As they made their way out, Zack pulled out his phone and quickly typed a message to Nate.
“I’ve taken Jules away. Today’s bet is settled.”
When Nate read the message, his smile grew even wider. He reached for Corrine’s hand and said, “Gourmet Spot?”
“Sure,” she replied, her voice smooth.
At Gourmet Spot, Leah had nearly drained her savings to hush the reporters. She had escaped trouble, but her father, Corey Burgess, wasn’t so lucky. This year, a sudden crackdown on tax evasion had ensnared the Burgess family, making them a prime example of the crackdown.
The Burgess family was well-known in Lyhaton. Despite their expended energy and resources over the years, they had managed to build valuable connections. They had even gotten close to people in key departments.
In the past, whenever there had been the slightest hint of trouble, Corey could’ve prepared in advance. But this time, both Leah and her father were caught completely off guard.
Leah looked across the table at the man seated before her, Kason Collins, her eyes pleading for a solution.
“Mr. Collins, we’re alone here. Can you just give me a direct answer? Is there any way to fix my father’s situation?”
Kason’s long-standing debt to the Burgess family had manifested in years of quiet assistance, a silent guardian watching over their interests. Now, faced with Leah’s distress, he set his utensils down with deliberate care, dabbing his mouth before meeting her gaze.
“Leah, this situation blindsided everyone. The notification arrived mere minutes before your father’s detainment. The details remain frustratingly opaque.”
Beneath the table, Leah’s nails carved crescents into her palm as she fought to maintain her composure.
“There must be some way to resolve this. Since my father’s arrest, my mother hasn’t left her bed. I feel utterly lost.”
Despite her best efforts, panic threaded through her voice like a fraying rope. Kason studied her with measured consideration before venturing, “Consider carefully, Leah. Has your family recently crossed anyone who might harbor ill will?”
The question sent Leah’s thoughts spiraling inwardly. The Burgess family’s current standing paled in comparison to their position five years ago-a reality that had driven her back into Bruce’s orbit.
The announcement of her upcoming engagement to Bruce had attracted numerous people eager to cooperate with the Burgess family. The family had been taking advantage of the situation for their resurgence. It seemed inconceivable that they would have earned someone’s enmity at such a crucial juncture.
“Perhaps,” Kason began, his penetrating gaze fixed upon her, “the offense was more personal in nature?”
As their eyes met, Corrine’s image materialized unbidden in Leah’s mind.
As Leah approached her engagement to Bruce, she had been establishing friendly relationships with different people. The only person who might have bad blood with her at this juncture was Corrine.
Yet despite Corrine’s prestigious position as a top restoration specialist and cultural relic consultant, surely she lacked the influence to orchestrate such a precise strike against the Burgess family.
Leah dismissed the notion almost as quickly as it formed.
“Mr. Collins, I’m at a loss to identify any potential adversaries. Please help us investigate-we’re prepared to make amends personally.” Leah’s appeal carried the weight of desperate sincerity.
The fact that someone had circumvented Kason’s influence to target her family spoke volumes about their adversary’s power. One misstep could spell the Burgess family’s downfall, taking with it her chances of marriage to Bruce.
“I’ll do everything in my power,” Kason’s gravity matched the situation.
“But whoever orchestrated this likely won’t be satisfied with a single strike.” Though Leah nodded in understanding, dread continued to coil in her chest like a serpent refusing to be dislodged.
Corrine and Nate emerged from the private dining room when Jules’ call pierced the quiet moment.
“You’re neither at work nor home at this hour. Explain yourself!”
Despite his technological prowess, Jules had always respected Corrine’s privacy.
“I’m on a date,” she replied simply.
Jules’ derisive snort crackled through the connection.
“Your track record with men is abysmal, Corrine. You’re a magnet for jerks, and you still trust your own judgment?”
Corrine’s features darkened at his words.
“Jules, are you asking for a beating?” His comment struck a nerve; while others might have questioned her past choice of Bruce, Jules alone understood the complexities behind that decision.
“Return immediately!” Jules’ tone brooked no argument.
“Otherwise, I’m involving my father, and you know what that means.”
Corrine’s voice turned to ice
“Breathe one word of this, and your precious garage goes up in flames.”
The threat carried weight-Jules’ garage housed his prized collection of limited-edition sports cars, each more valuable than the last.
“Final warning, Corrine. Come back now.” The gravity in his voice was unmistakable.
Recognizing the underlying concern in his stern command, Corrine pressed her lips together.
“Fine,” she conceded irritably.
After ending the call, she channeled her frustration into a gentle kick at an innocent flowerpot.
“upset you?” Nate asked softly, stepping closer and gently taking Corrine’s cold hand in his.
“Why is your hand so cold?”
He felt her unease and, without hesitation, tucked her hand into his pocket, his deep voice filled with quiet warmth.
“Let me warm it up for you, sweetheart.”
Corrine glanced at his profile, a hint of a smile tugging at her lips, but the sadness in her voice was unmistakable.
“Could you take me back to the Platinum Apartments later?”
Nate raised a hand, brushing her cheek gently as he nodded.
“Of course.”
They walked out of Gourmet Spot, the evening air cool against their skin. At the entrance, after Kason waved goodbye to Leah, his car began to roll slowly down the street.
However, Leah’s eyes darkened when she saw Corrine, a flash of hatred and jealousy flickering beneath her cool exterior.
At that moment, the manager of Gourmet Spot approached Corrine, bowing slightly as he addressed her. Leah froze, her eyes widening in disbelief. Gourmet Spot had been a cornerstone of Lyhaton for years, always packed with patrons-a clear sign of the owner’s influence.
The manager’s usual arrogance had been replaced with a respectful deference toward Corrine. Leah’s lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze following the manager and Nate as they left. Unable to contain herself, she took a step forward.
“Corrine.”
At the sound of her name, Corrine turned, her eyes narrowing with a flash of icy resolve.
Leah’s voice was sharp, dripping with venom.
“You really are like a persistent shadow.”
A faint, almost imperceptible smile curled at the corners of Corrine’s lips, her gaze sharpening with an edge of mocking amusement.
“I didn’t realize you could still be this bothered.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.