Chapter 5 Plans

As Corrine departed, she carried nothing of her own, yet curiously, she ended up with that man's suit jacket draped over her shoulders.

Hobbling down the street, she shivered, oddly chilled despite the glaring sun that bathed the city in warmth. Fumbling with her phone, she dialed the number of her best friend, Karina Brooks, her voice trembling slightly. "Karina, do you think you can come and pick me up?"

Twenty minutes later, Karina roared up to the curb in a gleaming red sports car.

As she caught sight of Corrine's bandaged leg, she swiftly removed her sunglasses, eyes widening with stark concern. "Sweetheart, what in the world happened to you?"

"Karina, is it okay if I stay at your place for a bit?" Corrine murmured, her voice weak as she slumped against the comfort of the seat, telling her ordeal with Bruce as though she were detached from the narrative herself.

"That Ashton family is just a bunch of fools!" Karina exclaimed, her temper rising swiftly. "Do they really think Leah can measure up to you?"

Her indignation built like a storm, and before she knew it, the car was hurtling forward. Her tirade burst forth, fueled by disbelief and anger. "If it weren't for your brilliance, Bruce would still be floundering. What, is he a clueless fool, or just shamelessly grasping for more than he deserves? How many times has that family exploited you? The second Leah walks through the door, they throw you out! The Ashton family truly has no decency."

Corrine, ever stoic, responded calmly, "Karina, it seems a life filled with loving parents and a joyful marriage just isn't in the cards for me."

When Karina reflected on Corrine's tumultuous childhood, her expression softened, her forehead creasing with concern. "Sweetheart, don't let this break your spirit."

"Now that I realize such a life isn't destined for me, I've stopped hoping for it. There's no reason to feel sad anymore," Corrine replied, her voice a soft murmur. She offered a weak smile, and then slowly closed her eyes. "I'm weary. I need to rest for a while."

Karina sensed something amiss with Corrine. She felt her feverish skin and muttered a curse under her breath. Decisively, she turned the car around and raced toward the hospital.

As she drove, Karina seethed at the thought of the Ashton family's ingratitude.

When the Ashton family was struggling in Lyhaton's business world, who was it that devised their plans and strategies? Without Corrine, would Bruce have ever ascended to the ranks of Lyhaton's celebrated elite?

They cherished her when they needed her, yet discarded her the moment Leah reappeared.

Karina was eager to see how long they'd manage without Corrine's guidance.

As Corrine's fever gradually receded, she stirred awake in a hospital bed.

The first thing that struck her was the stark whiteness of the room, bathed in artificial light, and a pervasive scent of disinfectant that wrinkled her nose in discomfort.

Her mind, clouded at first, slowly regained clarity, prompting her to scan her surroundings. Her eyes finally settled on a silhouette perched on a chair by her bedside.

A jolt of recognition sent her hand clenching around the sheets, and with a voice rough from disuse, she murmured, "Uncle..."

"How are you feeling now?" Jayden Ford rose, his movement fluid as he laid a comforting hand on her forehead. Finding no trace of fever, he exhaled silently in relief. He reached for a glass of warm water, handed it to her gently, and asked, "Does anything else make you uncomfortable?"

Corrine shook her head, her movements brisk but weak.

"Karina has filled me in on everything," Jayden declared, his gaze lingering on Corrine's worn features. A mix of sorrow and rage flickered across his face.

He felt a profound sadness for the ordeal Corrine had endured and a simmering fury toward the Ashton family's misdeeds.

Taking a measured breath to quell the rising storm within him, he asked softly, "What do you plan to do next?"