Chapter 119: Then Kill Me

“Do as you wish.”

As expected, the moment Caroline mentioned the events from four years ago, Frederick relented. The memory of Anna’s death flooded him with pain and guilt, which he unconsciously redirected toward Caroline.

“Alright, I’ll come over now, Frederick,” Caroline replied, her voice brightening at his agreement. She was more convinced than ever that, as long as Anna’s death lingered in the air and with a little manipulation on her part, Claire and Frederick would never be together.

An hour later, Caroline arrived at the hospital. In truth, she had been prepared for this visit; even with some delays, an hour had felt like no time at all. Claire hadn’t expected Caroline to arrive so quickly.

“Claire, I wasn’t sure what you’d like to eat, so I brought some fruit and a bouquet of flowers to wish you a speedy recovery,” Caroline said cheerfully. “If it weren’t for you, Frederick would have been the one shot. You’re truly his lucky star! Thank goodness you got out of prison early; otherwise, he wouldn’t have stood a chance.”

She held a bouquet of fresh flowers. Her words were sweet and filled with well-wishes, but the underlying tone was unmistakable—a constant reminder to Claire of Anna’s death and her own time in prison.

“Thank you.”

Claire saw through Caroline’s intentions but could only muster polite gratitude in front of Frederick.

“Why are you being so formal? We’re practically family,” Caroline said as she handed the flowers to Claire. However, as she leaned in closer, she whispered just loud enough for only Claire to hear, “Don’t think that just because you took a bullet for Frederick, you can relax at Halfmoon Manor. I have a thousand ways to make you leave.”

Claire had long recognized Caroline’s true nature. During her time at Halfmoon Manor, when she had worked herself to exhaustion only to collapse, it was all part of Caroline’s scheme.

Frederick wanted her to shield him from bullets while Caroline continued to resent and torment her.

“Why should I have to endure this? I’ve put up with enough already!” Claire thought.

Caroline, I know you hate me. But right now, it’s Frederick who has allowed me to stay at Halfmoon Manor. My presence is solely to protect you from harm. What good does it do you to threaten me with your methods? Just come at me directly if you want something.

“You should know that technology has advanced significantly; even the slightest whisper can be recorded,” Claire said calmly, her tone flat and devoid of emotion. She was fully aware of the consequences that would follow her words. Caroline would undoubtedly feign innocence, while Frederick would be skeptical of Claire’s claims. But Claire felt it was necessary to confront Caroline’s manipulative tactics head-on; someone needed to challenge this cunning woman masquerading as an innocent flower.

“Claire, what are you talking about? How could I possibly kick you out when I haven’t even moved in myself? You’re making baseless accusations!”

“I know that Anna’s death has kept you locked away for years; I also recognize my mistakes from four years ago when I nearly choked you. But I’ve acknowledged my wrongs—what more do you want from me?”

Caroline played the victim perfectly: fragile and innocent, tears glistening in her eyes as she feigned helplessness.

“Enough is enough! Just because you took a bullet for me doesn’t give you the right to act so arrogantly! You think you’re untouchable now?” Frederick shouted angrily at Claire in response to Caroline’s theatrics.

Claire smiled coldly. “Fine then! If you kill me now, the next person who will take a bullet for him will be Caroline!”

She wanted to survive—to live well—and it was time for her to stand firm against this relentless tide.