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, the mounting pressure became unbearable. However, 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 began.
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 Shortly after she had walked out of his life, the Brooks family had withdrawn their support.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.
While engrossed in their conversation, Corrine and Karina stopped abruptly upon spotting Bruce and Leah at the door.
Corrine’s warm smile instantly disappeared, replaced by a cold stare.
“Leave now!” she commanded.
Leah’s response was subtle, her lips trembling slightly as she clutched Bruce’s hand tighter, her face clouding over.
Bruce sensed the chill from Corrine, his brow creasing. He soothed Leah with a gentle touch.
Corrine felt a sharp ache in her heart at the show of affection, as though it had taken her breath away. Such warmth was unfamiliar to her.
Over three years, Corrine had tirelessly networked with investors to support Bruce, receiving nothing but his occasional attention in return. And yet, Leah seemed to unlock Bruce’s tender side effortlessly with just a single sorrowful look.
Corrine realized then how profound the gap was between love and mere obligation.
“I need to speak with you,” Bruce said, guiding Leah into the room with urgency.
“Why did the Brooks family suddenly pull their funding?”
Looking up, Corrine’s eyes returned to their usual indifferent coolness.
“Did you come here just to blame me?”
“This is serious!” Bruce said, his expression turning grim as he looked at Corrine.
“The Bayside project desperately needs funding. With the Brooks family pulling out, the project is in jeopardy. Do you realize how critical this is for Ashton Group?”
“I do,” Corrine responded casually.
There had been a time when she had thrown herself into Bruce’s ventures, driven by her feelings for him and viewing the Ashton Group’s success as her own. Now that she had detached herself from Bruce, the company’s well-being no longer concerned her.
A slight, scornful smile crossed her face.
“And why should Ashton Group’s fate matter to me now?”
“Corrine!” Bruce raised his voice, frustration boiling over, his eyes ablaze.
“You’ve always been meticulous about keeping our personal and professional lives separate. Why this sudden change? Regardless of our personal issues, I will find a way to make it up to you. But using the company as leverage for revenge? How is that any different from being an opportunistic scoundrel?”
Corrine elegantly picked out a cherry with a fruit fork, spat out the pit, and then calmly retorted, “I devoted myself to Ashton Group without reserve, and that was expected of me. But now, when I distance myself, I’m labeled a scoundrel? Your hypocrisy astounds me.”
“Bruce has been buried under the weight of company issues, and it’s been tough on him,” Leah said innocently, her gaze fixed on Corrine.
“Ashton Group isn’t just a business to him; it’s his life’s legacy. Corrine, I understand there are hard feelings, but helping Bruce would mean the world. I would sacrifice anything for that.”
“Why don’t you just sacrifice yourself then?” Corrine blurted out.
Tears welled up in Leah’s eyes as she absorbed Corrine’s hostile words, her lips trembling in distress. She turned to Bruce, seeking solace.
Moved by her distress, Bruce wrapped his arms around her, casting a reproachful look at Corrine.
“Why must you be so harsh? Leah’s caught in the middle here. It’s me who’s haunted by past feelings, me who still yearns for her. If you’re upset, blame me.”
Leah, overwhelmed by emotion, admitted through sobs, “This is all my fault. I never should have returned, never should have come between you. I’ve only made things worse.”
Karina, who had been quietly observing the escalating scene, finally lost her patience.
“Enough, Leah Burgess! Can’t you stop your acting for a moment?”
Leah turned her tearful eyes toward Karina.
Karina dressed simply, but everything about her exuded elegance. Even the casually layered bracelets on her wrist were rare, limited-edition pieces from around the world.
Since when did someone from such an elite background get involved with Corrine?
Acting like she was unfairly treated, Leah pressed closer to Bruce, a glint of resolve flickering in her eyes.
Bruce shielded Leah, his expression turning stern as he looked at Karina.
“Watch your words, Miss.”
“Well,” Karina responded with a smirk, her gaze scornful.
“Perhaps you should remember your place, Mr. Ashton. It would serve you well.” Her words hinted at a deeper threat.
Bruce’s expression hardened, his tone cold as he retorted, “What exactly are you implying?”
Karina let out a soft, derisive chuckle, her eyes glinting with mockery.
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.