Chapter 177: Never See the Light of Day

Frederick was stunned. When Harrison had spoken those words, an impossible answer had already formed in his mind. Just moments ago, when Harrison asked if he was in love with Claire, he’d denied it without a second thought. But now, even he couldn’t ignore how his heart gravitated towards Claire.

“What’s wrong? Can’t do it? Heh, and you said you weren’t in love with Claire.”

Harrison smirked, studying Frederick’s face intently, watching for the slightest change in expression. Frederick merely glanced at Harrison, remaining dead silent. For the first time in his life, he found himself speechless, unable to argue back. He was even beginning to doubt himself.

“Sure, you can let Claire go, but remember this—from today on, you’re my enemy. You know damn well I’m the only son of the Prescott family. One day, I’ll inherit everything.”

“You want a smooth ride to the presidency? Want to keep that seat warm? You’re going to need the Prescott family’s backing. Let’s face it. When it comes to financial muscle, we’re the only ones who can give you what you need.”

“The rest? They’re small fry, not even worth your time. Yeah, Elizabeth’s got a soft spot for Claire right now, and she’s holding most of the family shares.”

“But love is love, and at the end of the day, Claire isn’t Prescott blood. Elizabeth won’t be around forever, and everything—the shares, the power—it’s all coming to me eventually. I’d think long and hard about that if I were you.”

Harrison had laid all his cards on the table, spelling out every pro and con for Frederick to see. With that, he placed the key in Frederick’s hand and walked away. He’d only been abroad handling the Prescott family business, yet so much had changed in his absence. His trip had dragged on longer than expected, but he couldn’t have predicted Frederick and Claire’s relationship would take such a turn.

After returning home, if it weren’t for that email, he’d have assumed everything was the same—that Frederick still shared his hatred for Claire and would continue making her life hell. But when he had people thoroughly investigate everything that happened during his time abroad, the truth emerged. Frederick had fallen in love with Claire without even realizing it himself. Anna was his biological sister, and Claire had ruthlessly caused her death! It was something he could never forgive. If Frederick shared his views, they could remain allies. If not, their paths would have to diverge. Harrison couldn’t stand by and watch the woman who murdered his sister live a happy, peaceful life.

“How is this fair? Claire stole everything that belonged to Anna! Her birthright as the Prescott princess, all the love the family should have given her over the years. After causing Anna’s tragic death, how dare she live out the rest of her life in peace and happiness? This can’t stand!”

After Harrison left, Frederick gripped the key so hard his knuckles cracked under the pressure. He stood there, frozen, staring at Claire’s room in the distance, completely lost in his thoughts. He had to admit it. Harrison’s words hit home with uncomfortable truth. If he burned bridges with Harrison now, he’d lose the Prescott family’s support forever. Even what he had now wouldn’t last—eventually, everything would fall back into Harrison’s hands. Life had been brutal for him growing up in the Hawthorne family. Without Harrison’s help and his later engagement to Claire, he wouldn’t have even qualified to become a general, let alone run for president. The moment Nathan realized Frederick had no more value to offer, he’d throw him under the bus without hesitation, handing everything he’d built to Arthur instead. After all, Frederick’s true identity was something that could never see the light of day.