Chapter 355: Stab Into His Heart
At this moment, Richard was anxious and conflicted. He could foresee the consequences of telling Frederick, but he could also foresee worse consequences if Frederick discovered the truth later. In the current situation, the best choice for Richard was to say nothing and keep the matter secret.
In fact, Richard had seen how much Frederick valued Claire in recent days. It was only because of events four years ago, and subsequent happenings, that Frederick hadn't yet realized this feeling. Richard imagined that if Frederick accidentally discovered the truth about Claire's death, Richard would be severely punished for his concealment. But even so, he couldn't let anything happen to Frederick at this crucial juncture.
Now, Richard could only keep it secret. He considered the best outcome to be telling Frederick the truth only after Frederick was elected president. At that time, his life or death would depend entirely on Frederick's decision.
Making the decision, Richard opened his eyes, looked at the test results in his hand, and tore the paper to pieces. He thought, “Ms. Prescott, I’m sorry. Since you love General Hawthorne so much, I think you must hope he can run for president this time. If you were me, you would do the same. Please forgive me. Of course, if you really can’t forgive me, I’ll be at your mercy after I die.”
After tearing up the test results, Richard started the car and returned to the hospital, still carrying the fragments. After arriving, he went to the toilet and flushed them before returning to Frederick’s ward.
“General Hawthorne, Ms. Beaumont’s wound has been treated, and I have sent her back to the Halfmoon Manor,” Richard reported.
“Okay,” Frederick replied, his cell phone ringing. It was a call from Bailey at the villa.
“General Hawthorne, something happened in the basement. Antony hasn’t been able to see Ms. Prescott these past few days, and he’s been clamoring to go out. At first, I just sent someone to tell him that Ms. Prescott wasn't feeling well and was in the hospital. Hearing that, Antony stopped making a fuss, but a few days later, he started again, saying that even if Claire was in the hospital, she could still make a video for him to see. He didn’t believe anything I said, and then he went on a hunger strike. Antony hasn’t eaten or drunk anything for several days. Antony is already in a deep coma. If he’s not taken to the hospital now, he might die.”
Listening to Bailey’s report, Frederick immediately said, “Send him to Kingstown Hospital. I’m here.”
An hour later, Antony was placed in the ward next to Frederick. The doctor gave him a full physical examination and said that there was nothing wrong with him except hunger. Then, the doctor gave Antony an infusion of nutrient solution, and he woke up shortly after.
“Frederick? Where’s Claire? Claire, where are you now? What did you do to her?” Antony demanded.
Antony hadn’t seen Claire for so many days and had concluded that Frederick had locked her up somewhere and was torturing her. Otherwise, why wouldn’t he let Antony see her?
If it were in the past, Frederick would have been filled with anger at Antony’s accusations. But now, for some reason, seeing Antony's concern for Claire, he subconsciously felt a little warmth in his heart. It felt like Frederick had been walking a deserted path, exhausted, with no water, no food, and nothing. He was almost in despair. However, in his exhaustion, he suddenly met a companion.
Finally, Frederick stared intently at Antony and said, “Antony, Claire is dead.”
“What? You killed Claire! Frederick, I’ll kill you!” Antony screamed, enraged.
The first thought that flashed through Antony’s mind was that Frederick had killed Claire. He picked up the infusion bottle and smashed it, then stabbed Frederick in the heart with the fragments.
“General Hawthorne!” Richard shouted, rushing over. But it was too late. Frederick didn’t dodge or evade, allowing the fragments to pierce his heart.