?Chapter 1236:


    She couldn’t simply say that Nate’s actions had touched her so deeply tonight that kissing him felt like the only way to show her thanks.


    The words wouldn’te out, not with her pride getting in the way.


    When they reached Celtis Estate, Corrine was the first to step out of the car. Mandy walked over to her. “Miss Hond, you left this in the car.”


    It was the box Jonathan had handed her earlier.


    Corrine took the box with a wide smile. “Thanks.”


    Nate followed behind her, his eyes briefly flickering toward the box, but he didn’t say a word.


    Once they were inside the living room, Nate took off his suit jacket. “How about ate-night snack?”


    “No, thanks.” Corrine’s eyes wandered to the box on the coffee table as her thoughts drifted.


    It was the one Jax had sent her when she left the Independent Continent. Since her return, she had been busy with different matters and hadn’t gotten around to opening it yet.


    Nate noticed her gaze and walked over to the coffee table. “Why don’t we have a snack first, and then you can check out what’s inside?”


    Corrine hesitated for a moment before nodding.


    They sat at the dining table. Corrine spooned some savory oatmeal into her mouth, noticing Nate wasn’t eating much, despite how badly he had imed to be craving a snack.


    “Why aren’t you eating?” she asked, puzzled. Hadn’t he just said he wanted a snack?


    Nate watched her closely, a small smile ying on his lips. “I’m fine. You should eat more.”


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    Corrine felt a flicker of suspicion. Why did he want her to eat more?


    She stole a nce at Nate, only to find him grinning, his expression full of amusement.


    His gaze reminded her of a hunter watching its prey. It made her heart race and stirred something strange inside her.


    After they finished eating, Corrine sat cross-legged on the sofa, some snacks scattered on the table.


    “Have you opened it to see what’s inside?” She gently ran her fingers over the box, admiring the delicate carvings that made her reluctant to let go of it.


    Nate chuckled slightly. “It’s your gift. How could I open it?”


    With that, Corrine utched the box and lifted the lid.


    A rich scent of ebony and aloeswood immediately filled the air.


    Something was hidden under a piece of red cloth.


    She gently lifted the cloth, revealing a stunning hairpin decorated with colorful gemstones. It was an extravagant hairpiece meant to signify nobility and high status.


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