?Chapter 1336:


    He maintained his usual poised and refined demeanor, as if the cutting edge of his remarks was nothing more than a figment of her imagination.


    “Miss Hond, take it from someone who has seen the world. Right now, standing beside Nate, the head of the Hopkins family, might make you feel untouchable, but do not be fooled. The Hopkins family is abyrinthyers uponyers of connections, both within the direct and coteral lines. To be with him, you are not only facing his enemies but also those lurking within his own bloodline. His rise to power was not exactly weed with open arms, and many have been waiting for the moment he stumbles. If that dayes, if he can no longer protect himself, do you really believe he can protect you?”


    Bryant’s voice lowered, his words dripping with insinuation. “I hear your family has been strugglingtely. Your uncle Jayden, framed. Years of influence and power, yet he still could not escape misfortune. Sometimes, standing alone is not enough to weather the storm.”


    Corrine listened in silence, her face unreadable, her patience unshaken. When he finally paused, she met his gaze. “So?” she asked, her tone t.


    Bryant’s practiced smile faltered.


    He had spoken at length, weaving his web of warnings, and yet she dismissed him in a single word. Or was she merely ying dumb?


    If Nate had not intervened when Jayden was in trouble, the Ford family would have been thrown into chaos. Corrine would not even have the time to sit here and entertain these discussions, much less attend an industry summit.


    Unless…


    A shadow flickered behind Bryant’s eyes. “Miss Hond, you are an intelligent woman. Surely, you must realize that things are rarely as simple as they seem. Do you honestly believe the summit was rescheduled without reason? That the original venue was changed to Riverveille on a whim? Do you truly think I alone have that kind of influence?”


    He did not say Nate’s name outright, but the weight of his words left only one possible conclusion.


    Had he truly lowered himself to sowing discord after failing to persuade her?


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    Corrine’s only reaction was a slow yawn, her indifference unmistakable. “Mr. Hopkins, are you done?”


    Bryant exhaled sharply, hisposure slipping for just a second before he forced it back into ce. “I have said all I needed to say. I hope you give it proper thought.”


    “Thank you for your concern.” Corrine rose from her seat, signaling the end of the conversation.


    Whether it was due to haste or a lingering effect of Bryant’s words, she turned too abruptly—colliding headfirst into someone walking past.


    The woman staggered, a gasp of surprise leaving her lips as coffee sshed over the front of her designer dress. “Are you blind?” she snapped, eyes narrowing in outrage.


    Corrine steadied herself, her voice even. “I apologize. That was not intentional.”


    The woman curled her lips into a sneer, her tone dripping with condescension. “Do you think a simple apology can solve every problem in the world? Tell me, how exactly do you n topensate me?” The sharpness in her voice, the arrogance in her posture—she wanted a scene, and she got one.


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