?Chapter 1233:


    But Corrine’s performance surprised Mandy, even outshining Nate.


    After one round, their scores were tied—exactly even.


    Nate was a bit taken aback. He had nned to let her win, thinking it would make her happy. Now, it seemed that wouldn’t be necessary at all.


    After the three rounds of shooting ended, Corrine won by a narrow lead. She took off her ear protection and made her way to Nate. “Mr. Hopkins, you lost,” she said.


    Her eyes sparkled with excitement. Her eyebrows lifted slightly, making her already stunning features stand out even more.


    Nate’s expression darkened. He removed his ear protection, tossed it onto the table, and walked toward Corrine.


    She thought he mightpliment her, but instead, Nate reached behind her head and pulled her in for a kiss.


    Surprised, Corrine’s eyes went wide, a touch of panic showing on her face. She instinctively pushed against his chest.


    They had shared many private, intimate moments before, but never with an audience.


    Kissing in front of others felt awkward and embarrassing to Corrine.


    However, Nate’s strong arms held her tightly, preventing her from escaping. Unlike his usual forceful,manding kisses, this one was softer, almost as if he wanted tofort and treasure her.


    When the kiss ended, a soft blush spread across Corrine’s cheeks.


    She grabbed onto Nate’s shirt, burying her face against his chest, her breathing in quick bursts.


    After a beat, she looked up at Nate, quickly wiping her lips on his shirt. Nate saw the small motion but didn’t stop her. Instead, he gazed at her with warmth in his eyes, his voice low and rough. “Sorry.”


    He had lost control for a moment and forgotten they weren’t alone.


    Stay connected gα?ησv????s


    “Want to go again?” His fingers lightly grazed her cheek.


    Corrine raised an eyebrow, a smirk ying on her lips. “Not worried you’ll lose?”


    Nate studied her beautiful face, swallowing hard as he fought the urge building inside him. “There’s no shame in losing to you.”


    Corrine casually said, “But it’s just us. Winning and losing get a little boring.” It was always more fun with a bigger crowd.


    Nate seemed to catch her drift. “Want me to call a few more people to join us?”


    “Sure,” Corrine replied with a smile.


    Something warm stirred in her chest as she saw Nate’s thoughtfulness. Why did it feel like he was trying to make her happy tonight? Could he possibly know it was her birthday?


    When Saul, Mandy, and Matias joined them, the shooting contest suddenly became much more exciting.


    As the gunshots rang out, memories of her time with the Red me shed through Corrine’s mind, pushing away the sadness that had been weighing on her heart.


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