?Chapter 1617:

Kiley was famous for her beauty, often spoken of alongside Chelsea as one of the city’s most admired women. But few knew the depth of ambition beneath Kiley’s wless exterior.

There were moments—unexpected and impulsive—when Kiley would burst into Carl’s study, maps spread wide in her hands,unching into long discussions about expansion strategies and regional control.

She had once dragged Carl into spontaneous brainstorming sessions, chasing bold visions with the same tenacity that Corrine now disyed.

The mother and daughter shared that same fire, that same relentless drive.

“In their eyes, the Ford family’s appetite is toorge,” Carl said finally. “They will never let you intervene in Pree City. Though you’ve invited them to the wedding, they may refuse to attend.”

Corrine smiled, a sly curve pulling at her lips. “This invitation is only meant to test their temperature.”

If power were that easy to win—shared over a meal—then the world would have been conquered by gluttons.

But…

A cunning light flickered in her eyes. “So, does that mean you approve, Grandpa?”fn21b9 This content belongs to find?novel/fn21b9

Carl gave her a long look. “The Ford family will be yours someday. Since you are here, why not stay for lunch before you go?”

Corrine nodded. “Of course.”

Once the food wasid out, she told Waldo to join them for lunch.

Carl sat at the table, eyeing his son with faint irritation. Waldo, as usual, was immersed in his te. “You are almost forty, and still single,” Carl muttered, shaking his head. “When I was your age, your elder brother could already ride a bicycle.”

Corrine stifled augh. “Uncle Waldo is not exactly single.”

Carl looked up, intrigued. “You have met her?”

Waldo, caught mid-chew, froze. His fingers tightened slightly around his fork. He nced at Corrine with a tension he didn’t even realize he was showing. She gave him a faint, knowing smile. “Not only have I met her—but so have you, Grandpa.”

Carl fell into stunned silence. The rest of the meal passed with barely a word.

Waldo nudged Corrine under the table. “What nonsense are you saying?”

She cast him a sideways nce, casual but sharp. “Am I wrong?”

Waldo said nothing more.

After the meal, Corrine grabbed his arm and tugged him toward the door.

“Where are we going?” Waldo asked, confused.

Corrine clicked her seatbelt into ce as she tossed him an address. The engine purred to life, and the car rolled down the driveway. Eventually, they reached the quiet curves of a secluded vi district.

Waldo adjusted his sses, his eyes narrowing at the real estate agency ahead. His voice carried a note of confusion. “What exactly are we doing here?”

Corrine didn’t slow her stride. She headed straight for the ss doors, her heels tapping confidently against the pavement. “Jules is getting married. We need to get him a proper wedding gift.”

Thirty minutester, she stepped out of the office, sunlight catching the brown envelope clutched in her hand. Just as she tucked it under her arm, her phone rang.

.

.

.