?Chapter 632:


    Nate’s eyes flicked toward Moses, his expression darkening almost imperceptibly before he shifted his gaze to the rest of the table. His voice was steady, cool.


    “Please, do not let this affect your day. Let’s carry on as usual.”


    Terrance Brooks, Karina’s father, seized the moment to smooth things over. Raising his ss, he offered a polished smile.


    “Mr. Hopkins, it is a rare asion to see you epting an invitation. It is truly an honor to have you here today.”


    Karina, seated beside him, rolled her eyes in quiet disdain.


    The Brooks family was one of Lyhaton’s top four families, after all. She found her father’s sycophantic behavior nauseating. Groveling was beneath them, and his eagerness to curry favor made her skin crawl.


    Nate met Terrance’s gaze with effortlessposure.


    “You tter me, Mr. Brooks,” he said, lifting his ss in response.


    “I have been preupied over the past few years and have not had the chance to attend. I hope my presence today has not inconvenienced anyone.” His tone was smooth, his demeanor polished—far beyond what one would expect from a typical wealthy heir.


    And with his strikingly handsome features, it was no surprise that the women in the room stole nces at him, their admiration barely concealed behind loweredshes.


    As the meal came to an end, no one dared to leave before Nate did. It was not a spoken rule, but his mere presence at the head of the table held an unspoken authority, keeping everyone firmly in their seats.


    Except for Jules.


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    He rose from his chair, adjusting his sleeves before nodding toward Corrine.


    “Corrine, let’s go.”


    Corrine hesitated, her fingers lightly curling into the fabric of her dress. She stole a nce at Nate, her expression unreadable, yet a trace of reluctance lingered in her eyes.


    But now was not the time for affection. Not here, not in this setting.


    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself, and then stood to follow Jules.


    Just as she turned, Nate lifted his gaze. His fingers traced the rim of his wine ss, his lips curving into a barely-there smile.


    “Miss Hond,” he murmured, his deep voice effortlessly cutting through the low hum of conversation.


    “Please wait.” The words were calm, devoid of any discernible emotion.


    Corrine’s breath caught for a split second.


    Around the table, thedies who had vied for Nate’s attention stiffened. The shift in the atmosphere was palpable—envy, disbelief, and barely concealed resentment rippling through them like a silent storm. If jealousy had a physical form, Corrine was certain she would have been torn apart on the spot.


    She turned back to face him, masking any reaction behind a practiced, serene smile.


    “What can I do for you, Mr. Hopkins?”


    Nate swirled the wine in his ss with an almostzy motion, his gaze steady.


    “It is nothing urgent,” he replied.


    “I have heard the scenery around here is remarkable. I was hoping you could show me around.” His tone remainedposed, but there was something beneath the surface that sent a faint warmth curling through the otherwise cool air between them.


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