The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life novel Chapter 85

Chapter 85 Restless Desire

Corrine inhaled deeply, her composure steadily returning as she quelled the storm within her. “Thank you for telling me this, Tanya,” she said, her tone calm but thoughtful.

Tanya blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She averted her gaze, her eyes betraying a flicker of guilt. “I didn’t mean anything by it. Just rambling on, as usual. I’m glad you don’t mind my chatter, Miss Holland.”

But Tanya wasn’t entirely being honest. Beneath her words lay her own quiet intentions. She had observed how deeply Nate cared for Corrine and noticed Corrine’s hesitation when it came to him. If this delicate moment offered her a chance to bring the two closer, she was willing to take it, even if it meant playing the role of a humble matchmaker.

Yet, Corrine’s gratitude left her feeling undeserving.

The two strolled idly for a while before Tanya glanced at her watch. “Miss Holland, it’s time for your medicine. Mr. Hopkins was very clear about it.”

“Alright,” Corrine replied softly. After taking her prescribed pills, she retired to her room for some rest.

Later, when Nate returned from being out, his sharp eyes scanned the living room instinctively. Though his voice carried an air of practiced indifference, the question he posed was unmistakably pointed. “Where’s Corrine? Has she taken her medicine?”

There was an almost domestic familiarity to his tone, like that of a husband checking in on his wife after a long day.

Tanya caught the subtle undertone and couldn’t help the faint smirk that danced on her lips. “Miss Holland is resting in her room,” she answered with ease.

Nate gave a small nod. “Make sure lunch is light,” he said, his tone casual but purposeful.

Without waiting for her response, his tall frame moved confidently toward the stairs.

As he ascended, Nate loosened his tie with one hand. When he reached Corrine’s door,

he pushed it open with quiet resolve.

The room was dim, but his eyes unerringly found her. Corrine lay peacefully on the bed, her dark hair fanned out like spilled ink against the pillow.

Her face, serene and unguarded, resembled a work of art, each feature deliberate and captivating.

The loose collar of her shirt revealed the gentle slope of her shoulder, her skin glowing faintly in the muted light.

Nate’s gaze lingered, darkening with an intensity he couldn’t fully rein in. Desire simmered in his eyes, restless and undeniable.

He let his tie slip to the floor, his fingers moving to unfasten the first button of his shirt as he stepped closer.

With deliberate care, he brushed a strand of hair away from her cheek. Her lashes quivered at the featherlight touch, like delicate wings brushing against his fingertips.

The memory of her lips, soft and inviting, stirred in his mind, filling him with a longing that refused to be silenced.

His throat bobbed as he swallowed hard, the pull to close the distance between them growing stronger by the second.

Just as he leaned down, his breath ghosting over her lips, Corrine’s eyes fluttered open. For a heartbeat, their gazes locked. Nate’s smoldering eyes held hers captive, the spark between them as palpable as the warmth of his breath on her skin.

Startled, Corrine bolted upright, scrambling to put some space between them.

Nate’s lips curved into the faintest of smiles, though the fleeting disappointment in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed. He settled on the edge of the bed, his posture deceptively relaxed. “How are you feeling?”

“Much better,” she murmured, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her eyes drifted down, catching sight of the burn on his hand.

Tanya’s words about Nate making the soup for her surfaced in her mind. The realization clicked–his injury was a casualty of his cooking attempt.

Her lips pressed together, a mix of guilt and gratitude warring within her. “Your hand… is it alright?”