NovelEnglish| could barely breathe. Claude's voice was warm, but his words sent a chill down my spine.
"Why did you promise to stay by my side forever if you were going to leave? You moved out and refused to come
home, not even for my mother's funeral. | gave you so many chances to cback on your own, but instead,
you spend every day with another man. Claire, He wrapped his arms aroundfrom behind, his chin resting on
my shoulder.
you forced my hand to lock you away."
| remained silent, my heart racing, fearing what he might do next.
Claude asked, "Scared?"
| bit my lip, not responding.
He pressed on, asking, "Richard or Max, have either of them touched you?"
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| stiffened even more.
In a past life, he draggedhand dousedin ice-cold water just because | was too close to Richard.
"Claude, are you trying to shme?" | realized he wouldn't hurt me, so | knew how to hit back.
He let out a light laugh. "Good, Claire. | raised you, so you belong to me."
"I'm heading back to Silverlake City for a few days. Wait forin Elmwood Springs until | return." With that,
Claude let go of me, and the tension in my body eased. He was still the sold-fashioned man who wouldn't
touchbefore marriage, even till then. But as he released me, his gaze turned cold. "When were you planning
on tellinghow you met Maximilian?"
| snapped, "Does it matter to you? Or do you think he'll cto save me?"
His confidence turned into a scornful laugh. "Yes, I'd love to see him try."
Panic surged through me. He hated the Hilton family so much. Was he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian when he
tried to save me?
But to me, Max was Maximilian. | believed it, even though I didn't have solid proof just yet.
I said, "So, I'm bait? You didn't find
any
bales in Maximilian until
he rescuedfrom your villa. Now by keepingcaptive, you're killing two birds with one stone, waiting to see
if he'll cfor me. If he does, you'll hurt him. If not, you'll keeplocked away. Claude, you've become
despicable."
Claude smiled. "Clever, Claire. Now, let's have dinner before | leave."
Claude pulled a chair forto sit on as the maids served dishes and soup. | knew resisting was futile at this
point. I'd better eat and then plan my next move.
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"Today, we have fresh truffles flown in from Marrowfall. You've always loved this soup. Let's see how it tastes."
The new maid, serving the soup, interrupted, "Ms. Claire, I'm from Crestview Metropolis, so my soup skills are
top-notch. Whenever you want soup in Elmwood Springs, I'll make it for you." en
"Saliva in it. Getanother plate of soup," | said coldly. The new maid was too close to my plate as she spoke.
And considering how she treated Lydia earlier, | took the
chance with Claude present to set a boundary.
She glanced at Claude fearfully, who gave her a cold look. She quickly took the soup back.
Returning with a new plate and wearing a mask, she dared not speak again.
After a sip, | pushed it aside. "Not as good as Lydia's."
Claude put down his utensils, his expression turning even colder.
The maid dropped to her knees in fear. "Sir, there's nothing wrong with the soup."
Claude ordered, "From now on, Lydia will lead the kitchen. She knows Claire's preferences best."
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