The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 34

Chapter 34:

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With the cleanup nearly complete, Penny took the shards from Corrine and asked politely, “Miss Holland, are there any foods you prefer to avoid?”

“Anything is fine,” Corrine responded with grace.

Penny’s expression softened.

“Please, feel at ease here, Miss Holland. We wouldn’t want Mrs. Hopkins to think we’re not hospitable.”

Suddenly, a voice outside shouted, “Wow, the weather’s changed so suddenly!”

“Oh dear!” Penny’s expression shifted to concern as she hurried outside.

“Mrs. Hopkins’ prized orchids are still on the veranda. We must protect them from the rain!”

Evelyn spent many joyful hours with her cherished plants, which she adored.

Corrine, sensing Penny’s urgency, quickly followed her out.

Displayed on the veranda were several beautiful potted plants, with one particular orchid catching Corrine’s eye—she had seen the same type at her grandfather’s place.

Corrine recalled a childhood memory when she had knocked over her grandfather’s orchid. Instead of getting angry, he was more concerned about whether she was scared or hurt. Years later, Jayden revealed to her that the orchid had been worth fifteen million.

Now, observing this orchid, Corrine’s curiosity about the Hopkins family’s status and wealth deepened.

As dark clouds gathered, Corrine realized there was no time to ponder. She lifted a potted plant and hurried to the safety of a nearby shelter.

“Miss Holland, you really should rest,” Penny called out, noting Corrine’s delicate stature.

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“We can manage the heavy lifting.”

Corrine assured her, “I’m fine, really.”

As a light drizzle turned into a steady rain, Corrine hastened her steps, cradling the plant protectively. The rain made the garden path’s cobblestones slippery, causing her flat shoes to skid. Corrine lost her balance and fell toward the grass. From a short distance, Penny shouted, “Miss Holland, be careful!”

Corrine’s heart leaped into her throat, her face blanching as fear gripped her. She squeezed her eyes shut and instinctively clung to the potted plant in her arms, as though it were her lifeline.

In a heartbeat, a firm, unyielding arm encircled her waist, pulling her into a secure, almost possessive embrace.

Everything unraveled so quickly that Corrine barely had time to process what was happening.

But the dreaded pain never came.

Hesitantly, she opened her eyes, and the first thing she saw was Nate, his face so close that she could feel the warmth radiating from him.

His sharply sculpted jawline looked impossibly smooth, his Adam’s apple subtly enticing as it moved. Beneath it, the crisp, buttoned collar of his shirt exuded effortless sophistication, a quiet magnetism she couldn’t ignore.

The closeness between them was almost suffocating, their bodies pressed together with no room for escape. Nate’s cool, intoxicating scent surrounded her, leaving her feeling utterly cornered.

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