Chapter 197 A Special


    Tribute


    Bruce caught a hint of sadness in Corrine''s eyes, feeling his heart twist painfully. He whispered gently, "Corrine, please listen. It''s not as you believe..."


    "Bruce, I hoped we could at least end as friends, with some respect left between us. You were my rock, my everything, yet you continually let me down..."


    With each word, Corrine''s voice wavered, charged with emotion yet steady, on the verge of tears. "I never felt good enough for you, so I always strove to match your pace. I could overlook the disdain from the Ashton family. It was never about your family''s


    wealth or status for me; all I wanted was to be by your side."


    Then, she looked up, forcing a smile while fighting back tears. "Alright, let''s pretend this was all just my imagination. From here on, we have nothing."


    Her words,den with grief and me, resonated deeply with the onlookers.


    As she lowered her head, it was clear to everyone she was on the brink of tears, deepening their sympathy for her.


    Unknown to them, Corrine was far from crying, she was stifling augh.


    The Ashton family members were not the only ones good at performing. She was adept


    at it, too.


    With the stage thus set, she decided to embrace the role fully with the Ashton family watching.


    The crowd murmured with spection and noise.


    All


    eyes were drawn to Bruce.


    His face was stoic, eyes deep and cold as he watched Corrine''s performance unfold on


    stage.


    Bruce could see the slight, mocking grin ying on Corrine''s lips.


    He understood then that she was not truly wounded.


    It was all a show, a maniption to twist public perception and garner sympathy.


    Bruce''s hands balled into fists, his body seething with the indignation of being manipted.


    Tracy, oblivious to the underlying drama, felt a wave of relief.


    She had feared Corrine mightplicate matters, yet it all seemed to unravel smoothly.


    Composing herself, Tracy cleared her throat and approached Corrine, her tone earnest. "Corrine, you have given much to the Ashton family over the years. Though you won''t


    marry Bruce, we recognize your contributions. We are ready to offer you ten percent of thepany shares if you ept."


    A subtle, cold smile crept across Corrine''s lips as she listened.


    To ept would bind her to the Ashton family''s declining fortunes, allowing them to im generosity and gratitude.


    To decline wouldbel her as ungrateful, yet it would let the Ashton family keep their wealth and their good name-an ideal oue for them on both reputation and wealth.


    Corrine silently acknowledged the cleverness of their n, which was unfolding wlessly.


    "Your offer is generous, but please, keep the shares within the Ashton family," Corrine said, smoothly pulling her hand away. She gave Tracy a disarming smile. "I wish nothing but prosperity and sess for Ashton Group!"


    Tracy, observing Corrine''s glowing demeanor, sensed a hidden threat behind her smile.


    "What exactly are you up to?" Tracy inquired, her face tightening as she focused on Corrine.


    Bowing her head slightly, Corrine checked her watch with a poised smile. "Why, I''m preparing a special tribute for Ashton Group''s 30th anniversary, of course."