The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 81

Chapter 81 Fainting

Corrine's steps faltered for a fraction of a second, but she neither turned to face him nor gave any acknowledgment to his words.

Bruce's comment, however, caught Karina's attention. Her brows lifted in curiosity. "Didn't you sever all ties with the Ashton family? And back then, they barely tolerated you. Why the sudden invitation to Farris' birthday party?"

When Corrine had concealed her identity and followed Bruce back to the Ashton family, not a single member had shown her kindness. Behind closed doors, they ridiculed her and barred her from public appearances, deeming it unseemly for a young woman to be in the spotlight. The truth was, they feared that Corrine, with her humble origins, would embarrass them and tarnish the Ashton name.

Corrine's tone was calm, her words measured. "Farris gave me something years ago. Once I return it, any ties we have will be completely severed."

Karina sighed softly, her gaze distant as though recalling a memory. "Farris had such sharp instincts back then. It's a shame his family don't share his wisdom." She shook her head slightly. "But I can't help feeling uneasy-what if those ingrates try to cause trouble during the party?"

Corrine glanced at her from the corner of her eye, her voice light yet unyielding. "That's their decision. As long as they're not afraid of ruining the party

themselves."

Leaving the studio behind, Corrine returned to the company.

She dove straight into a two-hour meeting about the land in the southern district, focusing intently on every detail. Afterward, she retreated to her office, burying herself

in more work.

passed quickly, and by the time she lifted her

attention with her usual professionalism.

something urgent to

from annoyance at Jackie's timing. A

through her abdomen,

against the discomfort. Her voice remained even. "If

briskly and exited the

clicked shut, Corrine hunched over her desk, her breathing shallow as the pain intensified.

eternity, the pain began to

she straightened and exhaled a shaky breath. She poured herself a cup of warm water and brought

that some warm water and a little rest would ease the discomfort. By the end of the day, however, the pain struck with renewed intensity, sharper and more insistent, making her

just as she doubled over, her teeth clenched tightly against the

of pain crashed through her, like a

crumpling to the floor. The phone slipped from her hand, clattering loudly

Nate's voice filtered through the phone, cool yet laced with an undeniable warmth, his familiar tone softening the sharp chill that

floor, Corrine pressed both hands to her stomach, her body

herself enough to respond. "N-Nate..." Her voice cracked under the