Chapter 20 Did You Come Here Just To me Me


    While engrossed in their conversation, Corrine and Karina stopped abruptly upon spotting Bruce and Leah at


    the door.


    Corrine''s warm smile instantly disappeared, reced by a cold stare. "Leave now!" shemanded.


    Leah''s response was subtle, her lips trembling slightly as she clutched Bruce''s hand tighter, her face clouding


    over.


    Bruce sensed the chill from Corrine, his brow creasing. He soothed Leah''s hand with a gentle touch.


    Corrine felt a sharp ache in her heart at the show of affection, as though it had taken her breath away.


    Such warmth was unfamiliar to her.


    Over three years, Corrine had tirelesslyworked with investors to support Bruce, receiving nothing but his


    asional attention in return.


    And yet, Leah seemed to unlock Bruce''s tender side effortlessly with just a single sorrowful look.


    Corrine realized then how profound the gap was between love and mere obligation.


    "I need to speak with you," Bruce said, guiding Leah into the room with urgency. "Why did the Brooks family suddenly pull their funding?"


    Looking up, Corrine''s eyes went back to their usual indifferent look. "Did youe here just to me me?"


    "This is serious!" Bruce said, his expression turning grim as he looked at Corrine. "The Bayside project. desperately needs funding. With the Brooks family pulling out, the project is in jeopardy. Do you realize how critical this is for Ashton Group?"


    "I do," Corrine responded casually,


    There had been a time when she had thrown herself into Bruce''s ventures, driven by her feelings for him and viewing the Ashton Group''s sess as her own. Now that she had detached herself from Bruce, thepany''s well-being no longer concerned her.


    A slight, scornful smile crossed her face. "And why should Ashton Group''s fate matter to me now?"


    "Corrine!" Bruce raised his voice, frustration boiling over, his eyes aze. "You''ve always been meticulous about keeping our personal and professional lives separate. Why this sudden change? Regardless of our personal issues, I will find a way to make it up to you. But using thepany as leverage for revenge? How is that any different from being an opportunistic scoundrel?"


    Corrine elegantly picked out a cherry with a fruit fork, spat out the pit, and then calmly retorted, "I devoted


    mself to Ashton Group without reserve, and that was expected of me. But now, when I distance myself, I''m


    "Bruce has been buried under the weight ofpany issues, and it''s been tough on him," Leah said innocently, her gaze fixed on Corrine. "Ashton Group isn''t just a business to him; it''s his life''s legacy. Corrine, I understand there are hard feelings, but helping Bruce would mean the world. I would sacrifice anything for that."


    "Why don''t you just sacrifice yourself then?" Corrine blurted out.


    Tears welled up in Leah''s eyes as she absorbed Corrine''s hostile words, her lips trembling in distress. She


    turned to Bruce, seeking sce.


    Moved by her distress, Bruce wrapped his arms around her, casting a reproachful look at Corrine. "Why must you be so harsh? Leah''s caught in the middle here. It''s me who''s haunted by past feelings, me who still yearns


    for her. If you''re upset, me me!"


    Leah, overwhelmed by emotion, admitted through sobs, "This is all my fault. I never should have returned, never should havee between you. I''ve only made things worse."


    Karina, who had been quietly observing the escting scene, finally lost her patience. "Enough, Leah Burgess! Can''t you stop your acting for a moment?"


    Leah turned her tearful eyes toward Karina.


    Karina dressed simply, but everything about her exuded elegance. Even the casuallyyered bracelets on her wrist were rare, limited-edition pieces from around the world.


    Since when did someone from such an elite background get involved with Corrine?


    Acting like she was unfairly treated, Leah pressed closer to Bruce, a glint of resolve flickering in her eyes.


    Bruce shielded Leah, his expression turning stern as he looked at Karina. "Watch your words, Miss."


    "Well," Karina responded with a smirk, her gaze scornful. "Perhaps you should remember your ce, Mr. Ashton. It would serve you well."


    Her words hinted at a deeper threat.


    Bruce''s expression hardened, his tone cold as he retorted, "What exactly are you implying?"