Chapter 192 They Are Waiting For Me
“Bruce, take Leah inside,” Tracy ordered.
All the Ashton family members stood clustered at the entrance, and if the guests felt neglected, rumors would spread like wildfire.
Bruce gave a curt nod before guiding Leah away.
As soon as they disappeared, Rita’s face twisted with frustration. “Corrine must have done this on purpose.”
Tracy shot her a sharp look. “Enough! Do you want your grandfather to lock you up again?”
Rita stiffened, her lips pressing into a thin line.
The last time she had been confined after her grandfather’s birthday party, she hadn’t
set foot outside for an entire month.
If not for today’s Ashton Group anniversary celebration and her relentless pleading, she might still be stuck at home.
Beside her, Tracy’s nerves were wearing thin, her hands clenched into tight fists.
She had everything arranged with the reporters inside. If Corrine didn’t show up, her entire plan would crumble.
The tension in the air grew unbearable, each passing second dragging on painfully.
Even Farris, always composed, couldn’t keep the unease from creeping into his
expression.
He understood Corrine well. If she had agreed to come, she wouldn’t go back on her word without reason.
Could someone have tipped her off about the true
purpose behind this event?
Just then, a sleek white Bentley Continental rolled into view, gliding smoothly along the
driveway.
In the passenger seat, Natasha caught sight of the Ashton family gathered at the hotel. entrance. Her brow furrowed. “Why are they all standing there? Are they waiting for
someone?”
Corrine lifted her gaze, her eyes narrowing slightly as a slow, sardonic smile tugged at her lips. “They’re waiting for me.”
A few days ago, after lunch, Karina had given Natasha and Jolene a brief rundown of Corrine’s past with the Ashton family.
Upon hearing that Corrine had been cast aside because of her family background, Natasha had blurted out, “They must be blind as bats!”
Now, watching the Ashton family’s behavior, Natasha couldn’t make sense of their sudden change.
“They’re trying to win me over,” Corrine said, her voice even.
She had spent three years under their roof, long enough to see them for who they truly
were.
To them, she had never been family–just a tool for forging connections.
The car eased to a stop, and Corrine stepped out with practiced grace.
Her gaze swept over the waiting figures before landing on Farris. She inclined her head. slightly. “Good evening, Mr. Ashton.”
Though her words were polite, an unfamiliar coolness laced her tone, distant and unreadable.
Farris felt the sadness rise in his throat, but he swallowed it down, forcing a strained smile before turning toward the hotel.
“Corrine, we were just talking about you.” Gloria pushed through the crowd, her lips. stretched into a flattering smile. “Perfect timing. Let’s head inside.”
Corrine studied her, her face void of expression. “I preferred your former haughty
stance.”
A few onlookers stifled amused smirks, clearly enjoying the exchange.
Gloria’s forced warmth vanished in an instant. She didn’t bother to keep up the act any
longer.
Inside the banquet hall, luxury dripped from every detail the glint of crystal glasses, the soft hum of conversation, the refined laughter of elegantly dressed guests.
The sharp clack of heels against marble silenced the chatter, drawing all eyes toward
the entrance.
The grand doors swung open, and Corrine strode in.
Amidst the sea of extravagant gowns and glittering jewelry, her crisp business attire.
stood in stark contrast.
Yet, her poised silhouette commanded the space, effortlessly outshining the crowd.
There was something in her bearing–an aura honed over time, as if she held the world in the palm of her hand.
The chandelier’s glow caught the high arch of her cheekbones, tracing the fine porcelain contours of her face. Her porcelain contours of her face. Her lips curled ever so slightly, a subtle but unmistakable challenge in her expression.
She was a deadly bloom in full flourish–dangerous, captivating.
“Who is that woman?” someone murmured in confusion.
