Chapter 273:
“You have no one to blame but your own greed.”
Farris’ plan had been simple—convince Corrine to forgive the Ashton family, then leverage her influence to their advantage. But Tracy had been reckless. She had plotted to force Corrine into covering up Bruce and Leah’s scandals, shifting all the disgrace onto her while Bruce emerged as a man of unwavering devotion.
As if someone like Corrine could ever be so easily played.
For three years, the Ashton family had treated her as nothing more than an inconvenience. They had belittled her to her face and slandered her behind her back. Now, seeing her true worth, they had the audacity to turn to her for salvation.
This disaster was entirely of their own making.
“But I did it for the Ashton family!” Tracy protested, indignation flaring in her expression as she bristled under Farris’ reproach.
“Was I supposed to just stand by and let Bruce be branded a heartless cheater?”
Farris’ gaze cut toward her, sharp and knowing.
“Spare me the excuses. Don’t think I haven’t noticed you encouraging Bruce and Leah’s affair behind the scenes.”
A flicker of unease passed through Tracy’s eyes, but she masked it quickly.
Just then, Rita stepped forward, her tone laced with defiance.
“Grandpa, be reasonable! Everything my mom did was for my brother! And besides—” She hesitated, then pressed on.
“Who really knows what happened the night Corrine disappeared? Do you seriously think my brother should marry a woman like her?”
“Enough!” Farris’ cane struck the floor with a resounding crack, his voice reverberating through the room like a thunderclap. His cold, authoritative glare silenced any further objections.
Rita shrank back, retreating beside Tracy.
Farris’ eyes narrowed, his expression unreadable but grave.
No matter what, they couldn’t afford to lose Corrine now.
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Corrine had just stepped outside when the group of men in black quietly dispersed, clearly following someone’s earlier command. She had a hunch that Jules was behind their sudden appearance and departure but chose to ignore it.
Meanwhile, Karina was seen rewarding a group of sharply dressed men with a stack of cash.
“Excellent work today!”
“Boss, don’t forget to call us for the next big job.”
“Sure!”
The positive murmurs surrounding Corrine weren’t accidental; they were masterfully planned by Karina. This strategic maneuvering in public perception could be partly credited to Karina’s shrewd handling.
Watching the men leave cheerfully with their earnings, Corrine strolled over to Karina.
“How did you manage to gather such a crowd?”
“Money speaks volumes, my dear Corrine. Always remember that,” Karina said with a sly grin as she removed her sunglasses from her head and clipped them to her shirt. She took a quick glance at the busy hall, her expression filled with disdain.
“It’s astounding how low the Ashton family will stoop! Using your influence, forcing you to cover up Bruce and Leah’s scandal—it’s completely despicable!” Before Karina could continue, Corrine’s phone interrupted with a call from Jules.
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