“Miss Burgess, remember, we’re in this predicament together. If we go down, you’re coming with us. Considering your plans for a return to the entertainment industry, you know what needs to be done.”
With that, the conversation ended as the caller disconnected.
Overwhelmed with fury, Leah threw her phone in a moment of despair.
This demand for compensation had nearly drained her financially
Despite her bitterness, Leah couldn’t confess to anyone; doing so would mean acknowledging her defeat. Accepting this bitter reality was a difficult pill to swallow.
At the Ashton residence, Rita stared blankly at the television screen, unable to tear her eyes away. She had never expected events to spiral so dramatically, ending in a way she couldn’t have fathomed.
The heads of CBP and the cultural relic department had publicly stepped forward to clear Corrine’s name, not only exonerating her but also unveiling her esteemed status as a first-class restoration specialist and a special consultant. Even Waldo had made an appearance, standing firmly by her side in the lawsuit.
Farris sat in silence, his expression grim as the weight of the revelation sank in. Even after Corrine’s identity was laid bare for all to see, there was no relief in his features-only a heavy sigh escaping his lips. Everything was wrong. Completely wrong.
From the very beginning, the Ashton family had dismissed Corrine as nothing more than a destitute girl from the countryside. But in reality, she was the owner of Timeless Treasures, a renowned restoration specialist, and a respected consultant for the cultural relic department.
If Bruce hadn’t abandoned her back then, the Ashton family would have reaped unimaginable benefits from her status. But now, it was far too late for regrets.
Tracy, however, was oblivious to the full consequences of the situation. Her mind fixated solely on one thing-would Corrine come after the Ashton family for revenge?
“For the anniversary celebration, I don’t want any mistakes.” Farris’ voice carried a deep, authoritative undertone, betraying an unspoken desire. Without saying it outright, he was hoping Corrine would attend Ashton Group’s anniversary celebration.
Tracy snapped out of her daze, forcing an awkward smile.
“Understood.” Just an hour ago, she had instructed her assistant to remove Corrine’s name from the guest list, and now, she had to put it back.
The bitter sting of admitting her mistake felt like a slap across her face.
After wrapping up his meeting, Bruce returned to his office, barely settling in before his assistant hurried in, his expression urgent.
“Mr. Ashton, would you like to take a look at this?”
“What is it?” Bruce asked, barely glancing up as he took the iPad from his assistant.
The screen lit up with a live broadcast-Corrine’s live broadcast. His gaze sharpened as the video played, showing Cleaveland from the cultural relic department publicly defending her.
A top-tier restoration specialist from the cultural relic department. Why had Corrine never mentioned this before? Wasn’t she just a girl from some remote village, with no ties to Lyhaton, no connections, no powerful allies? So how had she suddenly become linked to the CBP and the cultural relic department?
Back then, he had agreed to break up with Corrine primarily because she was powerless, unworthy of his name. He feared she would become a burden, an obstacle standing in the way of his and the company’s future.
But now, her social status had soared beyond anything he could have imagined. The large office felt suffocating under the weight of silence.
As the live broadcast ended, Bruce handed the iPad back, his fingers curling slightly around the device before releasing it.
“Is the invitation list for Ashton Group’s anniversary celebration finalized?”
The assistant straightened, nodding
“Yes, it is.”
“Is Corrine on the list?” Bruce’s voice was calm, yet ice-cold.
The assistant hesitated briefly, pressing his lips together.
“An hour ago, Mrs. Ashton personally called and had Miss Holland’s name removed…”
Bruce’s expression darkened instantly, his gaze cutting through the assistant like a blade.
“Have you forgotten who runs this company?”
“I’ll revise the list immediately, Mr. Ashton.” Without another word, the assistant turned and left.
Bruce exhaled slowly, leaning back in his chair, a wave of fatigue washing over him. His fingers pressed against his temples.
He couldn’t stop himself from remembering how Corrine used to ease his headaches with her cool, gentle touch.
How wonderful it would be if she were still by his side.
A sudden ringtone shattered the silence. His father’s name flashed across the screen.
Bruce hesitated for a second before answering.
“Bruce, did you see the live broadcast?”
Bruce’s reply was flat, emotionless.
“Yes.”
“Listen to me. No matter what, you must reach out to Corrine and ensure she attends Ashton Group’s anniversary celebration. If you can get her to forgive and forget, even better…”
Bruce couldn’t help but let out a bitter chuckle.
“Dad, she’s been with us all these years. Don’t you know her temperament by now?” Once Corrine made up her mind, nothing could change it. That included her grudges.
Back then, Bruce had offered her everything-everything except love and a title. Yet, Corrine had refused to accept that. So the idea of smoothing things over now was nothing more than wishful thinking.
Just then, Tracy’s voice cut in from the other end of the call.
“But we treated her well all these years, didn’t we? Love is always mutual. She was the one who insisted on marrying you-we never forced her. Just remind her that for three years, she ate our food, used our resources. We won’t ask for a single penny back, but she should at least use her connections to help Ashton Group.”
Bruce let out a low, icy laugh.
“You can tell her that yourself.” Without another word, he ended the call.
The phone on his desk kept ringing-call after call, all from the Ashton family. Now that they knew Corrine’s hidden identity, they all wanted him to win her back.
As the commotion died down, Corrine scanned the room, realizing that Nate’s seat had been empty for quite some time.
Waldo caught her glance and smirked, his voice laced with amusement.
“Not leaving yet? Or do you find yourself liking this place?”
Corrine masked her disappointment, inhaling deeply before exhaling with composure
“I’m coming now.”
Waldo strode ahead, while Jules, one hand tucked casually in his pocket, fell into step beside Corrine.
“Didn’t we agree you’d wait for me before taking action? What made you go ahead on your own?”
Just the thought of it sent a sharp chill through Jules. Corrine’s lips curled into a playful smile.
“Couldn’t resist.”
Jules let out a sigh. What a flimsy excuse.
But he knew better. Corrine had gone ahead on her own because she was worried about Donnelly’s safety.
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.