Chapter 166 Saving Your Best For Someone Special
The Seymour family held an esteemed position as one of Lyhaton’s four major families, and their patriarch Quentin’s unshakeable bond with Carl had weathered countless storms. This connection made Corrine’s attendance at the wedding banquet not merely expected, but mandatory.
While Fatima’s wedding announcement had captured the city’s attention, as befitting the Seymour family’s prominence, Corrine awoke to entirely different headlines.
The morning news blazed with reports of the Burgess family facing a governmental investigation into tax evasion, the authorities having launched their inquiry with decisive force.
At the dining table, Corrine observed the televised footage of Leah’s father being escorted away by officials, her expression betraying nothing but cool detachment.
The turn of events hardly surprised her; she had never intended to let Leah escape consequences, though she hadn’t needed to orchestrate them herself.
The Ford family’s intervention meant she could now watch events unfold from a comfortable distance.
While Corrine maintained her composure, Karina practically bubbled with vindictive pleasure, her words tumbling out in an excited stream.
“Now this is what I call divine justice!” she declared, gesturing animatedly. “Did Leah honestly believe her status as the Burgess heir made her untouchable? Everything they had was built on borrowed prestige, yet she still managed to engineer her own downfall. The sheer audacity!”
Corrine’s lips curved into a subtle smile. “She must have truly provoked you to inspire such passion.”
“Without question,” Karina confirmed without missing a beat.
Corrine noticed Karina clutching her wine glass while her eyes swept the room with
focused intent. “What has caught your attention?” she inquired, curiosity getting the
better of her.
“Word has it there’s a distinguished guest from the Seymour family attending. Why else would Lyhaton’s wealthy ladies dress as though competing for attention?” Karina’s gaze settled on Corrine, her smile taking on a knowing edge. “Though I wonder–are you deliberately understating your appearance to avoid the spotlight, or perhaps saving your best for someone special?”
A telling flush colored Corrine’s cheeks. “What ridiculous suggestions you make.”
The implication of saving her best for someone special struck uncomfortably close to
home.
Karina’s eyes danced with understanding. “Others might not see through you, but I certainly do. For someone as naturally reserved as yourself to display affection publicly -you must have found someone truly remarkable.”
“It was merely a chance encounter,” Corrine deflected, her tone deliberately light.
Yet privately, she acknowledged how swiftly and unexpectedly her relationship with
Nate had evolved.
She had chosen to yield to this forceful man’s persistence.
“That explanation might satisfy others, but not me!” Karina declared with conviction. She clasped Corrine’s hand, her voice softening with genuine concern. “I’m glad you’re allowing yourself to meet new people. I just can’t help wondering who managed to capture your heart so soon after you broke up with that worthless Bruce.”
Bruce had spotted Corrine from across the room. After a moment’s hesitation, he approached their location, only to overhear Karina’s unflattering assessment of his
character.
Following an awkward pause, he cleared his throat. “Corrine.”
Karina turned to face him, her expression showing not a hint of embarrassment. “Oh my, did you happen to hear me criticizing you?”
Before Bruce could formulate a response, she pressed on breezily, “Well, if you heard it, so be it. I prefer honest speech.”
Bruce’s expression darkened perceptibly, though he remained silent. With countless eyes upon them, engaging in an argument with a woman would only damage his carefully cultivated image.
“Corrine.” He addressed Corrine directly, pointedly ignoring Karina. “I need to speak
with you privately.”
