The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 315

Chapter 315:

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When Bruce remained silent, Tracy’s stomach twisted with dread. A wave of panic crashed over her, and she wailed, “Bruce, Rita is your sister! How can you just stand by and let her go to jail? If she gets locked up, I-I won’t be able to go on living either!”

Her desperate sobs only intensified Bruce’s irritation. Pressing his fingers to the bridge of his nose, he exhaled sharply and snapped, “Tell Corrine—I’ll agree to her terms!”

Without another word, he ended the call, unwilling to say anything more. Alone in his office, he leaned back in his chair, his gaze drifting toward the vast night sky. The glow of city lights reflected in his eyes as he pulled out a cigarette and lit it in silence.

A knock at the door broke the quiet. His assistant stepped inside and said, “Mr. Ashton, Mr. Archer and the other board members are waiting for you.” Bruce’s pupils darkened at the mention of the board members. He knew exactly why they were here. They wanted answers—and accountability. Snuffing out his cigarette, he straightened his posture and said evenly, “Alright.”

As expected, the moment Bruce stepped into the boardroom, he was met with a group of stern-faced board members, led by Calan Archer himself.

“Mr. Ashton, we expect a reasonable explanation from you,” Calan stated coldly.

“Right after Miss Holland left, the company finds itself in crisis. Are we supposed to believe this is just a coincidence?”

He leaned forward, his gaze sharp with accusation.

“Your personal entanglements have thrown the company into chaos—our operations are suffering, and the stock market has taken a hit. As the one in charge, if you can’t separate business from your private affairs, perhaps it’s time we find someone more capable to lead.”

Bruce’s expression darkened at the veiled threat. His voice dropped to an icy calm as he asked, “Mr. Archer, are you questioning my authority?”

“What if I am?” Calan calmly snuffed out his cigarette, facing Bruce’s piercing stare with a taunting half-smirk.

“The company’s crisis seems tied to your private dramas, doesn’t it, Mr. Ashton? Given your promise to Corrine, why the continued intrigue with Leah? Your scandal has taken over the internet, and now leaking Corrine’s photos seems like a desperate diversion. Is it so hard to face up to your misdeeds?”

Calan’s criticism cut deeper as he continued, “Corrine had a point—personal indiscretions impact the company directly, given your role. If you lack the insight to see how crucial your conduct is, why should you remain at the helm? Our funds were supposed to support Ashton Group, not your public scandals.”

𝗧𝗿𝘂𝗲 𝗏𝗲𝗋𝗌𝗂𝗈𝗇 𝖋𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗀𝖆𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒𝚌𝗼𝗺

Bruce’s stance was firm, his hands balled into fists as he suppressed his mounting fury.

“Mr. Ashton, consider this a grace period to sort these issues out. Should you fail to reassure us, we’ll be forced to reconsider our investment.” Rising abruptly, Calan stormed out, the door slamming resoundingly behind him. The room fell silent as the other board members cast uneasy looks toward Bruce, and then quietly left one after another.

Now alone in the large meeting room, Bruce remained.

Just as the assistant was about to step in, he heard something shatter inside the room.

He stood frozen, momentarily shocked. A tense silence followed until the meeting room door finally swung open. Bruce appeared, his demeanor ominous and foreboding, radiating a cold hostility.

Observing for a moment in silence, his assistant approached him carefully, addressing him with a respectful, “Mr. Ashton.”

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