?Chapter 451:


    Nate’s voice remained impassive.


    “Then perhaps you should kneel and apologize properly.”


    Rolf’s fingers twitched. His position as apany manager, his reputation among the powerful guests in attendance—none of that would survive if he kneeled before a woman. He would be theughingstock of Lyhaton, perhaps even Pree City.


    Cn stood frozen. There was no easy way out. If Rolf refused, Nate’s anger would only escte. But if Rolf submitted, the Archer family’s dignity would be crushed underfoot.


    Corrine, sensing the silent battle waging in the room, reached out and tugged gently at Nate’s sleeve. Then, she turned toward Cn, her voice calm but unwavering.


    “I ept Rolf’s apology. Cn, I hope you do not me me for causing this disturbance.”


    Cn exhaled, his rigid stance easing slightly. He gave her a grateful nod.


    “Not at all, Miss Hond. You are too kind. I sincerely apologize on behalf of my brother.”


    Corrine’s lips curved into a gentle smile.


    “You and I are friends. There is no need for formal apologies.”


    “Yes, of course,” Cn agreed quickly, relief washing over him. After she exchanged a few polite words with Cn, Nate slid an arm around Corrine’s waist and guided her out of the banquet hall. As they disappeared through the doors, Cn discreetly dabbed the cold sweat from his forehead with a handkerchief.


    Had Corrine not stepped in, tonight could have ended in disaster.


    Your favorite stories are on g?lnσνe??s?c?m


    Outside, Nate tightened his grip on Corrine’s waist, his voiceced with teasing amusement.


    “I stood up for you, and yet, at the crucial moment, you defended an outsider?”


    Corrine let out a breathyugh, her body softening against his. She yfully grabbed his hand, her eyes gleaming with mischief.


    “But that was not your ultimate goal, was it?”


    Nate’s eyebrow arched delicately as he absorbed Corrine’s words with measured patience.


    “You took advantage of the situation to challenge them so I could mediate and earn Cn’s favor in the process.”


    Corrine knew Nate wouldn’t make an enemy over something trivial in front of a crowd. After all, it would serve no purpose in their business world. From the outset, humiliating the Archer family had never been his intention. Rather, he had seized this opening to confront Cn, transforming it into an opportunity for Corrine to secure a partnership with himter.


    Nate’s gaze settled on her face, apanied by a knowing smile that carried subtle undertones.


    “You’ve proven yourself remarkably perceptive.”


    Despite the praise inherent in his words, Corrine detected a whisper of reservation in his expression.


    “This challenge needed toe from me,” Nate murmured, his long fingers tracing the gentle curves of her brows and eyes.


    “Had anyone else stepped forward, Cn would have dismissed it as your calcted move, possibly even shifting the me onto you to restore the Archer family’s dignity. But after today’s events, he’ll regard you with newfound respect.”


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