The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 197

Chapter 197:

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“Mere coincidence,” Bruce dismissed with cold indifference.

The assistant, chastened, fell silent.

“Later, speak with the security guard. Discover what position Corrine holds within Ford Group,” Bruce instructed.

With the new CEO denying them access and rejecting cooperation talks, Corrine remained their sole potential connection. Yet their recent confrontation cast doubt on her willingness to assist. Bruce’s forehead creased with worry as he contemplated Corrine’s likely refusal.

After careful consideration, he contacted Farris. Having explained their predicament, he emphasized, “Grandpa, you understand the Ford Group partnership’s critical importance to Ashton Group. I wouldn’t seek your intervention without a compelling reason.”

Farris hesitated before responding, “I’ll attempt to reach her, though I can’t guarantee her cooperation.”

After ending their call, he paused momentarily before dialing Corrine’s number. Corrine’s screen displayed Farris’ name, prompting a slight frown. Nevertheless, remembering his past kindness, she answered.

“I’m grateful you took my call,” Farris began warmly.

“What do you need from me?” Corrine’s voice carried a practiced coolness, deliberately stripped of emotion.

Farris acknowledged Bruce’s betrayal and the birthday party incident that had severed her ties with the Ashton family.

Yet the family’s pressing circumstances overshadowed his remorse.

“My intentions are pure. Please attend the Ashton Group’s anniversary celebration. Our success stems largely from your contributions—your presence would honor that legacy.”

“The Ashton family and I share no connection; my attendance holds no significance,” Corrine replied, a bitter smile playing across her lips.

“I doubt anyone there desires my presence.”

After a weighted pause, Farris continued, “Corrine, I cannot ask for your forgiveness, especially given their treatment of you. But life demands forward motion. Why let past grievances anchor you? Release them, and watch your path improve.”

𝕋𝕣𝕦𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝕖𝗅𝕤⧽ⅽ𝗈𝗺

“Whose path improves—mine or the Ashton family’s?” Corrine’s voice cut through the line like winter frost. Farris found himself without response.

“I’ll refrain from pursuing accountability with the Ashton family and preserve their dignity, but please cease contacting me,” Corrine stated with finality.

“I have pressing matters to attend to. Goodbye.”

She ended the call, only to have her phone immediately ring again. After she declined it, another call followed. Irritation creasing her brow, she answered, but the voice that greeted her wasn’t Farris’.

“Finally, you picked up!” Donnelly’s deep voice burst through the line, brimming with excitement but quivering ever so slightly, like a rope about to snap.

Corrine arched a brow, her tone carrying a sharp edge of skepticism.

“Alright, spill it. How much do you need this time?”

She knew Donnelly too well. The man rarely called unless his wallet was gasping for air.

Donnelly was a decent soul, no doubt about it, but common sense seemed to flee him whenever a rare artifact hit the auction block. So, when she heard his voice on the other end of the line, it wasn’t hard to connect the dots. But then, her assumption crumbled like a house of cards.

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