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."

calmly, "Karina, it seems a life

in the

Corrine's tumultuous childhood, her expression softened,

let this break your

such a life isn't destined for me, I've stopped hoping for it. There's no reason to

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

felt her

turned the car around and raced toward

Karina seethed at the thought of the

business world, who was it that devised their plans and strategies? Without Corrine, would Bruce have

cherished her when they needed her, yet discarded her the

how long they'd manage without Corrine's guidance. As Corrine's fever gradually receded, she

struck her was the stark whiteness of the room, bathed in artificial light, and a

scan her surroundings. Her eyes finally settled on a silhouette perched on

hand clenching around the sheets, and with a voice rough from disuse,