The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 228

Chapter 228:

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Karina’s eyes danced with understanding.

“Others might not see through you, but I certainly do. For someone as naturally reserved as yourself to display affection publicly—you must have found someone truly remarkable.”

“It was merely a chance encounter,” Corrine deflected, her tone deliberately light.

Yet privately, she acknowledged how swiftly and unexpectedly her relationship with Nate had evolved. She had chosen to yield to this forceful man’s persistence.

“That explanation might satisfy others, but not me!” Karina declared with conviction. She clasped Corrine’s hand, her voice softening with genuine concern.

“I’m glad you’re allowing yourself to meet new people. I just can’t help wondering who managed to capture your heart so soon after you broke up with that worthless Bruce.”

Bruce had spotted Corrine from across the room. After a moment’s hesitation, he approached their location, only to overhear Karina’s unflattering assessment of his character.

Following an awkward pause, he cleared his throat.

“Corrine.”

Karina turned to face him, her expression showing not a hint of embarrassment.

“Oh my, did you happen to hear me criticizing you?”

Before Bruce could formulate a response, she pressed on breezily, “Well, if you heard it, so be it. I prefer honest speech.”

Bruce’s expression darkened perceptibly, though he remained silent. With countless eyes upon them, engaging in an argument with a woman would only damage his carefully cultivated image.

“Corrine.” He addressed Corrine directly, pointedly ignoring Karina.

“I need to speak with you privately.”

Corrine’s features settled into an expressionless mask as she delivered her response with glacial precision.

“I have neither the time nor the inclination to entertain this conversation.”

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As she pivoted to depart, Bruce’s fingers closed around her wrist with desperate urgency.

“Corrine, I understand our separation wounded you deeply. I’ve promised to make amends; why won’t you grant me that opportunity?”

“You expect forgiveness to flow freely after a simple apology, as though nothing transpired?” Corrine raised her gaze, her eyes piercing Bruce’s facade like winter frost. Her crimson lips curved into an expression of calculated derision.

“I’ve made myself clear—reconciliation between us remains an impossibility.”

Bruce’s grip tightened involuntarily, his voice acquiring an edge of frost.

“So you’ve resolved to regard me as nothing more than a stranger?”

“What alternative did you envision?” A current of bitter mockery threaded through Corrine’s words.

“Did you expect me to spiral into the depths of unrequited love, consumed by jealousy, only to unleash my accumulated bitterness upon Leah?”

Bruce’s features constricted at her pointed reference.

“Direct any grievances toward me. Leah remains blameless in this matter.”

Finding dark amusement in his declaration, Corrine wrenched her wrist free before turning away with decisive finality.

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