NovelTrueChapter 1603
Chapter 1603:
Eyes narrowing dangerously, Maddox hissed through clenched teeth, “Don’t forget that | saved your lives
before.”
Instantly alert, Corrine’s gaze darted from Maddox to Nate, her eyes pools of unreadable contemplation.
As they chatted casually, waiters entered the private room, efficiently delivering an array of exquisite dishes.
After merely two bites, Maddox abandoned his fork and leaned forward, elbows resting casually on the table with
his hands hanging in studied nonchalance. “Since the Astley family is marrying off their daughter, shouldn't
there be a grand celebration? After all, a wedding should be a joyous occasion known to all.”
Primarily, Franco had journeyed to Lyhaton to finalize Rachel’s marriage arrangements.
Barely touching his food, he held a cigarette between elegant fingers, smoking in contemplative silence. Veils of
grayish-white smoke obscured his features, rendering his expression impossible to decipher.
At Maddox's words, Franco's gaze flickered briefly toward Rachel, his face a perfect mask of inscrutability.
From between thin lips, grayish-white smoke curled upward as Franco spoke in his distinctive husky voice. “The
family wishes to keep everything simple, merely going through the necessary motions.”
Instinctively, Corrine’s attention shifted toward Rachel.
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There, she found the young woman staring downward, absently prodding at the fish on her plate while struggling
to maintain her composure, her knuckles blanching with suppressed tension.
Despite the Ford family’s considerable standing in Lyhaton, they paled in comparison to the Astley family’s far-
reaching political influence.
By any measure, the Ford family’s wealth and status seemed trivial when placed alongside the Astleys’ power.
Given this disparity, the Astley family’s displeasure regarding the match seemed entirely predictable.
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Sensing Corrine’s scrutiny, Franco tapped his cigarette ash with practiced precision and addressed her calmly.
“Do not worry, Corrine. The Astley family’s unique position makes grand displays inappropriate. Our elders have
always valued modesty and frugality. Though we keep things simple, | assure you that as an Astley daughter's
wedding, every detail will match what any other family would provide.”
Corrine’s lips curved into a polite yet distant smile, the gesture carefully calculated.
To have Franco—nicknamed “the Grim”—explain himself to her was no small matter, yet she wasn’t naive
enough to mistake it for personal regard.
Lost in thought, she felt a warm, broad hand envelop hers.
She lifted her gaze to meet Nate's tender eyes.
Corrine hadn't dwelled on it, but
witnessing Rachel's current pig
ingtantiy rangporied fet to her own
psst when she'd insisted on
marrying Bruce against all counsel.
Her grandfather had already
discerned the Ashton family’s true
colors, yet as somegngpniarigiedin
the situblién, ¥he remained blind to
their deception. Watching Rachel
now, Corrine’s heart sank at the
arduous road that surely awaited her.
The bitter truth hung in Corrine’s mind—a marriage lacking family blessings was destined for unhappiness.
After the meal, Corrine and Rachel
settled on the terrace, ora
snacks and chattinidly whi
abrdss ON the men huddled in
the lounge area, drinks in hand,
voices low in conversation. The
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