?Chapter 1271:


    Instead, all fingers pointed at her uncle, Jayden. After all, Barry had dropped dead immediately after their meeting—it was too convenient a connection to ignore.


    ude’s strategy was nothing short of brilliant. His cunning ran deep, weaving a trap so seamlessly that even those who saw the pieces might never put them together.


    Corrine studied him, her arched brows lending a touch of her usual charm. Yet beneath that allure, a sharp mockery flickered in her gaze. “I am going to the restroom,” she said tly.


    Without waiting for a response, she rose from her seat and strode away.


    “I could use some fresh air too. Care to join me?” ude said as he pushed himself up, following at a leisurely pace.


    Corrine’s shoulders tensed slightly, but she did not spare him a nce. She walked straight ahead, radiating displeasure.


    She had little patience for those who failed to recognize boundaries.


    As she exited, Jules appeared, stepping back inside from outside. His gaze flicked between Corrine and ude as they emerged from the private room one after the other. His brow creased, a subtle sign of displeasure.


    “I need to talk to you,” Jules said, his voice low but firm as he addressed Corrine.


    She gave a small nod, acknowledging him.


    Just then, a rush of footsteps echoed down the corridor, sharp and purposeful. A staff member hurried forward, bowing slightly as he gestured toward the approaching figures. “This way, please.”


    Turning her head, Corrine saw them. Moses and Zack led the way, moving with quiet confidence. Behind them, Nate followed at an unhurried pace.


    He was dressed in a sharply tailored ck suit, every stitch crafted to perfection, entuating themanding presence that made him impossible to ignore. One hand rested casually in his pocket, his strides unhurried, exuding effortless dominance. Despite his rxed demeanor, an air of authority clung to him—undeniable and maic.


    Moses’ face lit up when his eyesnded on Corrine. His lips parted, ready to greet her—then suddenly froze. His gaze flicked past her to ude. A beat of silence passed. Instinctively, Moses nced toward Nate.


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    Nate did not speak. He did not react. Yet the very air around him seemed to shift. An invisible weight settled over the corridor, a pressure that made the space feel colder and sharper.


    Nate was furious.


    The realization struck Corrine immediately, as if the tension in the air had whispered it to her. He was angry again, and once more, it fell upon her to calm him down.


    A flicker of resigned amusement danced in Corrine’s eyes as she strode toward him, unwavering. Behind her, ude followed like an unshakable shadow.


    Before she could say a word, ude spoke first. “Mr. Hopkins, it has been quite some time.”


    The casual greeting caught her off guard. But Corrine was no fool—she knew better than to assume they were long-lost friends just because of a simple pleasantry.


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