?Chapter 1305:


    As Nate listened to the soft, rhythmic sound of her breathing, his gaze drifted downward, settling on her serene, untroubled face. The dim light cast delicate shadows across her features, entuating her stillness. A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes before he bent down, brushing his lips lightly against her cheek.


    He lingered for a moment, watching her, before getting out of bed. With a quiet exhale, he grabbed his phone from the nightstand and padded toward the balcony. The cool night air greeted him as he dialed Zack’s number. “Any progress in theb?”


    On the other end, Zack pulled off his sses and pinched the bridge of his nose, a weary sigh escaping his lips. “There is still one substance undergoing analysis.”


    “Speed up the process.” Nate’s voice carried an unmistakable edge as his gaze flickered back toward the sleeping Corrine. A shadow passed over his expression. “In a few days, get Eaton out of theb.”


    A brief pause. Eaton had been the key figure at Research Institute 101 — his presence there constant, uninterrupted since the day he first stepped inside.


    Though some might have considered it confinement, in reality, it was the safest way to protect him.


    Zack hesitated, trying to decipher Nate’s intentions. But whatever the reasoning, there was only one response he could give. “Understood.”


    The morning sun spilled through the curtains, warm and persistent. Corrine stirred, hershes fluttering as she slowly opened her eyes. Nine o’clock. She turned onto her side, her hand instinctively reaching for the space beside her.


    The bright light filtering into the room made it clear. The sheets were cool to the touch—proof that Nate had left hours ago.


    For a moment, shey there, cocooned in lingering warmth, savoring thest tendrils of sleep. Eventually, she sighed and forced herself upright, stretching before heading to the bathroom.


    By the time she settled in front of the vanity, her thoughts had begun to gather like scattered puzzle pieces.


    Latest stories on


    She studied her reflection, expecting some sign of exhaustion—yet there was none. No fatigue, no lingering weakness. Instead, she felt refreshed, as thoughst night’s ordeal had been wiped clean from her body.


    The sensation was almost unnatural.


    Her fingers hovered over the tabletop as unease crept in. How had Jonathan known she had suddenly fallen ill? And more importantly, what had he given her? The medicine had worked too quickly, too seamlessly.


    Her gut told her that maybe Jonathan knew how to cure her illness.


    Lost in thought, Corrine did not notice Nate’s silent approach until his familiar scent enveloped her. She nced up at the mirror, catching his reflection just as he stepped behind her. She reached for ab, her voice calm. “Are you not going to work today?”


    “I am heading there now.” He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, his fingers pressing gently against her skin. “Does your waist hurt?”


    Corrine shook her head, setting down theb before taking his hand in hers.


    .


    .


    .