Chapter 7
She wasn't even seriously hurt, and he'd already given her more than enough money.
But Claire seemed determined to make herself a public target for moral condemnation.
That was absolutely out of the question.
Michael said, his tone icy, "Don't act like you didn't benefit from this marriage. Claire, don't make me say it again.
"If you want to sign, do it. If you don't?" He scoffed. "Then you deal with whatever comes next."
Emily was Michael's number one priority—the person he'd shield from anything, no matter the cost.
He had all the resources and connections to clear any obstacles for her, including covering up evidence.
Claire had no choice but to sign.
If she signed, at least she'd walk away with some cash.
If she didn't, she'd just be a liability—a ticking time bomb in Michael's eyes.
She gritted her teeth through the pain, flipping through the contract page by page.
She had to admit she'd broken traffic rules and set Emily up, and even claim Emily was the Good Samaritan who saved her life and rushed her to the hospital.
"Michael, you really know how to twist reality and turn everything upside down," Claire taunted.
"I'm just making sure Emily stays out of trouble," Michael replied, his tone cold and unyielding.
Claire had no choice.
No matter how hard she fought, the only ones who'd pay were others—Emily would always walk away untouched.
Michael would do anything for Emily, no matter how low he had to stoop.
Swallowing her pride, Claire signed the humiliating contract.
Michael grabbed the contract and turned to leave.
Claire called out, "Mr. Quinn."
Michael stopped in his tracks, but didn't turn around.
"After Grandma's birthday, I expect you to keep your promise. People with nothing to lose aren't afraid of those with everything. I might not have power or money, but I've still got my life—and if you try anything, I won't just sit back and take it," Claire said, her voice steady and cold.
Michael's back stiffened almost imperceptibly. "Don't worry. I keep my word."
Once the hospital room door clicked shut, Claire was alone again, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Tears welled up despite her resolve.
She didn't want money; she only wanted those who had hurt her to face consequences.
But in the eyes of the powerful, she simply didn't matter enough.
*****
Not long after Michael left, his assistant arrived. Polite and earnest, the man spoke softly, "Mrs. Quinn, please try not to take it to heart. Mr. Quinn... he values loyalty deeply.
"If it weren't for Ms. Lane, Mr. Quinn would definitely stand by you.
"He does feel guilty about all this. He personally asked me to bring these supplements—they'll help you heal up."
Claire barely glanced at the beautifully wrapped gift boxes, her lips twisting in a bitter smile.
"Oh, really? Loyalty, huh? Well, pass on my thanks to Mr. Quinn for his so-called 'kindness'," she said, her voice thick with sarcasm.
The assistant looked uncomfortable, but forced a smile anyway. "You have his word—the land will be yours after the birthday banquet. Until then... we ask for your patience."
Patience? Patience for his cold indifference, for the betrayal, for the way he had let Emily humiliate her, for the slap and the lies whispered behind her back.
The request felt almost absurd, but Claire stayed silent.
Soon enough, once the land was hers, all ties between them would be severed.
The next day, Emily entered the room alone, dismissing the nurse with a wave.
"Do you really think Michael cares for you, even a little?" she asked.
Claire didn't answer. There was no point speaking to someone so unhinged.
Emily didn't seem to expect a reply anyway.
"Michael and I practically grew up side by side. He always put me first. If it hadn't been for that old witch meddling, Michael and I would've been together long ago.
"I always assumed Mrs. Quinn would pick some high-class heiress for Michael, but instead, she went with someone as worthless as you.
"I hate it! I can't do anything to that dead old witch, but you? Messing with you is a piece of cake," Emily threatened.
Claire opened her eyes, meeting Emily's twisted face.
"Emily, aren't you worried that if his grandmother finds out how you're acting, she'll just make it even harder for you and Michael to be together?" Claire said.
Emily let out a loud, mocking laugh. "That old witch is practically dead anyway. How much longer can she stop me from being with Michael?"
"Emily, that's Michael's grandmother! If you keep disrespecting her like this, aren't you worried Michael will end up hating you?" Claire pressed.
Emily just laughed again, pure contempt in her voice.
"Hate me? Please. Michael's a loyal dog. Even if I don't keep him on a leash, he'll always be at my beck and call. Claire, you just focus on getting better. I've got a real surprise waiting for you soon," Emily said with a smirk.
After she left, a cold dread settled in Claire's chest.
She had no clue what crazy thing Emily might do to her next.
Claire tried calling Michael.
But every time, he just hung up on her.
Thoughts of reaching out to her parents crossed her mind, but she held back—they didn't need more worry.
*****
Discharged and on edge, Claire waited, but days passed quietly.
Emily made no further moves, and slowly, Claire began to relax.
Tomorrow was Miranda's birthday party.
Once the party was over and Claire got what she wanted, she could finally get away from those two lunatics for good.
*****
On the day of Miranda's birthday banquet, Michael finally made an appearance. Claire opened the car door and settled into the passenger seat, just like she always used to.
She gave him a playful smile. "Mr. Quinn, relax. I'll handle my last shift just fine—no need for you to supervise me."
Her joking tone was just like it had been over the past three years.