The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 13

Chapter 13 Pursuing You Is My Choice Alone

Corrine found herself speechless, memories washing over her.

She had spent by Bruce's side for three years, pouring her heart into supporting him through every challenge. She had helped rescue Ashton Group from near- bankruptcy, watching with pride as he ascended to become one of Lyhaton's most coveted young elites

She had believed, with every fiber of her being, that no one understood Bruce better than she did. Yet all of that devotion had earned her nothing but his swift betrayal.

"External appearances often mislead us." Nate's rich voice flowed through the silence. "What meets the eye rarely tells the whole story, but intuition-that inner knowing-often guides us true. That's why I trust mine."

A soft laugh escaped Corrine's lips. "I appreciate the wisdom of seeing with the heart rather than the eyes, but shouldn't we begin with the fundamentals? Understanding someone's daily habits, their preferences, the small things that make them who they are?"

Nate's expression softened into a gentle smile that held both compromise and resignation. "We each see the world through our own lens. I don't expect you to share my perspective. I simply want you to understand that pursuing you is my choice alone. You needn't feel burdened by it."

Hopkins, I'm sorry, but I'm not open

emphasize two points," Nate responded. "First, pursuing you is my decision. Second, my intentions are pure, and I don't

and strode away, his tall frame

watched his retreating figure, caught between amusement and

proclaimed love at first sight or leveraged his past kindness, she

honesty and transparency left her strangely

human-how could

at her, Karina appeared bearing Corrine's favorite cupcakes.

to eat

falling on a men's suit jacket nearby. Her lips curled with disgust, contempt blazing in

Bruce's," Corrine murmured, glancing at the jacket Karina held with such disdain. Thoughts of