?Chapter 1014:


    Over the years, Herbert had encountered countless women, each more stunning than thest. He had thought himself immune to beauty. Yet, Corrine was different. She wasn’t just a woman of looks—she was a force, someone who refused to blend into the mold of traditional elegance.


    But the Hopkins family was no ordinary one—it was a dynasty steeped in power struggles, riddled with schemes and betrayals. Some of the coteral branches even conspired with each other, eager for a piece of the pie from the main branch. Sooner orter, conflict would erupt.


    And in this ruthless game, Corrine was nothing but a weakness to Nate.


    “You can’t always be her safe harbor,” Herbert added.


    Moses, who had followed them outside, let out a low, disdainful chuckle. If Nate could be swayed by such words, he would be shocked.


    “Well, Herbert, if Nate has chosen her, she can’t be that bad.”


    Herbert wanted to counter, but when he caught Moses’ knowing smirk, he swallowed his thoughts.


    After a beat of silence, he relented. “I’ll be off, then.”


    Descending the steps, he suddenly turned back as if recalling something.


    “Oh, by the way, let’s gather tonight. Everyone’s eager to see you, Nate.”


    Nate responded with a faint nod.


    Whether they wanted to see him or the woman he had brought back—well, everyone knew the real reason.


    Half an hourter, after grabbing a quick bite, Corrine and Nate set off for the Hopkins family residence.


    Corrine couldn’t hide her nerves.


    Meeting Nate’s family for the first time had her stomach twisted in knots.


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    “Nervous?” Nate asked, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.


    She nodded, her fingers fidgeting in herp. “It’s my first time meeting them, and I didn’t bring anything. Isn’t that kind of rude?”


    “I’ve got everything prepared for you,” Nate assured her with a confident smile.


    Corrine blinked before pressing her fingertips against her temple in mock despair. “You’re so thoughtful, I almost feel inadequate.”


    “No need to feel that way.” His arm snaked around her waist, pulling her gently into his embrace. “You’ll just have to repay the favor eventually.”


    Corrine blinked, momentarily stunned.


    Then her gaze lifted to meet his, her brows knitting slightly as she caught the glint of suggestion in his eyes.


    Surely, he didn’t mean what she thought he did… right?


    The car cruised smoothly along the road, and half an hourter, they arrived at the estate.


    Unlike the extravagant Grand Pce, this ce bore an aged elegance, a timeless charm wrapped in the whispers of history. The estate sat by theke like a stately relic, washed in the silver hues of time.


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