Chapter 1725:
Frustrated, she slammed her palm against the steering wheel before forcing herself to calm down.
The Independent Continent had notoriously strict rules. Outsiders weren’t allowed in without clearance. Even if someone managed to get past the border, security would have them removed immediately.
Her brow furrowed as these thoughts tangled in her mind, everything muddled and uncertain.
Just then, her phone began to ring. She snatched it up and answered without glancing at the screen. “Nate?”
A man’s voice answered. “Miss Holland, I’m afraid not.”
It was Jonathan. “If Nate knew what you were doing right now, I wonder what he’d think,” he said.
Corrine’s expression darkened. “Why have you called me?”
“Oh, nothing urgent. I just heard you had a little incident recently and thought I’d check in,” Jonathan replied smoothly. His voice sounded too casual, tinged with satisfaction, as though he was enjoying her misfortune.
Corrine’s mind flashed back to something Saul once said: that Jonathan and Nate were bitter enemies, their rivalry deeply entrenched. Could it be that Jonathan had a way into the Independent Continent?
The thought slipped out before she could stop herself. “Is there any way you could help me enter the Independent Continent?”
“You’re actually thinking of going?” Jonathan’s tone carried a note of disbelief.
Corrine’s eyes lit with hope. “If you can help me, I’ll pay whatever you ask.”
Jonathan let out a low, mocking laugh. “Do I look like someone who cares about money?”
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“Then what do you want?”
“Simple,” he replied. “Agree to two conditions. Neither of them will cross moral lines or harm the Ford family’s interests.”
Corrine didn’t even pause. “Fine.”
She knew too well that every second lost could make the difference for Nate. Her quick reply drew a short, bitter laugh from Jonathan. “You really would do anything for him.”
There was a bite beneath his calm words, like he was chewing on frustration.
“Eleven tonight. East Harbor Pier.”
Jonathan’s expression twisted in irritation. Through clenched teeth, he snapped, “Corrine, let me remind you, you’re the one asking for help. That means you follow my schedule. Understand?”
“The timing won’t work,” she said firmly. “I need to meet you now. Right now.”
Jonathan barely held back a curse. His jaw locked. “Unbelievable.” The line went dead.
As the dial tone buzzed in her ear, Corrine let out a long breath.
She knew her request was pushing it, but nothing else mattered right now. Not when Nate might be in danger.
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