?Chapter 1575:

Chelsea had chosen this dress for her.

Nate tightened his embrace around her waist, nting a kiss on her temple. His tone carried a hint of annoyance. “Didn’t I tell you to steer clear of these types of dresses?”

“Then exin why,” Corrine retorted, her brow furrowing slightly, a hint of bitterness in her voice.

Nate had insisted she avoid ssic dresses, yet to her, they seemed perfectly appropriate. Why was he so bothered by it? She found today’s choice particrly stunning, believing it entuated her figure and allure.

Expecting apliment or at least a nod of approval from Nate, she was instead met with criticism. Hisments always seemed to dampen the mood.

She stepped away from him and turned her attention to the ornate boxes resting on the table. They were filled with glittering jewels.

Before she could reach for them, Nate slipped his arm around her waist again and drew her close, his familiar scent enveloping her. He studied her intently, his voice heavy with emotion as he confessed, “If you dress too attractively, it draws other men’s eyes.”

“Draws other men’s eyes?” Corrine looked up at him.

Nate’s gaze intensified, his face drawing nearer. “Yes, it makes me feel insecure.”

“Then protect me well,” said Corrine as she slowly traced the angles of his face, her fingers following the smooth lines with care. With her thumb and forefinger, she tilted his chin upward. “Plenty of people want me. It frightens me.” She leaned in and kissed him.

The soft kiss sent a wave through Nate, unsettling whatever calm he had left.

Heat surged behind his eyes as he tightened his hold around her waist, the pull of desire unmistakably written across his face.

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Corrine’s eyes were drawn to a ne resting inside one of the ornate boxes. “Is this the one that was auctioned in 2009? The one with the diamond called the Briolette of Icemont?” she asked.

“It is,” Nate replied, watching her closely. His eyes softened, unknowingly filled with a gentle warmth.

Most of the items in the box were rare treasures. Corrine was so captivated by them that she didn’t even notice the conversation happening in the private room behind her.

Inside that room, Evelyn sat quietly. Through the screen, she could faintly see Corrine and Nate standing close together. A small, satisfied smile yed on her lips.

Then, ncing at Carl with quiet delight, she said, “For a second today, I thought I saw Kiley when Corrine walked in wearing that dress.”fn5 Th? link to the orig?n of this information r?sts ?n fινdnοvel/fn5

Over the years, Evelyn had believed age might help her forget certain people and memories. But time, she learned, doesn’t always heal.

She had once thought the past would fade, but sometimes, the smallest things could bring it all back—like a tide crashing against the shore, uncovering wounds she thought had long healed.

As soon as she mentioned Kiley’s name, the atmosphere shifted. Jayden, Chelsea, and Waldo went quiet and instinctively looked at Carl.

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