?Chapter 486:


    Chelsea, taken aback, paused to collect her thoughts. After a moment, she adopted a stern expression.


    “Are you aware of the Independent Continent’s strict rules against marrying outsiders?” she asked.


    Surprise flickered in Corrine’s eyes. It wasn’t the rule itself that startled her, but Chelsea’s awareness of it.


    “Furthermore, anyone who breaks this rule will be exiled and never allowed to return,” Chelsea continued upon noticing Corrine’s silence.


    “Given Nate’s prestigious position and influence, do you really think he would sacrifice everything for love?”


    A man like Nate wouldn’t havesting emotional attachments.


    He might stay with a woman for some time, but relinquishing his status and power for love was unimaginable.


    Chelsea’s heart ached for Corrine, knowing how difficult this revtion might be.


    However, seeing Corrine’s deep affection for Natepelled her to speak out, fearing the eventual heartbreak.


    “Aunt Chelsea, thank you for telling me this,” Corrine said, stepping forward and hugging her with earnest warmth.


    “But I’m going to be his wife.”


    “What?” Chelsea was stunned.


    It seemed Corrine had disregarded her warnings.


    ???????????????? ????????: g???????ν?????????????


    “Corrine—”


    As Chelsea attempted to reason further, the sound of approaching footsteps halted her.


    Turning, she saw Nate, impably dressed in a suit.


    Despite his high nose and faint smile, there was a noble coldness about him that only intensified his unapproachable air. His intimidating aura left everyone around him unsettled.


    Although Chelsea was older than him, she felt a rare awe and apprehension in Nate’s presence. Her hand instinctively tightened on her purse.


    When Nate noticed Chelsea, his usually cold gaze softened.


    “Mrs. Ford,” he greeted with a nod.


    It was a simple gesture that nheless left Chelsea reeling.


    Before her stood the formidable head of the Hopkins family.


    Even the Independent Continent’s Elder Council, known for its absolute power, feared him.


    Yet here Nate was, respectfully lowering his head before Chelsea.


    This caught Chelsea off guard, prompting her to draw a sharp breath.


    A trace of shock was evident in her eyes.


    Chelsea knew he wasn’t showing respect for the sake of the Hoffman family or Jayden, but because of Corrine.


    “Are you ready?” Nate asked Corrine.


    Corrine nodded, then turned to Chelsea.


    “Shall I take my leave?” she asked.


    Snapping back to the moment, Chelsea nodded quickly.


    “Alright, take care,” she said with a smile.


    “You too,” Corrine responded, holding Nate’s hand as they walked away.


    .


    .


    .