Bruce understood the significance of being the spokesperson for Ford, even without Leah’s explanation. He had counted on her endorsement to elevate Ashton Group’s visibility. Who could have predicted that everything would unravel at the last moment due to the new CEO’s decision?
His expression darkened, but he spoke softly to reassure Leah.
“It’s just an endorsement. Don’t lose hope. Something better will come along.”
“But I’m really upset,” Leah admitted, her voice heavy with disappointment
“I’ve made reservations at your favorite restaurant for tonight. How about I pick you up later?” Bruce suggested.
“Really?” Leah’s voice brightened almost instantly, the glimmer of excitement cutting through her sadness.
“That’s perfect! Let’s meet at Lonsong Restaurant tonight!”
“Sounds good.”
After he hung up, his demeanor shifted. His gentle expression hardened into a steely resolve as he turned to his assistant.
“I want a full report on the new CEO of Ford Group. Everything there is to know-right now.”
“Yes, sir.” The assistant nodded and left the office without hesitation.
Unaware of the storm brewing elsewhere, Corrine remained busy at her desk, poring over the documents scattered before her.
Her phone buzzed, and the screen displayed an unknown number. She hesitated for a second, frowning slightly before answering.
“Hello?”
“Corrine, it’s Evelyn,” came a familiar voice.
“Can you hear me?”
Her eyes softened, a subtle smile playing at her lips.
“Hello, Evelyn. How are you?”
“I’m fine-just the usual aches and pains that come with age,” Evelyn said lightly. Then, her voice took on a motherly concern.
“But what about you? I heard you’ve started a new position. Are you settling in alright?”
Though Evelyn didn’t elaborate on where she had heard the news, Corrine couldn’t help but think of Nate’s striking face. The thought sent a soft flutter through her chest.
“1 am,” she replied, keeping her tone measured.
Evelyn let out a sympathetic sigh, her warmth evident even over the phone.
“That’s good to hear. But remember, no matter how busy you are, your health comes first. It’s late-have you had anything to eat?”
Corrine froze for a moment. The thought of Nate waiting for her surfaced abruptly. Was he already at the restaurant? Was he still waiting?
She took a slow breath, steadying herself.
“Thank you for your concern. I’ll grab something after work. You take care of yourself too.”
Evelyn chuckled softly.
“You’re so thoughtful, unlike Nate. That boy is so busy these days, I barely see him. He’s not even coming home for dinner again tonight. I wonder what’s keeping him so occupied all the time.”
Corrine’s heart gave a small, inexplicable ache at Evelyn’s casual mention of Nate. But Evelyn continued, her tone light and content, “Anyway, I won’t keep you. Get back to work, dear.”
“Alright.” Corrine ended the call, setting her phone down
But when she turned back to the documents on her desk, she found she couldn’t focus. Her thoughts kept drifting to Nate, and the possibility of him waiting for her gnawed at her mind.
Moments later, Natasha entered the room. Her sharp eyes caught the slight restlessness in Corrine’s demeanor.
“You seem distracted,” she observed gently, setting a file down on the desk.
“If you’re struggling to concentrate, why not leave early and take a breather?”
Corrine looked up at Natasha, her lips pressing into a faint line as she weighed the suggestion. Finally, she stood and grabbed her bag.
“Let’s go home.”
As the car drove through the city’s bustling streets, they passed the Lonsong Restaurant. Corrine’s gaze lingered on the glowing sign, her thoughts swirling.
On a sudden impulse, she spoke up.
“Stop the car.”
The driver abruptly halted the car, his bewildered gaze meeting Corrine’s in the rearview mirror.
“Miss Holland?”
Corrine adjusted her curls with casual composure.
“Find a parking spot.”
“Certainly,” he responded, quickly maneuvering into an available space and opening her door.
“I’m taking a brief walk,” she instructed.
“Wait here.” The driver nodded in compliance.
Her high heels clicked rhythmically against the pavement as she strolled down the sidewalk, headed toward Lonsong Restaurant. Though her posture remained poised, her eyes scanned the surroundings, drawn unconsciously by the hope of spotting a familiar, lean silhouette.
“Corrine?” The startled voices of Rita and Leah broke her thoughts.
They had imagined her departure from the Ashton family would leave her downtrodden, stripped of the radiance they envied. Yet here she was, cutting through their expectations like a blade through silk.
Corrine wore a tailored royal blue suit that shimmered with understated opulence, the fabric itself a quiet testament to its exclusivity. The bold hue highlighted her commanding presence, an aura that seemed to challenge the very air around her.
Her dark curls framed her face with effortless allure, their glossy strands softening the icy precision of her elegance.
Leah, who had long harbored jealousy for Corrine’s striking features, felt her envy flare anew. Somehow, Corrine had grown even more captivating, her quiet confidence overshadowing Leah in ways she couldn’t admit.
“Corrine, what are you doing here?” Rita’s voice carried the sharp sting of resentment, her eyes brimming with thinly veiled animosity.
Corrine’s brows knitted slightly, her gaze cooling as it swept over them. Displeasure flickered briefly across her face like a shadow at dusk.
These two-always turning up like weeds in a garden
“Corrine, we weren’t expecting to see you here. Dining at Lonsong, are you?” Leah’s smile was polished, her tone feigning warmth, though the jealousy simmering beneath it was unmistakable. She began to approach Corrine. Corrine’s expression remained unreadable.
Didn’t waver, but her eyes hardened like winter’s frost.
“Miss Burgess,” she said evenly, “have you already forgotten the warnings I gave you?”
Leah’s practiced smile faltered, her steps faltering under the weight of Corrine’s piercing gaze.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.