?Chapter 1648:

From her vantage point on the upper floor, Corrine observed Nate settling onto the living room sofa and felt a strong impulse to join him downstairs.

Beside her, Jules’ voice carried a soft yet foreboding tone,

“Going down dressed like that? Do you want Grandpa to give you an earful?”

Corrine was left without words.

Realizing her outfit was indeed inappropriate for the asion, she hurried back to her room to change into something more suitable.

Re-emerging, she found Jules posted nonchntly against the doorframe.

“You see him every day. What’s the hurry?”

“You don’t get it,” Corrine responded earnestly. “This is his first time here as the future grandson-inw. Grandpa already has his doubts, and I’m anxious…”

“Oh, please. You’re not even married yet, and you’re already taking his side.”fnac7d Th?s chapter is updated by fινdnοvel/fnac7d

Corrine shot him a look.

“Do you want a beating?”

She didn’t wait for a reply but pushed past him and strode out.

Upon descending the stairs, Corrine observed her uncles, Jayden and Waldo, seated on one of the sofas.

Nate upied a separate sofa, appearing rxed yet maintaining an aura of detachment.

Despite thete hour, Nate’smanding presence filled the living room with a palpable tension.

Jayden softly cleared his throat.

“Mr. Hopkins, to what do we owe the pleasure of yourte visit?”

Although he was adept at maintainingposure in challenging situations, Jayden couldn’t deny the mix of respect and wariness Nate inspired in him.

Waldo, overhearing the formal address, smirked silently, amused by Jayden’s respectful attitude toward Nate. His brother had looked at him with contempt moments ago. It was like the pot calling the kettle ck.

Lɑt??τ cнαρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?ls.??????

“Why drop by unannounced?” Corrine queried as she leaned on the armrest of Nate’s sofa.

Nate shifted to make space for her, casually draping his arm around her waist.

“I tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up.”

Corrine found herself at a loss for words.

She must have been in the bath when the call came through.

The Ford men noticed Nate’s hand resting on Corrine’s waist, and their expressions hardened slightly.

Their treasured family member seemed to be slipping away, stirring a silent fury within them.

Carl, unable to watch any longer, proposed,

“Corrine, why don’t you show Mr. Hopkins around?”

“Alright,” Corrine responded promptly.

As the pair departed, the Ford men exchanged meaningful looks.

Was Nate nning to stay the night?

Quietly, they began to plot ways to ensure Nate would leave soon.

Corrine sped Nate’s hand as they wandered through the garden.

The night usually brought swarms of mosquitoes, but thanks to the efficient mosquito-control devices scattered around, their walk was undisturbed.

“Did you reallye over just because I didn’t answer your call?” Corrine inquired, her curiosity piqued.

She was dressed in a light silk slip dress covered by a knitted cardigan, her figure softly outlined beneath the material.

Her long hair flowed behind her, moving with the breeze. Its fresh scent lingered on Nate’s suit.

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