Corrine laughed lightly, her tone teasing.
“I don’t recall ever taking advantage of you.”
“We’ve kissed and hugged. What more could you want?” Nate’s lips curved into a faintly wicked smile, a spark of playfulness lighting his gaze.
“If there’s more you’d like to claim, I’m available tonight,” he said with a casual air, his fingers curling gently around her hand, toying with it as though savoring its softness.
“Will you move in with me?”
Nate’s eyes held such intensity that Corrine felt herself drowning in their depths. Though she had never considered herself susceptible to physical attraction, Nate’s presence demanded a profound reassessment of her principles. She found herself questioning why his allure proved so irresistible, time and time again.
Drawing in a steadying breath, she withdrew her hand and declared with unwavering conviction, “No!”
The determination resonating in her voice cast a shadow of disappointment across Nate’s dark eyes. He reached out, pinching her cheek with gentle reproach before rising to depart.
Though his expression remained subtle-just a slight furrow of his brows and tightening of his jaw-his displeasure radiated unmistakably.
Corrine sprang to her feet, catching his wrist and melting into his embrace. Her fingers traced playfully along his tense jawline as a mischievous smile graced her lips.
“You’re so quick to sulk. Those men outside would treat me with far more consideration than you do. Aren’t you worried they might seize their chance?”
Before she could continue her teasing, his hand clasped firmly around hers.
“Corrine!” The winter-like chill in his voice carried an unmistakable warning.
She certainly knew how to pierce straight to his core.
“I’m merely stating facts,” Corrine murmured, her free hand drifting to his chest, fingers tracing delicate patterns.
“Being the Ford family heiress naturally draws men who would move mountains to please me.”
“The Ford heiress title may be enticing, but they should question whether fortune favors them so greatly!” A smile played at the corners of Nate’s mouth, though his eyes remained serious.
“My woman isn’t for anyone else to touch!” His voice crystallized like frost, sharp and biting.
Yet rather than feeling intimidated, Corrine found herself enchanted by his possessive declaration. Her heart effervesced with joy, like champagne bubbling over with delight.
“True love transcends both space and time.” Corrine gazed at him with tender affection, compelled to rise on her toes and press a kiss to his lips.
“Nate, I hope…”
“Our love grows into something eternal.” His pupils dilated as he stared at her, transfixed.
Tightening his grip on her hand, he declared, “Corrine, wait for me to make you my wife!”
Her body froze, all sensation momentarily suspended.
A magical warmth bloomed in her heart, spreading through her entire being.
“Yes!”
This, she realized, was how it felt to be truly cherished. The irony wasn’t lost on her-she had spent three years chasing a meaningless apology, yet one month with Nate had brought her unprecedented fulfillment.
“Is your boss inside?” Carl’s voice, accompanied by the rhythmic tapping of his cane, drifted through the office door.
Corrine stiffened instantly, as though confronting a fearsome adversary.
“Oh no, my grandfather’s here!”
She began darting about in panic, prompting an amused chuckle from Nate.
“Why such nervousness?”
“I can’t let him find you here!” she blurted without thinking.
Nate’s expression darkened ominously, his eyes flashing with dangerous intent.
“You’d better explain yourself.”
The unspoken question hung heavily between them-was he so undesirable, his status so beneath her, that he needed to be hidden away?
“This requires more explanation than just a few words.” Corrine grasped Nate’s hand, attempting to guide him toward the exit before Carl entered, but the sound of approaching footsteps told her time had run out.
“It’s too late now.” Corrine’s anxiety manifested in her expression, her nervousness palpable as she searched desperately for a solution.
Nate’s eyebrow arched upward, amusement dancing in his eyes.
“Consider this your boyfriend’s inevitable first meeting with your family-it had to happen eventually.”
Corrine barely registered his words, her gaze darting around until it settled on her expansive desk. Without hesitation, she tugged Nate toward it and urged him underneath.
“I apologize for the indignity.”
Nate found himself momentarily speechless.
“Corrine, you’re truly the first person who’s dared to treat me this way.” His grip tightened around her wrist, dark eyes conveying an unmistakable warning
“Desperate times call for desperate measures.” She rose on her toes to press a quick, placating kiss to his lips, offering a sweet smile.
“Just cooperate, please.”
“You think I’m so easily managed?”
“How about a date tonight to make up for it?”
At those words, Nate needed no further convincing; he willingly maneuvered himself beneath the desk.
The office door swung open at that moment.
Carl entered, his presence a testament to generations of business acumen. Under his leadership, the already prosperous Ford family had reached unprecedented heights. Even in retirement, his legendary business prowess remained the talk of the industry.
He surveyed the room while leaning on his cane.
“Natasha mentioned you had a visitor?”
Corrine cast a furtive glance toward the sulking Nate beneath her desk before responding smoothly, “He’s already departed.”
Carl acknowledged this with a slight nod.
“Waldo tells me you’re planning to move out?”
“The company just secured a new project. Late nights will be common, and commuting from home isn’t practical.”
Carl’s expression grew serious, his brows drawing together.
“Corrine, be honest-are you seeing someone?”
Her heart faltered momentarily.
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.