The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 1695:

Corrine let out a soft, incredulous laugh. “So you’re lumping every man into the same basket—and including yourself in the mix?”

It was ironic, really. Leif had just delivered a sharp critique of men as if he wasn’t one himself. She took a long look at him. Time had reshaped him subtly but surely. His hair, once kept short, had grown out, and the ever-present white coat he used to wear was nowhere in sight. His features were sharper now—more defined, more mature.

But the traces of the boy he used to be still lingered beneath it all. His eyes hadn’t changed. Still warm. Still kind. Still filled with a quiet, unwavering affection for her.

She found herself drifting back to her time at the Red Flame organization, to how everyone around her had cared for her. Each person she had known there left behind a distinct feeling. And with Leif, it had always been comfort. With him, she’d share pieces of herself she rarely gave to anyone else. He had been her confidant. He was always there, like an older brother, to protect and spoil her.

Leif pressed his lips together, his gaze never leaving her. “Has he been good to you?”

eyebrow, giving him a knowing look. “You, of

Hawk had claimed Corrine was dating Nate, no one took them seriously—until Leif saw it for himself, blown

at Red Flame, she’d always been the last one to open up—cautious, guarded, sometimes

If no one asked, she’d say nothing. And even when they did, she’d only give away pieces, never the

Cⲟntent ⲟriginally frⲟm gⲁl𝓝𝑜ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⫸𝒸𝗈𝗺

sincerity of her feelings for Nate. That picture—her kiss with Nate beneath the glowing tower lights, a red heart-shaped balloon

tight coiled in his chest every time he thought about it.

he the reason you haven’t come back to see

of her head. “It’s not about him,” she murmured. “I’m just… not ready yet.” She wasn’t