?<strong>Chapter 1581:</strong>


    Brook wielded power publicly, while Jayden pulled strings from the shadows. Neither man would bow to her wishes—she had burned those bridges long ago.


    No matter which influential n member she had seduced, none could sway Brook’s marriage decision.


    Yet denial clouded Corrie’s judgment. She convinced herself that finding someone with greater authority than Brook would secure her ce in the Owen family.


    Unknown to her, the family’s power structure had shifted irreversibly.


    Bitterness consumed Corrie. Her elevated position in her own family had earned her many enemies, protected only by her tenuous connection to the Owens.


    If Brook ended things with her, those vengeful rtives would pounce, eager to witness her downfall.


    After a moment’s calction, Corrie steeled her resolve. Marriage to Brook was essential, regardless of his feelings. She would make it happen!


    Brook remained oblivious to her desperate schemes, having grown weary of their circr arguments.


    “Stop disrupting our conversation,” hemanded. “Go attend to your affairs.”


    Without a backward nce, Brook strode into the lounge.


    Betrayal and hatred churned in Corrie’s chest. Her thoughts spiraled darkly. If he had imed her long ago, she would never have soughtfort elsewhere. She was only human, with human desires. Now he condemned her actions, but wasn’t his rejection the root cause?


    Corrie’s eyes zed as she red at the lounge. “So Camille’s caught your eye?” she muttered venomously. “Dream of marrying her, do you? Well, I’ll ensure that never happens!”


    A sinister smile yed across her lips as she departed.


    Inside the lounge, Camille brightened at Brook’s return.


    “Darling, you’re back atst,” she cooed, reaching for him. “I missed you terribly.”


    Brook gathered her close. “I’m fine,” he assured her. “Don’t fuss so much—people will tease me.”


    Camille noticed Jayden and Elyse’s bewildered expressions and flushed. “Don’t misunderstand,” she hastened to exin. “Brook’s usually very capable. I’m just overly dependent.”


    Elyse and Jayden exchanged meaningful nces, words failing them.


    Brook checked his watch. “Let’s chat a while longer before dinner,” he suggested. “It’s rare to have everyone together—enjoy yourselves freely.”


    “I feel like having a drink,” Elyse said mischievously.


    Jayden turned to study her face.


    Brook chuckled, ignoring Jayden’s disapproving look. “Drink your fill—it’s my treat.”


    “I want some too!” Camille tugged at Brook’s sleeve imploringly.


    All eyes turned to gauge Brook’s reaction.


    He smiled indulgently, pinching her cheek. “Alright, little glutton. Just a taste.”


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