Chapter 368: His Plan
Shawn was deeply concerned. “Mr. Arthur Hawthorne, you knew this all along. Why did you leave Claire in the villa? It’s too risky. If this blows up, how will you explain to the Hawthorne and Prescott families?”
Arthur replied, “Explain? Shawn, after all these years, have you ever seen me need to justify myself to anyone? If the Prescott family finds out, so be it. I’m not Frederick. I don’t rely on their support. I have the Titan family backing me, so what do I have to fear?”
“Leon is more manageable than Elizabeth. He lacks their moral constraints and is less principled. Isn’t that the ideal partner?”
“There’s a saying that goes, ‘A country does not have permanent friends, only permanent interests.’ As long as Leon needs the benefits and advantages I give him, he will always be devoted to me. That stubborn Elizabeth can’t offer the same.”
“As for the Hawthorne family, my father doesn’t care about this. The issues are just sibling rivalry over a woman, nothing political.”
“Everything stays within my family, and my father won’t do anything to me. The worst that will happen is that Claire will end up married to Frederick again.”
“Shawn, don’t worry. I’ve made my arrangements. Just focus on your tasks. If Frederick wants to investigate, let him.”
“He’ll find out sooner or later. There’s no need to stop him. You can’t stop his methods and power. Don’t waste your time on it. Your efforts are better spent preparing for the presidential campaign.”
Arthur’s goal was never about Claire. He wanted to create obstacles for Frederick, distracting him from the presidency. He didn’t expect Claire to continually surprise him, and he saw no harm in maneuvering further. Anyway, for him, there were only benefits and no harm.
With a triumphant smile, Arthur removed his bathrobe and went to bed. Claire was oblivious to Arthur’s schemes in the second bedroom. She was determined to start a thorough investigation into Arthur tomorrow.
After observing the villa for a few days, she identified a long-time servant who seemed approachable. Additionally, she noted the study room, which Arthur frequently visited and considered crucial for her inquiry. She planned to find a way to access it. If that proved impossible, it wouldn’t be a setback. She had already chosen a candidate, a servant responsible for cleaning Arthur’s villa. By establishing a rapport with this servant over time, she hoped to gather valuable information.
However, she knew she had to be patient and discreet to avoid raising Arthur’s suspicions. After contemplating her strategy, Claire went to wash up and rest. Since she went to bed early the night before, she woke up very early the next day. When she woke up, she opened the curtains to see the sunrise. The morning sky was aglow in pink. She faced the sun, closed her eyes, and inhaled deeply, her mood naturally lifting. With such a beautiful morning, she felt confident that everything would go smoothly.
Smiling at herself, she got ready, applying delicate makeup and wearing a light green halter saree. Everyone appreciated beauty, from servants to the highest-ranking officials. A pleasant appearance could brighten moods. Just like the sunrise she saw this morning, if she dressed up nicely, she would naturally get more cooperation when she went to inquire with the servants.
It was already summer now. The green look was refreshing and appealing. Dressed and checking the time, she noted it was seven o’clock when the most approachable servant began her cleaning duties. She had already made observations these past few days. She lifted her skirt’s hem and headed downstairs. Sure enough, the servant had just arrived in the living room to start cleaning.