?Chapter 489:


    “Do you need me to apany you?”


    “No need,” Leah replied, slipping her arm through his with an easy grace.


    “It is adies’ gathering. Having a man around might be inconvenient.”


    Bruce hesitated for a beat before nodding.


    “Okay.”


    After settling into a nearby hotel, Corrine apanied Chelsea to visit Meg’s parents’ family—the Cooper family.


    Fate, it seemed, had a sense of timing.


    Just as they arrived, Meg and her group were preparing to leave for the orphanage.


    Corrine’s gaze swept over the assembled women, and she immediately spotted Leah among them.


    Leah exuded an air of sophistication in a Chanel tweed dress, the structured fabric hugging her frame with effortless elegance. A Hermès crocodile handbag dangled from her wrist, and her chestnut curls tumbled in glossy waves, held in ce by a diamond-studded hairclip that caught the light.


    The ensemble screamed prestige—but for a visit to an orphanage? It was a spectacle rather than practicality.


    Corrine’s lips curled slightly as her eyes flicked down to Leah’s feet—four-inch stilettos. A bold choice for a day spent among children.


    Leah, catching sight of Corrine, stiffened. Her smile faltered for the briefest moment before she schooled her features into neutrality, though the glint of hostility in her eyes was unmistakable.


    Meg, ever the warm hostess, greeted Corrine and Chelsea with enthusiasm.


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    “I thought you would not make it!”


    “How could we not?” Chelsea said with a bright smile.


    “I was not prepared at first, but Corrine took the initiative to buy school supplies for the children. I hope they will like them.”


    Meg’s eyes softened with genuine appreciation as she turned to Corrine.


    “Miss Hond, that was incredibly thoughtful of you.”


    “You are too kind, Mrs. Archer,” Corrine replied, maintaining politeposure.


    “I hope you would not mind showing me around the orphanage today.”


    Meg stepped forward, taking Corrine’s hand in a warm sp.


    “Mrs. Archer sounds far too formal. If you do not mind, just call me Meg.”


    Meg had long sought an opportunity to grow closer to Corrine, but Nate’s unwavering protectiveness the previous night had left her with no chance to do so.


    Corrine hesitated briefly. She had never been one for physical disys of familiarity, especially with those she did not know well. But she masked her reluctance with a polite smile.


    “Yes, Meg.”


    A pleased glint shone in Meg’s eyes as she studied Corrine. It was evident she was already picturing her as a potential match for her son.


    Leah, standing a few steps away, could barely contain her growing frustration.


    Since discovering how deeply Cn adored his wife, Leah had worked tirelessly to endear herself to Meg. She hoped Meg could help her secure an investment, believing the woman’s influence could sway Cn into investing in Ashton Group.


    Meg’s love for charity had been Leah’s perfect inroad. She had attended every charity function Meg showed interest in, all in an effort to gain her trust.


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