Chapter 1514:

“You look like you’ve shed some weight. Are you not sleeping well?” Evelyn inquired, caressing Corrine’s cheek, her eyes then drifting thoughtfully toward Corrine’s abdomen. “You’re quite slender. Try to eat a bit more.”

Corrine nodded. “I’ll make sure of it.”

Evelyn added softly, “It wouldn’t hurt if your belly got a bit rounder.” At this, Corrine’s gaze fell, a flush spreading across her cheeks.

That was when Nate, sitting beside her, slipped an arm around her shoulders like it was the most natural thing in the world. “Grandma, weren’t you the one who said these things should happen in order? Engagement first, then marriage, then kids. Did you forget already?”

Evelyn shot him a sharp look, her displeasure clear in her eyes.

And here he was, playing the noble one. Really? He preached about sequence, yet he had already crossed that line with her, hadn’t he?

With an eye roll directed at Nate, Evelyn turned back to Corrine with warmth. “To find someone as charming as you is rare. Nate must be incredibly lucky.” Nate remained silent.

Corrine glanced at Nate, barely holding back a grin. “He’s outstanding. Finding him was truly my lucky break.”

Nate’s lips twitched into a reserved smile. His future wife was always in his corner, staunchly defending him.

Evelyn’s lips tightened, her mind racing to contest Corrine’s claim but finding no ground to do so.

Indeed, if Nate weren’t a figure of merit, he wouldn’t have become the youngest leader of the Hopkins family. He had been personally selected and mentored by Ralph.

C𝒉𝑒ck ⓐuthor’s ⓒo𝓹𝓎 h𝑒r𝑒: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫷𝓬𝗈𝗺

Nate’s outstanding abilities were clear for all to see.

Still, praising him openly would only puff up his ego. Evelyn tilted her head and replied, “He’s capable, yes. But he’s also got a streak of coldness.”

Corrine hesitated, unsure how to reply.

Nate’s behavior the previous night had indeed been rather unfeeling.

Evelyn clasped Corrine’s hand, her voice laden with significance. “Oh, enduring life with him must be trying.”

A spark of understanding lit Corrine’s eyes. She had heard similar remarks from Evelyn before.

At first, she’d assumed it was simple humility. Later, she thought maybe Evelyn just wanted to show concern. But today, it felt different. There was a weight behind those words. Like something unsaid was lingering underneath.

And that sigh didn’t sound like an act.

Could there be unforeseen consequences to her relationship with Nate?

Time slipped by, and it was noon when Evelyn finally stood to leave.

“It’s already noon. Why don’t you stay for lunch?” Corrine suggested, hoping Evelyn would linger.

Evelyn smiled, her tone warm and teasing. “You’re always so thoughtful, Corrine. Not like a certain someone sitting next to you.”

.

.

.