?Chapter 1326:


    “Of course, ites with a price.” Nate’s smile was sly, eyes twinkling.


    “And what might that be?” Corrine asked, her gaze searching his.


    At that moment, the car halted. Matias stepped out and tapped on the window. “Sir, Miss Hond, we’ve arrived,” he informed respectfully.


    As the door opened, Corrine stepped out first, her demeanorposed, with Nate close behind.


    When they entered Celtis Estate, Tanya rushed over and greeted them immediately.


    Then she informed Nate, “Miss Astley has been waiting for some time.”


    “Miss Astley?”


    Corrine’s head snapped up instinctively.


    A woman was rising slowly from a sofa in the living room.


    That back—something about it seemed familiar.


    Rachel turned, her gaze drifting toward the doorway. The moment her eyes locked with Corrine’s, her poised smile faltered, freezing in ce. Clearly, she waspletely caught off guard by Corrine’s appearance. The vast living room, once a space offort, now felt suffocating.


    Nate, unbothered by the awkward stillness, took Corrine’s hand and strode toward the living room. “We know each other here—there is no need for formalities.”


    Rachel blinked, snapping back to reality. “Oh, okay.” Her voice wavered as she quickly reimed her seat on the sofa, though her eyes betrayed her distraction.


    Her gaze kept flickering toward Nate’s hand resting possessively around Corrine’s waist.


    She struggled to reconcile the image before her. Nate—with a woman? And not just any woman—Jules’ cousin. Her future cousin-inw.


    Corrine arched a brow, a teasing glint in her eyes. “Do you two know each other?”


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    The surprise on Rachel’s face mirrored her own. It was unexpected to find Rachel here, in a ce that suggested a connection deeper than mere acquaintanceship.


    Nate leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. “Surprised?”


    Corrine nodded slightly. Was it not obvious? Seeing Rachel here was enough of a shock.


    Rachel’s voice wavered as she spoke. “Uncle Nate, you and…” Her gaze flickered between them, the unfinished question heavy with meaning.


    Corrine caught the way Rachel addressed Nate, and curiosity danced in her eyes. Interesting.


    Nate’s grip around her waist tightened slightly, a subtle deration. “You’ve already met Corrine, haven’t you? You should call her Aunt Corrine.”


    Rachel stiffened, visibly thrown off bnce.


    Corrine, too, was momentarily lost in thought. Rachel would marry Jules soon—her future cousin-inw. Yet, if she followed Nate’s logic, Rachel now had to call her aunt. What a tangled mess.


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