Chapter 242:

Ever since Corrine had walked away from the Ashton family, Leah had lost her ability to control her, to manipulate her as she once had. The sight of Corrine, the same woman Leah had once trampled and belittled, now standing tall and mocking her, ignited a blaze of pure, uncontrollable jealousy in her chest. The jealousy swelled, spreading through her like wildfire, destructive and relentless.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Leah raised her hand, her intent clear—she would slap Corrine into silence.

But Corrine was quicker. She gripped Leah’s wrist with surprising strength, pulling her in closer, her eyes flashing with a cold, dangerous warning.

“Leah, are you trying to dig a grave for yourself?”

With the high heels Leah was wearing, they were almost the same height, the difference between them barely noticeable. But as their gazes met, Leah’s confidence crumbled instantly. It was as if the very ground beneath her feet had been yanked away.

“You really think you can hit me?” Leah hissed, twisting to free her wrist.

Corrine tightened her hold, arching an eyebrow as her voice dripped with disdain.

“Hit you? I’m a lady of refinement.”

Leah scoffed, her lips curling into a cruel sneer.

“Hilarious. You dare call yourself that? Let go of me!”

With a swift, powerful motion, Leah yanked, trying to break free. But in an instant, Corrine released her grip.

Leah stumbled, her heels failing to keep her steady, and she was sent reeling backward, crashing into a nearby, finely crafted wooden screen. The crash echoed through the entrance hall, a sharp sound that snapped every pair of eyes toward Leah.

The disturbance in the entrance hall caught the attention of many, prompting them to move toward the noise, but they halted upon spotting Nate nearby. He observed Corrine with quiet intensity.

Bathed in the warm, yellow glow of the hallway lights, Nate’s features appeared especially striking, and his profile was sharply defined. Draping his suit jacket over one arm, he casually slid into a chair, crossing his legs comfortably.

The smirk playing on his lips, usually hidden by his indifference, now held a teasing charm that seemed to draw in everyone’s gaze, radiating an inviting warmth.

In Lyhaton, only individuals of considerable influence had the privilege of unrestricted access to the Gourmet Spot. The staff, hesitant to intervene and wary of causing a stir, opted to quietly alert their manager, Winfred Walker.

𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓉𝓮𝓇𝓈 𝒊𝓷 g𝓪𝗅𝗇ovέ𝗅𝓈.𝓒𝓸 m

Yet, Winfred was already positioned behind Nate, studying his expressions with keen interest. He could see that Nate was not planning to step in; rather, he seemed to relish watching the unfolding drama, much like a parent amused by their child’s playful antics, confident in their child’s ability to handle the situation.

Leah, sprawled on the floor, became acutely aware of the scornful looks directed at her. She clenched her fists and cast her eyes downward, struggling to contain her growing bitterness.

“Oh dear, Miss Burgess, are you alright?” Corrine’s voice dripped with insincere concern as she peered down at Leah.

“I was just trying to assist you with those heels, but it seems you’re a bit too clumsy.”

Leah’s gaze shot up to meet Corrine’s, her expression twisting with fury, her body tense with the urge to retaliate.

“Corrine, what are you doing?” The situation was suddenly pierced by Bruce’s stern inquiry.

.

.

.