?Chapter 1065:


    Marissa nodded solemnly. “Is it possible that Everett’s grandfather saving my father and setting up our engagement was all orchestrated?”


    “That’s crossed my mind too,” Connor admitted. “But don’t stress. I’ve already sent someone to dig into his time overseas. We’ll soon find out if this is a mere coincidence or if there’s a deeper plot at y.”


    Marissa nodded again, reassured.


    Just then, a soft knock at the door broke their intense conversation.


    A timid knock resonated at the door, as if the visitor was well aware of the room’s upants and hesitated to intrude.


    Marissa, startled by the sound, quickly tried to disentangle herself from Connor. Her whisper was a blend of urgency and caution. “Let go of me! Now!”


    The intimacy of the moment made her feel exposed, despite the solid barrier that shielded them from view. A flush of embarrassment swept over her cheeks, her heartbeat racing.


    In stark contrast, Connor was the picture of tranquility. He couldn’t help but admire Marissa’s unexpected shyness; it was a stark departure from her usual cool,manding presence. The sight of her flustered was unexpectedly endearing.


    Marissa’s attempts to push him away were futile; Connor remained unmoved. When she looked up at him, his smile was one of sheer amusement. In a fit of frustration, she stomped on his foot, hard.


    Discover your escape on g  aln ov el s


    Connor’s grimace of pain was his first concession, and he reluctantly released her.


    Marissa shot him a withering look before pivoting to address the door. Connor, still wearing a half-smile, touched his lips reflexively, savoring the lingering taste of their kiss.


    Before opening the door, Marissa made a quick, albeit thorough, inspection of her appearance, adjusting her attire and smoothing down her hair.


    She managed topose herself, her smile serene and untroubled, as if the room behind her held no secrets. Seeing Hannah at the door, Marissa greeted her with a gentle whisper. “Do you need something, Hannah?”


    In response, Hannah’s demeanor was a mix of caution and apology, her intrusion seeming to weigh on her. When their eyes locked, there was an added touch of inscrutable emotion in her gaze, her smile a bit strained.


    Noticing the unusual scrutiny in Hannah’s gaze, Marissa sensed something amiss. Regrettably, she had not had a moment to glimpse herself in the mirror before hastening to answer the door.


    With a touch of uncertainty to her cheek, Marissa queried, “Hannah, why are you looking at me like that?”


    Hannah, trying to mask her difort with augh, replied, “You’re fine. Oh, Marissa, your father wants to see you. He’s downstairs.”


    Caught off guard, Marissa eximed, “My father is back? Wasn’t he out in the garden ying with the kids? What brought him back so soon?”


    .


    .


    .