The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 453:

Callie wilted under Chelsea’s stern warning.

“I understand, Aunt Chelsea.”

Though Chelsea recognized the lingering displeasure in Callie’s tone, the urgent need to counsel Corrine took precedence.

Upon Corrine’s return to the banquet hall, Moses and Zack naturally gravitated toward her. Their small group settled in the resting area, quickly becoming the focal point for the other guests.

Despite sharing the same physical space aboard the cruise, an invisible barrier separated their intimate circle from the rest of the attendees. The onlookers’ gazes on Corrine carried a potent mixture of envy, resentment, and raw jealousy, none more so than Leah’s.

Leah’s mind churned with bitter incomprehension at Corrine’s apparent hold over Nate. She had anticipated that Corrine’s exile from the Ashton family would finally provide the opportunity to diminish her inherent grace and dignity. Instead, Corrine had emerged more radiant than ever.

The thought burned— how dare this woman of humble origins claim such privilege?

believed was rightfully hers? Her fingers tightened around her

eyebrow lifted slightly as she followed

Corrine’s attention, Leah masked her hostility with a gentle smile,

like a physical blow, as she simply resumed her conversation with her companions. Leah’s fingers clenched around the glass, her

a welcome distraction for Leah,

where have you been hiding? I’ve been

flinched almost imperceptibly, withdrawing

upset this evening,” she mumbled, the excuse transparent to anyone who knew her

recognized the evasion, she harbored neither curiosity nor concern about

your brother’s words?”

quiet huff carried years of

matters that

a solution,” Leah purred, malice gleaming in

frowned slightly, suspicion flickering in

exactly are you