Chapter 189: Want to See You
Claire looked into Frederick’s eyes, seeing the worry reflected in them, and was momentarily stunned. This gaze was all too familiar to her. She had looked at Frederick with the same concern for many years, from childhood to adulthood. Every time Frederick got hurt, even if it was just a small cut on his hand, she would worry just like this. But this concern lasted only a few seconds in Frederick’s eyes before disappearing.
Claire laughed at herself, convinced she must have been mistaken. Frederick was certain that she was Anna's murderer, and he hated her for it. He only kept her by his side to use her as a shield. Even though her criminal record had been expunged, it was only because of the deal they had made. If it weren’t for his presidential campaign and the need for her and the Prescott family, he would have had her killed the day she was released from prison, just like Anna had been years ago. Their engagement was merely a formality arranged by Nathan.
“Bailey, take Caroline downstairs to get bandaged,” Frederick ordered before turning and leaving for the Kingstown Security Department. Claire watched him leave, her mind racing. On the bus to her job interview, she recalled Frederick’s concerned look. That genuine, heartfelt worry was hard to ignore, especially after loving him for so many years. But memories of the past flooded back. Everything that had happened four years ago and after her release from prison should be enough to wake her up. Claire clenched her fist, feeling a sharp pain in her chest. It wasn’t excruciating, but every beat of her heart hurt. It was a knot that felt impossible to untie, a feeling she hated but couldn’t escape. She had grown up following Frederick, caring about him, knowing even the smallest details about him, like his preferred brand of laundry detergent and tissues. Habits like these were deeply ingrained and hard to change.
But things would get better once Frederick became president. She could leave then and never see him again. This thought lifted her spirits. Soon, she arrived at the company for her interview. Standing in front of the towering office building, she smiled to herself. She had lived her life for Frederick, hoping to marry him one day. But from now on, she would live for herself, rebuilding her career and reaching the pinnacle of her life. Only then could she truly live freely. Only if she became more capable, more outstanding, would the Hawthorne family, Frederick, Harrison, and all those who wanted to harm her think twice. Elizabeth could protect her for a while, but not forever. In the end, the only person she could truly rely on was herself.
Claire had prepared for this interview for half a month, planning even before Frederick agreed to expunge her criminal record. The Hiokeeh Group was the world’s largest headhunting firm, controlling 90% of the global core talent market. From minor employees to core engineers in military weapon manufacturing, the Hiokeeh Group could find anyone, as long as the price was right. She thought that if she reached a high position, she could access the core talents the Hiokeeh Group controlled. It would be helpful for Frederick’s career. But now, she had given up that thought. She needed the Hiokeeh Group’s resources for her own survival.
She straightened her clothes and walked confidently into the building. She was determined to pass the interview and climb the corporate ladder. Little did she know, a life-threatening ordeal awaited her.
Back at the Halfmoon Manor, Bailey finished bandaging Caroline’s wound. She returned to her room, her mind filled with the scene of Frederick protecting Claire and the events of the previous night. After sitting on her bed for a long time, she picked up her phone and called Zachary. “Zachary, I want to see you,” she said.