The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 1272:

Whether intentional or not, Claude ended up right beside her. His strikingly handsome face bore a cordial smile, but beneath it lingered a subtle provocation, sharp as the edge of a blade.

Corrine’s brows creased ever so slightly, her expression cooling. Did he not understand the boundaries between men and women? Or did he simply not care?

Ignoring Claude, she reached Nate’s side and took his hand. The moment their fingers brushed, he instinctively tightened his grip, his warmth seeping into her skin.

A faint shiver ran through her before settling into something steadier, something comforting. The warmth in his grasp chased away the lingering chill in her heart, and she felt grounded.

Her lips curved just a fraction, the frost in her eyes melting ever so slightly.

Nate’s gaze, dark and unreadable, swept over Claude. “It has been a while, Mr. Lowell, but I see you remain as impressive as ever.”

The words carried an edge, wrapped in civility but sharpened by an underlying warning. Claude caught the implication instantly. His easygoing smile faltered for the briefest moment, his gaze darkening.

Like a predator interrupted mid-hunt, his fingers absently toyed with the ring on his index finger. “Naturally, I cannot compare to you, Mr. Hopkins.”

Nate’s eyes flicked up, razor-sharp. “Since you are aware of that, then you should also remember what I told you before.” Without another glance, he led Corrine past him.

Claude remained motionless, his gaze locked onto Corrine’s retreating form, tall and poised. A slow, knowing smirk tugged at his lips, though there was something unsettling about it.

“Tsk. Keep staring, and you will lose your eyes,” came a mocking voice from behind. Moses, arms crossed, smirked with a mixture of amusement and derision. “Seriously, what is wrong with you? Always fixated on things that do not belong to you.”

Claude barely spared him a glance, his smirk deepening. “Things that do not belong to me?” His voice was smooth, layered with meaning. “Are you referring to Corrine?”

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He had heard the whispers of her importance to Nate, but witnessing it firsthand made all the difference. Now, he understood just how deeply she was embedded in Nate’s life.

Moses, unimpressed with the feigned ignorance, scoffed. “Some people are not yours to meddle with. But if you are looking for trouble, by all means, keep going.”

Zack stepped forward, his grip firm on Claude’s shoulder, his tone almost casual yet carrying a distinct edge. “Claude, you do not get a say in this city. Push us, and you will regret it.”

At the thinly veiled threat, Claude arched a brow, his gaze shifting between the two men. There was something almost amused in his expression, but underneath, an undeniable calculation.

Nate and his circle had a reputation—ruthless, unyielding. When they eliminated a threat, they left nothing behind.

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