The Jilted Heiress' Return to the High Life - Chapter 491

Chapter 491:

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“Is this area set for demolition?” she asked, her voice low.

The director exhaled slowly, a flicker of concern darkening her features.

“Yes. We were granted decades of usage rights, but now the developers are claiming we’re in violation of building codes. They’re pushing for demolition. If they succeed… what will happen to these children?”

Corrine followed the woman’s gaze toward one of the orphanage windows. A small child peered out, wide-eyed with curiosity and the wary hesitation of someone unused to strangers. The silent question in those eyes struck deeper than words ever could.

Then, Leah’s voice sliced through the moment.

“How hard can it be? If this place can’t be saved, you can always find another location.”

Silence fell like a heavy weight. The group stilled, their eyes snapping toward her.

Leah’s stomach twisted. Had she said something wrong?

Corrine turned to her, amusement flashing in her gaze, but beneath it lurked something sharper.

Leah had no idea how foolish she sounded.

If relocating were so simple, the director wouldn’t be so distressed.

Finding land was only the first hurdle. Securing government approval, gathering funds, rebuilding from scratch—each step was a monumental challenge.

The weight of those obstacles was suffocating, yet Leah spoke as if they could simply pack up and move overnight.

𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚: gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘴⍰ⅽ𝗈𝗺

“Mrs. Archer, did I say something wrong?” Leah asked cautiously, searching for reassurance.

Meg’s smile was faint, unreadable.

“Nothing at all.”

Leah exhaled in relief, missing the fleeting indifference in Meg’s expression.

The director motioned for them to follow, and as they stepped inside, Corrine observed everything.

They passed a wall adorned with photographs, and Corrine’s footsteps slowed.

One of the old photographs snagged Corrine’s attention. Among the faded faces, one figure stood out unmistakably—Jolene.

There was no need for a second glance. Jolene’s presence was like a blazing star in a dull constellation, impossible to ignore.

Without hesitation, Corrine fished out her phone, her fingers swift as she snapped a picture. A few taps later, the image was already on its way to their group chat.

A satisfied smirk tugged at her lips before she quickened her pace to rejoin Meg and Chelsea.

Leah, lagging behind, slowed her steps even further as she reached the very spot where Corrine had just stood. The moment her eyes locked onto the photograph, her pulse stuttered.

A sharp inhale. Her eyes widened. A jolt of shock coursed through her. Why was Jolene’s picture here?

Her thoughts churned, dredging up a recent memory—the restaurant where she had glimpsed Jolene dining with Corrine. Then, earlier on the ship, Corrine had immediately recognized Jocelynn and casually mentioned their shared alma mater—Pinetree High School.

A dreadful possibility slithered into Leah’s mind like a shadow creeping under a locked door. Did Corrine already know?

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