NovelEnglish"Richard, it feels like you know everything but never tell me," | said, my voice filled with sadness.
It took Richard a moment to respond, "Claire, | only wanted to keep you happy, surrounded by love, doing what
you love without any distractions. If my approach was wrong, then, as your family, I'm sorry." With a short
acknowledgment, | hung up the phone. After getting ready, | chose a simple outfit and sneakers, casually tying
my hair back with a couple of loose strands framing my face.
| murmured, "Mom, Dad, | wish | knew how to contribute to your legacy. Since this project was your life's work,
the least | can do is check out your accomplishment."
But upon arriving at the venue, | realized | didn't even have an invitation. And my casual attire madestick
out like a sore thumb among the formally dressed attendees.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt| should've never trusted Richard's words. Max wasn't there for my parents’ project. He was only a businessman.
If he cared about my parents’ cause, he would've sentan invitation the night before! Just as | was about to
leave, Claude and Kate approached arm in arm.
"Claire, you made it, too?"
Claude seemed somewhat restrained, but how could | forget the days he went mad enough to cut off Lydia's
finger, leading to her death?
"Have Lydia's family been taken care of?" My sudden question confused Kate, and before Claude could reply, she
interjected, "Didn't Lydia's family move abroad? What do you mean by taken care of?"
| scoffed without explanation, realizing Kate was in the dark about Claude's plan to confinein Elmwood
Springs.
Claude said, "Kate, can | have a moment alone with Claire? Please go ahead inside."
Kate shota glare but turned and walked away.
Claude pulledinto a room at the venue,
bring brow furrowed. "Let's not
bring up Lydia again, especially not in front of the Goodwin family."
CUMS
| found it laughable. "Is Lydia's death your guilty stain, Claude? I'm a
witness. | could testify against.ne
for harming her. She wouldn't have died if it wasn't for you!"
Perhaps my provocation made him see red, but he didn't dare hurt me. In the past, he would have been furious.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmClaude threatened, "Don't think getting Maximilian's help makes you untouchable. Taking down Richard is as
easy fornow as before."
My laugh grew louder. | realized |
had nothing to lose, making Claude's threats empty. "Try harming him and
see.dll make your fate worse than
Lydia's!"
Von
| stormed out, slamming the door behind me. There was no point in arguing with Claude. Lydia's story alone
could ruin his future!
x But outside, | encountered Kate glaring at me. "What secret do you and Claude share?"
= Fo fted my chin, walking past her. "Why don't you ask him? How long do you think the Goodwin family can protect
| uli bs
th that, | strode away, my pride intact, only to see Max on the stage, arm in arm with Tracey, a minute later.
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