?Chapter 658:


    Jules sighed, shaking his head with a slow, almost pitying look. Then he pped a hand on Hodge’s shoulder.


    “It’s not that I don’t want to help you, my friend. It’s just that the other man has given me too much.”


    His loyalty had already been bought, and if Corrine ever found out he had even considered betraying her trust, he would be walking into big trouble.


    The other man?


    The words immediately snapped Hodge’s attention back. He grabbed Jules’ arm and demanded, “Who is it?”


    Jules barely spared him a nce.


    “You’ll have to ask Corrine,” he said, just as his phone buzzed in his pocket. With a casual pat on Hodge’s shoulder, he turned on his heel and walked away.


    Hodge frowned, his gaze drifting to the concert tickets in his hand. His fingers curled around them, his knuckles turning white. Had he missed his chance?


    Having excused herself from Hodge, Corrine found a quiet corner and sank into a chair. She pulled out her phone and typed a quick message to Nate.


    “A reminder. It has been an hour since youst texted me.” Hitting send, she propped her chin on her hand and waited.


    A familiar voice broke through her thoughts.


    “What are you thinking so hard about?”


    Corrine turned her head to find Karina standing behind her, amusement dancing in her eyes. The cold detachment on Corrine’s face eased slightly.


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    “Where did you go? I’ve been looking for you everywhere,” Corrine said.


    Karina smirked, running a hand through her hair.


    “Oh, I was just hiding and watching the fun.”


    Corrine narrowed her eyes.


    “What fun?”


    Karina leaned in with a knowing grin.


    “I saw you and Hodge.” Corrine opened her mouth to respond, but Karina was quicker. She lifted a hand, cutting her off.


    “No need to exin. I get it. But Hodge? He definitely sees things differently. The way he looks at you—it’s not exactly subtle. The passion in his eyes could even melt ice.”


    Corrine let out a soft chuckle.


    “We were just kids who yed together. It’s not as dramatic as you make it sound.”


    Karina arched an eyebrow.


    “I’m afraid he doesn’t see it that way.” Then, as if remembering something, she added, “Oh, by the way, the prototype of Wi’s gown is ready. The team is working on the embroidery now. You should check it out when you have time—just to make sure everything is in ce.”


    The gown had a lively feel to it, and Karina thought it would be better if Corrine took a moment to herself to avoid any mishaps.


    Corrine nodded.


    “I will.”


    Just as the words left her lips, her phone buzzed with an iing message. A faint smile crossed her face.


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