Chapter 243 Would You Join Me Tonight


    To Corrine, the Ashton family had grown as remote as strangers. Perhaps the realization came when she severed her ties with Bruce, or maybe it was when she recognized that Bruce was not the savior she had been seeking all along. It might even have been the moment she acknowledged that her feelings for Bruce were not rooted in love but in dependency.


    And strangers do not typically be embroiled in theplex emotions of love and


    resentment.


    Thus, her actions against the Ashton family were simply a reflex, a reaction to their provocations and trespasses against her personal boundaries.


    Corrine paused to take a sip from her wine ss.


    Nate looked up at her and inquired, "Is the food not to your liking?"


    "No, it''s just that I''m not particrly hungry," Corrine responded, setting down her ss and delicately wiping her mouth.


    Nate''s eyes dimmed, concealing a chill, as he softly said, "Out of sight, out of mind."


    Hearing this, Corrine''s attention snapped to him, her eyes narrowing. "What are you plotting?"


    "Imitted to staying out of it, but I won''t let them continue unchecked." Nate''s eyes held a depth that was both intriguing and slightly intimidating, a quiet confidence emanating from him.


    He believed that the troubles Corrine faced were solely the doing of the Ashton family.


    In his view, eliminating the Ashton family from Corrine''s life would usher in calm and


    ease.


    Noticing something in his expression, Corrine couldn''t resist asking, "What actions


    you taken against the Ashton family?"


    have


    "Take a wild guess," Nate replied with a smirk, leisurely tasting a shrimp.


    His simple act of eating shrimp seemed infused with an enchanting elegance.


    Corrine diverted her gaze, shielding her inner conflict with her wine ss. "If you prefer not to say, that''s fine."


    "What concessions did you extract from the Ashton family?" Nate asked further.


    A subtle shift appeared in Corrine''s demeanor. "Five percent of Ashton Group''s market value, along with thend in the southernmercial district."


    She held no interest in the Ashton Group''s shares.


    After severing ties with the Ashton family, the shares of Ashton Group were as undesirable to her as burning coals-why would she even consider requesting them?


    But merely a token punishment would not suffice for her. Understanding Tracy''s self-centered and vain tendencies, she was aware that Rita was held in highest regard by


    Tracy.


    Real revenge isn''t about trading blows. It''s about hitting where it hurts the most.


    The two things Tracy valued most were the financial wellbeing of the Ashton family


    and her beloved Rita.


    Wrecking the Ashton family in a single stroke would be expensive, yet targeting Rita might prove a more feasible strategy.


    After all, Rita was at the heart of the conflict, making it fair to hold her responsible.


    Caught between safeguarding her family''s wealth and protecting her cherished daughter, Tracy faced a daunting decision.


    Meanwhile, the southern districtnd held no real value for Corrine; she pursued it solely to oppose Bruce.


    Aware that Ashton Group was eyeing expansion into the southern district, Corrine was resolute in blocking their ambitions.


    Provoked by the Ashton family, Corrine resolved to retaliate with double the severity.


    How else could she fulfill her role as a true avenger?


    Hearing her deration, a subtle smile flickered across Nate''s face as he toasted her. "It''s clear why fate has brought us together."


    Their natures were simrly ruthless and vengeful, both harboring a deep-seated desire


    for retribution.


    Corrine observed Nate''s gesture, her smile mirroring his as their sses clinked


    in a distant toast, and she sipped her wine.


    "Do you have ns the day after tomorrow?" Nate inquired.


    A slight look of curiosity crossed Corrine''s face. "What for?"


    "I was thinking of getting some air," Nate exined. "There''s a charity event


    happening, and it might interest you."


    "I was nning to attend as well," Corrine replied.


    "Excellent."


    Continuing their conversation, Nate slid next to Corrine.


    He gently stooped, his fingers delicately caressing her cheek before lingering on


    her lips. "Would you join me tonight?"


    His question was simple yetden with a deeper, personal invitation.