Chapter 165 Her Source Of Confidence
Moses and Zack reached the same startling realization–this man had completely lost his grip on reality, all for the sake of a woman.
“Crazy. You are absolutely crazy!” Moses muttered, hastily reaching for his wine glass to steady his nerves.
Zack maintained his characteristic composure, his eyes reflecting thoughtful consideration. “A direct approach to bringing her to the Hopkins family home would not only fail to gain their acceptance but might also create unnecessary complications for her. I strongly suggest you reconsider your strategy.”
“Taking her back home directly was never my intention.” Nate lifted his gaze, his dark eyes resembling bottomless pools of winter water. His voice carried an air of casual certainty. “I intend to present her with everything she deserves–a grand wedding ceremony worthy of remembrance. She will enter my home with full honor and rightful recognition.”
The statement rendered even the typically unflappable Zack speechless.
Nate, known for his unwavering self–control, had apparently surrendered his heart completely. Such news would undoubtedly create waves throughout their circles.
Yet Nate had always charted his own course. Once his mind settled on a path, it
became immovable as bedrock.
“We shall see if she proves worthy of such grand gestures,” Zack remarked, his smile carrying deeper meaning.
While the Ford family’s protection shielded Corrine in Lyhaton, questions lingered about her safety elsewhere.
Even with their best intentions, the Ford family’s influence might not extend far enough to safeguard her.
Nate’s fingers traced lazy circles around his glass rim, his movements deliberately
ence
unhurried. “The name Nate Hopkins will be all the confidence she needs.”
His words resonated with unmistakable authority and pride.
The sudden vibration of his phone drew their attention.
Both Zack’s and Moses‘ eyes flickered to the screen, where the contact name “Honey” displayed prominently.
An involuntary shiver ran through them–such an endearing nickname seemed jarringly out of place on Nate’s device.
Their eyes met, sharing a moment of silent amusement.
Clearly, Nate’s intentions ran deeper than they’d imagined.
As they lifted their glasses, anticipating Nate’s response to the call, his flat voice cut through the air. “Time for you to leave.”
Moses tightened his grip on his glass, suppressing an urge to upend the entire table.
Zack rose smoothly, collecting his coat and squeezing Moses‘ shoulder. “Come along. I’ll accompany you to the dock.”
Moses pressed his tongue against his cheek in frustration, set his glass down with barely contained force, and stormed out.
As they departed, Nate’s gentle tone floated after them. “Why aren’t you asleep yet?”
Moses silently cursed, convinced that love had addled Nate’s judgment beyond repair.
After Corrine’s conversation with Nate stretched beyond ten minutes, a knock interrupted their exchange.
“We’ll continue this later. Goodnight.”
She bounded from her bed and pulled open the door to find Jayden gazing down at her.
“Still awake?”
“Ready to go to bed.” Corrine absently toyed with a strand of hair as she stepped aside. “What brings you here, Uncle Jayden?”
Jayden’s expression carried an intensity that seemed to search for answers in her face.
Despite Carl’s repeated cautions about prying into her relationship with Nate, the questions burned behind his eyes.
Following a weighted pause, Jayden drew a steadying breath. “Carl asked me to ensure you remember tomorrow’s Seymour family wedding. Your presence is expected.”
“I haven’t forgotten.”
When Jayden lingered, Corrine arched an inquiring eyebrow. “Was there something else?”
Though his lips parted as if to speak, Jayden ultimately shook his head and departed without voicing his thoughts.
