?Chapter 709:


    “Miss Hond, you have an uncanny ability to read people.”


    Corrine met her gaze with quiet confidence.


    “I simply know how to offer the right suggestion when someone is at a crossroads.”


    Wi’s expression softened, genuine appreciation glimmering in her eyes.


    “In that case, I look forward to your masterpiece, Miss Hond.”


    “You won’t be disappointed,” Corrine assured her with an elegant smile.


    After seeing Wi off, Corrine and Karina returned to the office. Karina strode to the cab and retrieved a beautifully wrapped box, mischief glinting in her eyes as she handed it over.


    Corrine raised an eyebrow.


    “What’s this?”


    “A functional outfit I picked just for you.”


    Functional… outfit? Corrine was confused.


    Corrine instinctively lifted her hand, fingers brushing over the delicate wrapping, ready to peel it open.


    But before she could, Karina’s handshed out like a striking whip, swatting her away.


    “Ah-ah! The best surprises are saved forst. No peeking.”


    A subtle unease coiled in Corrine’s chest.


    She studied Karina’s expression, then asked cautiously,


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    “Are you sure it’s a surprise?”


    It wasn’t that she doubted Karina’s good intentions—just that her surprises had a history of being more shocking than delightful.


    “Rx,” Karina reassured her with a confident grin.


    “I picked this out just for you. It’s guaranteed to be your trump card.”


    Corrine wasn’t entirely convinced, but she took the package nheless.


    As she exited the studio, Karina strolled beside her, shadowing her to the door.


    Outside, Nate leaned against the sleek ck car, arms crossed in his usual effortless cool.


    Karina smirked and nudged Corrine yfully.


    “Well, well. Looks like you’ve got yourself a VIP escort.”


    Corrine opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, her phone buzzed.


    Jules.


    She answered, and his deep,id-back voice poured through the receiver.


    “Everything’s taken care of.”


    Corrine’s brows arched slightly, a cool, unreadable glint flickering in her gaze.


    “Need me to walk you through the next step?”


    Jules chuckled.


    “No need. Just sit back and watch.”


    The call ended, and without another word, Corrine slid into the car, heading straight for Celtis Estate.


    Later that night, after a refreshing shower, she stepped into her walk-in closet, absently toweling off her damp hair.


    Her eyesnded on the unopened box from Karina, and she stopped.


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