Chapter 80
As I made my way upstairs, I could hear Kate, her voice laced with injustice, pleading, “Claude, it really wasn’t me. It was Claire who pulled me, and that’s how she ended up burning her hand.“7
I slowed down, curious to hear Claude’s response.
“Kate, Claire’s burn is pretty severe; it blistered up. She’s studying medicine, she wouldn’t hurt herself on purpose. When she comes down, you should really apologize to her.”
Looking at the burn on my hand, I wondered how effective this little act of self–sacrifice would be.%
At least in this life, I had managed to get Claude to insist Kate apologize to me.
But as I descended the stairs with a pile of laundry in my arms, I caught Kate saying, “Claude, the Goodwin family said if we unite our families through marriage, they would give half of their shares to me. This would be a huge boost for you in the business world. The Goodwin’s support could help you achieve your goals sooner.”
Always the goals.
Could Claude’s ambition be to become Crestview Metropolis‘ most formidable business titan?
So, his vendetta against Richard, the business prodigy he had thrown into jail and whose assets he tried to seize, was not just about revenge for exposing my orphanage past. He saw Richard as nothing but a stepping stone.
Biting my lip, my grip on the laundry tightened.
Claude’s ambitions were costing too many people dearly. I deliberately made my footsteps heavier, halting their conversation. Handing over the laundry with a smile, I feigned a wince as she “accidentally” touched my burn.!!
“Ouch…”
Tears welled up in my eyes as Claude, concerned, took my hand gently. “You need to be more careful.”
I kept my head down, silent.
“Claire, I didn’t mean to, I’m sorry.”
Fighting back tears, I managed a soft smile. “Can an apology really erase the pain I’ve suffered?“%
Her expression froze, and I couldn’t help but find her dumbfounded look amusing. “Tm just kidding, Kate. Don’t take it to heart.” Claude lowered his voice, “Claire, stop fooling around.”
“Claudy, I couldn’t find the bracelet my parents left me when I was in my room earlier. I remember leaving in a hurry that day and forgetting to take it. Now it’s nowhere to be found.”
Claude replied, “No one has been in your room lately. The staff had a few days off and only returned today. They haven’t started cleaning yet
I glanced at Kate. “Kate, you were the only one who went into my room. Did you see it?”
Kate darkened, “I didn’t take it.”
“But you were the only one looking for my nightgown, and I remember my bracelet being in the same drawer. That bracelet is very important to me and to the Hart family. When Mrs. Hart gave it to me, she said it would serve as a token of engagement between us, stating only the person with the bracelet could enter into marriage with the Hart family.
“The bracelet means I can marry Claude?!” Kate looked at Claude, panic–stricken.
“Claire, we can look for the bracelet slowly, but the engagement is up to my mother, Claude hinted that he didn’t agree with the engagement.}
“Claudy, I was actually planning to find the bracelet and give it to Kate, so Mrs. Hart would approve of you two.“}]
Kate’s expression shifted upon hearing it was meant for her.
“Kate, you didn’t need to steal it.”
“I didn’t steal!” she hastily tried to defend herself.
“Then, may I check your room? You were the only one in mine. No one else.”
Kate reached out to Claude, trying to explain, but Claude interjected, “Give the bracelet back to Claire. If she wants to return it to you, there’s no need to steal it.”
Disbelief washed over her as she looked at Claude. “Claude, why won’t you believe me?“!!
