NovelEnglishThe Betrayed Heiress' Return to Elegance 197
Chapter 197 A Special
Tribute
Bruce caught a hint of sadness in Corrine's eyes, feeling his heart twist painfully. He whispered gently, "Corrine,
please listen. It's not as you believe..."
"Bruce, | hoped we could at least end as friends, with srespect left between us. You were my rock, my
everything, yet you continually letdown..."
With each word, Corrine's voice wavered, charged with emotion yet steady, on the verge of tears. "I never felt
good enough for you, so I always strove to match your pace. | could overlook the disdain from the Ashton family.
It was never about your family's
wealth or status for me; all | wanted was to be by your side."
Then, she looked up, forcing a smile while fighting back tears. "Alright, let's pretend this was all just my
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtimagination. From here on, we have nothing."
Her words, laden with grief and blame, resonated deeply with the onlookers.
As she lowered her head, it was clear to everyone she was on the brink of tears, deepening their sympathy for
her.
Unknown to them, Corrine was far from crying, she was stifling a laugh.
The Ashton family members were not the only ones good at performing. She was adept
at it, too.
With the stage thus set, she decided to embrace the role fully with the Ashton family watching.
The crowd murmured with speculation and noise.
All
eyes were drawn to Bruce.
His face was stoic, eyes deep and cold as he watched Corrine's performance unfold on
stage.
Bruce could see the slight, mocking grin playing on Corrine's lips.
He understood then that she was not truly wounded.
It was all a show, a manipulation to twist public perception and garner sympathy.
Bruce's hands balled into fists, his body seething with the indignation of being manipulated.
Tracy, oblivious to the underlying , felt a wave of relief.
She had feared Corrine might complicate matters, yet it all seemed to unravel smoothly.
Composing herself, Tracy cleared her throat and approached Corrine, her tone earnest. "Corrine, you have given
much to the Ashton family over the years. Though you won't
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marry Bruce, we recognize your contributions. We are ready to offer you ten percent of the company shares if
you accept."
A subtle, cold smile crept across Corrine's lips as she listened.
To accept would bind her to the Ashton family's declining fortunes, allowing them to claim generosity and
gratitude.
To decline would label her as ungrateful, yet it would let the Ashton family keep their wealth and their good
name-an ideal outcfor them on both reputation and wealth.
Corrine silently acknowledged the cleverness of their plan, which was unfolding flawlessly.
"Your offer is generous, but please, keep the shares within the Ashton family," Corrine said, smoothly pulling her
hand away. She gave Tracy a disarming smile. "I wish nothing but prosperity and success for Ashton Group!"
Tracy, observing Corrine's glowing demeanor, sensed a hidden threat behind her smile.
"What exactly are you up to?" Tracy inquired, her face tightening as she focused on Corrine.
Bowing her head slightly, Corrine checked her watch with a poised smile. "Why, I'm preparing a special tribute
for Ashton Group's 30th anniversary, of course."
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