?Chapter 1572:

When they were young, Ralph had been deeply smitten with Evelyn, but then Braylynn turned the situation into a social media spectacle, iming that Evelyn was the intruder who had shattered her rtionship with Ralph. From that moment on, Evelyn became the target of relentless ridicule and cruelty.

The family understood the weight of their reputation; each member’s actions were directly tied to their honor, and even the smallest misstep reflected on them all. Evelyn was branded the “other woman.” To quell the gossip and assert their stance, her parents punished her in front of all the rtives.

The rumors finally ceased when Ralph made the bold decision to marry her himself. But Evelyn’s bitterness toward Braylynn never dissipated. Even after Braylynn married someone else, she continued to secretly vie for victory over Evelyn, a rivalry that never ceased.

“Braylynn was a calcting flirt back in the day, and now she’s just a crafty old woman!” Evelyn said sharply, taking her medicine, her hatred for Braylynn seething beneath the surface. “She did everything she could to marry Ralph, and now that she’s lost her chance, she’s pushing her granddaughter to worm her way into marrying my grandson. Does she really think we’re all fools?”

Penny, seeing Evelyn’s justified fury, allowed herself a small smile and nodded in agreement. “She’s indeed a crafty old woman.”

“As long as I’m here, no one from the Quinn family will marry into the Hopkins family!” Evelyn’s voice was filled with unwavering resolve. “Only Corrine is worthy of marrying my grandson!”fn106f ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? findnovel/fn106f

Penny said nothing more, simply helping Evelyn settle into bed.

Settling into the pillows, Evelyn let out a long sigh. “Is everything in ce?” She had poured her heart and soul into preparing the engagement gifts for the Ford family, checking and rechecking every detail with Penny to leave no room for error.

“All ready,” Penny replied with calm assurance. “The Ford family has agreed to the visit. We’re just waiting for the clock to strike.” That brought a flicker of peace to Evelyn’s features.

Every story starts at galn   ovels ;

Worried that the Ford family might reject the proposal because of the mess surrounding Elva and Aliza, Evelyn had wrapped her intentions in the guise of simple hospitality, sending thoughtful gifts and treats to Carl, hoping to gauge their mood.

Drawing in a steady breath, Evelyn murmured, “Tomorrow, we will visit the Ford family.”

She turned her eyes to the moonlit sky, her face softened by a mix of memory and reflection.

“How old am I this year?” she asked suddenly.

Penny hesitated and then replied with respectful gentleness, “Seventy-eight.” As she spoke, she studied Evelyn’s expression, uncertain of what emotions might rise.

Evelyn was silent for a moment, then sighed. “Seventy-eight. Time really slips through the fingers, doesn’t it?”

Though thirty years had passed since those painful events, some memories still felt like fresh wounds.

While Evelyn wrestled with memories and regrets, a different rhythm pulsed through Celtis Estate—one of stolen breaths and burning hearts.

Outside, a gentle rain began to fall, but inside, love blossomed unchecked. Nate’s tireless passion left Corrine breathless, her pleas for mercy drowned in waves of pleasure.

She knew Nate was skilled, but she never anticipated he would continuously exceed her expectations.

He held her as though trying to absorb her into himself, consumed by a fire long kept at bay.

At the peak of her pleasure, Corrine marveled at how Nate had managed to control his desires for so many years.

Exhausted, Corrine allowed Nate to carry her to the bathroom for a quick freshen-up before retreating to bed and curling up into a cozy position.

.

.

.