“Oh, what can I say? Just a little friendly nudge, that’s all. Deliberately stepping into someone else’s relationship speaks volumes about a person’s moral compass, doesn’t it? Even if you call it love, don’t expect anyone to applaud your actions. Especially considering Miss Burgess is in the public eye. Have you stopped to think about what might happen to Ashton Group if your affair comes to light? Do you really think the Bayside project will survive the fallout?”
Bruce’s face darkened at her words, his jaw tightening. Ashton Group had only just regained its footing, clawing its way back from the brink. This wasn’t the time for slip-ups or scandals.
The Brooks family’s abrupt withdrawal of their investment had already rattled the board members, leaving them teetering on the edge of mistrust. If his private life were to spill over and wreak havoc now, he would become the board’s scapegoat, the very face of the company’s crisis. In that scenario, his leadership would be hanging by a thread.
Though not catastrophic on its own, this affair, if exposed, could spark a wildfire of public outrage.
Bruce’s brows drew together as he fixed Karina with a piercing stare, a flicker of menace darkening his gaze
“Who exactly are you?”
Karina’s lips curled into a sarcastic smile as she threw him a pointed glance.
“Well, Mr. Ashton, you’re certainly not proving yourself to be the sharpest leader in the business world. Can it be that you have no clue who your former investors really are?”
Her words cut cleanly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. As she finished, Karina exchanged a meaningful glance with Corrine.
Corrine let out a soft sigh, her calm tone carrying a trace of cool detachment.
“Allow me to clarify-this is Miss Karina Brooks.”
Bruce’s face froze for a moment, the weight of the name hitting him like a stone dropped into still water. Karina Brooks.
The realization sent a chill down his spine. His pupils narrowed, and the disbelief in his gaze was soon replaced by a searing wave of fury.
He turned his burning stare toward Corrine, his voice taut with accusation.
“So you were the one stirring the pot all along!”
Karina’s voice broke through his accusation like a whip.
“Not exactly. Let’s set the record straight-my decision to collaborate with Ashton Group back then was entirely because of Miss Holland. Now, I’ve decided to withdraw my support, simply because I can’t stand the brazen audacity of a side piece.”
Bruce’s lips pressed into a grim line, his dark eyes locked on Karina with unflinching intensity.
Sensing the mounting hostility radiating from him, Corrine stepped slightly forward, positioning herself protectively between Karina and Bruce. Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, met Bruce’s with an air of quiet authority. Her voice was soft yet cold, each word deliberate.
“I’ve always conducted myself openly and aboveboard. If I wanted to strike back at you, there were countless opportunities to do so. But I’ve never stooped to dirty tricks. Not because I still care about you-I don’t-but because I refuse to waste energy on meaningless vendettas. That said, before I reconsider my restraint, take your companion and leave. Otherwise…”
Her gaze flicked to Leah, her expression hardening.
“I won’t hesitate to let the world see the both of you for what you really are-a tragic pair bound for ruin.”
Bruce’s expression turned even darker, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. His voice dropped into a low growl.
“Are you threatening me?”
“She’s merely pointing out the obvious,” came a deep, commanding voice from behind.
The air in the room shifted as all heads turned.
A man stood in the doorway, his features sharp and refined, his deep-set eyes gleaming with intelligence. Even the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose couldn’t temper the underlying edge of his gaze.
His long legs carried him forward with measured purpose, the hem of his black trench coat swaying with each stride, exuding an air of effortless poise and power
Corrine stood frozen, her blank stare fixed on Waldo Ford, momentarily paralyzed by shock. Her single, pressing thought: Why was her uncle here?
“Look at you, you adorably stubborn girl,” Waldo remarked, his tone laced with mock disdain, though the warmth in his gaze betrayed him. With a teasing grin, he reached out and tousled Corrine’s hair.
“I’m not stubborn,” Corrine retorted, swatting his hand away as she led him toward the sofa.
Bruce’s eyes narrowed as they flicked between Corrine and the man beside her. The tension in the air was palpable before he broke the silence with an edged question.
“What’s your relationship with him?”
At the sound of his voice, Corrine’s lighthearted smile froze, her expression hardening as she turned to him.
“Why are you still here?”
Bruce’s tone sharpened as if he were a husband uncovering betrayal.
“Answer me! What’s your relationship?”
A cold, mocking smile curved Corrine’s lips.
“And what position are you in to question me, Mr. Ashton?”
Bruce began, but the words caught in his throat. There was no legitimate argument he could muster.
Corrine’s sardonic smile deepened as she gestured toward the door.
“Mr. Ashton, let me repeat myself-leave.”
Bruce stood stiffly, his lips pressed into a tight line as his eyes darted toward Waldo. Without another word, he grabbed Leah’s hand and turned on his heel to leave.
Yet as he reached the door, he hesitated, glancing back at Corrine with an unreadable expression clouding his eyes.
The moment they were out, Corrine walked to the door and slammed it shut with a resounding bang, the sound reverberating through the ward.
Leah glanced at the closed door, her expression unreadable before she turned to Bruce. Her lips curved into a faint, detached smile.
“Corrine seems to have quite a collection of male friends. Meanwhile, I only have you.”
Bruce remained silent, his thoughts elsewhere. Leah’s smile faltered for a moment before she pressed on.
“That man looked older. Have you met him before? Any idea who he is?”
Bruce’s brows furrowed slightly, his voice low and uncertain.
“Perhaps someone she’s worked with before.”
“I see,” Leah murmured, her tone contemplative.
Inside the ward, Karina picked up her bag, her gaze settling briefly on Corrine.
“Now that you have company, I’ll take my leave.”
She gave Waldo a polite nod before walking out, her heels clicking against the polished floor.
With Karina gone, the ward suddenly felt much larger, the silence settling like a blanket around Corrine and Waldo
Waldo set his glass of water down with a soft clink and spoke first, his voice calm but tinged with an edge that sent a subtle chill through the air.
“Was that the man you were so determined to marry three years ago, despite the family’s objections?”
Corrine hesitated for a brief moment before nodding, her expression unreadable.
Waldo’s lips twisted into a derisive snort.
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.