“That man doesn’t look the least bit deserving of you!”
He had prepared a long lecture for his niece, but seeing her stand there, quiet and reserved, his resolve softened. With a sigh, he shook his head, the sternness in his voice replaced by exasperation.
“You gave up a life of privilege, walking away from the Ford family, only to end up working for a man like that. Tell me, was it worth it?”
“No, it wasn’t,” Corrine replied with a faint, playful smile, handing him another glass of water.
“Uncle Waldo, don’t be mad. I’ve already learned my lesson.”
Waldo raised an eyebrow, accepting the glass with a dry chuckle.
“Mad at you? You’re the pampered darling of the Ford family. Even if I were ten times braver, I wouldn’t dare stay angry with you.”
It was no secret that the Ford family of Lyhaton-the wealthiest in the city-held one mysterious young woman at the center of their affections. Though her name was rarely mentioned, her presence in the family was legendary. Carl would move heaven and earth for her, and his two sons treated her as though she were made of gold.
Between her two uncles, Corrine seemed to share a particular ease with Waldo, perhaps because he was only eleven years older than her. Around him, she was uninhibited and unguarded in ways she wasn’t with Jayden.
Looping her arm through his, Corrine shook it lightly.
“Oh, Uncle Waldo, I know I made a mistake. Don’t be mad, okay? Pretty please?”
Waldo sighed, his expression softening even as he tried to keep his tone stern.
“Corrine, you’re far from foolish, so why did you let yourself get tangled up in this mess?”
His brows drew together in frustration.
“What does Bruce have to offer that’s remotely worthy of you? I don’t know what kind of spell he cast, but it must’ve been a powerful one!”
His voice carried a mixture of disbelief and disappointment as he thought about all the ways Corrine had sacrificed for someone so undeserving.
As he fiddled with the glass in his hands, Waldo’s gaze darkened slightly, a shadow passing through his eyes behind the glint of his glasses.
“That meteoric rise of Ashton Group during the crisis-don’t tell me that had nothing to do with you.”
“Trust me, as a relative of one of the most distinguished lawyers in the world, I would never act against the law. Therefore, Attorney Ford, your efforts here are unnecessary.” Corrine was aware that Waldo detested seeing her mistreated by the Ashton family and was eager to defend her. However, using such extreme measures for minor conflicts was not the approach she wanted. If she truly wanted to get back at the Ashton family, she would need Waldo’s help
Waldo affectionately pinched her cheek, noting the loss of its former plumpness and warmth. His eyebrows knitted together, a softness in his eyes.
“You ungrateful little thing, do you know who I’m doing all this for?”
His older brother, Jayden, had called earlier to tell him about Corrine’s selfless dedication to the Ashton family, and how Bruce had ultimately left her. A betrayal that stung deeper than any lawsuit defeat.
“Uncle Waldo, I’ve decided. I’m not planning to marry,” Corrine said, resting against Waldo’s shoulder.
“I’m going to stay with my family and I won’t go anywhere.”
Corrine’s encounter with Bruce had been enlightening; she promised herself never to tolerate indifference or abandon those truly kind to her again.
Gently stroking her hair, Waldo reassured her, “You don’t have to get married if you don’t want to. Our family’s wealth is stable enough; we don’t need marriages to maintain it.”
Their conversation wound down as Waldo had to cut it short for work-related reasons.
As he prepared to leave, he reminded her, “Remember, there’s a board meeting next Monday.”
“Alright.” Corrine nodded.
Once Waldo was gone, Corrine glanced at the clock, realizing it was nearly time for her meeting with Nate.
She refreshed herself with a quick shower and slipped into a fresh dress.
Just as she finished dressing, there was a knock on the door.
Upon opening it to see Matias instead of Nate, Corrine felt a sting of disappointment, which she masked with a courteous smile.
“Thank you, Matias.”
“You’re welcome, Miss Holland,” Matias responded. Noticing her slight dismay, he hesitated for a moment before speaking again.
Matias explained, “Mr. Hopkins had to attend to an urgent matter and asked me to escort you instead.”
Matias had noticed Nate’s enthusiasm toward Corrine and started treating her with greater care and respect, almost as if she were his superior.
With a gentle smile, Corrine said, “I appreciate you sharing this with me.” As they settled into the car, Matias explained, “Mrs. Hopkins left the hospital three days ago. We’re on our way to her home now.”
“Alright,” Corrine responded.
Their car cruised along the roadway, eventually halting before a standalone villa.
The vibrant greenery around it painted a peaceful scene, inviting one to stop and enjoy the calm, far from the chaos of the world. The residence showcased orderly layers that exuded elegance and a majestic aura.
Within the central courtyard lay a pond, its waters meandering through the flora like a crescent moon cradling the structure. Below the pond’s shimmering surface, lively fish darted beneath the lotus leaves.
Positioned on the eastern section near fragrant blooms, Evelyn’s quarters were caressed by a soft floral breeze.
As the maids moved with precision, Matias stepped in ahead and said, “Ma’am, Miss Holland has arrived.”
“Bring her in quickly!” Evelyn said with enthusiasm.
Upon entering, Corrine said, “I hope my visit isn’t an inconvenience.”
“What are you talking about?” Evelyn exclaimed with joy, grasping Corrine’s hand to guide her to a couch.
“I’m so happy you came to see me.”
Observing Corrine’s delicate features, she noticed her improved but still slender appearance.
“How are you feeling these days?”
Corrine responded gratefully, “I’m recovering well, thank you. And how have you been? I wasn’t aware you had been discharged.”
“Just a minor recurrence of an old problem,” Evelyn reassured, her fondness for Corrine growing as she added, “Nate mentioned your recent illness was somehow related to him.”
Corrine shook her head faintly.
“It’s my fault.”
Deep down, she knew that Nate’s appearance wasn’t the sole reason for her illness. Even without him, her body would have given out eventually. After all, how many could endure a storm battering both body and soul without faltering?
She’d always believed the scars of her childhood had hardened her heart into an unyielding fortress. Yet, betrayal from the one she loved most had pierced that armor, leaving her to crumble under the weight of heartache.
Evelyn watched Corrine’s desolate expression, her eyes soft with understanding. Taking Corrine’s hand in hers, she spoke slowly, her voice steady yet comforting.
“People always reach for more than they have. Once they get it, they want something else, never truly satisfied. Changing feelings are only human, but loyalty-that’s a choice, a deliberate act.” Her words lingered in the air.
“What belongs to you will find its way back, even if you let it go. And what doesn’t? It’s better to release it sooner. The power to choose has always been yours.”
Corrine’s eyelashes fluttered as she absorbed Evelyn’s insight.
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.