The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 88 The Deepest

Obsession

Corrine shook her head, offering a soft smile. "I'll adjust my schedule."

She felt a twinge of discomfort. Staying any longer seemed a little inappropriate.

Nate's gaze darkened, his voice firm yet gentle. "I'll make sure you get to the office tomorrow morning."

The message was clear-she wasn't leaving today.

Tanya, who had been quietly observing, seized the moment to speak up. "Miss Holland, the doctor specifically recommended that you rest well. Mr. Hopkins is concerned about your health."

Corrine hesitated, torn between her desire to leave and the undeniable care in their eyes. Finally, she gave in, nodding without a word.

A barely noticeable smile flickered on Nate's lips, his eyes softening as he continued to

eat.

After lunch, Nate led Corrine on a stroll through the garden, the vibrant colors of the flowers contrasting with the calm of the afternoon. They eventually settled into the pavilion.

Nate watched her for a moment, his gaze intent and searching. "Are you afraid of me?"

Corrine shook her head just slightly, her voice soft but steady. "I think we should maintain a certain distance."

"Sometimes, bringing a couple closer helps strengthen their bond," Nate said, rising to his feet with an intent that didn't escape her.

Before she could react, he was beside her, lifting her effortlessly and settling her in his lap.

The crisp, earthy scent surrounded her, making her feel both exposed and oddly protected.

Corrine met his gaze, her heart skipping a beat as she looked into his deep, unreadable eyes.

Flustered, she struggled against him, her voice barely a whisper. "Nate..."

Having been raised with a strong sense of decorum, Corrine's core beliefs were rooted in conservatism, and she was keenly aware of societal expectations.

The closeness between them, on display for anyone to see, made her feel exposed, her natural sense of modesty protesting the intimacy.

"No one will come by at this time." Nate assured her, his voice low and calming as he gently grasped her slender wrist with one hand and wrapped his other arm around her waist, pulling her closer. He playfully pinched her soft side. "Let me kiss you again, alright?"

Corrine's cheeks flushed, a mix of embarrassment and irritation bubbling up within her as she lightly swatted his chest. "Nate!"

Normally composed and measured, Nate's intensity now bordered on the reckless, something she wasn't used to.

Had she been misjudging him all along, her past emotions influencing her perceptions?

Corrine furrowed her brow, acutely aware of how close they were, their breaths mingling, the moment hanging on the brink of something undeniable.

"If

you

don't answer, I'll take it as a yes," Nate said, his voice low, teasing, but with an edge of seriousness.

Before she could react, Nate closed the gap, capturing her lips in a deep kiss. His arm around her tightened, pulling her fully against him, his restraint slipping entirely when it came to her.

His grandfather's voice echoed in his mind, a warning he'd heard all his life- beauty could be as dangerous as a predator, capable of breaking even the strongest will. His grandfather had advised him to never act on such desires. But now, the warning was nothing more than a distant thought, drowned out by the overwhelming need to possess her.

Corrine slowly softened in his arms, her resistance fading as she instinctively responded to him, her mind clouded by the intensity of the kiss.

The air between them thickened, every second drawing her further into him, making it harder to focus.

Then, the sharp trill of a phone ringtone sliced through the tension.

The familiar sound snapped Corrine back to reality. A surge of energy shot through her as she pushed Nate away, hurriedly straightened her clothes, and grabbed her phone.

"You're not at the office?"noveldrama

Jayden's calm, steady voice crackled through the phone, but there was an underlying pressure in his tone that made Corrine feel guilty.

She exhaled slowly, steadying her nerves, and replied with feigned calmness, "Uncle Jayden, I had something unexpected come up."

Nate, sitting back on the wicker chair, silently observed her, his expression unreadable. His eyes flickered with something-an emotion he quickly masked. He nearly forgot about the other looming issue.