?<strong>Chapter 537:</strong>


    Although Enzo’s words were cut short, everyone understood what he was trying to say.


    He had never denied Jayden a single opportunity. Rather, Jayden had chosen to leave thepany of his own volition, to satisfy his own interests and ambitions.


    Given the vtile dynamics that had always existed within the Owen n, it was no surprise that they took Jayden’s betrayal to heart.


    And so, shortly after Corrie finished her speech, the conversation turned into a whole other session of rebuke and castigation aimed solely at Jayden.


    “You’ve done well,” Enzo remarked as he watched his n unfold. “I will reward youter.”


    “Thank you!” Corrie beamed. Now that she had secured his approval, she walked toward Brook in high spirits.


    Brook did not share her enthusiasm, however. He looked quite sullen.


    His sour expression immediately doused her good mood.


    “What are you making that face for?”


    “Come here.” Brook pulled her over to a quiet, secluded spot. “How the hell did you find out about Jayden’s secret?”


    “That’s none of your business,” Corrie retorted. “Look, stay out of my affairs and just remember that you wouldn’t even be here if it weren’t for me.”


    Brook scoffed, his upper lip curling in disdain. “I can’t believe an outsider like you is acting more like an Owen than me.” His tone was low and menacing when he added, “You are a vile and cunning snake. The most repulsive kind of person there is.”


    But Corrie only rolled her eyes. “Please. You don’t have what it takes to rise among the ranks. I am so much more capable than you can ever hope to be. You can call me repulsive all you want, at least I’m not useless and pathetic like you.”


    Brook pressed his lips into a thin line and tried to swallow his rage. “Enough nonsense! Is it true that Jayden wants to cut ties with the Owen n?”


    Corrie’s eyes flickered for a second, but she maintained herposure. “Why are you asking me this? Do you think I’m lying?”


    “I wouldn’t put it past you. After all, anyone would have no qualms about lying through their teeth as long as it gets them what they want, right?”


    Not wanting to continue the discussion, Corrie pushed past him and snapped, “Why don’t you go and ask Jayden, then? Why waste your time questioning me?”


    Brook red at her back in open hostility.


    Despite her bravado, Corrie felt a chill down her spine. She squared her shoulders and scoffed onest time before scurrying away.


    She darted back into the hall and happened to run into a member of the Owen n.


    The man wore sses and looked to be gentle and almost schrly. Even so, Corrie found herself shifting in unease as his eyes fell on her.


    He didn’t appear to be particrly aggressive or intimidating, but there was something formidable about his aura, something that made the air around him heavy and a little oppressive.


    “Are you Brook’s girlfriend?” the man asked by way of greeting.


    Corrie nodded. “Yes, that’s right. My name is Corrie Bates.”


    The man took a bite of the hors d’oeuvre and continued in a casual tone, “You’re quite something, aren’t you? Jayden used to be the only one in his generation who could draw Enzo’s attention to this extent. Things seem to have changed, apparently.”


    “I am actually Jayden’s ex-girlfriend,” Corrie replied without missing a beat. “I used to tell him not to be too selfish, but he never listened to my warnings. We eventually broke up, and now… Well, he is reaping the consequences of his ambition, isn’t he?”


    The man paused upon hearing this, his eyes narrowing slightly. He scrutinized Corrie for a brief moment, and when he spoke, his tone carried a hint of pity.


    “If you hadn’t broken up with Jayden, the two of you would have been the apple of Enzo’s eye. But now, you are involved with Brook, whose talents are mediocre at best. Enzo has never even considered him as a potential sessor.”


    His words struck Corrie.


    Did that mean that Brook was already out of the picture? If so, then she had no reason to keep Brook by her side.


    It looked like she needed to change her boyfriend into someone who had a firmer foothold within the Owen n, someone who was definitely in the running to be the heir to all the family fortune and businesses.


    The man cocked his head to the side and shrugged his shoulders. “I suppose this is God’s will.”


    Corrie’s head jerked up. She stared at the man before her, more determined than ever.


    More than anything else, she wanted to marry the heir and future head of the Owen n. Meanwhile, Brook had intended to leave after their confrontation outside. But out of respect and courtesy, he went back in to see if Corrie wasing with him.


    “Are you leaving or not?” he asked as he sidled up next to her with a furious expression.


    Corrie turned to him with a scowl. “I’m staying right here. If you want to leave, then feel free to go on your own. I’m staying until the event is over.”


    “Are you seriously thinking that you’re part of us now? Just how shameless can you be? It disgusts me to see how desperately you’re trying to w your way up the socialdder.”


    “So what?” Corrie challenged. “I’m making my way up the socialdder because I can! I’m not like some worthless fool who can’t even pick themselves up from the rut they’re currently in.”


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