?Chapter 409:
At his words, Evelyn’s expression softened, her stance bing more approving. Still, she couldn’t help but jab, “I thought you’d been poisoned by that old jerk all these years.”
Nate could only sigh in quiet resignation, offering no rebuttal.
Meanwhile, Corrine wandered through the garden, unaware of their conversation. She admired the flowers in bloom, noting they must have just been transnted.
Their brief flowering periods meant they were frequently reced.
Penny, who knew Corrine’s love for nts, eagerly brought them up.
Corrine nodded absentmindedly in response.
Noticing Corrine’s distant mood, Penny gently spoke.
“Miss Hond, please don’t take Mrs. Hopkins’ words to heart.”
“I understand,” Corrine murmured.
It was only natural for elders to desire a big family, especially since Nate wasn’t exactly getting any younger.
Evelyn had asked Corrine to pick up some fabrics; though it was just a pretext to have a private conversation with Nate, she did mean to gift Corrine some fabrics.
Once Corrine chose a piece of cloth, she and Penny returned to the living room. To her surprise, Nate wasn’t there.
Evelyn caught Corrine’s searching look and chuckled.
“Nate stepped out to take a phone call,” she said, gesturing to the seat beside her.
“Join me over here, dear.”
Corrine agreed with a nod and took a seat beside her.
Evelyn sped Corrine’s hand,forting her with a gentle touch.
“It must be challenging, being around that rascal Nate.”
Laughing softly, Corrine responded, “Actually, he’s quite the charmer.” To Corrine, spending time with Nate was never a burden.
Rather, she often thought Nate was the one who endured more.
G a lno ve ls . is where the magic begins
She sometimes wished their paths had crossed sooner.
“There’s no need to stick up for him around me. I’m quite familiar with his ways,” Evelyn continued.
“Remember, if he ever gives you trouble,e straight to me. I’m here for you, Corrine.”
Corrine felt a surge of warmth at those words.
It reassured her, knowing that affection wasn’t limited by family ties.
“He does treat me wonderfully,” Corrine responded earnestly.
“You’re so kind and thoughtful—it’s no wonder you’ve caught someone’s eye,” Evelyn remarked, casting a meaningful nce at Nate’s back.
Corrine was momentarily speechless.
Was this really the kind ofment one made openly?
Evelyn added, “The Hopkins family is broad and intricate, dealing with numerous issues every day. Nate, as the firstborn son, was shaped to be the sessor early on and has consistently lived up to our expectations. He keeps his struggles to himself, yet inheriting the Hopkins legacy is a burden unique in its weight.”
Her smile lessened, her face turning grave.
“Everyone’s fixated on grooming him to be the perfect heir, losing sight of the fact that Nate is a real person. They even demand he should be emotionally distant? Ridiculous! They’re just seeking an obedient puppet.”
.
.
.