The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

The Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 167

Chapter 167 He Hardly Merits Such Consideration

Corrine's features settled into an expressionless mask as she delivered her response with glacial precision. "I have neither the time nor the inclination to entertain this conversation."

As she pivoted to depart, Bruce's fingers closed around her wrist with desperate urgency. "Corrine, I understand our separation wounded you deeply. I've promised to make amends; why won't you grant me that opportunity?"

"You expect forgiveness to flow freely after a simple apology, as though nothing transpired?" Corrine raised her gaze, her eyes piercing Bruce's facade like winter frost. Her crimson lips curved into an expression of calculated derision. "I've made myself clear-reconciliation between us remains an impossibility."

Bruce's grip tightened involuntarily, his voice acquiring an edge of frost. "So you've resolved to regard me as nothing more than a stranger."

"What alternative did you envision?" A current of bitter mockery threaded through Corrine's words. "Did you expect me to spiral into the depths of unrequited love, consumed by jealousy, only to unleash my accumulated bitterness upon Leah?"

Bruce's features constricted at her pointed reference. "Direct any grievances toward me.

Leah remains blameless in this matter."

Finding dark amusement in his declaration, Corrine wrenched her wrist free before turning away with decisive finality.

Bruce observed her retreating form as she glided into the inner sanctum, his brow furrowing in confusion.

newfound intimacy between Corrine and the Seymour family perplexed him. How had she secured such privileged access to the

family's wedding celebrations welcomed Lyhaton's elite en masse, a strategically placed

general socializing, while the

permitted beyond that threshold undeniably belonged to society's

echelon.

addressed Corrine with measured politeness. "Miss Holland,

masked the

careful consideration, her crimson lips

both courteous and distant.

her response, Karina released a subtle sigh

inquired, genuine puzzlement coloring her

resolve might waver," Karina

soft laugh escaped Corrine's lips. "He hardly

inner dining area, Jules approached, his gaze sweeping

finery, competing for attention, Corrine had opted for

response. "Does my choice not

celebration demanded tasteful discretion