The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 260

Chapter 260:

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“If you prefer, you can all go inside and relax. I’ll continue waiting for her here.” With that, Farris steadied himself with his cane and stood watch for Corrine.

The rest hesitated, torn between following Farris’ suggestion and staying put, ultimately choosing to linger awkwardly.

“Bruce, take Leah inside,” Tracy ordered.

All the Ashton family members stood clustered at the entrance, and if the guests felt neglected, rumors would spread like wildfire. Bruce gave a curt nod before guiding Leah away.

As soon as they disappeared, Rita’s face twisted with frustration.

“Corrine must have done this on purpose.”

Tracy shot her a sharp look.

“Enough! Do you want your grandfather to lock you up again?”

Rita stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line. The last time she had been confined after her grandfather’s birthday party, she hadn’t set foot outside for an entire month. If not for today’s Ashton Group anniversary celebration and her relentless pleading, she might still be stuck at home.

Beside her, Tracy’s nerves were wearing thin, her hands clenched into tight fists. She had everything arranged with the reporters inside. If Corrine didn’t show up, her entire plan would crumble.

The tension in the air grew unbearable, each passing second dragging on painfully. Even Farris, always composed, couldn’t keep the unease from creeping into his expression. He understood Corrine well. If she had agreed to come, she wouldn’t go back on her word without reason.

Could someone have tipped her off about the true purpose behind this event?

Just then, a sleek white Bentley Continental rolled into view, gliding smoothly along the driveway. In the passenger seat, Natasha caught sight of the Ashton family gathered at the hotel entrance. Her brow furrowed.

“Why are they all standing there? Are they waiting for someone?”

Corrine lifted her gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly as a slow, sardonic smile tugged at her lips.

“They’re waiting for me.”

𝕃𝖆𝙩𝓮𝑠𝖙 с𝗁𝓪𝗉𝓉𝗲𝗋𝗌 g𝙖𝗅𝖓𝗈𝑣𝓮𝖑𝘀․ⅽ𝓸𝙢

A few days ago, after lunch, Karina had given Natasha and Jolene a brief rundown of Corrine’s past with the Ashton family. Upon hearing that Corrine had been cast aside because of her family background, Natasha had blurted out, “They must be blind as bats!”

Now, watching the Ashton family’s behavior, Natasha couldn’t make sense of their sudden change.

“They’re trying to win me over,” Corrine said, her voice even. She had spent three years under their roof, long enough to see them for who they truly were. To them, she had never been family—just a tool for forging connections.

The car eased to a stop, and Corrine stepped out with practiced grace. Her gaze swept over the waiting figures before landing on Farris. She inclined her head slightly.

“Good evening, Mr. Ashton.”

Though her words were polite, an unfamiliar coolness laced her tone, distant and unreadable.

Farris felt the sadness rise in his throat, but he swallowed it down, forcing a strained smile before turning toward the hotel.

“Corrine, we were just talking about you.” Gloria pushed through the crowd, her lips stretched into a flattering smile.

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