Chapter 243:
As Bruce approached, his concern was evident when he noticed Leah on the floor. He swiftly bent down, offering a gentle hand to help her up and carefully cradled her in his arms.
“Bruce…” Leah whispered, her voice tinged with a feigned frailty as she leaned into him, her eyes brimming with tears that tugged at Bruce’s heartstrings. She was adept at stirring Bruce’s compassion.
Choosing to remain silent rather than confront Corrine openly, Leah portrayed herself as a victim of undeserved mistreatment. This tactic seemed her best bet to garner Bruce’s sympathy, convincing him that Corrine was the aggressor.
Bruce’s heart sank further upon seeing Leah’s sorrowful expression.
“Corrine, how can you act so irrationally? There’s no need for aggression, even if you disagree with Leah!”
He then noticed the bruises on Leah’s wrist, his eyes darkening with disapproval and contempt as he stared at Corrine. To him, Corrine seemed like a true villain.
Corrine, catching Bruce’s accusatory gaze, responded with a derisive smirk.
“If you find me so objectionable, Bruce, keep your distance. I’m not here to cater to your comfort.”
At that moment, as Bruce intervened, Nate approached and stood by Corrine, his arm protectively around her. His tone was cold and resolute.
“Humans may be biased, but the camera’s lens is not. Would you care to review the footage and see the truth?”
Leah’s hands clenched tighter, a surge of fear flashing across her face. Corrine, looking over at Bruce with a dismissive glance, twisted her mouth into a scornful smile.
“The two of you are truly well-matched,” she sneered, her words laced with biting sarcasm and derision.
As Corrine turned to walk away, Bruce’s expression grew troubled. He instinctively wanted to follow her.
Leah wept softly in his embrace.
“Bruce, I’m sorry. I’ve put you in a difficult position once more.”
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“You don’t have to apologize for that,” Bruce responded, his voice calm and steady. He could feel Leah shaking slightly, and a surge of compassion replaced his impulse to follow Corrine. He stroked Leah’s back gently, comforting her with even strokes.
“She has always disregarded others’ emotions. Just stay away from her next time.”
Leah obediently replied, “Okay.”
Bruce’s attention drifted as he spoke, catching sight of Corrine walking away. Nate was at her side, his arm securing her slender waist. The two dipped their heads as they stepped into their vehicle, and Nate shot a defiant look back at Bruce. A taunting smile played on Nate’s lips.
Bruce experienced an odd, unsettling feeling at that moment. It seemed as though something rightfully his had been snatched away. Although it was something he claimed to neither want nor care for, he felt it shouldn’t be claimed by another.
Within Bruce’s arms, Leah sensed his gaze on Corrine’s retreating figure, a hint of jealousy flickering across her eyes.
“Bruce, do you think Miss Holland will forgive us? Will she still join us for the company’s anniversary?”
Bruce looked down, his touch gentle as he wiped Leah’s tears.
“Whether she forgives or not is up to her, but she has to be at the celebration.”
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