Chapter 84: If Not Anna
Diana was immediately filled with murderous intent after being provoked by Caroline. After all, the Hawthorne family had been in politics for generations. With such power, taking someone’s life was just a matter of time.
“Really? Are you sure? Diana, you told me you could never beat Claire growing up. Even though she’s no longer the Prescott princess, she’s still clever and manipulative.”
“Otherwise, how could she have gotten close to Frederick so soon after her release, even sleeping with him? Diana, maybe it’s better if you don’t act rashly. If this plan doesn’t work, we can regroup and think of another way.”
Caroline was thrilled to hear Diana talk about getting rid of Claire, but she still feared Diana might change her mind. She continued to egg her on, even bringing up stories Diana had shared with her about growing up around Claire, just to fuel the fire further.
“Caroline, just mentioning this makes me furious! Claire was always so arrogant, acting like she was above everyone else.”
“I couldn’t stand her. If it weren’t for Anna being so kind and keeping the peace, I would have fought Claire countless times.”
“And now she dares to take it even further? I’ll make sure I take her out first!”
Diana was already livid, and this only made her angrier.
“Diana, you’re amazing. I don’t know what I’d do without you. Without your help, Claire would probably end me by tomorrow…”
Caroline figured she had pushed Diana far enough and began showering her with compliments. The goal was to make Diana so angry yet pleased with herself that she would impulsively handle Claire for her.
“Silly girl, stop crying. You’ve been by Frederick’s side for so long, and we’re so close. How could I ever abandon you?”
“Alright, I’ll get everything ready. Frederick is sharp. He’s not easily fooled. I’ll need to prepare thoroughly to make sure nothing goes wrong.”
After hanging up, Diana immediately began planning how to get rid of Claire. Caroline, meanwhile, calmly set her phone down. She grabbed a bag of chips and leisurely tore it open, enjoying each bite.
Claire and Frederick, on the other hand, were still completely unaware of any of this. After completing her discharge paperwork, Claire returned to the Halfmoon Manor. After leaving the hospital, Frederick headed straight to the Kingstown Security Department to take care of official business. After her fainting incident, Claire’s life was calm for a while. Frederick, troubled by his drunken night with Claire, chose to stay at the Security Department. He was unable to reconcile with himself. It worked out well for him, as it showed other officials, senators, and business leaders how dedicated he was to the country. It certainly gave him extra points for his presidential campaign.
Diana continued preparing her plot against Claire. With Caroline involved, there was no chance of either of them confronting Claire just yet. Claire, just as before her hospitalization, went to the Black Horse Underground Boxing Ring nearly every day to earn money. A month passed, and the peaceful days without trouble allowed Claire to make a decent amount of money, except for the appearance of Antony. Antony was always there whenever Claire went to the underground boxing ring, whether fighting, entering the ring, or leaving. Whenever she got hurt, Antony would carefully hand her medication. When Claire stepped into the ring to fight, Antony would cheer for her from the sidelines. When she was done and ready to go home, Antony would walk with her.
“Antony, you’ve already paid me back. You don’t have to keep following me around, doing all these things. You don’t owe me anything anymore.”
After a while, Claire started to feel a little embarrassed about it.
“No, Claire. I’ll always remember your kindness. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that million dollars you lent me back then. Please, let me stay by your side. I promise I won’t get in your way.”
“If my presence bothers you, I’ll stay far away so you won’t even notice I’m there.”
Antony was insistent, determined to stay by her side. That final sentence, spoken so humbly with his head lowered, touched the most tender part of Claire’s heart.