Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire (1/5)

Caroline had expected Frederick to stay by her side all night after what had happened, but when Richard came in with news of trouble at Eclipse Nightclub, her thoughts immediately turned to Claire. She had called Diana, and upon discovering Claire was the one involved, she never imagined Frederick would spend the night with her.

Watching Frederick and Claire through the glass, Caroline felt a surge of anger and jealousy. She wanted nothing more than to storm in and strangle Claire, that despicable woman. But if she did that, all her years of patience and effort to be near Frederick would be wasted.

It had taken Caroline a lot to finally get close to Frederick, especially after Anna’s influence had brought her into his life. After four years of acting and pretending, she had achieved her current position. There was no way she would let Claire take it all away so easily.

No, she couldn’t act impulsively; she had to remain calm. For now, all she knew was that Frederick had spent the night with Claire.

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire (2/5)

Besides, there was still the animosity between Anna and Claire to consider. Whatever she planned to do could wait. Caroline glanced at Richard, still asleep, and cautiously returned to her own hospital room.

Back in her room, unease gnawed at her. She couldn’t shake off Anna’s words from four years ago, which echoed vividly in her mind.

“Caroline, I’ve fallen for a man named Frederick. He was a close friend of my brother before he died. He’s truly remarkable, but he has a childhood friend who has known him forever.”

“That girl is special. Aside from being a bit spoiled and temperamental, she’s wonderful in every other way. She comes from a good family, is beautiful, and has a kind heart.”

“I’m scared. The only thing I share with him is a tragic past, and I feel like I can’t compete with her.”

“That girl is like a little sun; when she appears, she warms everyone around her. It’s something we, raised in this family, can never possess.”

“I really think she’s a light that brightens everyone’s world. I can’t imagine anyone not loving her.”

“I feel like Frederick loves me a little more, but every time he looks at her, there’s a light in his eyes that terrifies me. I always get the feeling that the one he truly loves is her.”

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire

“As for me, I think he’s closer to me because we share a resemblance and a connection through my brother…”

The girl Anna had spoken of was Claire.

It was during that conversation that Caroline learned about Anna’s life in Kingstown, which had been far from what she thought. She had assumed Anna was working hard to support her education, but she hadn’t realized Anna was standing beside someone as exceptional as Frederick.

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire (3/5)

After Anna’s death, Caroline, filled with resentment, seized the opportunity to stay close to Frederick. With Anna gone, Frederick had sent Claire to prison, and Caroline believed there was no chance for Claire to return. But now, things had taken a shocking turn.

After much deliberation, Caroline decided to call Diana. Since her beloved sister Anna had left her so many resources, she felt compelled to use them.

“Waaah…”

As soon as the call connected, Caroline burst into tears.

“Caroline, what’s wrong? Don’t cry! Did that little brat Claire… do something again?”

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire

Diana, the bold and brash Hawthorne heiress, immediately jumped in.

“Diana, I’m really hurting. I never imagined Claire could be so cunning. Just days after her release, she’s already stolen Frederick’s heart. He spent the entire night with her!”

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire (4/5)

“Seeing her like this reminds me of my late sister… Waaah… Diana, Anna was such a good person. Before she even knew you, she saved your life.”

“But now this unforgivable monster, Claire, not only escapes punishment but also takes Frederick away, stealing the one person Anna cherished most.”

“I’m so angry, and it hurts so much, but I feel powerless. I don’t know what to do. Waaah… Diana, what should I do?”

Caroline gripped her thigh tightly, her phone in hand, and started to act frantically.

“What? How could this happen? Didn’t I arrange for a few thugs… to go over and help you with the act?”

Diana had just finished washing up and was applying her skincare products when she heard Caroline’s words, causing her to slam the product she was holding to the ground with a crash.

“Yeah, but in this situation, Frederick just ditched me to spend the night with that Claire. I have no idea what’s going on. I think Claire got hurt or something.”

Chapter 35: The Girl at That Time Was Claire (5/5)

Caroline was quite pleased with Diana’s reaction; it was exactly the response she wanted, so she continued to embellish the story.

“Damn it! What does it matter if Claire got hurt? She’s the one who killed Anna. Whether she’s injured or dead, she deserves it. Just wait for me; I’m coming to the hospital!”

Chapter 36: Afraid of Her (1/6)