Chapter 9 Met His


    Grandmother


    Corrine turned to Nate with questioning eyes.


    His features softened as he gazed at her, a gentle warmth touching his


    expression. "Would you mind greeting my grandmother?"


    The invitation carried a hint of hopefulness that caught Corrine off guard. Her gaze drifted to the elderly woman standing nearby, noting the eager anticipation in her expression. After a moment''s consideration,


    Corrine offered a subtle nod of eptance.


    Evelyn Hopkins'' face illuminated with unbridled joy as she watched Nate and Corrine approach. Her hand lifted in an enthusiastic wave, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "My dear, I hope you''ll forgive the sudden


    invitation."


    This marked the first time she had ever observed a woman in her grandson''s orbit, and she could barely


    contain her delight.


    “Hello, ma''am,” Corrine responded with graceful politeness.


    Evelyn''s smile deepened as she sped Corrine''s hand between her weathered palms, stroking it with maternal affection. "Oh, what a lovely girl you are. The more I look at you, the more charmed I be."


    Though somewhat flustered by the unexpected warmth, Corrine maintained a polite, if slightly awkward, smile.


    Nate, perceiving her difort, smoothly intervened by adjusting Evelyn''s nket, creating a subtle buffer. "The sunshine is pleasant today, but the breeze carries a chill. We must keep you warm, Grandma."


    Evelyn''s eyebrows arched in astonishment. Could this attentive, considerate man truly be her typically aloof


    grandson?


    Her years of wisdom allowed her to read between the lines of his actions.


    A knowing smile yed on her lips as she recognized her grandson''s protective gesture toward the young


    woman.


    Perhaps he wasn''t as emotionally distant as she had feared.


    Her gaze softened with affection as she turned back to Corrine. "Tell me, youngdy, how long have you known


    each other?"


    Understanding dawned on Corrine as she realized the direction of Evelyn''s thoughts. "Oh, ma''am, there''s been a misunderstanding. We only just met by chance."


    At the mention of a chance encounter, Evelyn''s shrewd eyes flickered toward Nate, noting how his expression subtly challenged that characterization.


    "My dear, you''ve captured my heart at first sight," Evelyn continued, her gaze lowering in a theatrical disy of loneliness. "Would you consider visiting me sometime? This busy grandson of mine barely spares me a


    moment. Such is the fate of a solitary old woman."


    "I..." Corrine began to decline, but the sight of Evelyn''s silver hair stirred memories of her own maternal grandfather. Her resistance melted, and after a thoughtful pause, she acquiesced with a gentle nod. “I would be happy to visit."


    Evelyn''s manufactured mncholy instantly transformed into radiant joy. "Wonderful! I''ll have Nate escort you


    personally."


    "Oh, that''s..." Corrine nced at Nate, flustered. "Surely that''s too much trouble?"


    "Not at all," Evelyn interjected swiftly, casting a proud look at her grandson.


    Their conversation continued until Karina''s call summoned Corrine away.


    Nate''s gaze narrowed imperceptibly as he watched her graceful figure disappear into the distance.


    "Nate." Evelyn''s voice carried an edge of steel, presaging an impending interrogation.