Chapter 1720:
Carl turned his attention to him, eyes narrowing slightly.
Jules gave a succinct rundown of the situation.
“So Nate struck before you did?” Carl’s brow creased with disapproval. “What kind of family are you? You couldn’t even get a chance to avenge Corrine.”
Jules froze, caught off guard by the accusation. It was as if Carl had completely missed the point.
With a low scoff, Carl muttered, “At least he’s got some sense.”
Though no name was mentioned, the admiration aimed at Nate was unmistakable.
Jules quietly took in the shift. Sooner or later, Carl would see Nate as someone worthy—if only because of Corrine.
Carl went quiet, lost in thought, then asked, “Where is Corrine?”
“She’s resting at Celtis Estate,” Jules answered.
Carl paused, his thoughts turning as his frown deepened. Slowly, he gave the order. “Tell her to halt the expansion plans in Pinetree City for now.”
“Understood.”
When Corrine opened her eyes, the sky had already begun to lighten. She reached out instinctively, but the sheets beside her were cold. They lacked warmth, showing that Nate hadn’t come back to bed.
Blinking slowly, she scanned the room. Her gaze landed on him, standing outside on the balcony.
Sensing movement, Nate turned. The moment he saw she was awake, he crushed out his cigarette, slid the balcony door open, and stepped inside. “You’re up.”
He didn’t go to her right away. Instead, he waited a beat, letting the chill fade from his clothes before approaching. “Are you feeling better? Any pain?”
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Corrine shook her head and extended her arms, her voice hoarse and low. “Hold me.”
Nate gave Corrine a brief glance, sighed quietly, then stepped forward and gently drew her into his arms.
She leaned against his chest, and without meaning to, her lips curved into the faintest smile.
There was a familiar scent on him—woodsy and clean, yet laced with a subtle trace of tobacco. Her nose wrinkled slightly in response. “I thought you didn’t smoke,” she murmured.
“I only smoke when I’m under pressure,” Nate replied, patting her back with quiet tenderness. His jaw tightened for a heartbeat, and then he added, “I’m leaving Lyhaton tomorrow.”
Corrine’s head snapped up. “So soon?”
“I’ll come back as soon as I can.” Nate leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to her forehead.
Her mouth parted slightly, as if words were about to spill out, but nothing came. She closed her lips again and lowered her gaze.
She stayed nestled against his chest, letting the silence stretch. But the question itching at the back of her mind refused to be ignored. “Are you heading back to the Independent Continent?” she asked at last.
Nate chuckled faintly, brushing a hand over her hair with the same ease one might use to soothe a restless child. “I wondered when you would ask. There are some family matters I need to handle.”
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