?Chapter 982:


    “Didn’t expect to see you here. What’s the asion?”


    Zeke smiled,pletely serious.


    And it wasn’t just because the flowers were from Nate. Everyone else thought she was like a rose, but Nate—he saw her as a tulip.


    Jules observed her quiet happiness. After a brief silence, he spoke, his tone casual butced with intent. “So, when are you leaving?”


    Corrine’s smile faltered. She nced up at him, her expression unreadable. “What?”


    “Don’t y dumb,” Jules shot back, giving her no room for pretense. “When are you heading to the Independent Continent?”


    There was no point in dodging it now. She admitted, “In a few days.”


    “You’ve got some nerve, Corrine. Running off with that man without telling your family?” He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head and stubbing out his cigarette.


    “Watch your words,” she warned. “I’m going for a short trip, not disappearing off the map.”


    “I just hope you don’t get toofortable and nevere back.”


    Corrine rolled her eyes. “Does Uncle Jayden know?” she asked.


    “If my dad knew, do you really think we’d be having this conversation right now?”


    Corrine sighed in relief.


    “Still, you do realize the Independent Continent isn’t just another vacation spot,” he said after a beat.


    Rumored to be abundant in minerals, the Independent Continent was seen as and of immense opportunity.


    Its poption was less than a tenth of Chadand’s, yet every resident possessed significant wealth.


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    To safeguard their interests, the local government enforced strict entry and exit controls.


    Only those with invitations from the authorities or the four ruling families were permitted ess.


    These rigid restrictions had preserved the continent’s air of mystery for years.


    Jules studied Corrine’s expression. When she remained silent, he spoke with seriousness. “If you’re really set on going, stick close to Nate.” Then, as if catching himself, he added, “Don’t underestimate what you’re walking into.”


    “I’m going to have a meal with Corrine,” Zeke said casually, his voice light, but his eyes unreadable.


    Jules froze for a second, blinking in disbelief. His brows slowly lifted as shock spread across his face. “Are you being serious right now?”


    Memories from years ago flickered in his mind—back when he had foolishly made a bet with Zeke. Losing that bet had stung, and in a moment of defiant humor, he had jokingly offered to introduce his cousin Corrine to him. A harmless joke, or so he thought at the time. The idea of Zeke bing his cousin-inw and showing him respect had seemed amusing back then.


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