Chapter 168 The Distinguished Guest


    Carl leaned forward, his protective nature evident in every word. "She''s my only granddaughter, and I must choose carefully. Her future isn''t something to be decided lightly."


    "Indeed," Quentin acknowledged, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Though with Corrine''s prestigious background, our search in Lyhaton may prove moreplex than


    anticipated."


    A wave of difort washed over Corrine as she absorbed their words.


    Her unease deepened when Carl turned to Quentin, his eyes gleaming with purpose. "Do you have any promising candidates in mind?"


    The two men exchanged knowing looks, years of friendship allowing for wordlessmunication. "As a matter of fact," Quentin began, "I believe I do."


    Before he could borate, his trusted butler burst into the room, face flushed with urgency as he whispered something crucial in Quentin''s ear.


    Quentin''s normallyposed demeanor shifted instantly to one of alertness. "Are you certain of what you saw?"


    The butler''s grave expression left no room for doubt. "Without question, sir!"


    Rising swiftly, Quentin adjusted his already immacte clothing. "Bring him in at once!"


    As Quentin took his first step forward, footsteps resonated through the entrance hall.


    The assembled guests turned as one, drawn by themanding presence approaching.


    A striking figure emerged, his ck suit expertly tailored to his tall, athletic frame. Every inch of his appearance spoke of innate nobility and authority.


    His sculpted features carried a touch of distance, thin lips pressed together in contemtion. Dark eyes, bottomless as midnight waters, held an air of captivating


    mystery.


    Light from the crystal chandelier caught his sharp features, highlighting an undeniable edge of power.


    He moved purposefully toward the gathering, his gaze unerringly finding Corrine. Though his eyes lingered briefly, the slight curve of his lips suggested a private


    amusement.


    Nate''s arrival transformed the spacious hall into an intimate space charged with


    tension.


    Whispers rippled through the crowd like wind through leaves.


    "Who could he be?"


    "I''ve never seen him before, but look how Mr. Seymour rushed to greet him!"


    "Could this be the distinguished guest Mr. Seymour mentioned earlier?" Common knowledge held that the Seymour family''s influence in Lyhaton, while considerable, paled beside the Ford dynasty.


    Their position among Lyhaton''s elite four families stemmedrgely from their connection to a more powerful branch of Seymours.


    Rumors suggested this hidden faction wielded the true authority, making even Quentin


    seem modest byparison.


    Now, Quentin hurried forward to wee Nate personally.


    Five years had refined Nate''sposure, yet his quiet authority filled the room.


    Despite his advanced years, Quentin disyed an unprecedented deference before him.


    "Mr. Seymour." Nate''s rich, measured voice filled the silence. "I hope my unexpected


    arrival hasn''t caused any disruption."


    His words hung in the air, drawing every listener into an unconscious state of alertness.


    Quentin nearly stumbled over his response, clearly honored by the attention. "Mr. Hopkins, please your presence elevates our gathering immeasurably."


    The excessive courtesy Quentin showed toward Nate raised eyebrows throughout the


    room.


    Given the Seymour family''s respected position in Lyhaton, Quentin''s level of deference


    seemed extraordinary.


    "This way, Mr. Hopkins." Quentin personally guided Nate to the most prestigious seat in the room, his manner that of an attendant to royalty.