Chapter 323: She Wouldn’t Be Happy

After Elizabeth finished speaking, everyone in the room was stunned. “Grandma, are you serious?” Harrison asked, his voice laced with disbelief.

“Yes, you were the one who suggested they get engaged in the first place, and you were the one who talked to the Hawthorne family about it. So why the change now?” Margaret added, clearly confused.

“Do I look like I’m joking?” Elizabeth glanced around the room, her gaze steady.

While the others reacted in surprise, Frederick remained relatively calm. “Madam, does it really have to be this way?”

At that moment, Frederick was surprised, but more than that, he was conflicted. He wasn’t sure why, but part of him felt resistant to Elizabeth’s decision. Deep down, he knew agreeing to this would mean he could never marry Claire. On the other hand, refusing would risk losing the support of the Prescott family. That was why he had asked what he did.

“Yes, it must be done. The reason I wanted you two to get engaged in the first place, to be honest, was to protect Claire. After she was released from prison, I know exactly what you and Harrison did to her. I know if I get involved, it might make things worse. I don’t want the Prescott and Hawthorne families to have any conflicts, and I certainly don’t want you two to be at odds. But I also don’t want Claire to continue suffering, to be mistreated, or even risk her life. I know what you made her do for Caroline, and that’s why I came up with the idea of the engagement. An engagement is just an engagement, not marriage. It’s a temporary way to protect her. As for marriage, I never planned for that to happen. She’s no longer a member of the Prescott family. Her status is far too low compared to yours. If you married her, she wouldn’t be happy. The Hawthorne family needs someone of equal standing, someone to match you. I didn’t oppose the idea before because she was the Prescott family’s princess, with all of us backing her. But now…”

“I don’t have any high expectations for her. Since she’s just an ordinary girl now, she should marry an ordinary man. If she stays single her whole life and lives peacefully, that’s fine by me. And that simple life, that peaceful life, is something you can’t offer her. I also know that the one you’ve always loved isn’t her, so there’s no reason to trap her in a marriage with you. On top of that, I have one more request. Claire has always wanted to work at the Hiokeeh Group. That’s been her dream for a long time. I’m not asking you to help her or give her special treatment, just that you don’t make it harder for her. I’ve raised her myself. I know what she’s capable of, and I believe she can make it on her own at Hiokeeh Group. Also, about what happened four years ago, I know you have some evidence. But you didn’t have enough to make a case. If one day you get solid proof, or if there’s a video that shows her committing murder or giving the orders, then you can send her to prison, or whatever you want. I won’t stand in your way. Frederick, you’re aiming to be president. I hope you’re thinking clearly. Four years ago, there were so many unanswered questions, and I can’t believe you haven’t considered them. But you’ve been too emotionally involved. A person in power can’t let emotions lead them. Otherwise, they’ll never succeed.”

Elizabeth sat upright, her expression serious, and she never once looked at Claire as she spoke. When she finished, she fixed her gaze on Frederick, waiting for his response.

Claire had wanted to say something, but after hearing her grandmother’s words, she felt no need to speak anymore. Her grandmother had always protected her, and there was nothing to be unhappy about. Now, all they could do was wait for Frederick to answer. Harrison, Robert, and even Margaret all turned to Frederick, eager for his response.