Chapter 226 Could There Be


    Some Mistake


    Bruce''s expression darkened like storm clouds gathering on the horizon as the call came to an abrupt end.


    In the front seat, his assistant instinctively drew in a sharp breath, willing himself


    be invisible against the leather upholstery.


    The atmosphere in the car grew heavier with each passing moment, a testament


    to how Bruce hadn''t shown a single trace of joy since Corrine''s departure from the Ashton


    family.


    Misfortune seemed to shadow the Ashton family relentlessly these days, denying them


    even a moment''s respite.


    Corrine''s refusal to meet Bruce spoke volumes about the depths of her lingering


    resentment.


    The assistant''s eyes darted cautiously to his employer''s reflection in the rearview mirror; he weighed his next words carefully before venturing, "Mr. Ashton, perhaps we could intercept Miss Hond along her route home?"


    "Do you know where she stays?" Bruce''s piercing gaze cut through the air like a perfectly honed de, causing his assistant to shudder involuntarily.


    "I... I don''t know..." the assistant stammered, acutely aware of his limitations.


    How could he possibly possess such resources and intelligence?


    Since leaving Ashton Group, Corrine had vanished without a trace, leaving no


    breadcrumbs to follow.


    Bruce released a bone-weary sigh, his fingers moving to massage his throbbing temples. "Let''s go to Ford Group."


    His mind raced with possibilities-Corrine must have connections there, exining her ability to move freely and share meals with Natasha.


    As their vehicle crawled through traffic, Bruce''s phone shattered the tense silence. The bank manager''s name shed across the screen.


    "Hello, Mr. Ashton."


    "Yes, Mr. Wilde?" Bruce inquired with carefully measured humility. "Has our loan application been approved?"


    The ensuing silence stretched like a rubber band about to snap, heavy with unspokenplications.


    Ard Wilde cleared his throat before responding with diplomatic caution, "Mr. Ashton, after the higher-ups'' review, I regret to inform you that your submitted materials were not approved. Perhaps exploring other banking options would be prudent?"


    "Not approved?" Bruce''s brows knitted together as his handsome features hardened


    into marble. "Could there be some mistake?"


    His mind reeled at this unprecedented rejection-every previous loan application had sailed through Ard''s bank without a hitch.


    "Mr. Ashton, I understand your frustration," Ard offered soothingly. "To be frank, my inquiries revealed this isn''t personal. Recent regtory changes have tightened lending policies. Yourpany''s scale and requested amount were gged as high-risk


    investments."


    Bruce''s expression only grew stormier, his frown carving deeper lines into his forehead.


    After what felt like an eternity, he responded with forcedposure, "I understand. Thank you for your efforts during this time."


    The moment the call ended, his jaw clenched as he fought to contain his mounting fury.


    Something felt terribly wrong.


    Their previously smooth sailing had hit an inexplicable roadblock. Could the Ford family be pulling strings behind the scenes?


    Yet if they truly sought revenge, surely their approach would have been more


    severe.


    Pushing aside these troubling thoughts, Bruce focused on his immediate priority: finding Corrine and attempting to quell her anger.


    As fate would have it, their arrival at Ford Group coincided with Corrine preparing


    leave in a vehicle.


    Without hesitation, Bruce lowered his window and called out, "Corrine!"


    His voice caused her to pause momentarily.


    Her eyes narrowed as she watched him hastily exit his car and stride toward her.


    From within the vehicle, Nate observed Bruce''s approach, his features darkening with barely concealed displeasure.


    "Wait for me," Corrine murmured, bending down to address Nate through the window.