?Chapter 1589:

The rest she had taken the previous day had clearly done her good; she looked noticeably better today.

Descending the stairs, she heard Carl instructing the kitchen staff to prepare some of her favorite dishes.

At the sound of her footsteps, Carl turned, his eyebrows knitting together in concern. “You’re still healing. Why are you out of bed already?”

“Grandpa, I’m fine,” Corrine reassured him, threading her arm through his. “I’m sorry for causing you worry again.”

Carl’s gaze softened as he looked at her, his eyes filled with affection. “Nonsense, I’m your grandfather. I have to look after you.”

He gently squeezed her hand and, leaning on his cane, slowly made his way to the sofa in the living room. “Remember, you’re a Ford through and through, so there’s no need to feel overwhelmed.”

He knew that despite being a part of the Ford family for years, Corrine had never truly felt at home.

Even though Corrine appeared close to everyone in the family, a part of her always stayed guarded. She never truly let anyone in.

That wall she kept up had be a habit—one built from the fear that relying on others would only lead to disappointment.

“Corrine, a family should stick together. No matter whates up, we’ll handle it together,” said Carl, his voice filled with warmth as he watched her lean on his shoulder. “Remember, the Ford family will always stand by you.”

At his words, Corrine’s eyshes fluttered slightly, and her fingers tightened. “I know.”

She was fully aware of the kindness and affection her family consistently showed her.

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Just then, Jules burst out of his bedroom, urgency in his voice. “Where’s Grandpa?” he called out.

Hearing him, Corrine and Carl both looked toward the staircase.

As Jules descended, he noticed them and asked, “Why are you both up so early?”

“We didn’t want to wake you since you were uptest night,” Corrine responded.

Jules gave her a pointed look. “Well, look at that. You’ve grown a conscience.”

“Grandpa, did you hear what Jules just said?” Corrine, with a yful pout, looked toward Carl. “Despite knowing my upbringing with the Fords, Jules just hinted that I’m only now showing some conscience. Do you think that’s his way of saying you didn’t instill good manners in me?”

“Come on, Corrine, let’s not start pointing fingers!” Jules strode over and ced a broad palm on her head. “I pulled an all-nighter just to help you, and this is what I get? No gratitude. Just sass.”

Corrine swatted his hand away, her smile teasing. “You were the one who provoked me first.”

“Simply stating the obvious,” Jules countered.

As the two bantered back and forth, Carl found his thoughts drifting. The scene reminded him of the old days—Kiley and Jayden bickering in the same yful way.

Back then, Kiley was such a free spirit, blissfully naive. Carl had always hoped she would remain that carefree and protected.

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