The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 1097:

Nate, who had just ended a phone call, turned toward her. The moment his eyes landed on her, the usual coldness in his gaze melted, replaced by something far softer.

As they descended the stairs, Saul and Mandy glanced up. For a brief moment, they were stunned. Though Corrine’s figure was slender, there was an undeniable presence about her. Standing beside Nate, she did not seem overshadowed—instead, she matched him seamlessly.

From the upper floor, Vulture watched the scene unfold, an inexplicable sadness rising in his chest. Some chances, once lost, never come again.

“Hey!” His voice cut through the air just as Corrine reached the door. She paused, glancing back over her shoulder.

With a flick of his wrist, Vulture tossed something toward her. She caught it instinctively, though she couldn’t make out what it was at first.noveldrama

“A little something I prepared for you,” he said, his voice carrying an unfamiliar softness. “Perfect timing to give it to you now. You’ll need it for protection. The Hopkins household isn’t a place to let your guard down.”

It was a golden Desert Eagle pistol.

Corrine glanced at the weapon, then smiled. “Don’t worry.” And with that, she turned and walked away.

Ralph had personally orchestrated the family banquet, ensuring that every member of the Hopkins clan was in attendance. This was no ordinary evening affair. The event brimmed with grandeur, a clear attempt to make an impression that went beyond a mere familial gathering.

When Corrine and Nate arrived, the butler greeted them with a polite bow and led them into the living room. “Mr. Nate Hopkins, Miss Holland, please wait briefly.”

Nate gave a polite nod. As the butler departed, he slid the coffee meant for him across the table toward Corrine. “Try it and tell me if you like the flavor.”

𝗟𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺: ⲅⱥ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀．ⅽ𝗼𝗺

The gesture took Corrine by surprise. He was wary—convinced someone might tamper with her drink. By offering her his own coffee, he was shielding her from any potential threat.

Corrine hesitated before pressing her lips together and taking a small sip. “Will the members of the collateral branches be here tonight?”

“They will,” Nate replied. “According to the Hopkins family rules, the members of the collateral branches aren’t permitted to approach the main family or come and go from the ancestral home without explicit permission.”

That restriction, Corrine realized, served to bolster the main family’s authority and prestige.

She traced her finger along the edge of her cup. “So many rules…” The Ford family—renowned as the wealthiest in Lyhaton—had its own strict traditions, but compared to the Hopkins’ rigid hierarchy, their rules seemed far more lenient.

Nate arched a brow, a flicker of warmth softening his otherwise sharp gaze. “You are not bound by those rules.”

His calm, confident tone left no room for argument.

Before Corrine could respond, the sound of steady, measured footsteps echoed down the hall. She instinctively looked up.

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