the tiara in her possession.

The hairpin appeared to be part of a set with the tiara.

Before she had left the Independent Continent, Jax had given her a simr hairpin, and now here was another from Evelyn.

Could this whole set originate from the Independent Continent?fn3bf9 Read full story at Find~Novel/fn3bf9

The thought made her feel as though she was being pulled back, manipted into reconnecting with the Independent Continent.

Noticing Corrine’s preupied expression, Evelyn masked her emotions and spoke up. “Corrine, why aren’t you eating? Is there something wrong with the food?”

Snapped back to the moment, Corrine hesitated before responding, “Evelyn, I noticed a hairpin in one of the boxes.”

Evelyn dabbed her mouth with her napkin, her eyes twinkling knowingly. “That hairpin isn’t just a fine piece; it carries a poignant story. I thought it might appeal to you.”

With a yful glint in her eyes and adopting a whimsically youthful tone, Corrine replied, “I do find it charming. It seems to suggest a deeper connection. Could it be linked to my marriage arrangement?”

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