?Chapter 516:


    After their conversation, Corrine made her way to Whisperwind Cafe for her meeting with Farris.


    As she entered, the manager caught sight of her and paused, taken aback by her presence.


    Coming back to his senses, the manager quickly stepped forward, straightened up, and greeted Corrine, his expression shifting to one of eager respect.


    “Wee, Miss Hond.”


    She gave a small nod in acknowledgment, her gaze sweeping across the polished interior.


    The manager hesitated for a fraction of a second before continuing, “Mr. Carl Ford is in a VIP room. Would you like me to escort you?”


    Corrine paused mid-step, her brows lifting slightly. She hadn’t expected her grandfather to be here.


    Her lips curled into a polite but distant smile.


    “No need. I’m here to meet someone else.”


    She moved forward, only to stop as if reconsidering something. Turning back, she met the manager’s gaze.


    “Don’t let anyone know I was here.”


    “Understood. You can count on my discretion.”


    Corrine believed she hade unnoticed. What she didn’t realize was that one of Farris’ most trusted aides had already ryed every detail to him—word for word.


    “The manager of Whisperwind Cafe personally stepped out to greet her?” Farris set his coffee mug down with a measured pause, his gaze sharpening as he looked at his butler.


    ???????????? ???????????? ????????: ??????????????????[?]??????


    “Yes, sir,” the butler confirmed, carefully gauging his employer’s reaction. After a slight hesitation, he added, “From what I observed, they appeared to be well acquainted. Unfortunately, I wasn’t close enough to catch what they discussed.”


    Farris narrowed his eyes, his fingers resting against the rim of his cup. Whisperwind Cafe was more than just a coffee shop—it was where Lyhaton’s elite gathered to enjoy coffee and exchange unspoken power ys.


    Countless cafes hade and gone over the years, but Whisperwind remained untouchable—a testament to the immense power of its elusive owner.


    Due to its elite reputation, the manager of Whisperwind Cafe rarely ever extended a personal wee to anyone.


    That he had done so for Corrine was nothing short of extraordinary. Just then, the steady rhythm of approaching footsteps echoed down the corridor.


    “You can go now,” Farris said, pulling himself from his thoughts. His gaze flicked to the butler.


    “And make sure no one enters unless I say so.”


    “Understood, Mr. Ashton.”


    As the butler exited, he wasn’t at all surprised to find Corrine standing at the threshold, just about to step inside. He inclined his head in greeting.


    “Good day, Miss Hond.”


    “Is Mr. Ashton in?”


    “Yes, he’s been expecting you.”


    With that, he stepped aside, allowing her to pass.


    Corrine took a steady breath before stepping into the private room. Farris sat upright at the table, his presenceposed yet unmistakably authoritative. The moment he saw her, a warm, grandfatherly smile crossed his face.


    .


    .


    .