Chapter 97 Someone Familiar To Me


    Jolene''s expression warmed into a smile at Karina''sment. "It seems like everyone has changed with time, yet you''ve remained as you were."


    Karina quirked an eyebrow, her eyes yfully scanning Jolene. "So, have I really been stationary all this time?" she teased, noting Jolene''s voluptuous figure. "You''ve undergone quite the transformation."


    With a flirtatious smirk, Jolene leaned in, a cigarette dangling from her fingers. "Care for a feel?"


    "Jolene, can''t you show a little restraint?" Karina said softly, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment.


    Observing their yful exchange, Corrine seized a pause to ask, "Jolene, do you n on leaving after your visit?"


    "I''m unsure," Jolene said, snuffing out her cigarette in the ashtray. "I''m just taking things as theye."


    During their conversation, Natasha walked in, acknowledging Karina and Jolene with a nod before addressing Corrine. "The issue trending earlier has been resolved."


    Acknowledging Natasha, Corrine then turned to Jolene. "Ready to go take some promotional shots in the studio?"


    "Absolutely," Jolene responded, rising to follow Natasha out.


    Later, Karina found a moment to excuse herself upon Waldo''s arrival.


    Corrine greeted him, offering a ss of water. "What brings you here?"


    Waldo sat down on the couch and exined, “Jayden was busy, so he asked me


    to check on you. I was nearby and decided to drop in."


    His gaze lingered on Corrine. "Are you feeling alright now?"


    "Much better, thank you," she answered, finding a seat herself.


    Waldo took a sip from his ss, his eyes lingering on the cigarette butts in the ashtray. A flicker of something dark crossed his gaze as he tightened his grip on the ss and asked casually, "When did Karina start smoking?"


    "Actually, it wasn''t Karina; it was a different friend," Corrine exined.


    Waldo yed with the edge of his ss, a subtle smile emerging. "Someone familiar to me?"


    "You might recall Jolene Sampson."


    He wasn''t surprised to hear the name. A subtle smile lit up Waldo''s eyes as he murmured, "Oh, Jolene, of course."


    Unaware of Waldo''s intrigued look, Corrine added, "I could use some help securing an apartment near work."


    "Securing a ce isn''t too tough. There''s a vacant one I own close by. I''ll arrange for the keys to be sent to you."


    Their conversation wrapped up quickly, and Waldo excused himself to leave.


    The long-awaited celebration of Farris'' 80th birthday finally came after a hectic week.


    Corrine made a detour to Timeless Treasures-a renowned antique shop in Lyhaton-


    on her way to Farris'' home.


    Upon her arrival at the store, a clerk promptly greeted her. With an air of familiarity, she browsed through the aisles, picked out a pen holder, and had it wrapped for the


    asion.


    Leaving the store, Corrine made her way directly to Farris'' home.


    Farris'' 80th birthday was a grand affair, especially with the Ashton family now being the new elite of the city, attracting many eager to curry favor.


    To avoid any potentialplications, Corrine opted to enter through a side door, quietly making her way into Farris'' quarters.


    There, the Ashton family was leisurely enjoying their coffee and conversing.


    Their conversation halted abruptly, faces marked by surprise, as they noticed Corrine


    stepping into the room.