Chapter 85: I’d Recognize Them
Claire had once treated Frederick the same way. Back then, Claire’s feelings for Frederick were an almost domineering type of humility, whereas Antony’s humility was genuine. Besides, she truly liked Frederick; she had liked him for many years, since childhood. On the other hand, Antony was only grateful because she had once helped him. Thinking of this, Claire gradually came to terms with it. She said nothing more, simply accepting Antony’s care and kindness daily.
Four years ago, Antony was the second person, besides Elizabeth, to bring warmth into her life. During those four hellish years in prison, she had desperately needed warmth. With Antony by her side, Claire experienced the warmest time since her release from prison. But happy times are always fleeting.
That evening, as soon as Claire returned to the basement of the Halfmoon Manor, she saw a message from Elizabeth: “[Claire, call me when you’re off work.]”
After reading the message, Claire called Elizabeth. “Grandma, is there something you need?”
“What? I can’t send you a message unless I need something. Have you forgotten? It’s almost Christmas Eve, and you promised to spend it with me this year.”
“Now look at you, not only have you forgotten, but you’re asking if I need something. You little ungrateful thing.”
There was a hint of affection in Elizabeth’s playful scolding.
“Oh dear, I’ve been so busy lately that I forgot Christmas Eve is almost here. I’ll check right now, Grandma. I’ll request some time off. If I get it, I’ll come to spend Christmas Eve with you.”
Claire truly hadn’t had the time to check her calendar recently. Even if she had, it wouldn’t have mattered. She knew Frederick would never let her return to the Prescott family for the holiday. And even if he did, Harrison would never allow it. Ever since four years ago, in Harrison’s eyes, she had become an unforgivable criminal who impersonated and killed his sister.
Thinking about it, Claire let out a smile.
The next day, she called Elizabeth, explaining that she couldn’t get time off and wouldn’t be coming back.
After hanging up, Claire glanced at the calendar. There was just one week left until Christmas Eve. But the Black Horse Underground Boxing Ring wouldn’t close for Christmas Eve, so she might as well focus on making money if she couldn’t return to spend the holiday with Elizabeth.
As for Frederick, he would return to the Hawthorne family for Christmas Eve dinner. And since he was now in charge of the Kingstown Security Department, he would be busy handling all sorts of issues, especially during the holidays. He wouldn’t be returning, so she could stick to her plan for Christmas Eve.
Claire eagerly planned everything, even calculating how much more money she’d make on Christmas Eve than usual. She didn’t expect that on Christmas Eve morning, before she could even head to the boxing ring, she received an email. There wasn’t a single word in the email. It was just a video.
Claire would recognize that face in the video even if it were turned to ash. The moment she saw that face, her phone slipped from her hand and hit the ground with a “thud.” It took a long time before she came back to her senses and picked up the phone to inspect it more closely.
It was Anna.