?Chapter 1612:

Corrine’s fingers drummed against the tabletop, her rhythm mirroring the pulse of her resolve, a palpable tension filling the room.

After a moment of reflection, she decisively said, “Send invitations for Jules’ wedding to the major families of Pree City.”

Her strategy was clear: invite the potential disruptors and confront the challenge head-on, rather than allow hidden threats to fester.

“Understood.”fnbb37 Official source is find?novel/fnbb37

Meanwhile, at Celtis Estate, Nate and Franco enjoyed a casual drink at the bar, the atmosphere unhurried and congenial.

Franco, swirling his drinkzily, broached a topic with casual intrigue. “nning to make an appearance at the festivities in Nelting? After all, it’s your future cousin-inw’s wedding.”

Nate considered the question, his gaze steady. “Corrine and I aren’t legally married yet. I’m still not family. Attending would seem out of ce.”

“Fair point,” Franco nodded, then shifted the conversation to more personal matters. “Speaking of which, you’ve gotten engaged. Any thoughts on when you’ll officially sign the marriage certificate?”

Before Nate could reply, Franco’s phone rang, a persistent call from one of his subordinates.

“What’s happening?” The conversation on the other end of the line brought a visible change to Franco’s expression, deepening the lines of concern on his usually stern face. “The Mendoza family, you say?”

The call stretched on, each passing second adding to the tension. Finally, Franco ended the call, his brows knitted together in a clear disy of puzzlement.

Nate, observing quietly, took a measured sip from his ss, the movement of his throat marking his calm demeanor. “What’s the issue?”

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Franco met his gaze, his eyes reflecting deep thought. “It seems the Mendoza family intends to be at the wedding.”

A subtle crease formed on Nate’s forehead, his eyes darkening with aplex intensity. “The Mendozas in Nelting, the giants of healthcare?”

“Exactly,” Franco responded, his face etched with confusion. “They’re more reserved than the Astleys, always keeping to themselves. Their patriarch, George Mendoza, in particr, is hardly ever seen in public. They could have easily faded from our elite circles if not for their heritage. Interestingly, the Astleys did extend a wedding invite to them, albeit out of courtesy rather than expectation. Surprisingly, they epted. I’ve heard whispers that the Mendoza heir has finallye back.”

“Leif Mendoza.” The name caused Nate to tighten his grip on his ss, his gaze dropping to hide the sharp glint in his eyes.

Franco looked taken aback. “You’re familiar with him?”

“I’ve heard the name,” Nate said, with a hint of frost in his voice.

“People say Leif was George’s chosen sessor. The brightest among his siblings. But something happened. He left years ago, cut ties with the family, and disappeared.” Franco didn’t rush his words. “Some believe his sudden vanishing forced the family to retreat from public view. Without Leif, they had no one strong enough to carry the weight of their legacy. Their appearance now is more than symbolic. They want the world to see that Leif’s back—and that he’s still the heir.”

Despite the Astleys’ ns for a low-key wedding, the guest list was a collection of the rich and powerful.

The Mendozas’ dramatic reappearance was bound to stir the social waters, potentially triggering a realignment of alliances among the upper echelons. Nate remained contemtive, prompting Franco to let the topic go. He checked his watch. “It’ste. I should head out. Call me if you need anything.”

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