The Jilted Heiress' Return To The High Life

Chapter 235 What Value Do You Place On Rita's Future

The phone was eerily silent, expanding the discomfort that Millard and Tracy felt as they waited for a response. The moments dragged on, each second intensifying their

unease.

Finally, Corrine broke the silence with a question that cut to the heart of the matter and asked, "What value do you place on Rita's future?"

Relieved by her engagement, Millard and Tracy managed a faint smile between them.

"We think it might be best to discuss the details face-to-face. Would you be open to meeting?" Millard said, suggesting a

onal encounter to navigate the sensitive

discussion.

Despite recognizing the gravity of their situation, Millard and Tracy harbored a quiet hope that their past relationship with Corrine might lead to some kindness on her part.

Aware of the Ashton family's propensity for manipulation, Corrine braced herself for their likely emotional appeals,

"If arranging a meeting is necessary, perhaps we should end our discussion here," Corrine responded.

"Please, don't hang up," Millard interjected quickly, sensing Corrine might be about to cut the connection. "We have ten million ready to compensate you. Would that resolve the issue, Miss Holland?"noveldrama

In reality, no funds were prepared; this was merely a ploy to see how Corrine would

react and to stall for time.

"Mr. Ashton, do you really think I'm after your ten million?" Corrine asked, her tone cold. "You might want to save that for a decent lawyer for your daughter instead.”

She was about to disconnect the call.

Millard urgently replied, "Miss Holland, surely we can still negotiate."

Corrine hesitated, and then returned the phone to her ear, prompted by his desperation.

"Please, just tell us what you're looking for,” added Millard.

"Let's start with five percent of the Ashton Group's market value," Corrine said smoothly, "and the Ashton family's land in the southern commercial district."

As Millard and Tracy processed her words, their faces were etched with shock.

Given Ashton Group's current market value of 1.3 billion, five percent was a staggering

amount.

The land in the southern commercial district was itself valued at fifty million.

In total, Corrine's demands amounted to a sum well into the hundreds of millions.

It was as if Corrine was extorting them.

"Corrine, this is exploitation," Tracy said, snatching the phone. "You must be dreaming if you think we'll just roll over and let you take advantage of us!"

“This request is steep, so I I'll see you in court," Corrine retorted and promptly ended the call.

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Millard stared at the phone as it beeped off, his face hardening.

Overcome with anger, Tracy exclaimed, "That Corrine is ruthless! Does she have no fear of karma for making such exorbitant demands during our crisis?"

She was completely opposed to surrendering such a massive amount to Corrine without any return.

After a tense pause, Millard set his jaw and replied, "I need to check if we can liquidate enough assets."

The decision about the land in the southern district would ultimately rest with Bruce,

as he was now steering Ashton Group.

Tracy's eyes widened in alarm. "Are you seriously considering meeting her demands?"

The amount was not trivial. Even if they managed to raise it, it could debilitate the Ashton family's financial health.

Millard's expression had darkened ever since Corrine hung up. Tracy's anxious query only deepened his frown. "What other choice do we have? If you know another way to

save Rita, I'm all ears."