Chapter 309:
“We have ten million ready to compensate you. Would that resolve the issue, Miss Holland?”
In reality, no funds were prepared; this was merely a ploy to see how Corrine would react and to stall for time.
“Mr. Ashton, do you really think I’m after your ten million?” Corrine asked, her tone cold.
“You might want to save that for a decent lawyer for your daughter instead.”
She was about to disconnect the call when Millard urgently replied, “Miss Holland, surely we can still negotiate.”
Corrine hesitated, then returned the phone to her ear, prompted by his desperation.
“Please, just tell us what you’re looking for,” Millard added.
“Let’s start with five percent of the Ashton Group’s market value,” Corrine said smoothly, “and the Ashton family’s land in the southern commercial district.”
As Millard and Tracy processed her words, their faces were etched with shock. Given Ashton Group’s current market value of 1.3 billion, five percent was a staggering amount. The land in the southern commercial district was valued at fifty million. In total, Corrine’s demands amounted to a sum well into the hundreds of millions. It was as if Corrine was extorting them.
“Corrine, this is exploitation,” Tracy said, snatching the phone.
“You must be dreaming if you think we’ll just roll over and let you take advantage of us.”
“This request is steep, so I guess I’ll see you in court,” Corrine retorted, promptly ending the call.
Millard stared at the phone as it beeped off, his face hardening. Overcome with anger, Tracy exclaimed, “That Corrine is ruthless! Does she have no fear of karma for making such exorbitant demands during our crisis?” She was completely opposed to surrendering such a massive amount to Corrine without any return.
After a tense pause, Millard set his jaw and replied, “I need to check if we can liquidate enough assets.”
The decision about the land in the southern district would ultimately rest with Bruce, as he was now steering Ashton Group.
Tracy’s eyes widened in alarm.
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“Are you seriously considering meeting her demands?”
The amount was not trivial. Even if they managed to raise it, it could debilitate the Ashton family’s financial health.
Millard’s expression had darkened ever since Corrine hung up. Tracy’s anxious query only deepened his frown.
“What other choice do we have? If you know another way to save Rita, I’m all ears.”
The Ashton family had once dismissed Corrine as nothing more than a village girl with no significant connections in Lyhaton. Had it not been for her sharp intellect and decisive actions, she might never have crossed paths with the Ashtons.
But the once underestimated village girl had now risen to a level the Ashton family could only aspire to, especially after her departure. Corrine didn’t just own Timeless Treasures; she had the lawyer, Waldo, working for her with ease.
Corrine was no longer someone they could manipulate easily.
At that moment, Tracy’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Rita, leaving no room to consider Millard’s concerns.
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