?Chapter 788:


    Penny helped Evelyn back into her armchair, sighing lightly. “It’s a shame to waste your favorite beans.”


    Evelyn huffed, her expression hardening. “I may love them, but they’re not indispensable.”


    There was a subtle yet unmistakable hint behind Evelyn’s words. The words appeared to reference the broken can of coffee beans, but their true meaning seemed to reach far beyond that, casting an unspoken nce at Ralph, Nate’s grandfather, far away on the Independent Continent. Those gathered in the room could easily read the hidden message Evelyn was weaving.


    Corrine, however, remained silent. She had heard from Nate that Evelyn and Ralph had experienced a falling out, which had caused Evelyn to leave. But judging by the chilly atmosphere, Corrine suspected this rift was not one that would heal anytime soon.


    “If you don’t care for those beans, perhaps you’ll prefer the ones I brought,” Nate suggested, signaling to a servant to bring over the new batch.


    Understanding the silent hint, Corrine epted the offering gracefully and began preparing a cup of coffee with methodical precision. She handed the cup to Evelyn with both hands, her expression soft. “Evelyn, would you like to try this?”


    “These tasks are better suited for the servants,” Evelyn replied, epting the coffee but setting it aside. She gently patted Corrine’s hand, her tone slipping back into its familiar warmth. “Good girl, did I frighten you just now?”


    Corrine smiled lightly. “I’m not one to be easily rattled.”


    Nate’s lips curled into a knowing smile. “Indeed, not easily rattled.” At his remark, Corrine nced up, catching the faint movement of Nate wiping his lips. A flurry of heated thoughts shed in her mind, and her cheeks flushed a soft shade of pink.


    Evelyn observed the exchange in silence, a knowing smile flickering in her eyes.


    “Mrs. Hopkins, the meal is ready,” Penny announced.


    . brings magic to life


    Evelyn nodded, taking Corrine’s hand. “Let’s go eat.”


    Corrine nodded in agreement. “Alright.”


    The meal unfolded in a peaceful, harmonious atmosphere—at least, it did until an unexpected voice broke the tranquility.


    “Well, it seems you’ve all left me out here while you indulge in your little family reunion!” The voice was soft, almost melodic, yet dripping with sarcasm and bitterness, as if each word was dipped in venom.


    Evelyn set down her fork, her gaze sharpening. “If you’vee to eat in peace, I won’t deny you a seat at the table. But if you’vee to stir trouble, I suggest you leave.”


    Andromache’s irritation was already on the edge, and Evelyn’s words only fanned the mes. Yet, when she turned to face Nate, a flicker of doubt crossed her. She wasn’t sure whether to continue her attack or retreat.


    After a moment’s hesitation, she shifted her ire onto Corrine. “If an outsider like her can sit here and eat without a second thought, then why can’t I?”


    With that, she flung her bag onto a nearby servant and took a seat across from Corrine.


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