Chapter 79: Marry No One But Him

When Frederick walked in, he saw Antony handing a check for one million dollars to Claire. Since Claire entered the Black Horse Underground Boxing Ring, Richard had been watching her. Today, when his men reported that Claire was in trouble at the ring, he immediately informed Frederick. Frederick had just finished a table of drinks, dealing with a group of officials. He rushed to the hospital, only to be greeted by this sight. It felt like a hammer had struck his heart. His mind was filled with images and information of Claire serving men at Eclipse Nightclub.

“I…” Claire’s hand tightened around the check. She turned abruptly, her heart racing uncontrollably. She opened her mouth to explain, but remembering that Frederick never believed her, she swallowed the words.

“Sir, I don’t know what your relationship with Claire is to make such accusations, but I can tell you one thing. She’s not that kind of person. You shouldn’t slander her like this. This check for a million dollars is…” Antony, seeing Frederick’s accusation, felt deeply hurt for Claire and stood up to face him.

“Just leave. I’m fine, don’t worry,” Claire quickly interrupted Antony, sensing the tension in the air. She knew exactly what kind of person Frederick was, and she feared for Antony’s life. If Antony offended Frederick, he wouldn’t survive till dawn.

“Claire, you’re lying in a hospital bed, weak and vulnerable, and now this man barges in here. How could I possibly not worry?” Antony, clueless about who Frederick was, only wanted to protect Claire.

“If you don’t want to leave, then stay!” Frederick narrowed his eyes and stood at the doorway, his gaze toward Antony blazing red.

“Please, I’m begging you. Just go, okay?” Claire panicked. She knew what Frederick meant by “stay.” She hurriedly pleaded with Antony. With Frederick’s methods, killing Antony would only take a matter of minutes.

“Alright, I’ll go. Claire, if anything happens, just call me. Here’s my number.” Her one word, “please,” had softened Antony’s heart. It also made Antony begin to reconsider Claire’s relationship with Frederick. He suddenly recalled a well-known fact from high school: the Prescott family’s princess had always liked a certain man. She wouldn’t look at anyone else besides him.

Antony pulled out a pen from his suit pocket, wrote his number on Claire’s medical report, and then left. As he reached the doorway, Antony glanced back at Frederick. Was he the man Claire had always liked?

“Thanks,” Claire whispered as she watched Antony leave.

“Now, tell me, who was that guy just now? And why did he give you a million-dollar check? Are you really that cheap? Just sell yourself to anyone who offers money?” As soon as the words left his mouth, Frederick slammed the door shut and stormed toward Claire’s bedside. His arms pinned her down. With alcohol clouding his senses, Frederick vented all the pent-up frustration he had held inside.

The Claire who had liked him since childhood. The one who had claimed she’d only ever love him. The Claire who swore she’d marry no one else. Yet now, she was cozying up to one man after another, selling herself. An unexplained surge of irritation and suffocation welled up within Frederick.

“Frederick, I didn’t. The million-dollar check was just…” At that moment, Claire caught a whiff of alcohol from Frederick. The sterile smell of disinfectant had masked the strong scent of liquor clinging to him until now. Claire frowned instinctively. How much had he been drinking?

“Just what? Just your new lover? Weren’t you the one who always claimed to love me? Weren’t you the one who swore you’d marry no one but me?” Frederick took a deep breath and clutched her hand, demanding answers. His tone and gaze were exactly like a man consumed by jealousy.

“What?” Claire was stunned. She could hardly believe her ears, nor could she believe her eyes. Was this the same Frederick who had never spared her a second glance? Was he still the same Frederick she had been chasing after her whole life?