The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

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.

Over the years, as an outsider, Karina had seen it all-the relentless dedication Corrine had poured into supporting Bruce, often at the expense of her own well- being. The Ashton family's current success, a gleaming empire, stood as a testament to Corrine's tireless efforts behind the scenes.

But now, with Corrine's 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 in faint disdain. A spark of sarcasm flickered in her eyes. Bruce Ashton

It seemed that she had underestimated his persistence. Without a moment's hesitation, she declined the call. the action swift and decisive.

On the other end of the line, Bruce's jaw tightened as the call abruptly

disconnected. His expression darkened further, the tension radiating from him like a gathering storm.

The 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 the mounting pressure was becoming unbearable.

But as Bruce replayed recent events in his mind, he couldn't recall any interaction with the Brooks family, let alone one that could justify such a drastic move.

Half-reclining 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 something wrong"

"No," he replied curtly, his tone sharp enough to end the conversation before it begannoveldrama

Leah's face fell, and tears began to well up, spilling down her cheeks in silent, steady streams, like a string of pearls snapping and scattering to the floor.

Bruce's 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 voice softening.

"It's because I'm useless," Leah murmured, her voice trembling. She burrowed into his arms, her fragile frame trembling as her hand rested lightly against his chest. "I can only watch as you face these problems alone, and I can't do anything

to help. Sometimes... I really envy Corrine. She's so smart, so capable. If she

were by your side right now, she'd know exactly what to do."

The mention of Corrine's name struck a nerve. A wave of irritation surged through Bruce, sharp and unbidden.

It was

as though the world refused to let him forget that without Corrine, he was struggling to keep the pieces

together.

Bruce's pride bristled at the unspoken implication-he couldn't stand the idea of living in the shadow of a

woman.

And yet, it was Corrine who had secured the Brooks family's investment. That fact loomed over him, undeniable and infuriating. Shortly after she'd walked out of his life, the Brooks family had withdrawn their support. It was impossible to ignore the connection.

A cold gleam flashed in his eyes as suspicion took root.

Could this be Corrine's revenge?

"I need to talk to Corrine," Bruce announced abruptly, his voice laced with determination.

"I'll go with you," Leah interjected, clutching his hand before he could protest. Seeing his hesitation, she quickly. added, "Corrine doesn't have any family here. It's only right that we check on her."

Bruce hesitated for a moment but eventually nodded. "Fine. But don't take anything she says to heart. I'll protect you-I won't let her hurt you again.

His words painted Corrine as the villain before the confrontation had even begun.

"Okay," Leah replied sweetly, standing on tiptoe to press a light kiss to the corner of his lips.