?Chapter 1126:


    That, of course, meant Andromache was there too.


    As they stepped inside the main building, the butler approached with a respectful bow. “Mr. Hopkins, Miss Hond.” Nate gave a slight nod.


    The butler continued in a formal tone, “The major family heads and the three top leaders from the Elder Council have been waiting in the Spring Hall for quite some time. Your grandfather requests your presence immediately.”


    Nate’s expression darkened, and his grip on Corrine tightened. “Don’t forget what I told you.”


    Corrine met his eyes and gave a small nod. “I know. Go on.”


    After watching Nate leave, Corrine decided to take a leisurely walk to get a better sense of the Winter Hall.


    Before she could go far, the butler called after her. “Miss Hond, please wait.” She paused and turned to face him.


    With a polite smile, he stepped forward. “Mr. Ralph Hopkins would like to speak with you.”


    For a brief moment, curiosity flickered across Corrine’s face. Ralph’s request was unexpected.


    She considered it for a second, then gave a slight nod. “Lead the way, please.”


    Her poised response caught the butler off guard.


    With the Hopkins family’s influence over the Independent Continent, most people responded with nervous respect.


    As the family butler, his status had naturally risen alongside theirs. Most treated him with respect, but only because of his ties to the family—especially Ralph.


    But Corrine was different. Her courtesy came from social manners, not obligation.


    The butler quickly regained hisposure. “This way, Miss Hond.”


    L?t??τ cнαρτ?rs ιn g??l??ov?l?.??????


    They followed a quiet, winding path that led to an old building hidden within a small patch of woods.


    He stepped forward and pushed open the intricately carved wooden door.


    Inside, Corrine spotted Ralph seated at a table.


    Dressed in a gray jacket, his neatlybed silver hair gave him an air of quiet authority. He held a game piece in one hand, his eyes scanning a strategy manual.


    At the sound of footsteps, he lifted his gaze. “Come in.” Corrine nodded simply as she stepped inside.


    With a small gesture, Ralph invited her to sit. She took the seat across from him.


    “Let’s have one more game,” he said, sliding the ck pieces toward her.


    Corrine ced her first piece in the upper right corner.


    As the game unfolded, their pieces shed across the board. Ralph, however, barely nced at the moves. His focus remained on Corrine, watching her closely, as if searching for someone else in her face.


    “Your style reminds me of an old friend,” he murmured, lowering his gaze to the board. His voice carried quiet nostalgia. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “Funny thing—this chess set was actually a gift from that old friend of mine.”


    .


    .


    .