?Chapter 836:


    The soft strains of elegant music resumed, attempting to restore the mood. Corrine and Nate turned, preparing to step off the dance floor.


    “Don’t touch me!” A sharp, furious voice rang out behind them.


    Danna stood seething, her re burning into the staff members surrounding her. “This is a haute couture gown from Redamancg, designed by the elusive Corry. It is one of a kind in the world, and now it is ruined! Who is going topensate me?”


    The staff hesitated, looking troubled, as her tirade continued.


    At that moment, a woman in uniform stepped forward, her toneposed yet firm. “Miss Becker, we apologize for the inconvenience caused by our mistake. However, judging by the way the fabric has torn, I do not believe this was an ident—it appears to have been intentional.”


    Danna’s eyes narrowed, fury shing within them. “What do you mean it was not an ident but intentional?” Her voice rose, cutting through the air like a de. “Are you suggesting that I deliberately tore my own dress?”


    The woman remained calm, her expression neutral. “Not at all. Perhaps the issue lies with the fit. Your figure may have been too—”


    Before she could finish, a sharp crack echoed through the space.


    Danna’s palm connected with the woman’s cheek in a vicious p. “You wretch! Who do you think you are to pass judgment on me? This dress is ruined, and I demandpensation!”


    The force of the blow sent the woman reeling, her footing nearly lost.


    She barely managed to steady herself, one hand pressing against her stinging cheek as she lifted her gaze—cold and unreadable—toward Danna.


    Then, a voice, cool and measured, sliced through the tension. “My staff are not to be struck by just anyone.”


    Danna whirled around, her anger momentarily shadowed by surprise. Corrine approached with unhurried steps, her presencemanding without effort.


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    She halted beside the uniformed woman, her gaze flicking briefly over the reddened cheek before addressing her. “Go and treat it. After that, apply forpensation from the finance department.”


    A flicker of appreciation passed through the woman’s eyes. “Thank you, Miss Hond.” With one final re in Danna’s direction, she turned on her heel and left.


    Danna let out a derisive snort, tilting her chin upward with defiance. “Corrine, you arrived just in time. Tell me, how do you n topensate me for this dress?”


    Corrine met her gaze without the slightest shift in expression. “Naturally, I willpensate ording to its value.”


    A triumphant smirk curled at the corners of Danna’s lips. “Good. One million eight hundred thousand. Will you be paying by check or card?”


    “You seem to have misunderstood me, Miss Becker,” Corrine replied smoothly.


    Danna’s brow furrowed, suspicion creeping into her expression.


    A slow, knowing smile yed on Corrine’s lips, her voiceced with amusement. “When I said I wouldpensate ording to its value, I did not mean you could extort me.”


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