?Chapter 810:


    “I am,” Zeke dered without hesitation.


    “Mr. Cooper, have some self-respect!” she snapped.


    But he remained utterly unbothered. “I don’t see anything wrong with what I said. Miss Hond, you shouldn’t be so troubled. My pursuit of you is my concern, not yours.”


    Corrine’s brows drew together slightly. That sounded strangely familiar.


    Then it hit her—it was something Nate had once said.


    Initially, she had tolerated Zeke’s persistence out of respect for Jules. But clearly, she had underestimated just how relentless he could be.


    It was time to put an end to this.


    Her smile turned faint—icy, like a white rose blooming under moonlight. “Mr. Cooper, you certainly seem confident. Are you really willing to lower yourself to being a second choice?”


    The words were deliberate, a direct strike at his pride. No man could stand beingbeled a “second choice.” That was an insult few men could stomach.


    But once again, Corrine had underestimated Zeke.


    Instead of looking insulted, he studied her intently, his gaze unwavering. Then, a slow smirk spread across his face. “You think a few words will make me back down?” he mused. “Miss Hond, you underestimate me. If anything, the more you push me away, the more determined I am to win you over.”


    “Are you out of your mind?” Corrine blurted out, exasperated.


    She could scarcely believe it—was this the heir of the Cooper family, or a man utterly devoid of shame?


    Zeke’s brow lifted ever so slightly. “Does being a hopeless romantic count?”


    Corrine was momentarily speechless.


    C??nt?nt hst?d ??t g??l??ov?ls.??0??


    Meanwhile, Karina, who had been quietly observing the scene from a distance, was now trembling with barely containedughter, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle.


    Corrine took a steadying breath. “Sorry, Mr. Cooper, but I have neither the time nor the patience for any other man in my life. I also have no intention of letting anyone interfere in my rtionship with my fiancé.” She deliberately emphasized thest word.


    Yet, Zeke remained unbothered. “Like I said, my pursuit of you is my concern, not yours.”


    Corrine folded her arms, her patience wearing thin. “Mr. Cooper, I have to ask—what exactly do you like about me?”


    “I find your indifference toward me rather intriguing. Do you n on changing that?” Zeke asked, his voice carrying a note of amusement.


    Corrine was at a loss for words.


    Once again, he had rendered her speechless.


    Choosing not to engage further, she quietly flipped through the auction catalog, her expression unreadable.


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