Chapter 140 Identity Exposed


    "When I chose you, I could elevate your status and allow you to stand beside me. But once I withdrew my interest, you became insignificant. I refuse to diminish myself for your sake. You''ve grossly overestimated your importance." Corrine delivered her words with cial precision.


    "My previous interest stemmed from youthful naivety. Now that I''ve discovered someone more worthy, you no longer warrant my attention. Don''t tter yourself by thinking otherwise."


    Without sparing Bruce another nce, Corrine strode purposefully toward the Ford Group building''s entrance.


    By all conventional wisdom, Bruce knew their breakup should have marked the end of


    his involvement in her life.


    He understood the unwritten rule that former couples should maintain their distance, avoiding unnecessary contact.


    These principles were clear in his mind, yet the sight of Corrine''s intimate moment with another man had unleashed an emotional tsunami within him-a nauseating blend of disgust and heartache.


    He wondered if their three-year rtionship had left anysting impression on Corrine.


    Had she experienced even a moment of grief or pain?


    "Corrine, the ink has barely dried on our separation, and you''re already entangled with another man. Can you honestly deny that this rtionship predates our breakup?"


    The insinuation hung heavy in the air-that Corrine and Nate''s connection had existed long before.


    At these words, Corrine halted, her eyes narrowing to dangerous slits.


    "Bruce, I strongly advise you not to test the limits of my patience." Her voice carried the sharp edge of winter frost, her steady gaze prating enough to make him physically


    recoil.


    Exposed


    Under her withering stare, Bruce''s heart constricted, his breath catching in his throat.


    Only after Corrine''s departure did he feel blood flowing through his veins again. “Mr. Ashton, shall we proceed inside?" his assistant inquired cautiously, ncing between Corrine''s retreating figure and Bruce''s stone-faced expression.


    Bruce''s brow furrowed as he recalled their original purpose.


    "Is everything prepared?"


    "All documents are here," the assistant confirmed, patting his document bag reassuringly.


    Bruce adjusted his tie with a slight nod and approached the Ford Group building.


    However, their progress was immediately halted by security. "Stop there! State your business."


    "Ashton Group representatives, here to see Miss Hond," the assistant announced with barely concealed superiority.


    The guard, remembering his recent instructions, maintained his stern demeanor. "ess denied."


    "On what grounds?" demanded the assistant, indignation coloring his tone.


    "New directive: no Ashton Group personnel permitted entry," the guard stated tly.


    "You''ll need to leave."


    Bruce''s expression darkened considerably. "Is this your CEO''s directive?"


    "That information is ssified," the guard responded mechanically.


    Faced with this imprable barrier, they had no choice but to retreat.


    As they walked away, the assistant wrestled briefly with his thoughts before voicing


    them. "Mr. Ashton, Corrine entered without hindrance, suggesting a connection to Ford


    Group. The new CEO shares the surname Hond... Could Corrine possibly be..."


    He left the thought unfinished, struck by the weight of these coincidences.