StarNovelThe Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 194
Chapter 194 A Theatrical Display
A dangerous gleam flickered in Corrine's eyes, narrowing as she assessed the situation.
Everything said so far felt like an introduction. Their real demand was in that final
request.
With a smooth motion, she swirled her wine, asking with composed clarity, "What exactly are you askingto
explain?"
Tracy, reassured by Corrine's seeming agreement, eased her tone. "It's easy, really. After Bruce's speech, the
press will surely ask about your past relationship. You just need to say it's over and that there's nothing left
between you."
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Their plan was obvious. They wanted to repair Bruce's image at her expense.
Bruce had chosen Leah over Corrine, yet now his family expected Corrine to shoulder the burden of blto
protect Bruce's reputation from any claims of ingratitude.
At the wedding, Bruce leaving had fueled gossip about Corrine's supposed flaws. If she said what Tracy wanted,
it would only make those false rumors seem true.
Acknowledging their cleverness, Corrine met Tracy's eyes with a subtle smile. "You've thought this through
thoroughly, Mrs. Ashton."
Her voice remained even, yet it carried an unmistakable chill.
As Tracy's eyes locked with Corrine's, a sudden chill crept down her spine, undermining her confidence. She
managed to muster enough courage to say, "Corrine, this is for the best. Remember, the Ashton and Burgess
families had a marriage agreement that cbefore you, making you the outsider. Plus, you vanished a month.
before your wedding day, only to be found later, looking utterly lost and disheveled. Who knows what has
happened during that time? Bruce didn't blyou and was ready to go through with the marriage, showing
more kindness than many would have. Yet, you chose to end things with him. Given the circumstances, it's only
fair for you to offer an explanation now that Bruce's reputation is at stake."
Listening calmly, Corrine's smile remained polite yet her eyes betrayed a cold detachment. "I wonder why this
marriage agreement is only now being discussed if it was indeed arranged beforehand?"
Tracy faltered, struggling to articulate her thoughts.
The so-called marriage agreement between the Ashton and Burgess families had been. no more than a joke
years ago, but it was deeply respected by the Ashtons.
At that moment, Farris intervened. "Corrine, there's no need for concern on your part. Bruce will address
everything later. He's at fault here, and he'll face the consequences."
Corrine shifted her gaze to Farris.
She looked at him briefly, and then burst into laughter, unable to hold back.
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Observing Corrine's outburst, Tracy turned her eyes toward Farris, puzzled by the
reaction.
The sound of Corrine's laughter caught the attention of everyone around, prompting curious looks from many
guests.
Tracy, noticing the growing interest from the crowd, stepped closer to Corrine and whispered while gently pulling
on her sleeve, "What has gotten into you all of a sudden?"
"Forgive me. | just wasn't expecting such a theatrical display from everyone," Corrine replied, pretending to dab
away tears of amusement.
Farris' expression darkened. "Corrine..."
"I once thought you stood apart from the rest, Mr. Ashton. It appears | was wrong," Corrine said to Farris coldly.
She eyed him with a mix of scorn and ridicule. "Today you celebrate the anniversary of
Ashton Group. Given your attention to detail, no mishaps would be tolerated on your watch. Can you honestly
claim you didn't orchestrate today's events? If you were truly ready to let Bruce be accountable, why would you
make such an effort to havehere?"
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