Chapter 45 Sheltered


    Heiress


    With a distant gaze, Corrine observed the screen, her eyes hinting at a fleeting coldness.


    She only partly listened to the department head, her ears picking up on his mention of Leah''s impending engagement to the Ashton Group''s CEO.


    These two seemed eager to forge ahead, didn''t they?


    Despite expecting a heart-wrenching pain at such news, Corrine was surprised to find the pain less sharp than


    anticipated.


    It wasn''t because she had moved on quickly; rather, it was because of Nate''s overwhelming influence since his


    sudden arrival in her life.


    Nate''smanding aura had eclipsed all else, sparing her from sinking into


    sorrow.


    Once the department head finished, Corrine faced him with poised assurance, her tone firm. "We require a


    spokesperson who embodies our brand, not merely a celebrity with fleeting poprity. Please have the departments reassess the candidates."


    - It was clear she did not consider Leah a fit for endorsing their hotel.


    "Of course, Miss Hond," the department head replied, slumping back into his chair, lookingpletely.


    deted.


    A momentter, a project manager stood up slowly, choosing his words with care. "Miss Hond, I have a proposal for acquiringnd in the city''s old southern district."


    That particr district...


    As she mulled over this, Corrine yed absently with a pen, focusing on the project manager''s detailed briefing.


    "Who are our mainpetitors for this?"


    "From what I''ve gathered, the most formidable contenders are Brighton Group and Ashton Group."


    With its rapid advancement, Ashton Group had gained the attention of many venerable firms, a development Corrine found unsurprising given its status as apetitive threat.


    Brighton Group, though deeply rooted in Lyhaton''s history, it remained mysterious, with its leader cloaked in


    secrecy.


    Unlike the Ford family''s obvious influence, Brighton Group operated more like a behind-the-scenes force, subtly shaping Lyhaton''s major changes.


    "When will the bidding event take ce?" Corrine asked, setting her pen aside and adopting a grave expression.


    "Next Tuesday," the manager replied promptly.


    "This project is crucial for us. We have to secure it."


    "Yes, Miss Hond!"


    As Corrine left the meeting room, the onlookers couldn''t help but specte about her apparent disdain for both Ashton Group and Leah, though the reasons behind it remained a mystery.


    Meanwhile, Bruce, who had just learned of Ford Group''s bid for the southern districtnd, tightened his grip on his lighter, as he turned to his assistant. "Did you say Ford Group is entering the bid?"


    seves narrowing


    "That''s correct," his assistant said. "I''ve just been informed. The new head of Ford Group is Carl Ford''s granddaughter, freshly back from her studies abroad."


    Bruce''s lips curled into a mocking smile. "The sheltered heiress thinks she''s ready for the real world, does she?"


    "How shall


    "How shall we proceed with our bid next Tuesday?" the assistant asked, treading lightly.


    Bruce slowly lowered his gaze and said firmly, "We must win!"


    Acquiring the southern districtnd would significantly strengthen Ashton Group''s future.


    He was determined to capitalize on this opportunity.


    At that moment, his phone buzzed.


    Leah was on the line, distressed. "Bruce, Ford Group has scrapped my


    endorsement deal!"