Chapter 115 Do I Need To
Hold A Title To Mock You
These matters not only left Millard puzzled but also weighed heavily on his thoughts.
Though he knew little about Donnelly personally, the rumors were enough to paint a vivid picture. Donnelly’s background was a mystery, yet his influence was undeniable, making him a figure no one dared to cross.
After all, how else could one man single–handedly maintain such order in Lyhaton’s competitive collectibles business?
Millard, however, couldn’t shake his own questions. When had Corrine come to know Donnelly?
Had she been keeping secrets from them all this time?
Millard sighed deeply, breaking the silence. “It’s getting late. Let’s all call it a night.”
Without sparing anyone a glance, he turned and headed upstairs, his steps heavy with fatigue.
When Corrine reached the front gate, she was surprised to see Nate leaning casually against his car.
As if sensing her presence, Nate looked up. The cold sharpness in his eyes softened the moment they met hers, replaced by a warm, easy smile that wrapped around her like the first rays of spring sunlight.
What could she even say about this man?
He always seemed to appear out of nowhere, standing firmly by her side with unwavering support. Yet, he never pressured her–he understood her guarded nature and gave her all the space she needed.
Just as she took a step toward him, a voice called out from behind, sharp and unwelcome. “Miss Holland.”
Corrine’s brows furrowed slightly at the sound of Leah’s voice, but she didn’t bother to
stop walking.
Leah hurried to catch up, grabbing Corrine’s wrist with an icy grip and snapping, “Did you not hear me speaking to you?”
Corrine paused, her gaze dropping to Leah’s hand before flicking up, her expression cool and composed. “I don’t waste my time on meaningless conversations,” she replied with a faint arch of her brow and a smile that barely touched her lips. “In fact, I almost forgot–congratulations on your engagement, Miss Burgess.”
The casual remark hit like a whip, and Leah’s face instantly darkened, her beautiful eyes blazing with fury and bitterness. “Who do you think you are to mock me?”
Corrine tilted her head slightly, her smile deepening with quiet amusement.
“Do I need to hold a title to mock you?” she responded coolly, her tone as distant as the autumn wind, and turned to leave without a second glance.
Leah stepped forward swiftly, positioning herself directly in Corrine’s path. “Aren’t you even the slightest bit curious why Farris gave you those shares?”
Corrine paused briefly, but Leah pressed on before she could reply, her voice laced with quiet malice. “It’s because Farris wants to bind up your interests with theirs, of course. He’s afraid your… ambitious streak might prompt you to retaliate against the Ashton family. And he’s worried that news of my engagement to Bruce could damage the company’s image. He wants you there at the annual meeting, as a shareholder, to silence the gossip before it even begins.”
Corrine’s face remained impassive, betraying no emotion.
She had already pieced together as much when Farris had unveiled the contract in front of everyone.
Still, hearing Leah say it aloud felt like a needle piercing her chest, subtle but sharp.
It made her wonder–during those three years with the Ashton family, how much of Farris‘ so–called kindness had been sincere? And how much of his supposed sympathy had been nothing more than a calculated act?
“Corrine, you don’t actually believe Farris truly cares about you, do you?” Leah’s words were sharp, and the satisfaction in her tone was unmistakable as she watched
Corrine’s gaze darken with unspoken sorrow. “Think about it. If you weren’t useful to the Ashton family, would they have tolerated you clinging to Bruce for three long years? If not for your relentless dedication to them, do you really think Farris would have given
you that bracelet? Only someone utterly starved for affection would cling so desperately to scraps of kindness, repaying them as if they were treasures. Honestly, watching you grasp at such hollow gestures… I almost pity you.”
“And what about you?” Corrine asked, her voice cutting through the air like ice, her
sharp eyes locking onto Leah’s with a quiet but unyielding defiance.
