?Chapter 1223:


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated again.


    This time, it was a message from Karina.


    Corrine’s smile faded slightly as she read the words “Happy birthday,” but she quicklyposed a polite response.


    She then opened Nate’s chat and typed her reply.


    No sooner had she sent the message than Nate called.


    “Why are you up sote?” Nate’s deep, resonant voice caressed her ears.


    His voice was so enthralling that shivers ran down her spine.


    She rubbed her ear and rolled onto her stomach.


    “You’re still up too, aren’t you?” Corrine asked, her voice carrying a hint of weariness.


    “I miss you,” Nate blurted out suddenly.


    Corrine paused, her smile broadening. “I miss you too.”


    Spending every day together on the Independent Continent had only deepened her affection for him, turning it into aforting routine.


    That was why she felt so restless staying at the Ford family home tonight.


    Meanwhile, Nate, sitting in his car, heard her words and smiled wistfully, looking out his window.


    “You miss me but won’te see me?” he teased.


    “A girl should be more reserved sometimes…” Corrine began.


    Before she could finish, Nate interjected, “It’s quite cold outside the Ford Mansion.”


    At that, Corrine leapt out of bed and dashed barefoot to the window, only to realize her room was too far from the gates to see anything.


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    “Wait for me,” she said quickly and hung up.


    She changed her clothes in a hurry and dashed out.


    As she passed Carl’s study, she slowed down, tiptoeing like a cat stealing food when no one was watching. She breathed a sigh of relief only after reaching the stairs, unaware that Carl had expected this all along.


    From the moment he knew Nate was outside, he had anticipated Corrine’s reaction.


    Carl turned back to the chess game in front of him and ced a piece thoughtfully.


    “See, isn’t this beyond your expectations now?” he remarked.


    Across from him, Jayden frowned slightly. He eyed the chessboard where ck and white pieces were embroiled in a tense standoff. The game wasplex, and the stakes were apparent. The ck pieces were dominant, poised to crush thest hope of the white. Yet, Carl had just offered a lifeline to his opponent, altering the expected course of the game.


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