?Chapter 1039:


    Everyone knew thesepetitions required not just expertise but physical prowess of the highest order.


    Most participants were men, and even among the few women who dared, most were eliminated after the third round.


    But Corrine had made it to the knockout stage.


    The room studied her slight figure, trying to reconcile the delicate woman before them with the grueling, toughpetition Doug spoke of. It was hard to believe she’d endured that level of training.


    “Doug, are you sure you’re not confusing her with someone else?” Rosalie managed to regain herposure, her voice tinged with disbelief. She tore her gaze away from Corrine, turning toward Doug with a stiff smile. “Miss Hond just mentioned she has one of those average faces. You—”


    “Impossible!” Doug shot her down immediately. “A few years ago, I visited thepetition site as a guest, and Miss Hond was definitely there.”


    Among all the rugged, muscle-bound men, Corrine had stood out like a white rose in a sea of thorns, her beauty pure and striking.


    “I’m surprised you remember it all so vividly, Mr. Burton,” Corrine said, her smile sharp as a dagger.


    She didn’t want anyone to know what had happened during that time.


    She had only entered thepetition to spite Jules.


    She had thought it was a secret, buried deep—but now Doug was dragging it back into the light.


    Seemingly oblivious to the weight of her words, Doug took herment as a simple praise of his sharp memory. “It’s not just about my memory. Your performance was ster. And you were the first to turn down the invitation from the military academy’s president—the only candidate to refuse the special admission offer.”


    Doug still remembered her proud deration, “I’m not interested,” spoken boldly in front of the entire camp.


    It was a moment impossible to forget.


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    Corrine maintained her serene smile, though her eyes burned with silent fury.


    Had he not caught the hint?


    She twirled her steak knife, its de catching the dim light in a sh, as though it had a mind of its own.


    Zack intervened quickly, saying, “Let’s focus on eating.” The others nodded in agreement.


    Corrine ate in silence, her face betraying a hint of impatience.


    The asional stares from the others were far too tant to ignore.


    She was about to stand and leave when Nate, ever the thoughtful one, ced a te of sliced steak in front of her, having thoughtfully removed the side dishes.


    Now, she had no choice but to stay and eat.


    The sight of this didn’t escape Rosalie’s notice. She could feel a fresh wave of difort churn inside her.


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