Chapter 178: Have Some Fun
Frederick stood there for a long time, making no move toward Claire’s room nor any attempt to let her out. Harrison’s words kept echoing in his mind, over and over again. Just then, a figure appeared in the hallway. Having grown up in the Hawthorne family and moved in their social circles, Frederick instantly recognized Gregory. His face darkened the moment he saw Gregory heading toward Claire’s room. A sizeable potted plant blocked Gregory’s view, leaving him oblivious to Frederick’s presence. Frederick knew all too well about Gregory’s notorious reputation as a creep in their social circle.
His heart raced as he watched Gregory stop right in front of Claire’s room. Then, in the next moment, Gregory pulled out a key from his pocket and began unlocking Claire’s door. Frederick’s fists clenched so tight his knuckles cracked. He might not love Claire, but she was his woman now. If Gregory dared to touch what belonged to him, he was asking for a death wish!
Claire had worn herself out trying to force the door open. When she heard the lock turning, she quickly moved toward the entrance. As the door opened, revealing Gregory, before she could react, he roughly shoved her inside. After kicking the door shut behind him, Gregory pushed Claire, causing her to fall to the ground. Through gritted teeth, she said, “Gregory, what do you think you’re doing?” The cold marble floor made Claire wince in pain.
“What am I doing? Claire, you know exactly who I am and always have, haven’t you? You’ve known since we were kids. You even slapped me once, remember? Heh. Claire, while you may not be exactly my type, but damn, you’re stunning, and that body of yours? Absolutely flawless. Man, it really makes a guy want to have some fun. Back then, you were the precious Prescott princess. I had to watch my step around you or face the consequences. But now? Everyone knows you’re just a convicted criminal.”
Gregory pinned Claire’s hands above her head and used his weight to prevent her from moving. “Gregory, you dare try anything here? This is a Prescott family event, in case you’ve forgotten.” Claire was shocked by Gregory’s boldness. She remembered how he used to bow and scrape before her, always acting subservient.
“Ha! Go ahead and try! You’re only out of prison because of Elizabeth’s soft heart. Do you think you’re still the Prescott princess? What’s with the attitude? This slap is payback for when you first met me. Today, I’ll teach you a lesson. What can you do about it?” Gregory sneered, raising his hand to strike Claire while roughly grabbing at her collar. “What now? You must have a death wish!”
Just then, Frederick burst through the door. He sent Gregory flying into the wall with a powerful kick. “Argh! Ugh!” Gregory howled in pain, coughing up blood as he clutched his mouth. “Who dares to… Oh… Mr. Hawthorne…” Gregory wiped his mouth, his angry shouts dying in his throat the moment he saw Frederick. His bravado vanished instantly.
“Gregory, you have one minute to disappear. Otherwise, I’ll make sure you disappear permanently.” Frederick quickly draped his jacket over Claire’s shoulders. As he finished speaking, a commotion of voices grew louder outside the door, suggesting a crowd was gathering. “Get out of sight, now!” Frederick commanded Gregory, instantly grasping the situation. Outside, Diana was putting on quite a performance. “Are you sure you saw Ms. Prescott in there with a man?” Though Claire was no longer the Prescott princess, everyone knew who they meant by “Ms. Prescott.”