?Chapter 835:


    “Then let’s find out.” With those words, she struck again—her knee shooting toward the inside of his thigh.


    Instinctively, he released her.


    Corrine wasted no time. Twisting free, she vanished into the chaotic crowd.


    Suddenly, the sharp sound of breaking ss rang out.


    Someone had crashed into the champagne tower. Crystal shards and liquid scattered across the floor.


    Corrine’s foot slipped. The treacherous high heels that once entuated her elegance now betrayed her, sending her tumbling. A dangerous thought struck her—if she hit the floor, she would either be cut by the ss or trampled underfoot.


    But instead of cold, jagged shards, shended against something warm and solid.


    A steady, reassuring scent enveloped her, grounding her amidst the mayhem.


    She gripped the man’spel. “Nate?”


    “I am here.” His voice was steady, soothing. He bent slightly, pressing a reassuring kiss to the top of her head. His arm curled protectively around her waist, holding her close as he maneuvered them away from danger. Every movement was calcted, shielding her with his body, ensuring she remained untouched by the chaos.


    Corrine held onto him tightly, her heart a whirlwind of emotions she refused to name.


    How could she remain indifferent to a man who guarded her so fiercely?


    There were too many reasons to fall for him.


    And at that moment, if there had been a cliff ahead, she knew—without hesitation—she would have fallen with him.


    Then, as if the universe had been holding its breath, the lights flickered back on.


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    A collective squint rippled through the room as the sudden brightness forced people to shield their eyes.


    Corrine blinked, adjusting to the re. Instinctively, her gaze darted around, searching for Jonathan.


    But he was gone. It was as if he had never been there at all, as though the entire encounter had been nothing more than a fleeting illusion.


    “Miss Hond, are you alright?” Jacob arrived, his sharp eyes scanning her for any signs of injury.


    Corrine straightened,posing herself. “I’m fine. Check the nearby surveince footage.”


    This was no coincidence. The power outage, Jonathan’s sudden appearance—it had all been nned.


    Jacob nodded. “Understood.”


    Around them, the staff moved swiftly to clean the shattered ss and spilled champagne. But no matter how fast they worked, the evening’s enchantment had been shattered. The guests’ enthusiasm had dimmed, the once-vibrant energy now reced with wary murmurs.


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