Chapter 319: Best Way for Me
Under Elizabeth’s warm, repeated calls, Claire’s mind flooded with memories of the past. From the time she could remember, from the first time she ran into Elizabeth’s embrace, from the first time she held Elizabeth’s hand—at that moment, she felt an indescribable happiness. Claire couldn’t remember the last time she had felt this way. Ultimately, she slipped into oblivion, enveloped in this bliss. Claire thought, “This must be the best way for me.”
When Claire opened her eyes again, she found herself back at the Prescott Manor, in her own room. The room was still adorned in sweet, pastel princess style, with all her favorite decorations. Claire gave a wry smile. She thought, “Heh, never expected such nice treatment after death. Am I in heaven or hell?”
Everything felt so nostalgic. It was as if she had returned to the time when she was the little princess of the Prescott family, pampered and cherished. As she was lost in thought, the door suddenly opened, and Grace came in with a broom. Seeing Claire awake, the broom clattered to the floor.
“Ms. Prescott is awake! Madam Prescott, Ms. Prescott is awake!” Grace, too excited to pick up the broom, ran out. Soon, Harrison, Elizabeth, Robert, and Margaret walked in. Claire was already stunned seeing Grace; seeing the others, she couldn’t believe her eyes.
“Clai, you’re finally awake, my dear. You had me scared to death. I’m so glad you’re okay, or I’d never rest in peace,” Elizabeth said, stepping forward to hold Claire’s hand, tears in her eyes. Harrison, Robert, and Margaret followed suit. Claire continued to wear a wry smile. She mused, “Heh, so in heaven, I get whatever I want? The thing I most want to return to is being the little princess in the Prescott family, loved and cherished by everyone. And now, it’s all effortlessly back.”
Claire gripped Elizabeth’s hand and choked up. “Grandma, it’s so good to be dead! Now, in heaven, I can continue being your granddaughter.”
“Silly girl, what are you talking about? You’re not dead! How could I, who love you so much, let you die? I’ve rescued you from Crimson Lane,” Elizabeth said, realizing Claire thought she was dead. Unable to control her emotions further, Elizabeth turned away, covering her mouth in silent tears after saying the last word.
“I… I’m not dead?” Claire still couldn’t believe it. She looked at Harrison, Robert, and Margaret in front of her, still disbelieving. “If you really want to die that much, you can try killing yourself again now,” Harrison said with a stern face, making Claire finally believe she was alive. She pinched her leg hard, feeling the pain sharply. Claire wasn’t dreaming.
“Grandma, I’m really not dead; it’s you who saved me?” Claire then remembered the face of Elizabeth she had seen before losing consciousness. It wasn’t that she was about to die and saw the person she wanted to see, but Elizabeth really went to Crimson Lane to save her.
“Of course, you’re not dead, silly child,” Elizabeth said firmly. But Claire wasn’t as happy as one might expect. In the wake of her near-death experience, Claire found that the fear of death that once gnawed at her heart had diminished. Correspondingly, her fervent desire to cling to life no longer burned as intensely. Thus, saved by Elizabeth, Claire found herself ensconced within the Prescott family’s embrace.
Harrison ceased his attempts to make her life difficult, while Robert and Margaret busied themselves with their daily routines of work and home. Elizabeth, ever the compassionate guardian, visited Claire’s room daily, showering her with warmth and concern. But Claire was no longer the arrogant and unruly brat she used to be. Now, she was cautious, observant, and careful in her words and actions, walking on eggshells every step of the way.
In the past, the moment Claire stepped through the door, she would bellow orders at the servants. Now, she wouldn’t dream of commanding anyone; her words were always soft and humble. The former Claire was a bundle of energy and vivacity, never able to stay still for a moment. She was always on the go, whether it was playing here or exploring there. But now, from the moment she woke up, she hadn’t taken a single step out of her room on her own.
Even during meals, Claire would only reach for the dishes in front of her, regardless of whether she liked them or not. If those dishes were empty, she would settle for the main course. Elizabeth watched with a heavy heart, her sorrow growing with each passing day. Each glimpse of Claire’s altered state brought silent tears to Elizabeth’s eyes as she retreated to her room.
In the short span of Claire’s stay at the Prescott Manor, Elizabeth had visibly thinned, her strength waning. Harrison, Robert, and Margaret took note of her decline, and one night, they could stand it no longer. They gathered in Elizabeth’s room, determined to address the issue head-on.
“Mom, you can’t keep this up. It’s time for that hospital check-up. Don’t worry; we won’t do anything to Claire while you’re away.” Robert chimed in, “Yeah, Grandma. I haven’t done anything to her.” Their combined efforts to persuade Elizabeth were met with a resigned smile.
Elizabeth retorted, “Heh, you think you haven’t done anything? Look at what you’ve done to that girl, especially you, Harrison. Your heart should be.” After chastising Harrison, Elizabeth finally relented. “Alright, I’ll go for the check-up, but only if you agree to one condition. Fetch the lawyer and call Frederick over here.”