Chapter 1671:
Everyone recognized this transparent excuse for what it was—a deliberate attempt to distance himself from whatever they might uncover.
Once alone, Corrine and Jules focused their attention on the surveillance monitor, scrutinizing each frame.
The footage captured every guest’s arrival in perfect clarity until, moments before the wedding ceremony began, an unfamiliar figure stepped into view.
This visitor wasn’t Claude, nor any of his known associates.
He placed a gift down and turned to leave.
As he retreated, he hesitated briefly, pivoting to face the camera with an enigmatic smile playing across his lips.
“This is nothing short of deliberate provocation!” Jules hissed through clenched teeth.
They had counted on someone reviewing the surveillance footage.
The video continued, showing Corrine engaged in a brief conversation with Zeke, followed by the scene where she grasped Callie by the neck. Witnessing Callie’s foolish behavior toward Corrine, Jules sneered with contempt. “What an absolute idiot.”
Unless Zeke had completely lost his ability to see, he would never be drawn to someone as intellectually vacant as Callie.
“Are we really just going to let Callie’s behavior slide?” Jules questioned, lifting his eyes to meet Corrine’s.
Corrine shifted her gaze from the monitor to Jules. “What options do we have?”
She paused briefly before continuing, “She is the Hoffman family’s daughter, after all. Even if we set aside the Hoffman family’s standing, shouldn’t we consider your mother’s feelings?”
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Regardless of the circumstances, Callie was still Chelsea’s niece. Creating conflict would only put Chelsea in an uncomfortable position.
Corrine had always valued Chelsea’s kindness, which explained her decision to overlook Callie’s actions this time.
At her words, Jules fell silent, regarding her with an inscrutable, penetrating look.
Uncertain of Jules’ thoughts, Corrine returned her attention to the screen and mused, “Should we trace his license plate number?” Perhaps they could pinpoint Claude’s whereabouts by tracking the messenger’s driving route.
Whether Claude had returned to target the Ford family or to exact revenge on Nate, locating him quickly was imperative.
Jules’ fingers flew across the keyboard, his expression showing no surprise at the outcome. “The license plate is counterfeit.”
They couldn’t uncover any information about the vehicle or its owner.
Since the other side had anticipated their attempt to review the surveillance footage, they must have made foolproof preparations. There was no way they’d leave behind any clues to be traced.
Feeling unsettled, Jules pulled out a cigarette and lit it. He held it between his fingers for a moment before bringing it to his lips and taking a few steady drags. The sharp taste of nicotine filled his mouth, offering a fleeting sense of calm that was just enough to dull the anxiety churning in his chest.
He couldn’t deny that Claude’s sudden reappearance had left him uneasy. Beneath that unease was a deep worry. The enemies were lurking in the dark. If the other side was truly targeting the Ford family, they wouldn’t be able to react in time.
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