?Chapter 1614:

Encouraged by this thought, Evelyn’s spirits lifted. “You really have a way with words, dear.”

Corrine’s smile turned mischievous. “Well, since I’m so charming, maybe you could do me a small favor?”

She had carefully considered her approach. Straightforwardness seemed better than subterfuge. Evelyn, seasoned by years of wisdom, would see right through any attempt at maniption. Trying to deceive Evelyn was like performing amateur tricks before a seasoned magician. Conversely, a touch of coyness with an elder could lead to surprisingly positive oues.

And it did.

Evelyn’s eyes twinkled with understanding and then softened. “How could I possibly say no to you, Corrine?”

Hearing this, Corrine exhaled quietly, relieved. She had feared Evelyn might decline. It seemed she had yed her cards right.

“It’s just that I came across some unusual symbols on the hairpin recently. They’re ancient script from the Independent Continent. Could you help me understand them?”fndf8f ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? find~novel/fndf8f

“Why don’t we look at them together after the meal?” Evelyn replied.

“That sounds perfect,” Corrine agreed.

After the meal, Corrine retrieved the photographs and passed them to Evelyn. “Given how long it’s been, I’ll need to examine these symbols closely,” Evelyn said.

Nate’s expression shifted subtly, curiosity flickering in his gaze. “You’re among the rare few fluent in ancient script from the Independent Continent. You used to decipher these with ease. Are you certain you need to study them so thoroughly?”

“Growing older means there are things we can no longer manage,” Evelyn remarked, sliding off her sses and giving Nate a nonchnt look. “Do you think I’m not trustworthy?”

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“That’s not what I mean,” Nate responded, his smile betraying a hint of doubt.

Nate’s skepticism was understandable. In a ce like the Independent Continent, one might expect ignorance of ancient script from most people, but Evelyn’s im was less convincing. After all, she had been immersed in such studies from a young age.

The two seemed locked in a quiet war of wits. Corrine, seated close by, couldn’t find her ce in the exchange. All she could do was sit still and watch. She had always thought of Evelyn as friendly, and now the connection to the hairpin addedyers of intrigue to her persona.

Indeed, Evelyn held the reins of the Hopkins family on the Independent Continent—not just through kindness but also through shrewdness.

Corrine bit her lip slightly, put her cup down, and asked with a cheeky grin, “Evelyn, remember you said the hairpin carried a sad tale of love? You promised to share it with me. Surely, you wouldn’t keep me waiting?”

Evelyn’s eyes, though clouded with age, lit up with a teasing glint. “So that’s the real reason you showed up, you naughty girl. And here I was, fooling myself into thinking you missed me. Thought you were losing sleep worrying I had no one to talk to.”

With those words, Evelyn yfully tapped Corrine’s forehead.

Corrine touched her forehead, her eyes twinkling yfully. “I do miss you. But perhaps your story will make me miss you even more.”

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