Chapter 28 No Ordinary
Woman
Corrine set her fork down gently and said to Evelyn with a polite smile, “I’m currently staying with my grandfather.”
“I see. Evelyn nodded, her expression softening with understanding, though a fleeting glimmer of disappointment crossed her features..
She had hoped that by inviting Corrine to stay with her, there might be an opportunity for Nate and Corrine to
grow closer. But with Corrine living with her grandfather, that plan seemed out of reach-for now.
After dinner, Nate led Matias to the study to wrap up some work. When he emerged later, the quiet scene in
the living room caught him off guard.
Corrine was seated next to Evelyn, her posture poised yet relaxed. She listened intently, her smile warm and engaging, as Evelyn spoke. The soft glow from the living room lamp illuminated her features, lending her an almost ethereal presence.
For a moment, Nate stood at the staircase, taking it all in. It was a simple moment, yet it stirred something
unfamiliar in him-a sense of warmth, of family, of belonging.
“Nate, Evelyn called out, breaking his reverie. She waved him over with a faint smile. “Now that you’re done
with work, why don’t you take Corrine for a walk around? I’m feeling a bit tired, so I’ll head to bed.”
He nodded, his gaze shifting to Corrine, silently asking if she agreed.
Corrine rose gracefully, offering Evelyn a soft smile. “Have a good rest.”
As the two walked side by side toward the door, Evelyn’s smile grew more affectionate, a wistful sigh escaping her lips. “I hope Nate puts in the effort to win her heart,” she murmured.
Standing beside her, Penny smiled knowingly. “With Mr. Hopkins’ charm and character, I’m sure Miss Holland
won’t be able to resist for long.”
Evelyn’s brow arched subtly, her lips curving into a meaningful smile. “And where exactly do you think Corrine falls short?”
She didn’t wait for an answer. Evelyn’s years of experience told her that Corrine was no ordinary woman. Every gesture, every word, spoke of an impeccable upbringing and refinement that couldn’t be learned overnight.
This wasn’t going to be easy for Nate, Winning her heart would take more than just charm-it would require sincerity, patience, and perhaps even vulnerability.
Outside, the rain had softened into a gentle drizzle, the kind that painted the world in a silvery haze. Corrine
stepped into the cool night air, reaching out her hand to feel the raindrops land softly on her palm.
Nate stood a few steps away, one hand in his pocket, his eyes fixed on her with an unreadable expression. A slight smile tugged at his lips. “How about some coffee?” he asked, his tone casual, but his gaze intent.
Corrine turned her head, surprised by the unexpected invitation. Her eyes met his, and for a brief moment, she forgot how to breathe.
Her fingers curled slightly as exhaled, regaining her composure. A soft smile played on her lips. “Sure,” she
said.
she
The coffee room, tucked away in the west wing, exuded a quiet, old-world charm.
An arched antique shelf divided the space into two areas. On the table in the outer room, an aromatherapy diffuser released a soothing fragrance, mingling with the rich aroma of coffee beans.
Corrine’s gaze swept across the room, her attention drawn to a painting hanging in the inner space. She stopped mid-step, her eyes flickering with recognition.
It was Spring Breeze by a famous painter, the swirling masterpiece she’d once seen in an art catalog. But this wasn’t just any replica-this was the original, the same painting that had been sold anonymously at one of the most exclusive auctions in the world.
To even attend such an auction, one had to possess a net worth exceeding two hundred million dollars.
To bid anonymously required an even higher level of access-mid-level membership and a fortune exceeding a
billion
