?Chapter 1338:


    Amidst the murmurs, Bryant released a quiet sigh, tinged with regret. “With a single word, she could sever Ford Group’s financial lifeline,” he mused, his voice heavy with what seemed to be reluctant pity.


    Corrine turned to him, her gaze unreadable. A flicker of sarcasm danced in her eyes. If he was going to take pleasure in her predicament, he might as well do it openly instead of feigning sympathy. At least then, he would appear less insincere.


    She inhaled deeply, steadying herself. “I appreciate your concern, Mr. Hopkins, but I have something to attend to. Miss Atkinson needs assistance with her dress. If you will excuse me.”


    Without another word, she stepped past him, her posture unwavering, her gaze never once meeting his.


    Bryant turned, his eyes following her retreating figure. The easy smile he had worn moments ago faded, reced by something darker—mockery curling at the edges of his lips.


    Without Nate by her side, how long could she maintain this defiance?


    Corrine felt Bryant’s eyes lingering on her as she walked away. His gaze was sharp, unrelenting, like a predator concealed in the grass, patient and calcting. It sent an instinctive chill down her spine.


    Emerging from the lounge, she stepped into the garden.


    The carefullyndscaped area was bathed in an eerie mist, the swirling vapors curling between the sculpted groves.


    The moisture clung to her skin, cool and mmy, adding an unsettling weight to the moment.


    Bryant’s words gnawed at the edges of her mind, their implications undeniable.


    There was only one person with the power to alter the summit’s schedule and venue so abruptly. Nate.


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    Why would Nate secretly change the summit’s venue?


    What was he trying to conceal from her?


    Bryant’s words were meant to unsettle her, to nt doubts where none should have taken root. Yet, despite knowing his intent, she could not shake the feeling that there was truth buried within his maniption.


    Her brows drew together, her sharp eyes dark with contemtion. Exhaling slowly, she pushed aside the unease creeping through her thoughts and shifted her gaze from the mistced groves to Mandy.


    Something flickered in Mandy’s expression the moment their eyes met—a brief hesitation, a slight stiffening of her posture. Panic? Anxiety? Whatever it was, it passed too quickly to decipher.


    Sensing the scrutiny, Mandy turned, masking any trace of unease. “Miss Hond, is something the matter?” she asked.


    Corrine considered pressing further but dismissed the thought with a small shake of her head. “Nothing.”


    As they turned to leave, a sudden presence loomed before them. A man dressed in ck stepped forward, his tall, imposing frame demanding attention without effort.


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