Chapter 7 Perhaps I Should Work On My Acting Skills


    Just as Leah was about to hit the ground, Corrine''s hand shot out, catching her arm in an iron grip.


    Leah turned toward her, startled by the unexpected intervention.


    Corrine leaned close, her whispered words carrying a cial undertone that sent chills down. Leah''s spine. "If


    you''re going to put on a performance, at least make it convincing. If you''re struggling with the role, I''d be happy to assist."


    A flicker of terror crossed Leah''s face as she met Corrine''s gaze, those eyes glittering with dangerous intent.


    The hospital grounds stretched before them, itsndscape dotted with decorative rocks meant to enhance the


    natural setting.


    Corrine observed the scene with calcted precision, fully aware of what awaited Leah below. Without


    hesitation, she released her grip.


    The sickening sound of impact echoed as Leah''s forehead met the unforgiving surface of a rock.


    An angry red welt immediately bloomed across her skin, enhancing her carefully crafted image of vulnerability.


    The sequence unfolded with such swiftness that neither Leah nor Bruce had time to process what had


    transpired.


    Bruce''s voice cut through the aftermath, thick with rage. "Corrine, do youprehend what you''ve just done?"


    A mask of indifference settled over Corrine''s features as she shrugged. "My apologies... it was unintentional."


    "You!" Bruce''s words faltered as he searched her impassive face for any trace of


    remorse.


    Corrine''s eyebrow arched elegantly, her lips curving into a mocking smile. "Don''t believe me? How interesting that Leah''s ims of idents merit your trust, while mine do not. Perhaps I should work on my acting skills?"


    Leah''s fingers gingerly explored the throbbing welt on her forehead, each touch sending waves of pain through


    her skull.


    Hatred zed in her eyes as she red at Corrine, her jaw clenched against the urge to retaliate.


    For someone whose livelihood in entertainment depended on her appearance, this attack struck at her very


    foundation.


    Corrine''s ruthlessness had blindsided herpletely.


    Dismissing Leah''s venomous stare, Corrine''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "Consider this friendly advice, Leah


    -maintain your distance in the future. Next time won''t end with just a scratch." Bruce stepped forward, positioning himself as a shield between the women, his eyes radiating menace at Corrine. "You''re being irrational, Corrine!"


    "Since you''ve recognized my irrationality, perhaps you should both keep your distance," Corrine retorted, her smirk deepening. "I have neither the time nor patience for things I despise. What offends my eyes, I eliminate


    from my sight."


    Bruce''s expression darkened further, his fists clenching at his sides. "Direct your anger at me if you must.


    Leave Leah out of this!"


    "Fighting over worthless garbage?" Contempt dripped from Corrine''s words as she regarded him. "You truly overestimate your importance."


    Bruce''s frown deepened into a warning re. "Hate me all you want, but I won''t allow you to harm Leah."


    He bent to gather Leah in his arms, casting one final furious look at Corrine before departing.


    As their figures retreated, the tears Corrine had suppressed began to surface.


    Three years of dedication had crumbled to dust. She had sacrificed her family ties only to be left clutching at


    emptiness.


    Yet from the moment she had resolved to end it all, returning had never been an option.


    Her


    eyes


    drifted closed in an attempt to contain her emotions, but the tears escaped anyway, streaming down


    her cheeks as a silent farewell to a love she had once cherished with such fierce pride.


    "Are you alright?" A deep, maic voice materialized beside her.