?Chapter 1015:


    The iron gates creaked open, nked by stone-carved statues that seemed to watch their every move. The car rolled forward, gliding along the perfectly paved driveway and deeper into the sprawling estate.


    Lavish grounds stretched out on all sides, boasting leisure areas, a golf course, and even a racetrack. Anything one could dream of seemed to be readily avable.


    They pulled up in front of a towering five-story building.


    Standing at the steps, an elderly butler with silver hair waited to greet them.


    The moment Nate stepped out of the car, the butler straightened, his lips curving into a polished, respectful smile. “Mr. Hopkins, your grandfather is waiting for you in the Waterside Garden.”


    He made no mention of Corrine. Not a nce. Not an acknowledgment. Nate didn’t miss the message.


    He turned back and offered his hand to Corrine. “Let’s go. We’ll meet him together.”


    “Mr. Hopkins…” the butler began, but his words wilted under the icy edge of Nate’s gaze. A stare so cold and sharp, it sliced through the air like a knife.


    Whatever words he had left to say were promptly swallowed.


    Corrine and Nate followed the butler’s lead and reached the Waterside Garden, tucked away in the southeast of the estate.


    A tranquil pond stretched before them, sparkling in the sunlight. Fish flickered and weaved, darting about with effortless grace.


    A short distance away, Ralph lounged inside a gazebo. He wore rxed attire, and a chessboardy open in front of him.


    The pieces on the board painted the picture of an intense struggle. ck appeared to dominate, yet its advantage was slipping. Meanwhile, white, though seemingly weaker, silently steered the game’s course.


    One slight shift could spell disaster for ck.


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    Ralph had already grasped this delicate bnce. He clutched a piece between his fingers, pausing in thought, reluctant to make a decision. At the sound of approaching footsteps, he slowly lifted his head. His gaze skimmed over Corrine, a fleeting chill shing in his eyes before vanishing without a trace.


    Nate studied the chessboard for a moment, then stepped forward and ced a piece down with quiet confidence.


    Ralph’s expression darkened. His voice was firm as he said, “You’ve been gone so long, you’ve forgotten how to y by the rules.”


    Nate met his gaze and replied calmly, “The game is already decided. Whether you hesitate or not, the oue won’t change.”


    Ralph picked up the cup beside him and took a slow sip. Though his tone remained smooth, there was no mistaking the weight behind his words. “Nothing is set in stone. I may be old, but I’m not too old to keep you in line.”


    “I wouldn’t dare,” Nate responded, his posture respectful, though a trace of defiance lingered beneath the surface. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it.”


    If Nate had no intention of listening to Ralph, there would have been no point in bringing Corrine here at all.


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