Chapter 153 She Must Participate
“Didn’t I make it clear that Corrine’s name should not be mentioned in front of other
people? Do you think my words carry no weight?” Tracy fixed a stern look on Rita,
irritation evident in her tone.
She had anticipated that Corrine’s exit from their lives would finally allow her to emerge with dignity, yet she remained dissatisfied.
The shadow of Corrine’s reputation stubbornly lingered over the Ashton family, seemingly impossible to escape.
“But this situation is unlike any other!” Rita interjected, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “She’s been implicated in illegal activities. It’s unlikely she’ll recover easily
from this.”
The memory of Corrine slapping her at the hospital still stung Rita, who also resented the isolation at home imposed because of her.
Her disdain for Corrine had deepened over time, and she relished cursing her daily.
With Corrine now facing public scandal, Rita’s sense of delight was evident.
“Caught in illegal activities?” Tracy’s interest was immediately captured.
A wicked grin spread across her face as she scrolled through the ruthless comments on her phone. Her amusement only grew. “At the end of the day, she’s just a rough country girl. Does she really think owning Timeless Treasures lets her do whatever she wants? Now, she’s been caught red–handed!”
Tracy was eager to see how Corrine could possibly maintain her pride after this.
“What did you just say?” The voice of Farris cut through the conversation abruptly.
Tracy’s eyes flickered with a cunning glint. “It’s nothing significant.”
Even though Farris was advanced in years and generally uninterested in the buzz of social media, he picked up on the sarcasm in Tracy’s voice.
17:41
“What has happened to Corrine?” He directed his questioning look toward Rita, seated comfortably yet maintaining an air of defiance.
“Corrine has been arrested by the police on charges of illegal transactions,” Rita responded sharply, still bitter about Farris hitting her with his cane. “Grandfather, you should be cautious. The pen holder she’s given to you might be proceeds from her illicit
activities!”
“What were the illegal activities involved?” Farris questioned, his brow furrowed in
confusion.
With a smirk, Rita replied, “You’re out of the loop? She was arrested with a gang involved in fraud. It’s all over the media now, and there’s significant public interest. It seems unlikely she’ll ever recover from this scandal. At least she won’t have to be alone in Lyhaton; she’ll have her cellmates.”
Farris moved to the couch, donned his reading glasses, and started flipping through
news on his phone.
Tracy, who had remained silent up to that point, chimed in, “Farris, dwelling on this will only distress you. We’ve extended far more help to her than necessary. The Ashton family has bent over backward for her, and we owe her nothing. She was the one who broke off things with Bruce and even refused his financial aid, trying to seem gracious. Luckily, she’s distanced herself from us. Otherwise, her troubles might have implicated us too. Given her arrest, the accusations against her are likely to stick. We should keep her away from the anniversary event. Her presence could only bring shame to our
family.”
Farris looked up, his demeanor turning grave. “You may scorn her background, but don’t forget the vital role she played as a strategist for our family. Without her efforts, the Ashton family wouldn’t be where they are today. She deserves to be at the anniversary celebration.”
Tracy diverted her gaze, hiding the cold that flickered in her eyes.
