The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 21 Who Exactly

Are You

Karina let out a soft, derisive chuckle, her eyes glinting with mockery. "Oh, what can I say? Just a little friendly. nudge, that's all. Deliberately stepping into someone else's relationship speaks volumes about a person's moral compass, doesn't it? Even if you call it love, don't expect anyone to applaud your actions. Especially considering Miss Burgess is in the public eye. Have you stopped to think what might happen to Ashton Group if your affair comes to light? Do you really think the Bayside project will survive the fallout?"noveldrama

Bruce's face darkened at her words, his jaw tightening.

Ashton Group had only just regained its footing, clawing its way back from the brink. This wasn't the time for slip-ups or scandals.

The Brooks family's abrupt withdrawal of their investment had already rattled the board members, leaving them teetering on the edge of mistrust. If his private life were to spill over and wreak havoc now, he would become

the board's scapegoat, the very face of the company's crisis.

In that scenario, his leadership would be hanging by a thread.

Though not catastrophic on its own, this affair, if exposed, could spark a wildfire of public outrage.

Bruce's brows drew together as he fixed Karina with a piercing stare, a flicker of menace darkening his gaze.

"Who exactly are you?"

Karina's lips curled into a sarcastic smile as she threw him a pointed glance.

"Well, Mr. Ashton, you're certainly not proving yourself to be the sharpest leader in the business world. Can it be that you have no clue who your

former investors really are?"

Her words cut cleanly, leaving no room for misunderstanding. As she finished, Karina exchanged a meaningful glance with Corrine

Corrine let out a soft sigh, her calm tone carrying a trace of cool detachment. "Allow me to clarify-this is Miss

Karina Brooks."

Bruce's face froze for a moment, the weight of the name hitting him like a stone dropped into still water.

Karina Brooks.

The realization sent a chill down his spine. His pupils narrowed, and the disbelief in his gaze was soon replaced

by a searing wave of fury.

He turned his burning stare toward Corrine, his voice taut with accusation. "So you were the one stirring the pot all along!"

Karina's voice broke through his accusation like a whip. "Not exactly. Let's set the record straight-my decision to collaborate with Ashton Group back then was entirely because of Miss Holland. Now, I've decided to

withdraw my support, simply because I can't stand the brazen audacity of a side plece."

Bruce's lips pressed into a grim line, his dark eyes locked on Karina with unflinching intensity.

Sensing the mounting hostility radiating from him, Corrine stepped slightly forward, positioning herself protectively between Karina and Bruce.

Her eyes, sharp and unyielding, met Bruce's with an air of quiet authority. Her voice was soft yet cold, each word deliberate. "I've always conducted myself openly and aboveboard. If I wanted to strike back at you, there were countless opportunities to do so. But I've never stooped to dirty tricks. Not because I still care about you -I don't-but because I refuse to waste energy on meaningless vendettas. That said, before I reconsider my restraint, take your companion and leave. Otherwise..."

Her gaze flicked to Leah, her expression hardening. "I won't hesitate to let the world see the both of you for what you really are-a tragic pair bound for ruin."

Bruce's expression turned even darker, his eyes flashing with a dangerous glint. His voice dropped into a low growl. "Are you threatening me?"

"She's merely pointing out the obvious," came a deep, commanding voice from behind.

The air in the room shifted as all heads turned.

A man stood in the doorway, his features sharp and refined, his deep-set eyes gleaming with intelligence. Even the gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose couldn't temper the underlying edge of his gaze.

His long legs carried him forward with measured purpose, the hem of his black trench coat swaying with each stride, exuding an air of effortless poise and power.

Corrine stood frozen, her blank stare fixed on Waldo Ford, momentarily paralyzed

by

Her single, pressing thought: Why was her uncle here?

shock.