?Chapter 564:


    Against her perfect skin, the redness of the burn stood out starkly, a ring contrast that only deepened his frown.


    Corrine, however, seemed unbothered. She merely watched him, observing the quiet concentration in his expression.


    Nate’s head was slightly lowered, his defined features softened by the dim light. His longshes cast faint shadows over his cheekbones, and his posture carried an unspoken reverence—like he was tending to something infinitely precious.


    A smile tugged at Corrine’s lips. There was something about this moment, about being cared for so delicately, that sent a warmth curling through her chest.


    “This ointment helps prevent scarring. You need to apply it daily,” Nate instructed, holding up a small, intricately shaped bottle.


    Just as she reached for it, he suddenly withdrew his hand.


    “Forget it. I’ll take care of it for you.”


    After tending to the burn on her leg, Nate turned his gaze to Corrine, his eyes heavy with unspoken meaning.


    “What are you nning to do?” Corrine met his intense, enigmatic stare, her brow twitching slightly in curiosity.


    A faint, knowing smile curved Nate’s lips as he lowered his head. Without a word, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his embrace. His breath brushed against her ear, warm and deliberate.


    “Stay with my girlfriend tonight. What, did you think I wanted something else?”


    His voice held a teasing warmth, a subtle pull that stirred something deep inside her. The yful tone made her fingertips curl slightly against his chest.


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    His cool, familiar scent surrounded her, easing the tension coiled in her chest. She took a steadying breath, pushing aside the chaotic thoughts crowding her mind.


    “How would I know?” she murmured softly.


    Nate’s embrace tightened, his hand moving in a slow, soothing rhythm along her back. His voice dropped to a husky whisper.


    “Sleep.” His touch was steady—patient—like he was lulling her into rest, coaxing her to rx as though she were something fragile.


    A yful spark red in Corrine’s eyes. She reached up and lightly tapped his Adam’s apple with her fingertip.


    “Not sleepy?” Nate’s voice held a quiet amusement as he nced down at her, his gaze softening.


    She offered no reply, simply letting her eyes drift shut.


    For a moment, he remained still, listening to the steady rhythm of her breathing as it grew softer, more even. Only then did he lift the nket carefully and slip out of bed.


    Outside the bedroom, the cool night air wrapped around him as he pulled out his phone and dialed Moses.


    The call rang for several moments before the line clicked open. The wind stirred through the night, carrying a single dry leaf that danced across the air before falling softly into the pond below.


    “Did you find anything?”


    Moses sounded slightly winded, as if he had been working non-stop.


    “The surveince footage in the area has been erased—cleanly. No useful clues left behind.”


    He paused for a moment before adding, “But I did uncover something.”


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