Chapter 411: Later in the dining room, Evelyn signaled Penny to serve Corrine a bowl of soup.
"Dear, try this cold melon soup. It's a summer favorite here." "Thank you." Corrine accepted the bowl with both hands and took a delicate sip, the coolness of the soup spreading across her tongue.
Her every movement carried an effortless grace, a quiet elegance that couldn't be taught.
Evelyn studied her carefully.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"What do you think? Do you like it?" "It's not bad," Corrine replied, setting the spoon down.
"This soup is a staple in nearly every hon the Independent Continent. Most outsiders struggle with the taste, but if you like it, well... perhaps it means this place is more connected to you than you realize." Corrine's eyes flickered with curiosity at Evelyn's words.
After the meal, Evelyn rose from her seat, excusing herself to rest.
Corrine stood as well, watching Evelyn walk away until she was out of sight, her expression thoughtful.
"Was the food not to your taste?" Nate asked, his gaze settling on her.
"It's not like that..." Corrine shook her head, distracted. Her eyes dropped to where Nate still held her hand. After a pause, she bit her lip before murmuring, "Did you notice anything... strange about what Evelyn said today? It felt like she was trying to tellsomething-deliberately." Nate's lips curved slightly as he guided her toward his quarters.
"Maybe she's just eager for you to marryalready." "Is that all?" Corrine mused under her breath.
Before he could respond, her phone rang. She pulled it out and saw the caller ID flash with a familiar name-the Ashton family. A cold glint darkened her gaze.
Since yesterday, their calls had been relentless.
She hadn't blocked them—not because she forgave them, but because she refused to act as if she had something to hide. Blocking them would feel like conceding guilt.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmLose yourself in stories on galnovsMasking the ice in her voice, she said, "Sorry, I need to take this." Nate halted, watching as she stepped away. Then, almost instinctively, his eyes drifted toward Evelyn's quarters.
To his surprise, she was standing at the window, silently watching Corrine. Evelyn's gaze followed Corrine's retreating figure, and a whisper slipped from her lips.
"How did I not recognize her? How could I not?" "Mrs. Hopkins, it's tfor your medicine," Penny reminded her softly.
Evelyn turned away, moving toward her bed. After taking her medicine, she lay down her eyes closing as she breathed a quiet prayer.
"May God watch over the only bloodline you have left in this world. May I find a way to repay the debt I owe you."
Corrine stepped into a secluded y corner and answered the call Faris' voice cthrough, steady but Επ cautious. "Corrine, it's me." "What do you want?" Her tone was ice-cold, clipped-like she was speaking to a complete stranger.