Chapter 276:
Corrine maintained eye contact only briefly before she shyly looked away.
The Ashton family’s celebration ended with unexpected bitterness. As the Ashton family members filed out of the hall, their faces etched with defeat, they happened to see Corrine and Nate stepping out from a nearby room. Seeing the couple, the expressions of the Ashton family changed dramatically. Leah subtly tugged at Bruce’s sleeve, pretending to be confused.
“Bruce, isn’t that Miss Holland over there?”
Bruce followed her pointing finger, and his eyes settled on Corrine.
The man beside her wore a perfectly fitted suit, standing tall and dignified, exuding a natural elegance. Even from afar, his strong presence was undeniable.
Corrine, even in her high heels, was noticeably shorter than her companion. Yet, together, they complemented each other well, each enhancing the other’s stature.
That man again!
Bruce pondered whether the unexpected arrival of the men in black at the event had also been orchestrated by this mysterious figure. His expression turned cold as he scrutinized them, his brows knitting together. Hand in hand, Corrine and Nate moved effortlessly through the corridor. A gentle smile lit up her face, glowing like a sun-kissed rose—captivating and radiant.
Bruce had never seen this side of Corrine before. He remembered her as distant and decisive, but now she stood beside another man with a softness that felt both unfamiliar and intriguing. Discovering this gentler side of her surprised Bruce.
As the Ashton family speculated about Corrine’s relationship with the man, Rita’s scornful remark shattered the silence.
“A slut is still a slut. She breaks my brother’s heart only to throw herself into the arms of another.”
Despite Rita’s attempt to keep her voice low, her biting words carried through the silent corridor to Corrine’s ears. Nate, catching the slight crease of displeasure on Corrine’s brow, sent a discreet look toward Matias.
Matias quickly understood Nate’s silent instruction. He deliberately slowed his pace, casually unbuttoning his cuffs and rolling up his sleeves as he walked.
As the Ashtons neared, he suddenly grasped Rita’s arm and delivered a sharp slap across her face.
Rita was knocked to the floor by the force of the slap.
Full chapters on gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅⧼c𝗈𝗺
A collective gasp rose from the crowd, and the Ashton relatives, wary of getting involved, swiftly retreated, abandoning Rita.
From a safe distance, Gloria observed Matias with keen interest. He looked polite and composed, but his actions caught everyone off guard. The slap was hard enough to knock Rita down.
Rita found herself on the floor, feeling her cheek puff up and tasting blood in her mouth. Numbness spread across half her face, and a ringing in her ears muffled the surrounding noises.
“Rita!” Tracy hurried to her side, dropping to her knees to embrace her.
“Sweetheart, are you alright?”
The comfort of Tracy’s arms triggered Rita’s tears, which now flowed freely.
Tracy’s heart ached at the sight. Having had Rita at the age of thirty-five, Tracy had doted on her, ensuring she grew up in luxury. This turned Rita into a bossy and demanding young woman. Despite her challenging nature, Rita remained Tracy’s beloved daughter.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m right here.” Tracy lifted her head with defiance, her eyes burning as she faced Matias.
“What gives you the right to hit her? We’ve never done anything to you.”
.
.
.