Chapter 393: Can’t Sit Still Anymore
Claire didn’t know why, but at that moment, looking at Antony, she suddenly felt a wave of fear. There was a gut feeling, as if Antony might pull out a sharp knife at any second, kill her, and then take his own life. He wanted them to be together, forever, just the two of them.
Claire stared at him in fear. Never before had she felt so terrified by his presence. His gaze felt like eerie, dark hands closing tightly around her neck, squeezing the air out of her, suffocating her bit by bit.
Just as she thought she was about to suffocate and die, Antony suddenly spoke up, “Okay, Claire. No matter what, as long as I’m by your side, that’s all that matters.”
In that brief moment, he completely transformed into a different person. His expression brightened instantly, and a smile returned to his face. He became the warm, gentle boy she remembered from the past.
Claire finally relaxed, nodding in relief. She then called out sweetly, “Mm, okay.” But as she said it, she couldn’t help but think of her brother, Harrison, who had spoiled her for over twenty years.
She remembered being with Harrison, saying things like, “Harrison, I want this.” And he’d indulge her with a smile, “Mm, okay.” “I want that.” “Okay, I’ll go buy it for you.” “You’re so nice. Is it that whatever I want, you’ll just get it for me?” “Yeah, whatever you want, I’ll get it for you. Unless you want me to go pick the stars and the moon from the sky.” “Hmph, do you think I’m that unreasonable? What if you marry someone and stop being nice to me? One of my classmates had a brother like that. After he married, he completely distanced himself from her.” “You silly goose. Of course not. You’re my sister, for heaven’s sake.”
Yeah, his sister. But when Harrison found out Claire wasn’t really his sister four years ago, everything changed.
Antony noticed Claire had zoned out and gently reached out to pat her head. “What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine,” she replied with a smile, shaking her head, but her eyes already glistened with tears. She then buried herself in Antony’s arms. His embrace felt just as warm as Harrison’s had once been. Even that gentle pat on her head was nearly identical to what Harrison used to do.
Antony had no idea where this sudden wave of emotion from Claire came from, but he stood quietly, holding her and just being there for her. Meanwhile, the whole scene was being recorded through a phone screen. The person recording wasn’t just anyone—it was someone from Frederick’s team.
From the moment Frederick received the video Arthur’s people had sent—showing Claire leaving the hospital to handle Antony’s car accident and then Antony carrying her back to the hospital—Frederick had someone start tailing Claire. At this moment, the person recording outside the hospital room even had his phone directly connected to Frederick’s computer.
Frederick stared intently at the laptop screen, his eyes never leaving it. He couldn’t make out what Claire and Antony were saying to each other. All he could see was Antony standing there, holding Claire’s head as she leaned toward him from the hospital bed, gently stroking her hair with undeniable intimacy.
Without thinking, Frederick clenched his fists tightly. Seeing Frederick’s dark expression, Richard spoke up, “What do you think, General Hawthorne? Should I send someone to the hospital and bring Ms. Prescott back to the Halfmoon Manor?”
“No need!” Frederick snapped, slamming his laptop shut. “The stock agreement from Madam Prescott came through long ago, and I’ve already agreed to it. Claire and I are just engaged—it’s never going to be a real marriage. She can be with whoever she wants, do whatever she wants—it’s none of my business!”
“Yes, General Hawthorne.” Richard nodded and turned to leave. But just as Richard reached the door, Frederick called out, “Wait, keep an eye on Claire. She’s still a key part of the presidential race right now. No matter what, she’s still my fiancée, so don’t let her do anything that would embarrass the Prescott family.”
Richard nodded again. “Understood, General Hawthorne. I’ll make sure someone is watching her, 24/7, without fail.”
Actually, Richard couldn’t help but chuckle to himself after hearing Frederick. Richard thought, “You’re clearly bothered, yet you’re trying so hard to act like you’re not. Oh, General Hawthorne, when are you going to grow up? When will you truly understand your own feelings?”
For the next few days, Richard had people watching the hospital around the clock. His men also reported every detail back to Frederick without delay. Antony practically lived at the hospital, not just after work hours but taking whole days off, staying there as if he had moved into Claire’s ward. The more time passed, the more affectionate their behavior became under the watchful eyes of the cameras.
On the third day, Frederick finally reached his breaking point. After finishing a meeting at the Kingstown Security Department, he got a video from his team—more footage from the hospital. He immediately ordered Richard to get the car and head to the hospital.
As Richard started the car, he caught a glimpse of Frederick’s horrible expression in the rearview mirror and felt a sudden surge of amusement. He pondered, “Aha, looks like the stubborn General Hawthorne can’t sit still anymore!”