The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 19

Chapter 19 Couldn't Live In

The Shadow Of A Woman

The message had barely been sent when Nate's reply landed almost instantly. "See you in twenty minutes"

Corrine stared at the screen, momentarily caught off guard. Had he been waiting for her message all along? The thought-lingered, unsettling and yet oddly difficult to dismiss.

Karina, ever perceptive, noticed the flicker of distraction on Corrine's face and decided to probe. "What's your plan for dealing with the Ashton family?" she asked casually.

"I'm quitting." Corrine replied, her voice firm, her resolve unshakable.

The Ashton family no longer held anything worth her loyalty or attachment.

If she was going to sever ties, she'd do it cleanly-no hesitation, no lingering traces. That was her way.

Karina exhaled quietly, relief softening her expression.

She had been silently bracing herself for the possibility that Corrine might waver at the last moment.

the expense of her own well- being. The Ashton family's current success, a gleaming empire, stood as

departure, Karina couldn't help but wonder how long the once-thriving Ashton family could sustain itself before the cracks began to show. As if on cue, Karina's phone buzzed, the caller ID flashing a name that made her lips curl

his persistence. Without a moment's hesitation, she declined the call. the

the line, Bruce's

expression darkened further, the tension radiating from him like

Brooks family's sudden withdrawal of their investment had already shaken the company to its core. The board of directors, ever eager to assign blame, had begun speculating that Bruce had somehow offended the influential family, and

in his mind, he couldn't recall any interaction with the Brooks family, let alone one that could

on the hospital bed, Leah watched Bruce with quiet apprehension. His cold demeanor sent shivers down her spine, but she finally mustered the courage to ask, "Bruce, is

his tone sharp enough to end the

well up, spilling down her cheeks in silent, steady streams, like a string of pearls snapping

frustration wavered as he saw her tears. A pang of guilt stabbed at him, and he moved closer, gently brushing her cheeks with his fingertips. "Why are you crying all of a sudden?" he asked, his

murmured, her voice trembling. She burrowed into his arms, her fragile frame trembling as her hand rested

help. Sometimes... I really envy Corrine.

now, she'd know

struck a nerve. A wave of irritation surged through

It was

him forget that without Corrine, he was struggling to keep