The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 104

Chapter 104 Still Stubborn

"I'm just concerned this might be a knockoff," Bruce's aunt, Gloria Ashton, said, her voice cutting through the murmurs as she stepped forward, her expression feigning polite curiosity. She cast a pointed look at Corrine and added with a sly smile, "If Leah had given it, that would make sense. But from Corrine? Well, that's truly unfortunate."

A ripple of agreement spread through the guests, punctuated by hushed comments. "An amount like 9.54 million is no small sum," someone whispered. "Miss Holland has probably never even seen that much money in her life."

"Why bother with an appraisal? It's obviously fake," another muttered, a smug laugh following the remark.

Though most guests were unaware of Corrine's background, the Ashton family knew exactly who she was. To them, she was a low-born country girl who got lucky and secured a spot at Lyhaton University. Otherwise, they assumed, she'd have married some elderly farmer and lived a life of obscurity in the countryside.

Rita, recovering from her initial shock, let out a scornful laugh. "An antique from the 19th century, rare as it is, just conveniently found? That's laughable!"

She crossed her arms, her voice sharp with disdain. “Bringing a knockoff to an occasion like this-she's practically mocking the Ashton family in front of everyone!"

instead of pretending?" someone scoffed. "Now that it's exposed,

stepped forward with a delicate sigh, her expression

concern.

though defending Corrine. "Miss Holland meant well, even

subtly underscored the accusation that

of Lyhaton's four great powerhouses, held their reputation as a prominent family

a fake gift at Farris' 80th birthday wasn't just an insult to him but a

wide. How could the Ashtons recover from such public embarrassment if this scandal reached the

with Farris' fondness for Corrine, it seemed unlikely he could defend

now.

managed to alienate the entire Ashton family, and Leah could hardly wait to see how she intended to escape

of amused and curious glances. Detached from the situation, they treated the unfolding drama as a spectacle, occasionally sneaking glances at Farris, who presided silently at the head of

a forgery, Farris had remained quiet, his