NovelUpdateChapter 370: The realization of Corrine's calculated malice struck Leah like a physical blow. This explained the subtle rivalry Corrine had cultivated—she had been waiting for the perfect moment to tarnish the Burgess name.
A difficult choice lay before Leah: withdrawing would validate the rumors, but continuing the bid presented its own challenges. Her personal finances amounted to just over twenty million, portions of which were already designated for the upcoming charity event.
While she had hoped to make a statement at the charity event, Corrine's interference had derailed those plans entirely.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtThe bidding had already surpassed the suit's actual worth, making further increases financially reckless.
Leah observed Corrine carefully, searching for cracks in her adversary's impassive facade. Was this composed exterior genuine, or merely a masterful performance? Leah's mind raced, her teeth pressing into her bottom lip. Was there any way out of this without losing face? If she backed down, she and Rita would be forced to kneel before Corrine and apologize. Worse still, they'd have to perform a pole dance in the middle of Modern Square. The very thought made Leah's stomach twist with humiliation.
Her jaw tightened. Then, with steely resolve, she declared, “Ten million.” In Leah's eyes, Corrine was nothing more than a woman propped up by a wealthy benefactor. And just how deep could a man's pockets really be when he was spending on someone like her? Corrine's eyebrow arched ever so slightly, her sharp gaze flickering to Leah. There was something almost amused in her eyes, though it was laced with an undeniable mockery.
Rita interjected with false generosity, "Corrine, let's be frank. This suit belongs to Leah-you can't compete. We'll overlook your presumption out of respect for old times. Just kneel, apologize, and perhaps bark like a dog. We'll consider the matter settled." Her tone was light, almost magnanimous, as if they were offering an olive branch. But Corrine knew the truth— this was nothing more than a power play dressed in silk.
Seizing upon Corrine's silence, Leah pressed her advantage.
"Miss Holland, you're surviving in Lyhaton solely through male patronage. I almost pity your situation. Why sacrifice everything over a single suit when I'm offering you an easy way out?" Her barbed words hung in the air, their calculated cruelty impossible to dismiss.
Leah's proposal seemed to offer Corrine a way out, but it was actually a ploy to force her into conceding. Her words hinted that Corrine's success cfrom pleasing men, earning scorn and contempt from those watching.
Before Corrine could counter, Julia, who had quietly observed the situation, scoffed.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Relying on a rich man so you can live in peace? You think the rags-to-riches story will play out for you? Do you really believe you're suited for being a rich man's wife? You're just fooling yourself!" Laughter erupted from the crowd at Julia's harsh words.
Corrine met her with a cold stare, her gaze sharp and unyielding.
"Your habit of catering to the wealthy while ignoring those in need will cost you your our managerial role by the end of today. Her icy, sharp gaze was chilling.
Julia's expression faltered. Everyone in their industry knew that catering to the rich while looking down on others was unacceptable. Her confidence started to fade.
Still, she reminded herself, Corrine was just a mistress. What real threat could she be? Her tone turned sharp as she retorted, "Mex playing favorites? You're the one chasing reckless deals! You've gambled against Miss Ashton with barely any money and now fear your imminent. loss!" Her laughter rang out, tinged with defiance.
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