?Chapter 421:


    Corrine stared at him in disbelief, marveling at his unprecedented audacity.


    Nate observed her indignant expression and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.


    “Don’t be mad, babe. Next time, I’ll make it up to you, okay?”


    “Nate, can you go back to acting normal for once?”


    “I can’t be normal around you, babe.”


    With that, he scooped her up effortlessly and carried her toward the bathroom. Seeing her wary expression, he chuckled and ruffled her hair.


    “Rx. I’ll grab you some fresh clothes.”


    After her shower, Corrine changed into a clean, tailored outfit.


    Gone was the soft, flowing dress from earlier. The sharp lines of the strapless silk dress, paired with a cropped zer, transformed her appearance, giving her an air of effortless elegance with just the right touch of feminine allure. Nate’s gaze lingered on her, his expression unreadable, though something in his eyes betrayed an unconscious fascination.


    Leisurely, he unfastened his diamond cufflinks and rolled up his sleeves as he stepped behind her and gently took the hairdryer from her hands.


    “Stay for dinner with Grandma before you head out?”


    Corrine met his gaze in the mirror, then nodded.


    Half an hourter, they arrived at Evelyn’s quarters.


    The moment they stepped inside, hand in hand, Evelyn’s face lit up with unrestrained joy. But then, as her gaze settled on Nate, the warmth in her expression faltered slightly.


    “Corrine, did you have a nice nap?” she asked suddenly.


    Corrine stiffened, the unexpected question making her cheeks burn.


    “I slept well. Thank you for asking, Mrs. Hopkins,” she answered politely, forcing herself to stayposed.


    Evelyn took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze, sighing softly.


    “Good girl. You’ve been through so much.”


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    Corrine opened her mouth to respond, but Evelyn continued before she could.


    “You don’t have to hide anything from me—I understand. But listen, I promise you, I’ll do everything in my power to help Nate get back on his feet.”


    Corrine blinked, utterly baffled. What on earth was she talking about?


    A quick nce at Nate showed that he looked just as lost. But Evelyn only sighed deeper as she turned to him, her gaze filled with quiet determination.


    “I already know everything, so there’s no need to pretend. Even for Corrine’s sake, you mustn’t give up on yourself. Do you understand?”


    Nate stared at her,pletely speechless.


    What in the world was his grandmother talking about? And why was he the only one who had absolutely no idea?


    In contrast to Corrine’s rxed and carefree demeanor, the atmosphere in the Burgess household was heavy with tension.


    Ever since Corey found out that Leah had been humiliated into kneeling and apologizing in public, he’d been brooding on the sofa, chain-smoking cigarette after cigarette, his mind clouded with frustration.


    Leah and her mother exchanged anxious nces, the silence filled with unspoken words. Each time Leah tried to speak, Sonia gently ced a hand on hers, a quiet signal for patience.


    Years of knowing Corey had taught Sonia one thing—speaking now would only fan the mes of his unpredictable temper.


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