?Chapter 809:


    “But you look stunning tonight. How could your boyfriend leave you alone like this?” Karina’s tone was teasing, her eyes flicking meaningfully toward the many admiring, and perhaps covetous, nces being thrown Corrine’s way. Beauty, after all, was both a gift and a curse.


    Corrine absentmindedly touched the jade bracelet on her wrist. “Isn’t it better this way? Keeps me from bing an easy target.”


    Karina arched a brow. “I’m afraid you already are,” she murmured, subtly gesturing toward a group approaching from the distance. Following her gaze, Corrine spotted Leah leading a small party, including none other than Danna, who had just confronted her moments ago.


    “By the way, that dress Danna’s wearing is quite… interesting,” Karina observed, a knowing smirk ying on her lips.


    Corrine and Karina exchanged a look before smoothly changing the subject. “Let’s go to our VIP box,” Corrine suggested.


    “Good idea.”


    The two settled into their VIP box, where Corrine idly picked up the auction catalog resting on the table and began flipping through its pages.


    Just then, the door swung open. At first, she didn’t bother looking up—until she felt an unfamiliar presence. A prickle of awareness ran down her spine. Lifting her gaze, she froze momentarily upon seeing Zeke’s face.


    “You?” Her voice was sharp with surprise. “How did you get in here?”


    Zeke, unruffled, casually took a seat beside her. “The door’s right there.” His tone was amused as he nced at the catalog in her hands. “Seen anything you like? I’ll get it for you.”


    Corrine snapped the catalog shut. “I can handle things myself, Mr. Cooper.”


    Zeke leaned back, his gaze unwavering. “Some things are worth the effort. And spending money on you is one of them—something I’m more than happy to do.”


    Corrine rolled her eyes in exasperation. Who wanted his money—or his so-called willingness?


    “What exactly do you want?” she asked, her frustration evident.


    “To pursue you.”


    Corrine was suddenly grateful that Nate wasn’t around to hear that. Knowing him, he’d be seething with jealousy.


    She shot a quick nce at Karina, who sat nearby, legs crossed, munching on potato chips, watching the drama unfold like it was the best entertainment of the night.


    Taking a deep breath, Corrine spoke evenly. “Mr. Cooper, jokes have limits. I’ve made myself clear before—I have a boyfriend. Please stop this.”


    Zeke, unfazed, merely raised a brow. “Even marriages can end in divorce. How can you be so sure you won’t break up?”


    His gaze was steady, assessing. “Besides, he’s not right for you.”


    A sharpugh escaped Corrine’s lips. “Oh? And if he’s not right for me, then who is?”


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