The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 25

Chapter 25:

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“Okay,” Leah replied sweetly, standing on tiptoe to press a light kiss to the corner of his lips.

While engrossed in their conversation, Corrine and Karina stopped abruptly upon spotting Bruce and Leah at the door.

Corrine’s warm smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a cold stare.

“Leave now!” she commanded.

Leah’s response was subtle, her lips trembling slightly as she clutched Bruce’s hand tighter, her face clouding over.

Bruce sensed the chill from Corrine, his brow creasing. He soothed Leah with a gentle touch.

Corrine felt a sharp ache in her heart at the show of affection, as though it had taken her breath away. Such warmth was unfamiliar to her.

Over three years, Corrine had tirelessly networked with investors to support Bruce, receiving nothing but his occasional attention in return. And yet, Leah seemed to unlock Bruce’s tender side effortlessly with just a single sorrowful look.

Corrine realized then how profound the gap was between love and mere obligation.

“I need to speak with you,” Bruce said, guiding Leah into the room with urgency.

“Why did the Brooks family suddenly pull their funding?”

Looking up, Corrine’s eyes returned to their usual indifferent coolness.

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“Did you come here just to blame me?”

“This is serious!” Bruce said, his expression turning grim as he looked at Corrine.

“The Bayside project desperately needs funding. With the Brooks family pulling out, the project is in jeopardy. Do you realize how critical this is for Ashton Group?”

“I do,” Corrine responded casually.

There had been a time when she had thrown herself into Bruce’s ventures, driven by her feelings for him and viewing the Ashton Group’s success as her own. Now that she had detached herself from Bruce, the company’s well-being no longer concerned her.

A slight, scornful smile crossed her face.

“And why should Ashton Group’s fate matter to me now?”

“Corrine!” Bruce raised his voice, frustration boiling over, his eyes ablaze.

“You’ve always been meticulous about keeping our personal and professional lives separate. Why this sudden change? Regardless of our personal issues, I will find a way to make it up to you. But using the company as leverage for revenge? How is that any different from being an opportunistic scoundrel?”

Corrine elegantly picked out a cherry with a fruit fork, spat out the pit, and then calmly retorted, “I devoted myself to Ashton Group without reserve, and that was expected of me. But now, when I distance myself, I’m labeled a scoundrel? Your hypocrisy astounds me.”

“Bruce has been buried under the weight of company issues, and it’s been tough on him,” Leah said innocently, her gaze fixed on Corrine.

“Ashton Group isn’t just a business to him; it’s his life’s legacy. Corrine, I understand there are hard feelings, but helping Bruce would mean the world. I would sacrifice anything for that.”

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