?Chapter 1609:

Penny noticed Evelyn’s good mood and, after a moment’s hesitation, cautiously asked, “What about those items on the desk?”

Evelyn’s gaze drifted past Penny to the ornate traditional hair essories lying neatly arranged.

“We’ll take it step by step,” she said with a quiet sigh. “After waiting all these years, there’s no point in rushing now. Push too hard, and it could all unravel.”

Penny frowned slightly. “And what about the Ford family?”

At that engagement celebration, Evelyn had made a promise—to support Corrine’s choices and to keep her own hands off. But now, Evelyn’s actions rang with the echo of contradiction.fnaa1a Th?s chapter is updated by FιndＮovel/fnaa1a

“I have my path, and she has her own choice. They don’t cross,” Evelyn replied inly. “Besides, I didn’t push Corrine into anything. Her own curiosity led her there. Who is she going to me for that?”

Penny was left at a loss for words.

That was splitting hairs—if not twisting the truth outright.

Evelyn pulled the covers over herself and asked casually, “Any word on that woman?”

Though no name was mentioned, Penny knew exactly who she meant. Recently, Nate had been hospitalized after an injury, and although the matter had been kept under wraps, secrets always had a way of slipping through the cracks.

“Scarlette Powell left with her people,” Penny said while tucking the nket around Evelyn.

“She slipped away without a scratch.” Evelyn murmured with a long sigh. “I’m tired. You should turn in early too.”

“Yes, Mrs. Hopkins.”

The next morning, Corrine received a call from Zeke.

The moment she saw his name sh across her phone screen, her brows knitted in a frown.

She had little patience for Zeke. The only reason she tolerated him at all was for Jules’ sake—and out of respect for her aunt Chelsea. After all, her aunt was well-connected with Zeke’s mother.

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Corrine drew in a deep breath and swiped to answer the call.

“Miss Hond,” Zeke’s voice came crisply through the line. “I was wondering if you’d be free for a meal.”

“Sorry, I’m not avable,” Corrine replied bluntly. “If there’s something you need, feel free to say it over the phone.”

If Nate—ever the jealous one—heard that she had gone out to dine with Zeke, it would spell disaster.

She wasn’t about to go looking for trouble.

“Since it’s not convenient to talk privately, then I’lle to the office,” Zeke said, and promptly hung up before Corrine could object.

Listening to the beeping sound from the phone, Corrine muttered under her breath, “Unbelievable.”

With work piling up left and right, she shoved the call to the back of her mind.

That was, until Natasha knocked at her office door. “Miss Hond, a Mr. Cooper is here to see you.”

“Who?” Corrine’s brows furrowed.

Thinking perhaps she hadn’t been clear, Natasha rified, “Mr. Zeke Cooper from the Cooper family in Pree City.”

Setting her pen down, Corrine reached for her coffee mug. “Tell him I’m unavable at the moment and ask him to leave.”

Before Natasha could move, Zeke’s voice rang out clearly. “Miss Hond, are you so afraid of seeing me? Do I look like a monster?”

Startled, Corrine lowered her mug and nced at Natasha. “You may leave.”

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