Chapter 1592:
Implicitly, this meant the sanatorium had foregone an autopsy.
Despite being located beyond Lyhaton’s borders, the sanatorium remained under the sway of the Ford family’s patronage, securing its allegiance. Nevertheless, the facility clung to the natural causes narrative, likely to dodge further scrutiny.
Jacob kept his explanations brief, yet Corrine grasped the implications. She felt a gnawing suspicion about Dewey’s death, with the mention of a “stroke” ringing eerily familiar.
Corrine queried, “What’s the current status of the Holland family?”
“Since the upheaval, Clarissa and her mother have vanished with the funds,” Jacob responded promptly.
Corrine’s mouth twisted into a bitter smile. “When things fall apart, everyone rushes to save themselves. That’s how it always is.”
She pondered if Dewey, were he aware of their actions from the afterlife, would experience a sting of betrayal.
“Has there been any progress with the takeover of Holland Group?” she continued to probe.
When Holland Group announced its bankruptcy due to mismanagement, Corrine had stepped in—not out of nostalgia for the Hollands, but to protect her mother’s heritage.
“We are in the process of evaluating their assets. We expect to have the details soon,” Jacob informed her.
Corrine nodded her understanding. “What about the possessions from the Holland estate?”
“Over the years, as the Hollands’ fortunes waned, Clarissa and her mother sold much of your mother’s jewelry. We’ve managed to reclaim a good portion,” Jacob reported.
𝕆𝕣𝕚𝕘𝕚𝕟𝕒𝕝𝕝𝕪 𝕒𝕥 ⳑ𝕒𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗲𝗅𝘀[ꞏ]𝚌𝗈𝗺
“Thank you,” Corrine said.
“Of course, Miss Holland,” Jacob replied, his composure faltering for a second. “It’s always an honor to assist you.”
Corrine thanked Jacob and directed her driver to head to the company.
Since her coma, Jules had been communicating with Nate on her behalf, maintaining the facade seamlessly with the excuse of her busy schedule. Yet, the company had indeed been buzzing with activity.
She buried herself in backlogged tasks and didn’t notice how much time had passed until she glanced at the clock.
6:30 p.m…
The timing felt right to visit Evelyn at Serenity Garden. With that thought, Corrine quickly gathered her things and left the office.
She arrived at Celtis Estate by 7 p.m.
As her car halted, a servant hurried to open the door. “Miss Holland?”
Corrine stepped out, acknowledged him with a nod, handed over her keys, and climbed the front steps.
Waiting for Nate, who was still en route, she decided to brew some freshly ground coffee.
The grinder transformed the beans into a fine powder, and as hot water met the grounds, the rich aroma of coffee filled the air, enveloping the room. Corrine stirred her coffee leisurely when she heard familiar footsteps approaching.
She set the spoon down and turned around.
Before she could utter a word, Nate wrapped an arm around her waist, his body pressing hers against the counter.
Nate gazed down at her, the dim light softening her delicate features and giving her eyes just the right tilt—not quite flirtatious, but undeniably captivating. As he gently tilted her chin up with his fingers, Nate leaned in to seal their reunion with a kiss. It was a stark departure from his usual restraint—possessive, commanding, leaving Corrine breathless, as though he wished to consume her entirely.
The distance of the days apart had fueled his desire, pushing him to the edge of reason.
It was only the need for air that made Nate finally, albeit reluctantly, break their kiss.
He rested his forehead against hers, his hand cradling the back of her neck. His voice came out low and rough, laced with a desire that clung to every word. “Took you long enough to come back to me.”
His tone was deep and deliberate, dripping with seduction.
Corrine’s heart fluttered wildly, her pulse thrumming in her ears.
She looped her arms around his neck, rose on her tiptoes, and playfully nuzzled his nose. “I mentioned on the phone that I’ve been buried in work.” What she had once dismissed as a flimsy excuse now felt entirely legitimate.
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