“The Ashton family’s behavior today has truly shocked me. Just moments ago, a group of you ganged up on Corrine, forcing her to kneel and apologize. Now that the truth is out, none of you can even offer a simple apology? Is this how the Ashton family uses its influence-to oppress others?” His words cut through the room like a blade, dragging the entire Ashton family through the mud, painting them as tyrants.
“They’ve been ungrateful, so of course, they think they can use their power to oppress others.” A low, cold voice suddenly shattered the tension, its frigid tone freezing the very air and sending a chill down everyone’s spine.
At the sound of the familiar voice, Corrine’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly turned around, her gaze meeting that of Nate, standing just a few steps away.
Panic flashed in her eyes. When had he arrived? Had he seen everything that had transpired?
Women, more than anyone, wanted to appear at their best in front of those they loved, and Corrine was no exception. She dreaded Nate seeing her harsh, unyielding side.
Noticing her distress, Nate’s lips curled into a soft, reassuring smile. He mouthed the words, “I’m here for you; don’t be scared.”
Those simple, comforting words left Corrine momentarily breathless.
“Who are you?” Gloria snapped, her eyes narrowing in suspicion and hostility.
Nate’s expression hardened, his lips pressed into a thin line as he responded, his tone as frigid as the winter air, “Her protector.”
Nate’s claim of being her protector stirred something in Corrine’s heart.
In this chaotic world, there really existed a rare and unexplainable bond-a connection where someone embraced her cold exterior and accepted her completely, without question.
Corrine’s heart felt as though it had been struck by something powerful, yet soothing. A warmth seeped into the cracks of her guarded emotions, wrapping around her heart like a tender embrace and spreading through her entire being. At that moment, an overwhelming urge washed over her. She wanted nothing more than to run to him, throw her arms around him, and whisper, “Thank you, Nate.”
She wanted to thank him for stepping in when the world seemed against her, bringing her light in the midst of shadow. She was grateful to him for choosing to stand with her, without needing a single reason.
Farris, although oblivious to Nate’s full identity, could sense an aura of authority radiating from him. His brows furrowed slightly as his sharp gaze darted between Nate and Corrine. Finally, he exhaled heavily and barked in a cold, commanding tone, “What are you all standing there for? Apologize immediately! Otherwise, don’t think about setting foot in this house again!”
The unspoken threat loomed heavy in the air. If anyone from the Ashton family defied him now, it was clear he wouldn’t hesitate to sever ties. And with Farris’ health declining, everyone knew what that could mean-the family assets would all pass to his eldest son.
Panic began to ripple through the group. Unable to contain his unease, one of them finally stepped forward, his voice shaky with urgency.
“Miss Holland, I-I’m sorry, I misjudged you earlier, and I sincerely apologize.”
Corrine stayed where she was, seated comfortably in her chair. Her expression didn’t change as she toyed with the coffee cup in her hand, her movements slow and deliberate. It was as though she was waiting for something-or someone
The others glanced at one another, exchanging uneasy looks as the awkward tension thickened in the room. No one dared move or speak, their hesitation palpable.
Finally, Dexter Ashton, Bruce’s uncle, broke the silence. He nudged his wife, Gloria, from behind with an impatient hand.
“What are you standing there for? Go on and apologize already!”
Gloria spun around to glare at him, her frustration bubbling over.
“Why are you pushing me? If you’re so eager, then you do it!”
The stakes weren’t lost on Dexter. Farris wasn’t getting any younger, and if this incident led to their being cut off from the inheritance, the loss would be devastating.
Faced with the gravity of the situation, Dexter, who usually deferred to his domineering wife, stood his ground for once. His voice was unyielding as he declared, “If you don’t apologize today, Gloria, we’re getting a divorce!”
Gloria stared at him in disbelief, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“Dexter, how could you… how could you even mention divorce to me?”
“A venomous woman like you has no place here!” Dexter shot back, his face dark with anger.
“I’ll make it simple-either you apologize to Miss Holland right now, or we’re through. And don’t think for a second you’ll leave with anything!”
Gloria instinctively scanned the faces of the Ashton family, silently pleading for someone to step in. But all she was met with were cold, disapproving stares. Their expressions carried a quiet reproach, as if sharp daggers were aimed at her from every direction.
Her chest tightened with the suffocating weight of isolation, and for the first time, she felt the stark fear of being utterly alone, everyone poised against her. Straightening her spine with visible effort, Gloria clenched her trembling hands into fists at her sides. Her lips quivered as she forced herself to whisper, “I’m sorry.”
Her voice was so faint, it barely reached the ears of those closest to her. Corrine didn’t even lift her gaze, casually sipping her coffee as if the apology was nothing more than background noise.
The tension in the room thickened as the silence stretched. It was obvious to all-Corrine wasn’t remotely satisfied.
Several family members quickly stepped in, practically dragging Gloria forward as they whispered urgently, “Your voice was way too soft just now.”
“And your attitude? Completely insincere!”
“When apologizing, you need to lower yourself. Show some real remorse-you’re not here to save face, you’re here to ask for forgiveness!”
Corrine watched the absurd spectacle unfold before her, her expression calm but her eyes glinting with subtle disdain. A faint smirk tugged at the corner of her lips, almost imperceptible.
Ah, this was the essence of human nature, laid bare.
The bonds of family crumbled to dust when personal interests hung in the balance. In the Ashton family, a facade of harmony masked the festering betrayal and rivalry beneath.
If it meant salvaging their own skin, they wouldn’t hesitate to turn Gloria into the ultimate scapegoat, sacrificing her entirely to atone for their collective failures.
Gloria clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, leaving faint crescents in her skin. Yet, she felt no pain, only the sting of humiliation. Lowering her gaze to the floor, she forced her pride down and bent slightly
“Miss Holland, I’m sorry. I was wrong!”
The sound of the coffee cup being set down on the table echoed in the silence, the deliberate thud making the Ashton family collectively flinch.
Corrine’s gaze rose slowly, her eyes locking onto Gloria. Her voice was low but firm.
“Let this be the last time.”
Without waiting for a response, she stood to leave. But as her eyes swept the room, she realized Nate was no longer there. His presence had disappeared as quietly as a wisp of smoke, leaving her to wonder if the earlier moments had been nothing but a fleeting dream.
“Wait a moment.” Farris’ gravelly voice stopped her in her tracks.
She turned back, her expression composed but curious.
Farris retrieved a document from a nearby drawer-the share transfer agreement he had prepared in advance. Holding it out to her, he said solemnly, “You came today with kind intentions to celebrate my birthday, only for it to descend into chaos. Take this as compensation from me.”
The sight of the contract sent a ripple of panic through the crowd.
“What do you think you’re doing?” one relative blurted out.
“How can you just hand over company shares to an outsider?”
Farris’ sharp glare silenced them instantly, his voice like steel.
“Shut up, all of you!”
Their unwillingness was written plainly on their faces, but they dared not speak another word.
Corrine glanced at the document, her lips pressing into a thin line.
“I can’t accept this,” she said with quiet resolve.
She had no intention of taking anything from the Ashton family-neither their compensation nor their lingering ties.
Farris’ expression softened, his tone almost pleading.
“If you don’t accept it, I won’t be able to forgive myself.”
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.