Chapter 42 Wait And See


    Jayden couldn''t recall thest time Carl exuded such amanding aura. He hesitated for a brief moment, and then offered a faint smile. "I understand."


    Carl''s grip tightened around his cane as he spoke with unwavering authority. "I don''t care what means you employ-just make sure Corrine gets even with the Ashton family for every wrong they''ve done to her."


    "That won''t be a challenge, Jayden replied without hesitation.


    Carl''s eyes narrowed, and he nodded, a glimmer of satisfaction in his expression. "Is there anything else on


    your mind?"


    Recognizing the unspoken signal to wrap up. Jayden pressed his lips together. Instead of leaving, he recounted everything he had witnessed earlier that day.


    Carl listened intently, but when Jayden finished, a shadow flickered across his face, his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly. "You''re telling me they''ve already met?"


    Jayden''s gaze was steady, his dark eyes fixed firmly on Carl. I''m afraid it''s more than that,” he said, his tone measured. "I spoke to the doctor at the hospital. He told me that Corrine didn''t return to her wardst night."


    Those words seemed to hang in the air like a storm cloud, casting an eerie stillness over the study.


    The meaning behind a night spent away from the hospital was far from trivial.


    Carl said nothing, his thumb absently brushing over the gemstone set on the top of his cane.


    The silence stretched thin until, atst, he exhaled deeply. "We''ll wait and see how things develop."


    Jayden''s jaw tightened. "Actually, we could-"


    "What?" Carl interrupted sharply, his voiceced with frustration. "That''s a fire the Ford family can''t afford to


    y with. We can''t risk openly opposing that man.”


    Jayden clenched his teeth, his hand balling into a tight fist at his side. "No matter what, I won''t let him take Corrine away so easily!"


    Without waiting for a response, Jayden spun on his heel and stormed out, the door closing with a resolute thud.


    The heavy silence returned, wrapping itself around the room like a shroud.


    After what felt like an eternity, Carl sighed deeply once more. His gaze drifted to the framed photograph on the


    desk.


    In the photo, a young Kiley Ford stood in the prime of her youth, dressed in a flowing white gown. Her long, silky hair spilled effortlessly over her shoulders, framing a face that radiated charm and vitality. There was an unmistakable elegance about her, enhanced by the quiet confidence of someone born into privilege.


    Carl traced a finger gently over the ss. “Kiley, if you''re watching over us, protect Corrine. Keep her far away


    from these raging tempests."


    Jayden left the study, his expression carved from ice, his entire demeanor radiating an unapproachable air.


    "Uncle Jayden," Corrine called softly, turning toward him as his footsteps echoed in the hall.


    The icy edge in his gaze flickered, softening slightly. "I''ll have Zane pick you up tomorrow morning," he said,


    his tone firm and brooking no argument.


    Zane Cooper was one of Jayden''s most trusted men, someone responsible for his personal safety-a clear


    statement of how seriously he took the situation.


    Corrine blinked, startled by the gesture. "Uncle Jayden, there''s no need. It''s better to keep Zane with you. I can


    always arrange for a driver from the house."


    Compared to her rtively peaceful environment, Jayden''s world was riddled with danger. Ever since his rise to power, factional infighting had been constant. She couldn''t allow Zane to be diverted to her side at such a


    crucial time.


    Jayden, wary of arousing her suspicions, relented. "Very well. But if anything happens, call me immediately."


    "Okay," she agreed, her tone gentle.


    After seeing Jayden and Waldo off, Corrine returned to her room, where Lnd approached her with a stack of papers. "Miss, these are thepany''s documents from the past few years. Please take a look."


    "Thank you, Lnd," she said, epting the papers. Suddenly, something crossed her mind. "Oh, and inform the board of directors that there will be a meeting at nine tomorrow morning."


    Lnd gave a small nod. "Understood. I''ll take care of it right away."


    Once the door was closed, Corrine floppedzily onto her bed. She checked her phone and noticed a message. on WhatsApp from Nate. Her gaze flickered with an unspoken emotion as she stared at it.