Frederick arrived at the hospital forty minutes later. When he got there, Chire was surely enjoying some jackfruit.

“You seem to be in a good mood,” Frederick remarked, recalling Caroline’s words and reflecting on everything that had happened that day. Seeing Claire so content prompted him to speak up.

“Why not? I’ve just sustained such a serious injury; shouldn’t I take the time to recover? Otherwise, how will I protect you next time?” Claire replied, taken aback by Frederick’s sudden visit but continuing to eat her jackfruit.

“Claire, do you really think that because you took a bullet for me, you’re suddenly on top of the world?” Frederick’s dissatisfaction was evident.

“No, I’ve never thought that way. I was already in a deep abyss, struggling in the mud. Everything I’ve done and sacrificed has just been a desperate fight for survival,” Claire shot back with a cold smile, her words reflecting the harsh truth of her situation.

Frederick was taken aback by Claire’s boldness. “Do you realize that no one has ever dared to speak to me like this?” he said, feeling transported back four years to when Claire was still the beloved princess of the Prescott family. Back then, she had been proud and unyielding, always saying… even when she professed her love for him, it had come from a place of superiority.

Now, seeing her true identity exposed after four years in prison, she still exuded that same fierce pride. This stark contrast between them stirred something unsettling within Frederick. He had always been careful and diligent, pouring his heart into everything he did, yet he remained a mere illegitimate child in his father’s eyes—unable to escape that label despite his efforts. Meanwhile, Claire had always been audacious and defiant, and even now she stood unyielding.

Frederick felt an inexplicable irritation rise within him as he approached Claire and grasped her neck tightly.

“Is this your idea of struggling for survival? This attitude?”

“Well, what else should I do? Should I kneel and beg you to spare me? Frederick, if I were to kneel before you and plead for mercy, would you truly let me go?”

“I would gladly bow my head countless times if it meant you’d spare me!” Claire added.

“You’re delusional!” he exclaimed.

It was clear he had no intention of letting her off the hook; since Anna’s death four years ago, he hadn’t planned on forgiving her.

“Yes, I know I’m delusional. That’s why I’m here now, taking bullets for you. What more do you want from me?” Claire replied defiantly. She believed they had already settled their terms regarding their tumultuous relationship. Although she had once loved him fiercely, that was in the past. Now, she was merely fighting for survival, and that didn’t mean she would allow Frederick to insult her.

“What more do I want? Ha! Claire, it seems you won’t shed a tear until you’re faced with real consequences,” Frederick said incredulously. He hadn’t expected Claire to be so unyielding; his mind raced with thoughts of overpowering her physically as he approached her bed with determination.

In an instant, he lunged forward and pinned her hands down on the bed, trapping her.

“Frederick! No! You jerk!” Claire cried out in shock. She never anticipated this turn of events; their previous encounters had been fueled by alcohol or anger. She thought their tumultuous chapter was over and that she would finally be free after taking the bullet for him.

“Don’t what? Huh?”

Frederick raised an eyebrow as he tilted her chin up, forcing her to meet his gaze directly.