Chapter 246 Costing Them Both Reputation And...


    Corrine''s message read, "I''ve got ns with friends tonight. Let''s reschedule."


    Nate''s jaw tightened as the message illuminated his phone screen.


    The conference room''s warmth evaporated in an instant, leaving behind a cial stillness.


    The executive''s voice wavered through his presentation, his confidence crumbling as he sensed Nate''s cold aura. Perspiration dotted his forehead as he stumbled through his words, his limbs betraying his mounting anxiety.


    Relief washed over him as he concluded, only to falter when he noticed Nate remaining silent at the table''s apex.


    Desperation drove the executive''s gaze toward Matias, silently imploring for intervention.


    Matias exhaled softly, acknowledging his crucial role in that moment.


    "Mr. Hopkins?" he called out with caution.


    Nate tucked away his phone, his attention shifting deliberately.


    A sh of arctic coldness in his gaze sent an involuntary tremor through Matias'' frame.


    Mastering his apprehension, Matias maintained hisposure. "Mr. Hopkins, the .marketing department''s report has reached its conclusion."


    "Alright." Nate nodded. He then dered, "This meeting is adjourned."


    A collective exhale rippled through the room.


    Back in his office, Nate reached out to Corrine. "What time shall you finish tonight? I can arrange transportation."


    "That''s thoughtful of you, but I''ll pass," Corrine responded, knowing Karina''s penchant


    for extended celebrations.


    Their revelry would undoubtedly stretch into thete hours.


    "Other matters require my attention. I must go."


    Ending the call, Corrine surveyed the café scene before her.


    The Ashton family''s vehicle stood sentinel in the parking lot, their early arrival evident.


    A knowing smile graced her features.


    So, they''de early. Clearly, they''d been waiting for a while.


    "Hello, Miss Hond." Mird rose, projecting warmth. "The card''s ess code is six


    zeros."


    Corrine settled into her seat, her gaze evaluating both Mird and Tracy. "The transfer


    documentation?"


    "Right here!" Tracy produced the papers with nervous energy. "Your signature will finalize everything."


    Corrine examined the documents meticulously before applying her signature. Mird and Tracy exchanged nces of unmistakable relief.


    "Miss Hond, having fulfilled your terms, might we proceed with thewsuit''s withdrawal?" Mird ventured cautiously.


    Corrine lifted her gaze, her refined features maintaining professional distance. "Indeed."


    Tracy barely contained her tion, clutching Mird''s hand while harboring growing antipathy toward Corrine.


    Their initial n to humble her had backfired spectacrly, costing them both reputation and resources.


    Yet circumstances forced them to swallow their pride.


    Bruce, observing from his vehicle, had intended to join Mird, but Clive''s call had interrupted his ns.


    "Mr. Hayes, what news regarding my inquiry?"


    "Mr. Ashton, investigations reveal the surname Seymour attached to your


    Bruce''s expression darkened. "Seymour?"


    The unexpected connection to that family name stirred unease in his thoughts,


    Composing himself, Bruce responded, "Mr. Hayes, I assure you, I''ve maintained distance from the Seymour family."


    Despite his unceremonious removal from Fatima Seymour''s wedding celebration, Bruce had chosen discretion over confrontation. The possibility of having somehow provoked


    their ire puzzled him.


    "Mr. Hayes, might there be an error in these findings?" Bruce questioned, uncertainty threading through his words.