?Chapter 1501:

    He used to think Corrine clung to the idea of marrying him for the Ashton fortune. He believed she aimed high, dreaming of a more privileged life.

    But the moment he discovered that Corrine was actually the heiress of the Ford family—the wealthiest name in Lyhaton—everything unraveled.

    She was born into everything he thought she wanted from him: luxury, status, and wealth. None of which the Ashton name could offer.

    Status meant nothing to her. Money meant even less.

    She had made herself clear the day she broke up with him. “Bruce, I didn’t stay for anything but you. The Ashton family’s wealth and power meant nothing to me. I never craved the envied title of Mrs Ashton.”

    He hadughed back then, dismissing her as prideful and stubborn.

    But now he knew she wasn’t pretending. She had meant every word.

    Yet, what truly had driven Corrine to help the Ashton family back then?

    Bruce knew he looked decent but nothing extraordinary, and he was well aware the Ashton family paled inparison to the Fords in wealth and status.

    So why had Corrine pursued a rtionship with him?

    After much reflection, he realized a thoughtful, quiet conversation with her was necessary.

    He had steeled himself for the possibility he might not see her today, yet here she was, unexpectedly before him, stirring a rush of excitement inside.

    He stepped closer, searching for any sign of feeling on Corrine’s face, but she met his gaze with a neutral expression—as if they were strangers.

    The starkness of that realization pained him.

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    He drew a breath, voice low and rough. “Corrine, if you’re willing, could we sit down and talk? Just the two of us?”

    A scornful smile touched Corrine’s lips. “Why should I offer you that opportunity? Everything between us ended the day we broke up. You seem to forget that, Mr. Ashton.”

    He had prepared for this. Corrine was never one to sugarcoat her words. If she forgave easily, she wouldn’t be herself.

    Bruce paused, then admitted, “I regret my past behavior. I failed to appreciate you and carelessly hurt you—I’m genuinely sorry.”

    Corrineughed lightly. “No need to apologize. It was nothing more than a misunderstanding. We both see things clearly now. That’s enough. No one owes anyone anything.”

    “A misunderstanding?” Confusion clouded Bruce’s eyes.

    Corrine knew he hadn’t fully grasped her meaning.

    She had believed it was Bruce who saved her during a crisis in Forestvale, which had prompted her to support the Ashton family at a critical moment out of gratitude. Her actions were meant as a simple thank-you, but Bruce misinterpreted her gratitude as romantic affection.

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