Chapter 242 Treading A Simr Path


    Clive Hayes had quickly learned the significance of cultivating rtionships upon ascending to his current role.


    The Ashton family, being the rising stars of Lyhaton, naturally piqued his interest. Thus, when Bruce reached out, Clive was inclined to oblige him with a meeting.


    The nature of Bruce''s inquiry didn''te as a shock to Clive.


    As he ced his wine ss on the table, aplex look clouded Clive''s eyes while he studied Bruce. "Mr. Ashton, having risen to prominence among Lyhaton''s elite, did it ever ur to you that you might have inadvertently crossed someone formidable?"


    An evident tension gripped Bruce, his grip on his ss tightening.


    He averted his eyes, concealing his sudden anxiety.


    Clive''s statement bore an unsettling resemnce to a past ing


    Memories of the Burgess family''s trouble surfaced for Bruce, along with Kason''s cautionary words to Leah, saying, "I''m here to deliver a warning from those in charge. Don''t provoke those you shouldn''t."


    Now, reflecting on Clive''s statement sent shivers through him.


    Was it possible the Ashton family was treading a simr path to the Burgess family so .soon?


    Images of Corrine, her expression cold yet captivating, shed before him.


    Could the instigator be Corrine?


    Not a chance.


    Bruce shook the thought away.


    Corrine might have some influence, but there was no way she alone could bend the


    will of those in power.


    Yet, upon reflection, Bruce could not recall any recent conflicts involving the Ashton family, other than with Corrine.


    If not Corrine, then who could it be?


    "Mr. Hayes, the higher we climb, the more scrutiny we face. The Ashton family have always strived to foster positive connections. I''m at a loss as to whom we might have upset. Could you assist in identifying them? I would like to offer my personal apologies." As he spoke, Bruce rose and poured a drink for Clive, presenting it with both hands as a gesture of humility.


    The Ashton family hadbored to recover from previous setbacks to reach their present prominence.


    Bruce was determined to prevent any recurrence of past difficulties.


    Observing Bruce for a brief moment, Clive epted the drink. "Mr. Ashton, we have a history. Naturally, I''ll assist you in this matter.”


    Bruce''s expression softened slightly at those words, yet a sense of unease persisted.


    The food before him lost its appeal, tasting nd.


    At that moment, Corrine''s phone rang with a call from the Ashton family.


    "Miss Hond, these issues require formal processes. Are you avable tomorrow?"


    Mird said.


    As she swirled her wine, a rxed smile graced Corrine''s lips, highlighting her mesmerizing allure. Her gaze seemed to effortlessly ensnare the hearts of those around


    her.


    Nate''s attention was fixed on her, his look intensifying.


    Oblivious to his stare, Corrine responded with a light tone, "That was faster than expected."


    Mird, on the other end, experienced a surge of worry and hastened to rify, saying, “Miss Hond, the amount involved isn''t trivial. These things take time.”


    Corrine interjected, uninterested in the details, "Tomorrow. At three in the afternoon."


    She set the phone down and reached for her wine ss again, only to find the gourmet meal in front of her unappealing.


    Something felt off.


    The satisfaction she expected from her sessful maniption of the Ashton family was absent. Despite achieving her excessive demands, her spirit remained oddly.


    undisturbed.