The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 233

Chapter 233:

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“You’re welcome.”

His presence cast a certain tension over the table, making even casual conversation feel restrained.

It wasn’t until Fatima, draped in a gown, arrived with the groom that the mood finally shifted. The younger guests all stood, raising their glasses—everyone except Nate. Yet, not a single person dared to question it. He wasn’t someone they could afford to offend.

Fatima hesitated for just a moment when her gaze landed on him, and then a knowing smile curled her lips.

“Mr. Hopkins, here alone tonight? Where’s Moses?”

“Fatima, mind your manners,” Quentin chided, his tone edged with quiet authority.

But Fatima remained unfazed. As the only daughter in her generation of the Seymour family, she was treated like royalty. It was no secret that part of Quentin’s family’s standing in Lyhaton stemmed from the affection the Seymour family’s main branch had for Fatima. Having grown up alongside Moses, she had always been surrounded by powerful men—Nate included.

“Moses had to leave for a last-minute business trip,” Nate said smoothly, his gaze flicking toward Matias.

“He asked me to bring you a wedding gift.”

Matias stepped forward, presenting a black velvet box.

Fatima accepted it with effortless grace, but a mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she turned back to Nate.

“Just a gift from Moses? Mr. Hopkins, surely you prepared something as well?”

“I’ll send you the exclusive access pass later,” Nate replied evenly.

Many around them remained oblivious to the weight of his words, but Fatima knew better. It was an exclusive access pass to Independent Continent—a privilege reserved for only a select few worldwide.

By tradition, once she was married, her ties to the Seymour family would change. She wouldn’t have the freedom to enter the territory of the Seymour family’s main branch as she pleased. For Nate to offer her this pass was nothing short of astonishing.

Still, she masked her surprise with a bright, playful smile.

“Deal!”

𝖂𝖍𝖊𝖗𝖊 𝖎𝖙 𝖘𝖙𝖆𝖗𝖙𝖊𝖉: 𝖌𝖆𝖑𝖓𝖔𝖛𝖊𝖑𝖘ꞏ𝖈𝖔𝖒

As she turned to leave, her gaze caught on Corrine, seated beside Nate. She hesitated, something sharp and knowing flickering in her expression. Most people barely knew the real Nate, but Fatima had spent years by Moses’ side—she understood Nate far better than most. He had always kept his distance from women. Yet here he was, sitting beside Corrine.

“Miss Holland,” Fatima greeted smoothly, lifting her glass in a toast from across the table, “Thank you for coming to my wedding.”

Corrine met her gaze with an elegant nod.

“Congratulations! It was my pleasure.”

After the banquet, Corrine left with Carl. In the car, after a moment of deep thought, she asked, “Grandpa, is there some bad blood between you and Nate?”

A flicker of shadow passed through Carl’s eyes, his expression tightening.

“It’s not bad blood, just some old connections.”

“Then why haven’t you ever mentioned it before?” Corrine pressed, her instincts prickling as she sensed Carl was keeping something from her.

Carl’s gaze softened, but there was a weariness in his eyes. He pursed his lips, sighing quietly before saying, “I’m feeling a little tired. I think I’ll rest for a while.” Seeing his exhaustion, Corrine nodded with quiet understanding.

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