Chapter 537:

Although Enzo's words were cut short, everyone understood his meaning. He had never denied Jayden an opportunity; Jayden had left the company of his own volition, to pursue his ambitions. Given the volatile dynamics within the Owen clan, their reaction to Jayden's perceived betrayal was unsurprising. Shortly after Corrie's speech, the conversation devolved into a rebuke aimed solely at Jayden.

"You've done well," Enzo remarked, watching his plan unfold. "I will reward you later."

"Thank you!" Corrie beamed. Securing his approval, she approached Brook, her spirits high. He, however, looked sullen. His sour expression immediately dampened her mood.

"What's that face for?" she asked.

"Come here," Brook said, pulling her to a secluded spot. "How the hell did you find out about Jayden's secret?"

"That's none of your business," Corrie retorted. "Remember, you wouldn't be here if it weren't for me."

Brook scoffed, his lip curling. "I can't believe an outsider like you is acting more like an Owen than I am." His voice dropped to a low, menacing tone. "You are a vile and cunning snake, the most repulsive person I know."

Corrie rolled her eyes. "Please. You lack the ambition to rise. I'm far more capable. Call me repulsive—at least I'm not useless and pathetic."

Brook pressed his lips together, trying to control his rage. "Enough! Is it true Jayden wants to cut ties with the Owen clan?"

Corrie's eyes flickered, but she remained composed. "Why ask me? Do you think I'm lying?"

"I wouldn't put it past you. Anyone would lie to get what they want, right?"

Corrie, wanting to end the conversation, pushed past him. "Ask Jayden! Why waste your time with me?"

Brook glared at her retreating back. Despite her bravado, Corrie felt a chill. She squared her shoulders, scoffed, and hurried away. She ran into a member of the Owen clan—a bespectacled man who seemed gentle and scholarly. Yet, Corrie felt uneasy under his gaze. He wasn't aggressive, but his aura was formidable, heavy, and slightly oppressive.

"Are you Brook's girlfriend?" he asked.

Corrie nodded. "Yes, Corrie Bates."

He took a bite of a hors d'oeuvre. "You're quite something. Jayden was the only one in his generation to attract Enzo's attention to this degree. Things have changed, apparently."

"I'm Jayden's ex-girlfriend," Corrie replied smoothly. "I warned him against selfishness, but he didn't listen. Now he's reaping the consequences of his ambition."

The man paused, his eyes narrowing. He scrutinized Corrie before speaking with a hint of pity. "If you hadn't broken up with Jayden, you both would have been Enzo's favorites. Now you're with Brook, whose talents are mediocre at best. Enzo wouldn't consider him a successor."

Corrie was struck by his words. If Brook was out of the picture, she had no reason to stay with him. She needed a boyfriend with a firmer foothold in the Owen clan, a potential heir.

The man shrugged. "I suppose this is God's will."

Corrie's head snapped up. She was more determined than ever to marry the heir. Meanwhile, Brook, intending to leave after their argument, returned to check on Corrie out of courtesy.

"Are you leaving or not?" he asked, approaching her with a furious expression.

Corrie scowled. "I'm staying. Leave if you want. I'm staying until the event ends."

"Do you seriously think you're one of us? How shameless! It disgusts me how you're clawing your way up."

"So what?" Corrie challenged. "I'm climbing because I can! Unlike some worthless fool stuck in a rut."

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