Chapter 1626:
Ten minutes later, the meeting room buzzed with speculation.
“What’s happening today?”
“Why the sudden meeting? We didn’t get any notice beforehand.”
“Could the rumors be true?”
The question instantly magnetized everyone’s attention.
“What rumors?”
“There’s a buzz outside that the Ford family plans to expand their business into Pinetree City. I heard…”
The sentence hung unfinished as the rhythmic click of high heels echoed from the corridor outside.
Click, click, click…
Each tap grew more distinct, like calculated drumbeats against the floor, somehow synchronizing with heartbeats and fraying already tense nerves.
Just then, the door of the meeting room swung open.
Corrine strode in, her high heels marking each deliberate step.
She commanded the room in a pristine white suit, layered over a beige silk camisole that whispered beneath—the perfect balance of executive authority and refined femininity.
Loose waves of hair cascaded down her back like smooth silk. Diamond studs caught the light at her ears, and though her ensemble appeared deceptively simple, every detail whispered of meticulous craftsmanship.
The crystal chandelier bathed her face in brilliant light, illuminating features so perfect they seemed almost sculpted—high cheekbones, luminous skin, and eyes that commanded attention.
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Though they had all witnessed Corrine’s beauty countless times before, her presence never failed to create that momentary hush of admiration.
While the room remained transfixed, Corrine glided to the head of the table, pulled out her chair, and took her seat with practiced ease.
“Routine reports from each department, starting from the left and going in order.” The words hung in the air as she lifted her coffee cup to her lips.
The movement caused her collar to open slightly, revealing the smooth skin at her collarbone and the unmistakable purple-red hickeys that marked her flesh—evidence of passion impossible to miss by sharper eyes around the table. After the series of distracted reports finally concluded, Corrine spoke with calm authority.
“Ford Group encompasses real estate, port transportation, mining, pharmaceuticals, technology, artificial intelligence, and more, effectively supporting Lyhaton’s economy. These ventures sound intimidating, but I believe it’s not enough.”
Her statement prompted meaningful glances around the table as everyone silently questioned whether the circulating rumors might actually be true.
“Miss Holland, Ford Group’s rapid development in Lyhaton stems primarily from geographical advantages and the region’s considerably richer resources when compared to Pinetree City.” A department executive cautiously observed Corrine’s expression, choosing his words carefully. “Considering the challenges Ford Group faced during the acquisition of Holland Group, the major families in Pinetree City have always been wary of us. As soon as we make a move, they unite against us. Expanding into Pinetree City isn’t as simple as it sounds.” His statement resonated with everyone present.
The division between Pinetree City and Lyhaton ran deeper than mere geography—a historical rift with layers of conflict more complex than they appeared on the surface.
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