?Chapter 997:


    Nate simply nodded.


    He held Corrine’s hand gently, pressing a soft kiss to it.


    Watching them, Jules couldn’t help but roll his eyes inwardly. With a boyfriend around, she hadpletely forgotten about her cousin.


    Unable to stand their disy of affection any longer, Jules turned and walked away.


    Nate left at dawn, but not long after, Karina, Jolene, and Natasha showed up at the hospital room.


    Corrine had intended to keep her stay a secret.


    But when Karina and Jolene unexpectedly dropped by thepany, Natasha identally spilled the beans.


    Under the pressure from both Karina and Jolene, Natasha had no choice but to bring them to Corrine’s room.


    The sight of the ring on Corrine’s finger immediately caught their attention.


    Karina, who had been lounging on the sofa, jumped up and rushed over to Corrine. Gently taking her hand, she eximed, “Oh my gosh! Girl, you’ve got an entire luxury vi on your finger!”


    Jolene couldn’t resist teasing, “I wouldn’t even dare buy a diamond that big.”


    Despite attending high-end fashion shows in Pinecrest for years, Jolene was still in awe of the ring. She kept admiring it. “Maybe you should think about getting a security team,” she said, half-joking. “Otherwise, I’m worried you might not be able to protect that ring.”


    Jolene handed her a peeled orange. “So, does this mean… a proposal?”


    Corrine’s eyes sparkled as she smiled. “Why wouldn’t it?”


    Karina couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “You’re a member of the Ford family, and you’re settling for just a ring?”


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    She wasn’t trying to stir up trouble; she just felt Nate hadn’t put in enough effort. A ring, but no ceremony at all.


    “If I hadn’t gotten sick and ended up in the hospital, I might have seen the surprise he had nned for me.” A hint of disappointment flickered in Corrine’s eyes.


    “Have you ever heard that saying?” Jolene spoke up suddenly. “My love for you weighs 21 grams.”


    Natasha, calm as ever, added, “21 grams is a poetic concept. It’s said that when someone deeply in love dies, their body loses exactly 21 grams. That weight represents the soul. Those 21 grams are the purest love, the kind that stays even after death. The love endures, and those 21 grams stay with the person they loved forever.”


    “105 carats, which is exactly 21 grams,” Jolene said. “Who would have thought Mr. Hopkins was so thoughtful and romantic?”


    Corrine’s heart skipped a beat. She hadn’t expected Nate to be so considerate.


    Without thinking, Corrine began ying with her ring, lost in her thoughts.


    When Corrine was discharged, she didn’t see Nate. Instead, the men of the Ford family insisted she return to the family mansion. Once in her room, she pulled out her phone and texted Nate. “Hi! Your favorite troublemaker is online!” Just then, there was a knock on the door.


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