?Chapter 1274:


    Knowledge, after all, was power.


    At her question, a flicker of amusement danced in Nate’s eyes. “Because the name ude Lowell is nothing more than a mask. He is the third son of the Powell family from the Independent Continent.”


    Recognition dawned in Corrine’s expression, her lips curving into a knowing smile.


    Nate reached for her hand. “Are you joining me for dinner?”


    “Let me inform my uncle first.”


    Just as the words left her lips, her phone buzzed. Jayden’s name shed across the screen.


    She had barely answered when Nate leaned in, his lips capturing hers in a slow, deliberate kiss.


    Soft, intimate sounds filled the space between them, making Jayden’s voice on the other end sharpen with suspicion. His deep tone rose ever so slightly.


    “Corrine, where are you?”


    Corrine pounded on Nate’s chest, her eyes shing with a mix of disapproval and frustration.


    When Nate finally loosened his grip, he turned away, a glint of amusement dancing in his eyes, and walked toward the balcony.


    “Corrine? Can you hear me?” Jayden’s voice cut through the air.


    Corrine snapped back to reality, quickly clearing her throat. “I’ll be right there.” Hanging up, she exited the private room, only to run into Jayden stepping out of another one.


    It seemed the entire evening was nned with one thing in mind—to get Jayden drunk under the guise of a celebration. Fortunately, he had yed the part of a drunkard well enough to avoid their relentless efforts.


    Still, the strong scent of alcohol lingered on him like a stubborn shadow.


    Stay tuned for more gαlnσν??s.c○m


    He approached Corrine, his sharp eyes immediately noticing the smudged lipstick on her lips. His brows furrowed, his expression turning icy. “Where have you been? Where’s Jules? Why isn’t he with you?”


    It wasn’t that Jayden was overly concerned; he’d seen Corrine leave with ude earlier. Trapped by others, unable to break free, all he could do was watch as ude followed her out.


    ude had returned, but Corrine had vanished. As Jayden looked at the state Corrine was in now, his suspicions red. He feared that ude had taken advantage of her.


    “Don’t worry, she’s no pushover,” came Jules’ teasing voice from behind them. Both Corrine and Jayden turned to face him.


    “I asked you to look after her. Where did you disappear to?” Jayden’s tone was low, almost a whisper, but his words held weight.


    Jules raised an eyebrow, offering no reply.


    He had seen Nate take Corrine away himself—there was no immediate threat.


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