Chapter 296
At the same time, Charlie also learned about the news. Lydia had ordered the bodyguards in advance to send the letter to Charlie’s hand. Besides, the bodyguards informed Charlie that Claire was in Zentiscape.
After reading the letter, Charlie rushed to the airport desperately, bought a ticket, and boarded the next flight to Strico. In the letter, Lydia said she would ask the bodyguards to send Claire to Hoggard Villa when everything was over, and Charlie could go there for Claire.
Meanwhile, in Jacaster, Claire wanted to return to Yowhayton but was stopped by the bodyguards. The bodyguards took her into a car and sent her directly to Hoggard Villa in Strico. It was Lydia’s arrangement beforehand. She asked them to keep an eye on Kelly after everything was over and never allowed Kelly to return to Yowhayton to look for her. Moreover, Lydia even commanded them to escort Kelly to Hoggard Villa in person.
Although all the direct lines that once manipulated them had died, no one could guarantee that the branch family wouldn’t send someone to assassinate Kelly once they officially assumed authority. Therefore, Lydia believed Kelly should seek refuge within Hoggard Villa for her safety in the immediate future.
As for other relationships, Lydia had already made up her mind. As long as Claire didn’t want to regain her identity as Kelly Jones, didn’t covet the power and authority of the Jones family, and didn’t compete with the branch family for status, she would have no conflicting interests with the Jones family’s branches. Moreover, Claire could also receive protection from the Hoggard family after being with Charlie.
If Claire regained her identity as Kelly and stayed in the Jones family, it would be impossible for the Hoggard family to stand by their side and protect Kelly. After all, the Hoggard family had such a big family business. She believed Hayden wouldn’t ruin the entire family’s future for a woman – especially who was his brother–in–law’s wife.
In contrast, if Claire broke away from the Jones family, refrained from getting involved in their bid for power, and just lived as an ordinary woman – particularly Hayden’s brother–in–law’s wife – there would be no problem for the Hoggard family to grant Claire some influence and provide her a measure of protection.
Lydia had checked on the character of the Carter and Hoggard families and found they were both excellent families. Hence, she was willing to bet they would help her protect Claire well.
In Hoggard Villa, Hayden and Stacey also received a scheduled email from Lydia’s alternative account in advance. A whirlwind of emotions swept through them as they read the email – surprise, suspicion, unease, worry, and expectant.
Not only were they surprised to receive such an email, but they were also astonished that Lydia and Ronan’s relationship turned out to be a truth far more complex than the mere infatuation they had assumed. The suddenness of the email left them doubting its authenticity. Meanwhile, the breaking news from Yowhayton had them on edge, fearing potential consequences. Lydia’s mention in the email of sending Claire to seek refuge in their home added to their concern, especially since Claire hadn’t arrived as promised. They couldn’t help but worry about whether something might happen to Claire along the way. Amidst the uncertainty, they awaited Claire’s arrival.
But while they were swallowed by the mixed feelings, Stacey’s phone suddenly rang. It was Charlie. Before she answered the phone, Stacey had anticipated what Charlie wanted to ask. She believed Charlie must have received the same news and called to inquire about Claire. Despite her assumptions, Stacey quickly answered the phone.
True to her suspicions, Charlie indeed called to ask about Claire. Stacey could only be honest with Charlie, assuring him they would arrange to find Claire and appease Charlie.
Meanwhile, after knowing that Claire hadn’t arrived at Hoggard Villa, Charlie became extremely panicked and worried that something might happen to her. Suddenly, a doubtful thought came to his mind, ‘Or did she return to Yowhayton? No! She can’t go back now! Absolutely not! If Claire returns at this critical time, the Jones family’s branches surely won’t spare her!”
Charlie had called Claire earlier but couldn’t get through, and all the calls went unanswered. After finishing the call with Stacey, he couldn’t restrain himself and continued to call Claire
At the same time, on the highway, Claire was being watched by the bodyguards while traveling to Striço. To prevent Kelly
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from calling someone to “rescue” her, the bodyguards had no choice but to put aside her phone and bag, ensuring she couldn’t make any calls. After all, Kelly had been in the Jones family for a decade and learned quite a lot. If they handed her the phone, she might summon mercenaries, escape from them, and return to Yowhayton.
As time passed, Charlie arrived at Hoggard Villa but didn’t see Kelly. Plus, her phone remained frustratingly unreachable. Charlie’s anxiety grew with each passing second. After an hour, he could no longer wait idly and picked up his clothes, intending to go to Yowhayton. Instantly, Hayden grabbed Charlie and reminded him, “I’ve asked my friends in Yowhayton to keep an eye on her. If Kelly goes back, they’ll tell me. But for now, she may still be in Zentiscape.”
“But what if she goes back?” Charlie yelled out of control, tears welling up. Charlie insisted on leaving, and no one could stop him. Stacey was so anxious that she tried her best to pull Charlie, but it was futile.
Finally, Hayden’s bodyguards stepped in, forcibly restraining Charlie and preventing him from leaving. Regardless of whether Kelly had returned to Yowhayton, Charlie couldn’t go there at such a critical time. The sudden deaths of both direct descendants of Jones Group overnight have surely thrown Yowhayton into chaos. Given Charlie’s special identity, going there at the moment would be akin to walking straight into danger.
Charlie struggled fiercely, leaving Stacey to watch with aching concern. Holding Charlie, she kept comforting him. As he failed to break through the grip, Charlie finally broke down in tears and begged Becky to let him go. Stacey also cried, but she couldn’t release him. She couldn’t bear to watch Charlie walk willingly into danger. They cried from day to night, and even the children joined in, turning their home into a chaotic scene.
At 8 p.m., Hayden’s subordinate finally confirmed that Kelly hadn’t returned to Yowhayton but was on the highway to Strico. Hayden hurriedly informed Charlie and Stacey.
Hearing the news, Charlie, whose eyes were red from crying, immediately raised his head. Hayden then urged him, “Let’s go. I’ll take you to pick her up!”
Stacey was equally surprised but relieved by the news. However, with so many children in the house, Stacey could only stay behind and ensure their safety. Then, she watched Hayden take Charlie to pick Claire up.
After getting into the car, Charlie remained very uneasy. He tried to speak several times, but no words escaped his lips.
Hayden handed him a piece of bread and advised, “Eat something to fill your stomach. You’ll need more strength later.”
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