Chapter 69
“Drive safe. Mom, Vanessa said, feigning calm as she hung up the phone. Immediately, she dialed Nathan’s number
As soon as the call connected, she spoke urgently, “Dad, you need to get to the hospital right now. Mom just sold her handbags, and she’s planning to give the money to that scheming Claire.”
“Don’t worry, Vanessa. I’m on my way to stop her, Nathan replied, his voice steady.
Vanessa smirked, satisfied, and resumed her leisurely perusal of handbags and jewelry.
At the hospital.
Adah appeared more confident
int than ever as she faced Claire again.
Claire, adept at reading expressions, noticed the gleam in Adah’s eyes. She knew it meant that the million dollars she had asked for was likely secured.
Though impatient, Claire maintained a façade of indifference.
Adah settled beside the hospital bed, affectionately took Claire’s hand, and inquired about her health before producing a card.2
“Claire, your mother has always said that no matter what you ask for, Ill do my utmost to fulfill it. Here’s a million dollars. Let’s put the past behind us and move forward as a family”
Claire felt a surge of joy but kept her demeanor calm.
With this million, she would no longer fear the Linwood family’s threats.
Just as she reached for the card, the door burst open with a violent crash.
Both Claire and Adah jumped, startled by the sudden noise.?
Nathan stormed in, slapped Claire’s hand away, and snatched the card from Adah.
Adah was bewildered. “Nathan, what are you doing?”
“Why didn’t you discuss this with me before giving her money?” Nathan’s face was a mask of fury, his gaze at Claire full of disdain. Adah rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, it’s just a million. We’ve wronged Claire over the years. It’s only right to give her something.”
*A inillion? Does she deserve so much?” Nathan retorted, seething. “She’s never done anything but bring shame to the Linwood family. If she had even a fraction of Vanessa’s sense, maybe she’d earn it. But she never learns and nearly attacked me with a knife! There’s no way III squander my hard–earned money on such an ingrate.”
Claire’s hand throbbed with pain, but she remained silent, her eyes locked defiantly on Nathan.
Unfazed, Nathan met her gaze with a cold smirk. “You want money? Fine. Agree to a marriage alliance to secure the Linwood Group’s status in Cresthaven, and I’ll give you the million as a dowry. Refuse, and you won’t see a cent
With that, Nathan grabbed Adah’s arm and marched out. Adah, torn, couldn’t resist him.
As soon as they exited the room, Adah shook Nathan off. “Why are you so harsh with Claire? Just give her the money, and she’ll let bygones be bygones. We could still be family. Why fight with her?“)
“It’s not about opposing her,” Nathan argued. “She never truly saw us as family. She attacked me once and could do it again. Do you really want such a ticking time bomb at home? She could explode one day and take us all down. It’s better to marry her off and secure an alliance with the Fosters of Northcrest, strengthening the Linwood Group.
“But… Adah hesitated.X
Nathan pressed on, “The Fosters are competing with us for the Eastborough project. We’re at a disadvantage. Marrying Claire off for an alliance would ensure mutual success. If you won’t sacrifice her, would you rather send Vanessa to Northcrest City?“%
