?Chapter 455:


    Corrine’s eyes narrowed ever so slightly as an enigmatic smile danced at the corners of her lips, her presencemanding attention.


    “As adults, we must take responsibility for our words and actions.” The sharp thud of ss against wood punctuated Karina’s warning.


    “Everyone loves a show, but mind your words—they have a way of returning to haunt you.”


    The bustling hall fell into an immediate hush, an uneasy stillness descending over the gathered crowd. All eyes instinctively shifted to Nate, suddenly remembering the formidable ally who stood in Corrine’s corner.


    Leah, poised on stage, felt control slipping through her fingers. She masked her frustration with a delicate smile, her voice cutting through the silence at precisely the right moment.


    “Miss Brooks, surely that’s excessive? Such gatherings are precious, and we merely wished to celebrate Mr. and Mrs. Archer’s special day.”


    Her warmth seemed genuine as she addressed Corrine.


    “Miss Hond, since everyone is curious about your talent, perhaps you might grace us with a performance? It would delight the crowd and serve as a blessing for the happy couple.”


    Though perfectly crafted, her words had woven an intricate trap around Corrine. Declining would suggest disrespect toward Cn and Meg, while epting would y directly into Leah’s scheme.


    The deeper strategyy in escting tensions between Corrine and Rita, whose earlier performance had earned calcted apuse that fed her vanity. Any disy now would read as a direct challenge, and Rita’spetitive nature would undoubtedly seek retribution.


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    Corrine found herself reluctantly impressed by Leah’s masterful maniption.


    As Corrine maintained herposed silence, Leah’s difort grew visible, as though performing a one-woman show to an empty house. She drew a steadying breath, her smile never wavering.


    “Miss Hond, does your silence indicate unwillingness?”


    Her smile carried the menace of a serpent’s warning, her gaze clinging like honey turned to poison.


    Corrine’s position beside Nate had already sparked jealousy among the wealthy youngdies, who now circled like vultures awaiting her downfall.


    “Look how she cowers, speechless!” one voice called out.


    “It’s not the performance she fears—it’s losing her meal ticket,” another added with venom.


    “Beauty fades like morning mist,” someone sneered.


    “Men eventually see through pretty facades. Why keep a woman with nothing but looks?” The words dripped with contempt.


    Rita’s face brightened with malicious delight at these barbs. She turned toward Corrine’s corner, triumph gleaming in her eyes.


    “Corrine, you’re usually so quick-witted. Surely ying piano would be child’s y for someone of your… talents?”


    Leah seized the moment, her voice deceptively light.


    “Miss Hond, do you harbor ill feelings toward the Archers? Or has your powerful new connection made you feel above such courtesies?”


    Though softly spoken, her usation left Corrine no choice but toply, or appear guilty.


    Corrine raised her eyes to meet Leah’s, her subtle smile never faltering.


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