Chapter 301

A month melted away. Claire, free from confinement, decided to learn combat. "Charlie," she said, "I need self-defense training. I want a normal life for Rena, and for us."

Charlie readily agreed. Protecting Claire and their daughter, Serena—Rena, for short—was his paramount duty. Their special status as Jones descendants made them a target, even from extended family. Luckily, Debra, Serena's grandmother, doted on the baby, happily trading shopping trips for playtime.

Claire named her daughter Serena, a simple wish for a peaceful life, a stark contrast to the Jones family’s shadow. Besides training, Claire shrewdly invested online, her years of Jones family tutelage paying off handsomely. Occasionally, Debra would coax Claire out for walks, bodyguards in tow. They even visited the Carter family emerald mines, crafting jewelry from their finds.

Serena thrived. Rolling, babbling "Dad" and "Mom," then walking—each milestone filled their home with joy. Charlie, especially, delighted in twirling his giggling daughter. He built a home theater, making movie nights a family affair.

By Serena's first birthday, Claire had secured film rights to several novels. Charlie, with his L&K Group now a major entertainment powerhouse, immediately set his team to work. Malcolm, a national idol and award-winning actor, jumped at the chance to star, his participation guaranteeing viewership.

Charlie held internal auditions, sending the results to Claire for final approval. She, familiar with the novels' characters, meticulously chose actors, consulting Charlie, whose expert eye finalized the cast. Filming was swift, resulting in an instant hit.

One evening, nestled in their home theater after the premiere, Claire surprised Charlie. "Let's go out," she declared.

He hesitated, but they couldn't remain secluded forever. Their first outing was uneventful, except for the constant recognition of Charlie, a former star, forcing him to adopt disguises. He worried, not about himself, but about unwanted attention directed at Claire.

Subsequent outings proved equally uneventful. Perhaps Kelly's prolonged absence and the Hoggard family's protective stance had deterred the Jones family. The Hoggard family’s superior robots, used by world leaders, held ultimate leverage. Offending the Hoggards would be catastrophic for the Jones family.

When Serena turned two, the Jones family power struggle concluded. Through the Hoggards, the new head discreetly sent greetings, assuring Claire (Kelly) of their non-aggression, proposing a truce and future collaboration.