?Chapter 502:


    “Did you find what I asked for?” Nate asked immediately.


    “Finding a high-quality diamond is no issue, but why are you insisting on a 21-carat stone?” Moses asked, his tone curious.


    “If you haven’t found it yet, keep searching,” Nate responded sharply, his tone resolute.


    After ending the call, Nate pocketed his phone and headed toward the living room.


    By the time he arrived, everyone was mostly seated. Corrine sat next to Nate while Callie, as nned, took a seat beside Zeke.


    It was evident the Coopers were attempting to y matchmaker. However, Zeke appeared disinterested and aloof.


    Throughout dinner, Corrine ate quietly, acutely aware of Zeke’s prating stare.


    Nate noticed it, too, his expression growing increasingly grim as the evening wore on.


    The room was charged with a tense atmosphere, making the dinner feel as though it might be theirst together.


    Meg and Cn exchanged knowing looks, sensing the change in dynamics.


    Cn decided to shift the conversation to business matters to diffuse the tension.


    “Miss Hond, I understand your main purpose here is to discuss the Ashton Group investment,” he said.


    “But I’m curious. What’s in it for you if I withdraw?”


    “It might not do much for me, but it certainly does wonders for you.”


    Chapters live now at ??????σ????????.cоm


    Corrine set her fork and knife down with deliberate grace. Then she reached for a napkin, dabbing the corners of her mouth with effortless elegance—every gesture refined, every movement exuding quiet authority.


    “After the scandals, Ashton Group’s reputation has plummeted. Ford Group, on the other hand, remains untouchable. I didn’te just to convince you to pull out of your investments in Ashton Group. I came to seek cooperation with you as a representative of Ford Group.”


    Cn, caughtpletely off guard, couldn’t mask the flicker of shock in his eyes.


    For a moment, it felt as if his entire body had turned to stone, his gaze locked onto Corrine in stunned disbelief.


    The Ford Group was the pinnacle of the business world—the kind of alliance others could only dream of.


    And yet, here she was, handing him that opportunity on a silver tter.


    But Cn wasn’t the kind of businessman to be swayed by words alone.


    Years of experience had taught him not to let a single conversation unravel everything he had built.


    After the meal, he led Corrine into his study.


    “Miss Hond,” he began, his voice measured.


    “When you first helped Ashton Group secure investments, you assured me it would be the most profitable deal I’d ever make. And now, you’re telling me to pull out? Are you ying games with me? Tell me—why should I trust you?”


    “Because I’m Corrine Hond,” she replied smoothly, a confident smile curving her lips.


    “Ashton Group couldn’t hold a candle to Ford Group—not even in a hundred years. And more importantly, without me, how long do you really think they’llst?”


    Her words were sharp, deliberate, each one striking with surgical precision.


    .


    .


    .