?Chapter 406:


    But Nate, sensing her hesitation, tightened his grip on her hand, his fingers locking with hers in a firm,manding hold.


    He leaned close, his breath warm against her ear, whispering, “The closer we appear, the happier Grandma will be.”


    Corrine said nothing, her thoughts a mixture of difort and resignation. Evelyn’s face lit up with pure joy as she finally spoke.


    “Corrine, I’ve missed you so much,” she eximed, her eyes shining with affection.


    “Grandma,” Nate greeted softly, his voice a contrast to Evelyn’s exuberance.


    But Evelyn seemed not to hear him at all.


    Corrine pressed her lips together softly, offering a polite greeting.


    “Nice to see you again, Mrs. Evelyn.”


    “Good girl.” Evelyn’s smile widened, glowing brighter, as she reached out to take Corrine’s hand with a gentle yet confident touch, her eyes assessing Corrine from head to toe.


    She couldn’t help but notice the slight hollowness in Corrine’s face, and her brow furrowed, though barely perceptible.


    “Corrine, you’ve lost quite a bit of weight. Has Nate not been taking proper care of you?”


    “Not his fault,” Corrine replied, her cheeks flushing a shade of red from the sudden embarrassment.


    Evelyn’s tone shifted to mock seriousness as she continued, “And I expect your belly to look a bit rounder, you know.”


    Corrine was at a loss for words, caught off guard by the remark.


    Sensing her difort, Nate stepped forward, his arms sliding around her in a protective embrace.


    “Good thingse to those who wait, Grandma,” he teased lightly.


    Corrine blinked, her mind swirling in confusion.


    Was it really appropriate for them to be discussing the possibility of her pregnancy right in front of her?


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    Penny, ever the tactful one, quickly intervened, saying, “Mr. Hopkins, Miss Hond, perhaps we should continue our conversation inside.”


    “Alright,” Corrine agreed, smiling as she gently supported Evelyn, guiding her inside the house.


    “Corrine,e sit by me,” Evelyn called, patting the seat beside her with a warm, inviting smile.


    Corrine was about toply when Nate, with a soft touch to her arm, gently guided her back toward the adjacent sofa, settling her beside him instead.


    Evelyn raised an eyebrow at Nate’s possessive gesture, shooting him a yful re, but her expression softened when she saw the two of them together. A gentle smile spread across her face.


    As they settled in with coffee in hand, Evelyn suddenly turned to Penny.


    “I recently received some beautiful new fabrics. Take Corrine to pick out her favorite.”


    Penny nodded with a smile, giving Corrine a respectful bow.


    “Miss Hond, please follow me.”


    It was clear that Evelyn wanted a moment alone with Nate, and Corrine, ever understanding, smiled back at Evelyn before gracefully rising to follow Penny out.


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