?Chapter 482:


    Her carefully chosen words suggested magnanimity, a willingness to absolve Corrine of responsibility.


    A trace of irony flickered across Corrine’s features as she recognized Leah’s masterful maniption of the situation.


    By appearing to show mercy, Leah sought to cultivate an image of sophistication while maintaining the upper hand.


    But Corrine refused to y the role assigned to her in Leah’s performance.


    She turned toward her adversary, her smile brilliant and sharp.


    “As you’ve emphasized, this ne holds tremendous significance for you. How could we possibly dismiss such a serious matter?”


    Leah’sposure wavered momentarily beneath that radiant smile. She lowered her gaze, attempting to conceal her unease.


    Surely Corrine couldn’t have uncovered their hastily conceived n?


    No—that was impossible. The n to nt the ne in the trash had been ast-minute decision between her and Jocelynn. Corrine had no way of knowing.


    “Have you lost your mind, Corrine?” Jocelynn interjected harshly.


    “Leah’s showing remarkable grace in the face of your theft. Why can’t you simply ept her generosity?”


    Corrine ignored the outburst, studying the subtle shifts in Leah’s expression as her own gaze grew increasingly cial.


    “There’s a simple solution to establish the truth. Let’s submit the ne for police fingerprint analysis. That should resolve any questions of guilt.”


    gαlnσν?ls has fresh updates for you


    Panic erupted across Jocelynn’s features.


    Her hands began to tremble violently, as though the ne had transformed into burning coal within her grasp.


    “Miss Hond, there’s no need for such measures.”


    Leah’s voice quavered slightly as she fought to regain control of the situation.


    “A simple apology would suffice—we’ll encounter each other frequently in Lyhaton, and I sincerely hope we might forge a friendship.”


    Her words painted a picture of attempted reconciliation, of extending an olive branch to a potential adversary.


    But Corrine saw through the careful orchestration of this scene.


    An apology? For a theft she hadn’tmitted?


    The suggestion would only serve to cement her guilt while burnishing Leah’s reputation for magnanimity.


    Did they truly believe her so easily manipted?


    Corrine’s gaze settled on Leah, her expression a mask of tranquil inquiry.


    “Miss Burgess, you demand an apology while refusing police involvement. One must wonder—is it panic that holds you back?”


    Corrine’s sharp, unwavering gaze bored into Leah, making the woman shift ufortably.


    Under that piercing scrutiny, Leah found herself unable to meet Corrine’s eyes.


    Frustration twisted in Leah’s gut. She clenched her teeth, her body stiff, her mind scrambling for a way out, but no words came.


    The tense silence was broken by Bruce’s voice.


    “Sorry to trouble you, officers.”


    .


    .


    .