The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 455

Chapter 455:

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Corrine’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly as an enigmatic smile danced at the corners of her lips, her presence commanding attention.

“As adults, we must take responsibility for our words and actions.” The sharp thud of glass against wood punctuated Karina’s warning.

“Everyone loves a show, but mind your words—they have a way of returning to haunt you.”

The bustling hall fell into an immediate hush, an uneasy stillness descending over the gathered crowd. All eyes instinctively shifted to Nate, suddenly remembering the formidable ally who stood in Corrine’s corner.

Leah, poised on stage, felt control slipping through her fingers. She masked her frustration with a delicate smile, her voice cutting through the silence at precisely the right moment.

“Miss Brooks, surely that’s excessive? Such gatherings are precious, and we merely wished to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Archer’s special day.”

Her warmth seemed genuine as she addressed Corrine.

“Miss Holland, since everyone is curious about your talent, perhaps you might grace us with a performance? It would delight the crowd and serve as a blessing for the happy couple.”

Though perfectly crafted, her words had woven an intricate trap around Corrine. Declining would suggest disrespect toward Calan and Meg, while accepting would play directly into Leah’s scheme.

The deeper strategy lay in escalating tensions between Corrine and Rita, whose earlier performance had earned calculated applause that fed her vanity. Any display now would read as a direct challenge, and Rita’s competitive nature would undoubtedly seek retribution.

Finish the chapters at gⲀ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅s. 🅒o𝗺

Corrine found herself reluctantly impressed by Leah’s masterful manipulation.

As Corrine maintained her composed silence, Leah’s discomfort grew visible, as though performing a one-woman show to an empty house. She drew a steadying breath, her smile never wavering.

“Miss Holland, does your silence indicate unwillingness?”

Her smile carried the menace of a serpent’s warning, her gaze clinging like honey turned to poison.

Corrine’s position beside Nate had already sparked jealousy among the wealthy young ladies, who now circled like vultures awaiting her downfall.

“Look how she cowers, speechless!” one voice called out.

“It’s not the performance she fears—it’s losing her meal ticket,” another added with venom.

“Beauty fades like morning mist,” someone sneered.

“Men eventually see through pretty facades. Why keep a woman with nothing but looks?” The words dripped with contempt.

Rita’s face brightened with malicious delight at these barbs. She turned toward Corrine’s corner, triumph gleaming in her eyes.

“Corrine, you’re usually so quick-witted. Surely playing piano would be child’s play for someone of your… talents?”

Leah seized the moment, her voice deceptively light.

“Miss Holland, do you harbor ill feelings toward the Archers? Or has your powerful new connection made you feel above such courtesies?”

Though softly spoken, her accusation left Corrine no choice but to comply, or appear guilty.

Corrine raised her eyes to meet Leah’s, her subtle smile never faltering.

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