Chapter 113 Let This Be


    The Last Time


    Gloria clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, leaving faint crescents in her skin. Yet, she felt no pain, only the sting of humiliation. Lowering her gaze to the floor, she forced her pride down and bent slightly. "Miss Hond, I''m sorry. I was wrong!"


    The sound of the coffee cup being set down on the table echoed in the tense silence, the deliberate thud making the Ashton family collectively flinch.


    Corrine''s gaze rose slowly, her eyes locking onto Gloria. Her voice was calm but firm. "Let this be thest time."


    Without waiting for a response, she stood to leave. But as her eyes swept the room, she realized Nate was no longer there. His presence had disappeared as quietly as a wisp of smoke, leaving her to wonder if the earlier moments had been nothing but a fleeting dream.


    "Wait a moment." Farris'' gravelly voice stopped her in her tracks.


    She turned back, her expressionposed but curious.


    Farris retrieved a document from a nearby drawer-the share transfer agreement he had prepared in advance. Holding it out to her, he said solemnly, "You came today with kind intentions to celebrate my birthday, only for it to descend into chaos. Take this aspensation from me."


    The sight of the contract sent a ripple of panic through the crowd.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" one rtive blurted out. "How can you just hand overpany shares to an outsider?"


    Farris'' sharp re silenced them instantly, his voice like steel. "Shut up, all of you!"


    Their unwillingness was written inly on their faces, but they dared not speak another word.


    Corrine nced at the document, her lips pressing into a thin line. "I can''t ept this,"


    she said with quiet resolve.


    She had no intention of taking anything from the Ashton family-neither theirpensation nor their lingering ties.


    Farris'' expression softened, his tone almost pleading. "If you don''t ept it, I won''t be able to forgive myself."


    His voice carried the weight of guilt. "The Ashton family has owed you a lot, and now this chaos... If you turn it down, how can I ever face you again?"


    Corrine''s lips curved into a faint smile, though it didn''t quite reach her eyes. "Farris, I''ve never sought anything from the Ashton family-not before, and certainly not now."


    Seeing her unyielding expression, Farris realized any further attempts at persuasion would be pointless.


    He hesitated briefly, his tone softening as he spoke again. "Actually, I''d like for you


    to attend the anniversary celebration next month."


    The words made Corrine pause for only a moment before understanding his intent. The reason behind the proposed five percent share transfer became crystal clear.


    A faint, mocking smile tugged at the corners of her lips.


    Indeed, nothing in this world came without a price.


    "The Ashton Group has nothing to do with me," she replied coolly, turning on her heel and walking away without waiting for a response.


    As she left, her gaze lingered briefly on the gem Leah had gifted Farris earlier, a meaningful smile ying on her lips.


    Donnelly noticed her subtle nce, and his brows furrowed slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Why is this here?" he muttered under his breath.


    The room''s attention shifted to the gem as if drawn by an invisible thread, curiosity flickering in their eyes. Was there more to this gift than met the eye?


    Leah, meanwhile, mistook the sudden interest for admiration. Pride flickered in her chest, though she maintained an outwardlyposed demeanor. "This is a rare gem once cherished by royalty, something I acquired with great care. Is there an issue with


    it?"


    Donnelly''s smile grew subtly as he absently fiddled with the bracelet between his


    fingers. His casual demeanor belied the sharpness in his tone. "Items like these... they''re meant to be enjoyed."


    The gem had reached such a convincing level of craftsmanship that it could fool even veteran antique connoisseurs.


    If not for catching Corrine''s fleeting nce, he might not have paid it any mind.


    Diego, sensing the undercurrent of tension, deliberated for a moment before speaking cautiously. "Mr. Gilbert, are you implying this gem might not be genuine?"


    Donnelly sped the bracelet back on his wrist and lightly patted Diego''s shoulder. "Let''s discuss it another time."


    The subtle weight in his voice was enough to make Diego stop pressing for


    answers.


    Leah, however, standing off to the side, felt her confidence waver. Something was


    amiss. Without hesitation, she hurried after him, her tone urgent and defensive. "Mr. Gilbert, this gem came from Timeless Treasures!"