?Chapter 1101:


    But now, all of Ralph’s careful arrangements had fallen apart the moment Corrine’s name appeared in the Hopkins family records.


    The butler studied Ralph’s unreadable expression. After a brief pause, he spoke cautiously. “Why is Mrs. Hopkins so determined to choose Miss Hond?”


    Given the circumstances, securing the Quinn family’s support would have greatly benefited the main family. Even a servant like him could see that. Surely Evelyn understood it too. So why had she passed up such a golden opportunity just to back Corrine—the woman Nate had brought home? And worse, why had she gone so far as to secretly add her name to the records?


    “Evelyn never makes decisions based on reason,” Ralph said, his voice tinged with irony. “She follows her impulses. I just hope Corrine proves worthy of her trust.”


    In the Fragrance Garden of Lyhaton, Evelyn jolted awake, her body wracked with a harsh cough.


    Hearing the noise, Penny rushed in. She quickly poured a ss of water, making sure it was just the right temperature before handing it over.


    Evelyn took a slow sip and then turned her gaze toward the window. The night sky stretched before her. “What time is it?”


    “Not quite eleven,” Penny answered.


    Evelyn inhaled deeply, steadying herself. “Help me up. I want some fresh air.”


    “Of course.”


    They stepped into the garden, where cool air brushed against them. As they walked, Penny spoke in a hushed tone. “Our sources say Mr. Ralph Hopkins sent the butler for the family records. It looks like our actions can’t stay secret anymore.”


    Evelyn barely reacted. She adjusted her shawl, her eyes lifting to the moonlit sky. “I never nned to keep it from him.”


    Her voice was calm, almost indifferent. “If he has any sense, he’ll know what decision to make.”


    Read more at g???????ν????????o??


    Penny hesitated before speaking again. “But if the n elders catch wind of this, they won’t take it lightly.”


    The elders had always pushed for Nate to marry the Quinn family’s heiress, all for their own gain.


    Evelyn’s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes held an icy edge. “The main family and the coteral branches may be at odds, but we haven’t fallen so low that we need a marriage alliance to stay in power.”


    Penny listened in silence.


    Evelyn tilted her head slightly, gazing at the night sky. Her voice was steady, almost indifferent. “Since he’s seen the records, we might as well remove the ninth coteral branch from them.”


    Penny’s expression stiffened. “Mrs. Hopkins, that could be risky.” Erasing the ninth branch from the family records would undoubtedly stir up trouble. The fragile bnce they had worked so hard to maintain could easily crumble.


    .


    .


    .