?Chapter 1188:


    Corrine exhaled sharply, nudging a loose stone with her foot. “I hope so.” This trip to the Independent Continent had raised many questions in her mind. She needed answers—desperately.


    As her thoughts tangled, voices rose behind her. A familiar cadence made her turn.


    Nate. He walked at the front of the group, dressed in ck from head to toe—an effortlesslymanding presence. His ck shirt fit snugly. One hand in his pocket, he moved with an unbothered confidence that made it impossible to ignore him.


    As if sensing her stare, he lifted his head.


    Their eyes locked.


    Without hesitation, Nate pulled his hand from his pocket and extended it toward her—a silent invitation. A slow smile curved Corrine’s lips. Without a second thought, she stepped forward, drawn to him like a tide to the shore.


    Shepletely forgot about Hawk.


    Hawk let out an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes as she all but forgot his presence. “Unbelievable. Love over friendship—just like that.”


    He shook his head. During her time with the Red me, they had once pledged to support each other, through thick and thin.


    All those noble derations flew out the window the moment a handsome man appeared.


    Nate’s fingers curled around Corrine’s the moment she reached him, their hands fitting together naturally.


    Behind them, Rosalie trailed in silence, lost in thought.


    Fragments of Corrine’s conversation with Karina reyed in her mind, each piece sharpening her disdain.


    Moses had always spoken so highly of Corrine, defending her at every turn. Rosalie had assumed the woman must be extraordinary. But now she saw the truth—Corrine was nothing more than a discarded lover clinging to someone else’s man.


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    She was abandoned by another man, yet still shamelessly pursuing Nate. How utterly pathetic.


    Rosalie’s fingers tightened as she watched their intertwined hands, her gaze darkening with malice.


    Corrine did not deserve to stand beside Nate. She did not deserve to dream of bing the future matriarch of the Hopkins household.


    And Rosalie? She would make sure the world saw Corrine for what she truly was.


    The farewell party felt more like aid-back get-together than an official sendoff.


    Around the bonfire, people lounged on wooden benches, sipping drinks and chatting while a wholemb roasted slowly over an open spit.


    The rich, smoky scent of barbecue mingled with the crisp night air, wrapping the gathering in an intoxicating warmth.


    Moses, standing by the fire, rolled up his sleeves with a flourish. With practiced ease, he carved the sizzling meat into thin slices, the juices glistening under the mes’ flickering glow.


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