?Chapter 648:


    “So pathetic.”


    “She really thought being a member of a coteral line of the Seymour family gave her a free pass? What a joke.”


    “She made such a scene over a ruined dress—acted like it was the crime of the century. And I actually believed her.”


    “Well, she got what wasing to her. No sympathy here.”


    Each word shed through Judie like a de, stripping away thest remnants of her dignity. Her fingers curled into fists, her nails biting into her palms as she red at Corrine, eyes burning with unfiltered hatred.


    This was all because of that woman! If not for her, none of this would have happened.


    Judie had not only lost Quentin’s support, but she had also be the event’s biggest joke.


    The humiliation was unbearable. Jaw clenched, she swallowed her pride and forced herself to her feet, determined to leave with whatever shred of dignity she had left.


    But before she could take a step, Saul moved with practiced ease, blocking her path.


    A chill ran down her spine as Corrine’s voice rang out from behind her, cool andposed.


    “Did I say you could leave?”


    Judie froze mid-step. Her fists tightened, her knuckles whitening.


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    “Corrine, I have apologized. What more do you want?”


    Corrine exhaled softly, her tone calm yetced with quiet menace.


    “If an apology were enough, we wouldn’t needws.”


    The words, deceptively gentle, carried an icy undercurrent that sent a ripple of unease through the air.


    At first, Corrine hadn’t intended to escte the situation. Out of respect for the ties between the Ford and Seymour families, she had been willing to let it slide.


    But after everything Judie had done—after the way she had carried herself—letting her walk away unscathed would only invite future challenges.


    Corrine wasn’t worried about her personal reputation, but she represented the Ford family. She represented Nate. If she let people trample over her now, it would set a dangerous precedent.


    Judie remained rooted in ce, her face pale, her breath uneven. The taste of humiliation was bitter on her tongue, but what choice did she have?


    Just then, a voice cut through the murmurs.


    “Miss Hond, let me give you some advice.” Zaylee stepped forward, her expression unreadable.


    “Do not push too hard. You act all high and mighty now, but you’re only where you are because of the Ford family. And power? Power shifts. The Ford family may be on top today, but who knows about tomorrow?”


    A murmur rippled through the crowd. The four ruling families of Lyhaton maintained a fa?ade of harmony, but beneath the surface, alliances were fragile, tensions brewing.


    And now, with whispers of a restructuring among the families, many were waiting, watching, eager for the tides to turn.


    People always hungered for the fall of the mighty.


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