Chapter 1506:
He paused, a knowing look flashing in his eyes, then continued, “You might not realize it yet, but since he chose you, he won’t let you leave him easily.” This was the essence of Nate’s possessiveness. Once he committed to someone, he held on tightly. Unless he decided otherwise, escape was not an option.
“Corrine, pardon my bluntness,” Zack adjusted his glasses again, his voice earnest. “You are the only woman who has stayed this close to him, and I’ve never seen him treat anyone with such care. If he ever loses control and hurts you, I hope you can forgive him. He cares too much about you.”
Because Nate cared so deeply, the thought of any harm coming to Corrine was unbearable.
He was like someone with a precious gem, torn between hiding it for safety and showcasing it with pride, yet resenting the envy it attracted.
“Thank you for sharing this with me today,” Corrine offered a faint smile. She might never have fully understood Nate’s complexities otherwise.
“No need for thanks,” Zack responded, his tone softening. “As his partner, you deserve to know.”
Now, it was up to Corrine to decide her path.
When she returned to the lawn where Nate was waiting, he reached out to her. “Hungry?” he asked.
“A bit,” she responded with a smile, drawn to the irresistible smell and sight of the grilled skewers Moses was preparing.
“Can I eat now?” she asked Moses.
“Of course,” Moses responded, handing her a skewer with a grin. “I might not excel at much, but grilling is my specialty.”
“Your stint at the grill hasn’t made you any more humble,” Zack teased.
ⓣ𝓱𝓮 𝗯𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.con
Moses managed a forced smile. “Your insults are getting classier,” he retorted. Their usual playful banter resumed, lightening the mood at the barbecue. The meal lasted long, with Moses juggling the grilling duties alone.
“This is too much for one person,” he complained, wiping his brow.
“You’re managing quite well,” Zack remarked dryly.
Though it sounded like praise, Moses pondered the sincerity behind Zack’s words.
Moses paused, frustration bubbling to the surface. “Let’s fight and see who’s the better one!”
“I’m afraid once we start, you’ll go running home to your mommy, crying,” Zack replied with mock seriousness.
“Hey!” Moses snarled, tossing aside the skewers in his hands with sudden force. He rolled up his sleeves with deliberate slowness, each movement telegraphing his intent as he advanced toward Zack with fire in his eyes. “You know my temper. Today I’m going to teach you a lesson you won’t forget.”
Just then, a teasing voice floated from behind them. “Wow, I could smell the barbecue from a mile away. Looks like I’m in for a treat today.” Everyone turned as one to locate the source of the interruption.
Maddox approached them, one hand casually tucked in his pocket, a cigar balanced between the fingers of his other hand. His unhurried movements belied the quiet authority he carried effortlessly. His striped shirt hung perfectly on his frame, and his meticulously styled hair completed the image of a charming yet dangerous man. His eyes sparkled with amusement, concealing something more calculating beneath the surface.
Corrine’s gaze flickered with recognition when she spotted Maddox.
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