Chapter 1520:
Nate approached and, without hesitation, slid an arm around her waist with casual familiarity. “I could not leave you alone for long.”
A soft laugh escaped her lips. “Is this not your domain? What is there to be afraid of?”
Their voices drifted easily between them, private and effortless, as they walked away together.
Irene followed them once more, her jaw tight.
Jerome stood nearby, watching her closely. His brows drew together in a subtle frown. Lips sealed. Expression unreadable.
As the sun dipped low and evening began to bleed across the sky, Corrine and Nate took their leave.
Once they were gone, Jerome seized Irene’s wrist and pulled her into his room without a word. His voice was low, but sharp. “What did you say to Miss Holland just now?”
At the question, Irene’s expression wavered—just slightly.
She turned away and sank onto the edge of the bed, her fingers curling into the sheets as she lowered her gaze, hoping it would mask the storm swirling behind her eyes. “What could I possibly discuss with her?” she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper. “We only exchanged a few meaningless words.”
Jerome stood quietly for a moment, arms crossed, watching her. Having grown up beside Irene, he could read her thoughts with unsettling precision.
He had always believed her to be level-headed—rational, even. But clearly, he had placed too much faith in that.
Perhaps, when jealousy sank its claws into women, it had a way of devouring all reason.
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His lips tightened into a straight line, jaw locked as if he had come to a grim conclusion. “Irene,” he said with a slow, deliberate tone. “Let me warn you—do not let your mind wander into dangerous territory.”
Her eyes snapped up, flashing with defiance. A hint of mockery danced across her features as she feigned innocence. “What do you mean by dangerous territory?”
“You know very well what I mean.” He snapped, though his voice dropped a fraction, concern creeping into his tone like an unwelcome guest. “Just being able to live and work here in peace is a blessing in itself. Do not go and ruin it by doing something reckless.”
That was it. Irene could no longer hold back. “What is so wrong with having a crush on someone?” she shot back, standing now, her fists clenched at her sides. “Why is that reckless? He is admired by countless women—he is everything a man ought to be. So why is it acceptable for others to like him, but not me?”
“Because your position makes it impossible, that is why!” Jerome’s voice rose, sharp and unyielding. “You have heard what happened to Rosalie, have you not? Zack is practically family to Mr. Hopkins—his best friend. But even Zack’s sister was not spared. What makes you think your feelings will earn you special treatment?”
He ran a hand through his hair, then his eyes narrowed coldly. “I have said my piece. Think carefully about the consequences. But hear me now—if this ends badly, do not expect me to show mercy, not even for you. Being close to me will not protect you.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room. Left in silence, Irene stood motionless. Her teeth sank into her lower lip as her chest rose and fell, struggling to contain the ache building inside.
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