The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 5

Chapter 5 Plans

As Corrine departed, she carried nothing of her own, yet curiously, she ended up with that man's suit jacket draped over her shoulders.

Hobbling down the street, she shivered, oddly chilled despite the glaring sun that bathed the city in warmth. Fumbling with her phone, she dialed the number of her best friend, Karina Brooks, her voice trembling slightly. "Karina, do you think you can come and pick me up?"

Twenty minutes later, Karina roared up to the curb in a gleaming red sports car.

As she caught sight of Corrine's bandaged leg, she swiftly removed her sunglasses, eyes widening with stark concern. "Sweetheart, what in the world happened to you?"

"Karina, is it okay if I stay at your place for a bit?" Corrine murmured, her voice weak as she slumped against the comfort of the seat, telling her ordeal with Bruce as though she were detached from the narrative herself.

"That Ashton family is just a bunch of fools!" Karina exclaimed, her temper rising swiftly. "Do they really think

Leah can measure up to you?"

Her indignation built like a storm, and before she knew it, the car was hurtling forward. Her tirade burst forth, fueled by disbelief and anger. "If it weren't for your brilliance, Bruce would still be floundering. What, is he a clueless fool, or just shamelessly grasping for more than he deserves? How many times has that family exploited you? The second Leah walks through the door, they throw you out! The Ashton family truly has no

decency."

stoic, responded calmly, "Karina, it seems a life filled with

in the cards

reflected on Corrine's tumultuous childhood, her expression softened, her forehead creasing

let

such a life isn't destined for me, I've stopped hoping for

her voice a soft murmur. She offered a weak smile, and then slowly closed her eyes. "I'm weary. I need to rest for a

Corrine. She felt her feverish skin and muttered

the car around and raced toward

drove, Karina seethed at the

was it that devised their plans

when they needed her, yet discarded her the

was eager to see how long they'd manage without Corrine's guidance. As Corrine's fever gradually receded, she stirred awake

the room, bathed in artificial light, and

first, slowly regained clarity, prompting her to scan her surroundings. Her eyes finally settled on a silhouette perched on a chair by

jolt of recognition sent her hand clenching around the sheets, and with a