Chapter 1566:
Golden sunlight cascaded around him, bathing his form in a warm, ethereal glow.
His black suit accentuated the intimidating aura of authority that surrounded him—a commanding presence that demanded respect and instinctively kept others at bay.
The soft rhythm of footsteps behind him caused Nate’s brow to furrow slightly. Turning, he found Corrine standing there. The icy detachment in his eyes thawed instantly, though remembering her cutting words from yesterday, he maintained his reserve.
Yet try as he might, he couldn’t prevent the subtle softening of his stern features.
Corrine approached him, extending a cup of coffee. “Your coffee.”
Nate’s eyes flickered to the cup. He accepted it, then lifted his gaze back to her face. “Still upset?”
“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that?” Corrine countered. “I admit my words last night were harsh. I didn’t trust you, and I owe you an apology.”
At this unexpected admission, Nate’s eyebrows arched slightly, a whisper of a smile dancing in his eyes.
An apology from her lips was a rare treasure, almost startling in its sincerity.
It was truly rare.
In the next breath, Corrine added, “After I left Riverveille, you never called or texted me even once. You just abandoned me to uncertainty. Was that not equally wrong?”
“I believed you wanted distance from me,” Nate replied. “So I chose not to intrude.”
He crossed to his desk with measured steps, set down the coffee, and turned to lean against the polished edge. “Besides, I didn’t keep you waiting long. I simply needed to handle some people within the limited window I had.”
Corrine’s expression shifted subtly, her mind latching onto the implications hidden beneath his words.
Handle some people…
Though he hadn’t elaborated, Corrine instinctively knew it involved Aliza.
Nate had promised to handle the situation personally.
Yet his swift action caught her by surprise.
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“So, how exactly did you handle it?” Corrine ventured cautiously.
Nate’s penetrating gaze met hers, as if effortlessly reading her thoughts. “I made you a promise, and I honor my word. They challenged you, so I showed them no mercy.”
His voice remained composed, yet his words sent Corrine’s heart racing uncontrollably. She cleared her throat, struggling to contain the surge of emotions. “I never intended to create difficulties for you or push them to desperation. It’s just that their actions crossed my boundaries, and anyone would defend themselves…”
“Did I say it was difficult?” Nate interrupted her smoothly, his tone unwavering. “Everything I do for you is my choice alone. You needn’t shoulder any burden. They won’t lay a hand on you again.”
Not unless Braylynn was willing to sacrifice the Quinn family’s century-old reputation.
Warmth flooded Corrine’s expression as her gaze softened with heartfelt gratitude. “Thank you.”
“I don’t want verbal gratitude…”
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