Chapter 176 Has Your Family Recently Crossed…
Kason’s long–standing debt to the Burgess family had manifested in years of quiet assistance, a silent guardian watching over their interests.
Now, faced with Leah’s distress, he set his utensils down with deliberate care, dabbing his mouth before meeting her gaze. “Leah, this situation blindsided everyone. The notification arrived mere minutes before your father’s detainment. The details remain frustratingly opaque.”
Beneath the table, Leah’s nails carved crescents into her palm as she fought to maintain
her composure.
“There must be some way to resolve this. Since my father’s arrest, my mother hasn’t
left her bed. I feel utterly lost.”
Despite her best efforts, panic threaded through her voice like a fraying rope.
Kason studied her with measured consideration before venturing, “Consider carefully, Leah. Has your family recently crossed anyone who might harbor ill will?”
The question sent Leah’s thoughts spiraling inwardly.
The Burgess family’s current standing paled in comparison to their position five years ago a reality that had driven her back into Bruce’s orbit.
The announcement of her upcoming engagement to Bruce had attracted numerous people who were eager to cooperate with the Burgess family. The family had been taking advantage of the situation for their resurgence. It seemed inconceivable that they would have earned someone’s enmity at such a crucial juncture.
“Perhaps,” Kason began, his penetrating gaze fixed upon her, “the offense was more personal in nature?”
As their eyes met, Corrine’s image materialized unbidden in Leah’s mind.
As Lean approached her engagement to Bruce, she had been establishing friendly relationships with different people. The only person who might have bad blood with
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her at this juncture was Corrine.
Yet despite Corrine’s prestigious position as a top restoration specialist and cultural relic consultant, surely she lacked the influence to orchestrate such a precise strike against the Burgess family.
Leah dismissed the notion almost as quickly as it formed.
“Mr. Collins, I’m at a loss to identify any potential adversaries. Please help us. investigate–we’re prepared to make amends personally.” Leah’s appeal carried the weight of desperate sincerity.
The fact that someone had circumvented Kason’s influence to target her family spoke volumes about their adversary’s power.
One misstep could spell the Burgess family’s downfall, taking with it her chances of marriage to Bruce.
“I’ll do everything in my power.” Kason’s gravity matched the situation. “But whoever orchestrated this likely won’t be satisfied with a single strike.”
Though Leah nodded in understanding, dread continued to coil in her chest like a serpent refusing to be dislodged.
Corrine and Nate emerged from the private dining room when Jules‘ call pierced the quiet moment. “You’re neither at work nor home at this hour. Explain yourself!”
Despite his technological prowess, Jules had always respected Corrine’s privacy.
“I’m on a date,” she replied simply.
Jules‘ derisive snort crackled through the connection. “Your track record with men is abysmal, Corrine. You’re a magnet for jerks, and you still trust your own judgment?”
Corrine’s features darkened at his words. “Jules, are you asking for a beating?”
His comment struck a nerve; while others might have questioned her past choice of
Bruce, Jules alone understood the complexities behind that decision.
“Return immediately!” Jules‘ tone brooked no argument. “Otherwise, I’m involving my father, and you know what that means.”
Corrine’s voice turned to ice. “Breathe one word of this, and your precious garage goes up in flames.”
The threat carried weight–Jules‘ garage housed his prized collection of limited edition sports cars, each more valuable than the last.
“Final warning, Corrine. Come back now.” The gravity in his voice was unmistakable.
Recognizing the underlying concern in his stern command, Corrine pressed her lips together. “Fine,” she conceded irritably:
After ending the call, she channeled her frustration into a gentle kick at an innocent
flowerpot.
