?Chapter 1019:


    “Yes,” Nate answered without a second thought.


    Ralph looked down, deep in thought.


    “The coffee’s nearly finished. Let me top it up for you,” Nate said, offering.


    As the rich aroma of coffee filled the air, Ralph spoke with a meaningful tone. “This coffee has always been your grandmother’s favorite. Maybe it’s just the passing of time, but it tastes different now. If you don’t like it, don’t feel you have to drink it for her sake.”


    Nate’s eyes tightened a bit, but he smoothly shifted the conversation. “I’ll be heading out after the meeting wraps up.”


    “Leaving so soon?” Ralph sounded surprised.


    Nate ced the coffee pot down slowly, speaking in a calm tone. “You’re getting older. It’s better I leave before I cause you any more stress.”


    Ralphughed bitterly. “Hah! As if you haven’t already upset me enough!”


    He added with a sharp edge, “Don’t think I don’t know you’re bringing her to the meeting!”


    Nate didn’t react to Ralph’s words. “Grandma arranged everything. As her grandson, I’m just following her wishes.”


    “You!” Ralph’s face turned red with anger, but he couldn’t vent his frustration.


    Nearby, Presley saw Ralph’s flushed face and lowered his head, pressing his lips tightly together.


    Standing in front of Ralph, the former head of the Hopkins family, Presley knew better than to speak out or show any sign of amusement. He was well aware of the serious consequences that could follow. Despite Ralph’s bluster, everyone knew he waspletely under Evelyn’s thumb.


    Whatever she decided, he wouldn’t dare disagree, no matter how much he resented it.


    Just like now, even though he knew Nate bringing Corrine to the meeting was against the rules, he didn’t have the courage to stop it, knowing it was Evelyn’s decision.


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    “I’m getting old, and I may not have the strength I once did, but your father won’t stand by while you act foolishly,” Ralph said.


    A cold light shed in Nate’s eyes. “You know I’ve never cared about these so-called father-son bonds.”


    Ralph’s brow twitched slightly as he looked off into the distance. “The weather’s been so unpredictabletely. It was clear just a moment ago, and now the wind’s starting to pick up.”


    As noon drew near, Corrine and Nate stayed at the family estate for lunch.


    In the dining room, a small, simple table seemed out of ce in the otherwise vast space. If they changed the table, the room could easily fit a hundred people. But it was just the three of them now.


    Corrine was lost in thought. Did other family members not usually eat here?


    The servants began bringing in the dishes. She recognized some of them; she had tasted them during her visits to Evelyn’s ce.


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