Chapter 15:
“Haven’t you already discerned my intentions?” His dark eyes held steady, gleaming with hidden depths.
“My grandmother taught me that pursuing a woman requires complete sincerity, humility, initiative, consideration, and unwavering commitment. You’ll see my other qualities in the future, but surely you’ve already noticed my initiative, haven’t you?”
Corrine’s eyebrow twitched involuntarily. His candid confession left her struggling for words.
“Mr. Hopkins, why this sudden declaration?” Corrine’s gaze darted away as she attempted to feign ignorance.
The prospect of dealing with Nate or embarking on a new relationship felt overwhelming. After all, they had only just met.
“You must see how my grandmother adores you,” Nate pressed, his intense gaze carrying unspoken meaning.
“More importantly, I admire you deeply, Miss Holland.”
His directness eliminated any possibility of pretense.
Their eyes met unexpectedly, causing Corrine’s heart to flutter. A strange sensation stung her eyes, forcing her to look away.
“I must be frank, Mr. Hopkins. Your decision seems premature. We barely know each other, and I’m not ready for a relationship.”
Though unfamiliar with Nate’s character, she understood how male pride often bristled at rejection.
“What constitutes knowing someone well?” Nate questioned, his penetrating gaze never wavering. His dark eyes held a predatory gleam, as if she were prey he refused to release.
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Corrine found herself speechless, memories washing over her. She had spent three years by Bruce’s side, pouring her heart into supporting him through every challenge. She had helped rescue Ashton Group from near bankruptcy, watching with pride as he ascended to become one of Lyhaton’s most coveted young elites.
She had believed, with every fiber of her being, that no one understood him better than she did. Yet all of that devotion had earned her nothing but swift betrayal.
“External appearances often mislead us,” Nate’s rich voice flowed through the silence.
“What meets the eye rarely tells the whole story, but intuition—that inner knowing—often guides us true. That’s why I trust mine.”
A soft laugh escaped Corrine’s lips.
“I appreciate the wisdom of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes, but shouldn’t we begin with the fundamentals? Understanding someone’s daily habits, their preferences, the small things that make them who they are?”
Nate’s expression softened into a gentle smile that held both compromise and resignation.
“We each see the world through our own lens. I don’t expect you to share my perspective. I simply want you to understand that pursuing you is my choice alone. You needn’t feel burdened by it.”
Corrine released a weary sigh.
“Mr. Hopkins, I’m sorry, but I’m not open to romantic possibilities right now.”
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