Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"Richard, it feels like you know everything but never tell me," I said, my voice filled with sadness.

It took Richard a moment to respond, "Claire, I 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, I hung up the phone. After getting ready, I chose a simple outfit and sneakers, casually tying my hair back with a couple of loose strands framing my face.

I murmured, "Mom, Dad, I wish I knew how to contribute to your legacy. Since this project was your life's work, the least I can do is check out your accomplishment."

But upon arriving at the venue, I realized I didn't even have an invitation. And my casual attire made me stick out like a sore thumb among the formally dressed attendees.

I 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 sent me an invitation the night before! Just as I was about to leave, Claude and Kate approached arm in arm.

"Claire, you made it, too?"

Claude seemed somewhat restrained, but how could I 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?"

I scoffed without explanation, realizing Kate was in the dark about Claude's plan to confine me in Elmwood Springs.

Claude said, "Kate, can I have a moment alone with Claire? Please go ahead inside."

Kate shot me a glare but turned and walked away.

Claude pulled me into a room at the venue,

bring brow furrowed. "Let's not

bring up Lydia again, especially not in front of the Goodwin family."

CUMS

I found it laughable. "Is Lydia's death your guilty stain, Claude? I'm a

witness. I 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.

Claude threatened, "Don't think getting Maximilian's help makes you untouchable. Taking down Richard is as easy for me now as before."

My laugh grew louder. I realized I

had nothing to lose, making Claude's threats empty. "Try harming him and

see.dll make your fate worse than

Lydia's!"

Von

I stormed out, slamming the door behind me. There was no point in arguing with Claude. Lydia's story alone could ruin his future!

But outside, I encountered Kate glaring at me. "What secret do you and Claude share?"

I lifted my chin, walking past her. "Why don't you ask him? How long do you think the Goodwin family can protect him?"

With that, I strode away, my pride intact, only to see Max on the stage, arm in arm with Tracey, a minute later.