“I’m weary. I need to rest for a while.”
Karina sensed something was amiss with Corrine. She felt her feverish skin and muttered a curse under her breath. Decisively, she turned the car around and raced toward the hospital.
As she drove, Karina seethed at the thought of the Ashton family’s ingratitude. When the Ashton family was struggling in Lyhaton’s business world, who was it that devised their plans and strategies? Without Corrine, would Bruce have ever ascended to the ranks of Lyhaton’s celebrated elite?
They cherished her when they needed her, yet discarded her the moment Leah reappeared. Karina was eager to see how long they’d manage without Corrine’s guidance.
As Corrine’s fever gradually receded, she stirred awake in a hospital bed. The first thing that struck her was the stark whiteness of the room, bathed in artificial light, and the pervasive scent of disinfectant that wrinkled her nose in discomfort.
Her mind, clouded at first, slowly regained clarity, prompting her to scan her surroundings. Her eyes finally settled on a silhouette perched on a chair by her bedside.
A jolt of recognition sent her hand clenching around the sheets, and with a voice rough from disuse, she murmured, “Uncle…”
“How are you feeling now?” Jayden Ford rose, his movement fluid as he laid a comforting hand on her forehead. Finding no trace of fever, he exhaled silently in relief. He reached for a glass of warm water, handed it to her gently, and asked, “Does anything else make you uncomfortable?”
Corrine shook her head, her movements brisk but weak.
“Karina has filled me in on everything,” Jayden declared, his gaze lingering on Corrine’s worn features. A mix of sorrow and rage flickered across his face. He felt a profound sadness for the ordeal Corrine had endured and a simmering fury toward the Ashton family’s misdeeds.
Taking a measured breath to quell the rising storm within him, he asked softly, “What do you plan to do next?”
When Corrine fell for Bruce, a man from the wrong side of the tracks, the prestigious Ford family-Corrine’s mother’s family-vehemently opposed their relationship. Yet Corrine, with her characteristic stubbornness, remained unmoved by their objections. Driven by what she believed to be true love, she severed ties with the Ford family, concealed her identity as Carl’s granddaughter, and immersed herself in the complicated world of the Ashton family
Carl’s fury erupted upon discovering her actions. In a calculated move to reclaim his granddaughter, he immediately froze her bank accounts, cutting off her financial lifeline.
The stalemate persisted for three long years.
Throughout this period, the Ford family waited patiently, harboring hope that Corrine would eventually see reason. Now, the news of Bruce’s abandonment had struck them like a thunderbolt. The very notion that someone would dare to reject Carl’s granddaughter was inconceivable. The Ashton family’s audacity knew no bounds.
Jayden’s blood boiled with indignation. The Ashton family’s actions demanded retribution.
Corrine’s lips curved into a delicate smile as she gazed at her uncle with tranquil eyes.
“Haven’t you already made arrangements on my behalf, Uncle?”
“Consider returning to the Ford family,” Jayden suggested, his expression softening.
“Your grandfather isn’t getting any younger, and the company’s demands weigh heavily on him. Neither your uncle Waldo nor I harbor any interest in succession-you’re our hope.”
His eyes shimmered with affection.
“Of course, should you have different aspirations, share them with me. You’ll have my complete support.”
His heartfelt words penetrated the emotional fortress Corrine had built around herself.
Memories flooded back-her angry departure from the Ford family home, her pursuit of an unworthy man, her abandonment of those who truly cherished her. Self-reproach washed over her like a bitter wave.
Fighting back the moisture gathering in her eyes, she managed a tremulous, “Thank you, Uncle.”
“You’re my only sister’s daughter. Of course I will look after you.” Jayden’s gentle hand ruffled her hair, his gaze brimming with warmth.
“Take care of yourself. I’ll visit again soon.”
After Jayden’s departure, Corrine ventured outside, drawn by the inviting sunlight.
In the hospital garden, Leah stood wrapped in a knitted sweater, observing Corrine beneath a tree.
Despite the plain hospital attire, Corrine’s innate grace radiated. Her solitary figure beneath the tree drew every eye, her beauty impossible to overlook. It wasn’t a delicate, innocent beauty, but rather a bold, commanding presence that demanded attention.
“What an unexpected reunion.” A voice interrupted Corrine’s solitude. She turned, her features instantly hardening at the sight of Leah, who wore a triumphant smirk.
“Corrine, it’s been quite some time.”
A glacial atmosphere descended as Corrine’s eyes darkened.
“Miss Burgess, you appear like an unwelcome shadow.”
Undeterred, Leah continued, “I sometimes pity you, Miss Holland. How many three-year periods can one waste pining for a man’s non-existent love?” Suddenly, tears welled in Leah’s eyes as she clutched Corrine’s arm.
“Corrine, the fault lies with me. Please accept my apology…”
“Remove your hand!” Corrine recoiled in revulsion, pushing Leah away. Though the force was minimal, Leah stumbled backward dramatically and began to fall
As Corrine processed Leah’s theatrical display, a sharp voice pierced the air from behind.
“Corrine, what do you think you’re doing?”
The moment that voice reached her ears, Corrine understood Leah’s elaborate performance. She realized that refusing to play her part on Leah’s carefully constructed stage would be a missed opportunity.
Just as Leah was about to hit the ground, Corrine’s hand shot out, catching her arm in an iron grip.
Leah turned toward her, startled by the unexpected intervention.
Corrine leaned close, her whispered words carrying a glacial undertone that sent chills down Leah’s spine.
“If you’re going to put on a performance, make it convincing. If you’re struggling with the role, I’d be happy to assist.”
A flicker of terror crossed Leah’s face as she met Corrine’s gaze, those eyes glittering with dangerous intent.
The hospital grounds stretched before them, its landscape dotted with decorative rocks meant to enhance the natural setting. Corrine observed the scene with calculated precision, fully aware of what awaited Leah below. Without hesitation, she released her grip.
The sickening sound of impact echoed as Leah’s forehead met the unforgiving surface of a rock. An angry red welt immediately bloomed across her skin, enhancing her carefully crafted image of vulnerability.
The sequence unfolded with such swiftness that neither Leah nor Bruce had time to process what had transpired. Bruce’s voice cut through the aftermath, thick with rage.
“Corrine, do you comprehend what you’ve just done?”
A mask of indifference settled over Corrine’s features as she shrugged.
“My apologies… it was unintentional.”
“You!” Bruce’s words faltered as he searched her impassive face for any trace of remorse.
Corrine’s eyebrow arched elegantly, her lips curving into a mocking smile.
“Don’t believe me? How interesting that Leah’s claims of accidents merit your trust, while mine do not. Perhaps I should work on my acting skills?”
Leah’s fingers gingerly explored the throbbing welt on her forehead, each touch sending waves of pain through her skull. Hatred blazed in her eyes as she glared at Corrine, her jaw clenched against the urge to retaliate.
For someone whose livelihood in entertainment depended on her appearance, this attack struck at her very foundation. Corrine’s ruthlessness had blindsided her completely.
Dismissing Leah’s venomous stare, Corrine’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
“Consider this friendly advice, Leah-maintain your distance in the future. Next time won’t end with just a scratch.”
Bruce stepped forward, positioning himself as a shield between the women, his eyes radiating menace at Corrine.
“You’re being irrational, Corrine!”
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.