?Chapter 828:


    Then, under the gleaming stage lights, Corrine’s red lips curved into a radiant smile. “I would like to extend a special thank you to Mr. Ashton of Ashton Group and Ms. Burgess of Burgess Group. Without your generous contributions, this auction would not have shattered past records. Your boundless generosity has propelled this event to its most sessful year yet. Everyone, let us give a round of apuse to Mr. Ashton and Ms. Burgess.”


    Her apuse rang out first, crisp and deliberate.


    The crowd followed, and soon the entire venue resounded with a thunderous ovation.


    Yet, for Bruce and Leah, the apuse did not feel like appreciation. It felt like a thousand invisible hands pping them across the face. No. This was not just a momentary misstep. From the very beginning, they had been ensnared in Corrine’s web.


    Every bid they had ced, every extravagant sum they had spent—had only served to further her cause.


    An unbearable wave of humiliation crashed over Leah, seizing her body in a trembling grip.


    Her mrs ground together, her jaw aching from the pressure. Her eyes burned red with unshed tears, and her fists clenched so tightly that her nails split against her palms. She did not even register the pain.


    Despite the wless makeup adorning her face, not even the most skilled artistry could mask the fury twisting her features.


    Just then, as if fate conspired against her, the camera zoomed in, capturing every trace of her rage.


    The audience collectively stiffened. Leah’s contorted expression—her bloodshot eyes gleaming with unbridled fury—was like that of a caged beast ready to pounce.


    A wave of unease swept through those who witnessed it. Amidst the tension, Corrine’s lips curled into an even brighter smile. Her delicate brows arched with a silent challenge, her entire presence radiating effortless provocation. “Mr. Ashton and Ms. Burgess, please smile for the camera. We want to capture this moment.”


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    Bruce’s and Leah’s gazes snapped toward Corrine. Their loathing was unmistakable. If looks could kill, she would have perished where she stood.


    The very thought of posing for the camera was unbearable.


    Their blood boiled, their insides twisted with fury. Yet, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, they had no choice. Forcing strained smiles, they fought to contain the roiling storm within, the effort stretching them to the brink of breaking.


    Unlike them, Corrine remainedposed, an image of unshaken elegance.


    Her smile, subtle yet precise, carried a chilling undercurrent. It was not loud, not exaggerated, yet it held an authority that sent a shiver through those who witnessed it.


    She exuded a natural grace, a regal air that made her appear untouchable. Poised, serene—even peaceful on the surface—but beneath ity a sharpness that cut deeper than any visible de. Nate watched her intently. The cold edge in his eyes softened ever so slightly, giving way to an almost imperceptible gentleness.


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