?Chapter 1497:

    Corrine studied his stony expression. “Why haven’t you said anything?”

    Throughout the entire ride back, Nate hadn’t uttered a single word, though his displeasure filled the space between them.

    Instead of answering, he walked to the liquor cab, uncorked a bottle, and poured himself a full ss. He drained it in one go, then immediately poured another.

    Corrine stepped forward, concern creasing her brow. She caught his wrist mid-pour. “Your stomach won’t thank you for drinking like this.”

    The Grenadian rum he was downing like water was meant to be savored or mixed—not thrown back with such reckless abandon.

    Nate’s eyes darkened as he looked at her, his grip tightening around the ss as though containing a storm of emotions within. “Why didn’t…?”

    You didn’t contact me when you were in danger?” His voice was low and hoarse, carrying the biting chill of winter.

    Corrine stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him, nestling her head against his chest. “I tried to reach you, but the phone signal was cutting out,” she exined softly.

    After a brief pause, she added, “Besides, I wasn’t hurt. There’s no need to worry.”

    “Did you even consider the consequences?” His deep, raspy voice rumbled above her head.

    Fortunately, Corrine wasn’t harmed today. Otherwise, he might have made the entire Hond family pay for it, even though Dewey was her father.

    Had Dewey not been so determined to control his daughter, today’s near-catastrophe would never have urred. Corrine would never have faced such peril.

    The me rested squarely on Dewey’s shoulders, and he alone should face whatever retribution followed.

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    Corrine rose on her tiptoes and pressed a gentle kiss to Nate’s chin. “The situation was urgent, and I couldn’t reach you. It’s not like I could just drive into the downtown area, right? Besides, I know my limits—I wouldn’t let myself get hurt. Look at me—perfectly fine now.” Her soothing words gradually melted the tension in Nate’s eyes.

    Setting down his ss, he pulled her into a fierce embrace, holding her as if he meant to absorb her into his very being. “Please don’t get hurt, okay? It breaks my heart.”

    When he’d learned about Corrine’s car spinning out of control, it felt like an icy hand had clenched around his heart. His customaryposure had shattered instantly, leaving only a single desperate thought—find her, no matter the cost.

    The mere idea of Corrine perishing in that ident left him unable to imagine what dark paths his grief might lead him down.

    “I promise,” Corrine whispered, rising once more on tiptoe to brush her lips against his jaw. “But you have to promise me not to go silent and shut me out again.”

    Nate’s silence had felt truly oppressive, even to someone as resilient as her.

    Nate responded with nothing more than a soft, nomittal sound. “It’s gettingte. I’ll have Saul take you home.” His answer caught Corrine by surprise.

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