Chapter 320: I Can’t Agree to That

“Call the lawyer? And have Frederick come over, too? Grandma, what exactly are you planning?” Harrison’s heart raced as soon as he heard this. Frederick was in the critical phase of his presidential campaign and couldn’t afford the slightest hiccup. The outcome of Frederick’s presidential bid was intricately tied to the Prescott family’s future. If Frederick won, the Prescotts would regain their influence and resources, and within a year, they could reclaim their position as the wealthiest family, just as they were four years ago. Claire and Frederick’s engagement had already caused significant damage to Frederick’s campaign. Any further setbacks could be catastrophic. Harrison instinctively assumed Elizabeth was going to force Claire and Frederick into a marriage.

“Do you think I’ve already had them engaged, and now I’m planning their wedding?” Elizabeth, sharp as ever, immediately guessed Harrison’s thoughts.

“Grandma, you know very well that their engagement has already had a massive impact on Frederick’s campaign. If they were to marry now…” Had proposed the engagement, but behind it all, Elizabeth was the one pulling the strings.

“Alright, since we’re being frank, I have a question for the three of you. I want to know what you really think of me,” Elizabeth smiled, then got up, leaning on her cane, and walked to the large window. She stood there, statuesque, inspiring both respect and fear. Robert and Margaret exchanged glances and spoke in unison, “What do you mean?”

“Have you always thought I was old and senile? That I can’t tell which is more important—Claire or the Prescott family? At my birthday party, you didn’t oppose the engagement, but you had plenty of reservations. So, tell me, which do you think is more important to me—Claire or the Prescott family?” Elizabeth’s voice, though soft, carried a weight that hung in the air. When she finished, Harrison, Robert, and Margaret looked at each other, none of them willing to speak first. Elizabeth, seeing their silence, called out, “Harrison.”

“Grandma, since you’ve asked, I’ll be straightforward. Yes, I do think you can’t tell what’s more important—Claire or the Prescott family. Claire has no blood relation to us and isn’t part of the Prescott family. Yet, you’ve done so much for her, even making a deal with Nathan. Isn’t that just senility speaking?”

“Harrison! How dare you speak to your grandma like that?”

“Mom, he’s young, don’t take it personally.” Robert and Margaret quickly tried to diffuse the tension. Elizabeth, however, seemed to have anticipated Harrison’s response.

“Ah, yes, Harrison may be young, but his insight is anything but ordinary. I’ve never doubted my grandson’s judgment, especially when it comes to his choice in this presidential campaign. If I were in his shoes, I would have picked Frederick, too. But Harrison, you’re still young, and you haven’t seen as much of the world yet. I’ll admit, you’re right about one thing—I do have a soft spot for Claire. The decision to arrange her engagement to Frederick was largely to protect her. But let’s be honest, you and Frederick have gone too far. Ever since she got out of prison, you two have been tormenting her over that poor Anna’s death. If I hadn’t stepped in, Claire might not have made it through all of this. I arranged for her to be engaged to Frederick not out of confusion or favoritism but for the sake of our family. One day, you’ll understand that. As for today, I’ve called the lawyer and Frederick here for a couple of reasons. Yes, part of it is about their wedding, but there’s something else on my mind—I need to draft my will. I intend to transfer thirty percent to Claire and another thirty to you, Harrison. I…”

Before Elizabeth could finish her thought, Robert interrupted, his voice rising in disbelief.

“What? Mom, you’re giving thirty percent of the shares to Claire? I can’t agree to that!”