?Chapter 311:


    As he pondered this, Jules silentlymented their fate for a brief moment. Corrine’s transformation, however, caught him off guard. There was a time when Corrine would have risked everything for Bruce. Had she finally seen the light?


    Jules nced at Corrine, his eyes flickering with thought.


    “Have you found out if Bruce was the one who rescued you five years ago?” he asked.


    Corrine’s determination to help the Ashton family was rooted in the incident five years ago. She had always been silent about that night, and Jules had never pushed her for more information.


    His own memories of that evening hinted that Corrine had faced something life-changing. She was skilled at maintaining a stoic facade, concealing any struggles she faced. The more vehemently she imed all was well, the more Jules suspected that something significant had unfolded.


    Looking up at Jules, Corrine responded, “I made a mistake from the beginning.” When she had inquired whether Bruce had visited Forestvale, his initial confusion turned to contempt, treating the ce as if it were worthless. Most people scorned Forestvale for its notoriety, but Bruce was supposed to be different.


    “No wonder you didn’t show mercy for the Ashton family,” Jules said with a light chuckle.


    “Any updates on new leads?” Corrine asked.


    Fidgeting with his coffee mug, Jules replied, “It’s been half a decade. The few leads we had have faded, and the other party made sure to erase their tracks at the time.”


    As his voice faded, the room was enveloped in a somber mood.


    Shortly after, Corrine’s phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, she felt a headache brewing. While Carl might be kept in the dark temporarily, evading her well-informed uncle Jayden was another matter entirely.


    Observing the distressed look on Corrine’s face, Jules immediately understood who might be calling. To avoid being reprimanded, he swiftly finished his coffee, donned his coat, and rose from his seat.


    “I need to see to something. I’m off now.” Corrine found herself at a loss for words. Her fallback had just exited the scene.


    After a brief pause, she reluctantly took the call, greeting in a subdued tone, “Hello, Uncle Jayden.”


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    Jayden’s voice, stern and imposing, came through the line.


    “You didn’t think to inform me of such a significant event?”


    Underneath his stern tone was an evident concern for Corrine.


    “It’s under control.” She assured him, leaning back in her chair and turning away from the office door. She yfully spun herself around, her demeanor light and youthful.


    “I’m quite capable of managing on my own.” Her reassurance slightly softened Jayden’s stern demeanor.


    He was already aware of the Ashton family’s recent actions of selling some of their properties. Corrine’s confident deration of independence was not merelyforting words; it was a fact.


    “Your aunt’s birthday is this weekend. Be sure your schedule is clear,” Jayden instructed firmly.


    “Will do,” Corrine answered.


    Once the call ended, Jayden lit a cigarette, his fingers delicately holding it. His sleeves rolled up, the silver watch on his wrist catching the light. He drew in a deep breath of smoke and exhaled slowly.


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