The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 261

Chapter 261:

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“Perfect timing. Let’s head inside.”

Corrine studied her, her face void of expression.

“I preferred your former haughty stance.”

A few onlookers stifled amused smirks, clearly enjoying the exchange. Gloria’s forced warmth vanished in an instant. She didn’t bother to keep up the act any longer.

Inside the banquet hall, luxury dripped from every detail—the glint of crystal glasses, the soft hum of conversation, the refined laughter of elegantly dressed guests. The sharp clack of heels against marble silenced the chatter, drawing all eyes toward the entrance.

The grand doors swung open, and Corrine strode in. Amidst the sea of extravagant gowns and glittering jewelry, her crisp business attire stood in stark contrast. Yet, her poised silhouette commanded the space, effortlessly outshining the crowd.

There was something in her bearing—an aura honed over time, as if she held the world in the palm of her hand. The chandelier’s glow caught the high arch of her cheekbones, tracing the fine porcelain contours of her face. Her lips curled ever so slightly, a subtle but unmistakable challenge in her expression.

She was a deadly bloom in full flourish—dangerous, captivating.

“Who is that woman?” someone murmured in confusion.

Among the guests attending Ashton Group’s anniversary celebration were the firm’s senior leaders and some of the guests from Corrine and Bruce’s unfinished wedding. Upon spotting Corrine, the guests quickly identified her, one of them saying, “That’s Miss Holland, the former leader of Ashton Group’s project team. She was the mastermind behind the ‘Wildheart’ hotel project.”

“Could she be the person who saved Ashton Group from collapse?”

“That’s her, indeed.”

“Without her contributions, the Ashton family’s fortunes would look very different today.”

Bruce’s smile grew colder with each compliment Corrine received. Each praise stung his ego. Despite Corrine’s departure from Ashton Group, to the guests, Bruce still seemed overshadowed by her legacy. In their eyes, without Corrine’s efforts, the current status of the Ashton family would be unthinkable.

Bruce watched her among the guests, his hand tightening around his wine glass, a vein throbbing visibly. He was eager to prove whether it was the Ashton family that couldn’t manage without Corrine, or if it was Corrine who needed the Ashton family more.

𝓜𝓮𝓻𝓮 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇𝓈: gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩸𝖼𝗈𝗺

Farris led Corrine to a quiet spot.

“Corrine, I know you resent me. I don’t ask for your forgiveness, but I hope you can understand me. The Ashton family has endured much to maintain what we’ve built. It was Bruce, not you, who erred in matters of love. As recompense, I am prepared to transfer my entire stake in the company to you.”

A faint smile played on Corrine’s lips, though her gaze remained cold.

“As I stated clearly in our phone conversation, Mr. Ashton, I appreciated your support during my time with the Ashton family. I have fulfilled one request for you, but after this, our paths will diverge. There will be no forgiveness or understanding extended to anyone from the Ashton family.”

For Corrine, a favor was merely that, and grievances were distinct and separate. There were no debts between them now, and any further engagement would only sap her strength.

Nearby, Tracy’s expression showed disapproval of Corrine’s dismissive tone.

“Miss Holland, can you really encapsulate your three years with the Ashton family in just a handful of sentences?”

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