Chapter 271 You''re Not Quite Ready Yet


    Inside the dimly lit car, their silhouettes melded with the shadows.


    Corrine attempted to create distance, but Nate''s firm grasp on her wrist guided her into the corner, leaving no avenue for retreat.


    Hismanding presence surrounded herpletely.


    Corrine raised her eyes to find Nate''s face mere inches from hers.


    Their gazes intertwined unexpectedly, and she found herself drowning in the depths of his dark eyes, which zed with an intensity that threatened to consume her entirely.


    Her eyshes quivered with nervous energy as her heart contracted sweetly, thundering against her ribcage.


    The overwhelming sensations left her dizzy, her rationality dissolving in the intimate atmosphere. She yielded to his kiss like a drowning soul reaching for salvation.


    Just before reasonpletely abandoned her, Nate drew back.


    Corrine inhaled deeply, color blooming across her cheeks.


    His arms encircled her delicate waist as he gazed down at her with tender eyes, a subtle smile gracing his features. "Babe, you''re not quite ready yet," he murmured, his voice rich with allure.


    His warm breath caressed her hair and whispered against her ear, causing her fingers to curl instinctively.


    Corrine tensed, catching her lower lip between her teeth. "I''m sorry..." she breathed, her voice carrying a hint of roughness.


    Though her feelings for Nate tan deep,plete trust eluded her, preventing her from surrendering fully to him.


    Even surrounded by his warmth, fear lingered. She dreaded loss, but the prospect


    of


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    Chapter 271 You''re Not Quite Ready Yet


    abandonment terrified her more.


    Her childhood had been marked by too many departures, those closest to her leaving one by one, embedding a persistent wariness in her heart.


    "I should be the one apologizing," Nate whispered, his fingers threading gently through her silken hair. "I was too impatient."


    Corrine''s eyes flickered uncertainly. "You could have med me. It would only be fair


    to you..."


    "I won''t." His response was steady, unwavering. "I know why you hesitate. I see the weight you carry, the walls you''ve built. And I don''t expect you to let them down overnight." His thumb brushed against her cheek, his voice turning almost teasing. "Winning your trust? That''s my job, isn''t it?"


    His eyes traced her features, and for a fleeting moment, the guarded look in hers softened. "Love is more than just words, Corrine."


    Her breath hitched. A wave of warmth spread through her chest, tangled with an ache she couldn''t quite name. Guilt. Longing. Hope.


    She wound her arms around his neck, seeking refuge in the crook of his shoulder, inhaling deeply the scent that brought her sce.


    If only she had met him sooner...


    As Matias collected the tiara''s case, preparing to instruct his assistant to deliver it


    to Celtis Estate, Nate intervened. "Send it to tinum Apartments."


    Understanding dawned in Matias'' eyes. "Understood, Mr. Hopkins."


    Corrine''s eyebrow arched yfully. "You''re casually gifting me something worth 100


    billion?"


    "Don''t you like it?" Nate turned to meet her gaze.


    Warmth bloomed in Corrine''s heart as her lips curved upward. "Don''t you consider


    it


    wasteful?"


    Amusement danced in Nate''s eyes. "If it brings you joy, it''s priceless."


    He had never beforeprehended the impulse to spend a fortune merely to witness a beloved''s smile, but now understanding dawned. And the feeling proved intoxicating.