Chapter 239: Poison
Frederick observed Alan and Claire calmly. He knew something must be going on, though he didn’t know what. Only Claire was filled with panic and helplessness. Just as she was about to tell Frederick, Alan approached. She didn’t know what to do, yet she had to. Otherwise, all their efforts would be in vain. At this critical juncture, if she didn’t do what Alan said, she might die. But Frederick…
“What? Ms. Prescott, are you planning to go back on your words?”
Seeing Claire’s reluctance, Alan urged her. After hesitating, Claire had to do it. Her body, soaked in water for so long, could barely stand. If she moved, she would fall. She could only hold onto Frederick’s shoulders.
She said, “The knife is poisonous, but it’s a slow-acting poison. It will make you feel uncomfortable, but it won’t kill you. Frederick, believe me.”
Coincidentally, this gave Claire the opportunity to explain to Frederick. Then, she took the knife from her shoe and stabbed Frederick’s arm. Claire thought the arm would be the least painful, much better than the abdomen or chest. She stared into Frederick’s eyes, hoping he would believe her.
Frederick didn’t know what had happened, but he knew Claire had been captured before, and there must be something going on between them. Hearing Claire’s words and looking at her eyes, he was willing to believe her.
However, Alan produced a recording of his previous negotiation with Claire about cooperation.
She said, “Frederick and I are engaged, but he doesn’t like me. You must know about these kinds of marriages. Families like the Hawthorne family, who are in politics, naturally need financial support. As for the reasons, I don’t think I need to elaborate. That’s how my engagement to Frederick came about. I have indeed loved him since I was young. I thought that marrying the man I liked most would make me the happiest woman in the world. But I didn’t expect that he has always had a sweetheart, and I know her. What’s more dramatic is that there’s a greater entanglement between me and this woman. My biological mother was an obstetric nurse. Due to an unbearable family situation, she selfishly switched me with the daughter of the wealthiest family in Kingstown, the Prescott family, after I was born, and I became their daughter…”
Frederick heard the entire conversation between Claire and Alan.
Alan said, “Isn’t it exciting? General Hawthorne, your fiancée, whom you loved so much, had already chosen to cooperate with me long before you arrived. Although this knife is small, it’s covered with a deadly poison. Once poisoned, you will feel as if your body is being bitten by millions of bugs. In just twenty-four hours, you will suffer painful torture and die. Does your heart hurt? Are you tired? Do you feel dizzy now? You have to thank your fiancée!”
Alan laughed wildly, his face contorted with pride.
“What? He will die within 24 hours? Alan, that’s not what you said before!”
Claire was surprised and was about to rush forward, grabbing at the wood.