Chapter 633: No Escape, Only Anguish

Zion Prescott locked the dressing room door and faced Claire Sinclair coldly.

“Are you avoiding me?”

It wasn’t a question. The man’s tone directly concluded.

Claire Sinclair’s body trembled violently. She turned her head awkwardly, unwilling to meet Zion Prescott’s gaze.

“No… It’s just that after you said you wouldn’t disturb my life again last time, I didn’t expect to meet you again.”

“I’m the film investor. Considering what’s happened, is it strange for me to be here?”

Zion Prescott sat down nonchalantly, his gaze like a vortex pulling in people’s hearts. Claire Sinclair felt an even deeper unease inside.

Was he saying he was being self-indulgent?

…

The topic suddenly shifted in this direction, making Claire Sinclair extremely uncomfortable. She wanted to dodge, but Zion Prescott’s eyes, though light as clouds and clear as water, were unavoidable. A subtle bitterness quietly spread.

“Sorry, I was thinking too much. Mr. Prescott, if you want to visit the crew in the future, it’s your freedom. You don’t need to feel apprehensive because of me.”

As she spoke, Claire Sinclair thought about what Howard Prescott had mentioned previously. After hesitating repeatedly, she still sincerely bowed deeply to Zion Prescott.

“But anyway, Mr. Prescott, thank you for helping me just now… Although I know it was for Jude…”

Of course, Claire Sinclair understood that even if Zion Prescott wished she could go mad with embarrassment, his relationship with Jude Grant was truly excellent…

…

Claire Sinclair didn’t know how to face the relationship between Zion Prescott and Jude Grant. If possible, breaking up might be a relief.

But she didn’t want that.

As an outsider, Bella Prescott could naturally choose to avoid it.

However, in reality, Claire Sinclair, caught in the whirlpool, found it difficult to have this option.

She had considered bringing up this option with Jude Grant.

But Jude seemed to always be able to keenly sense what she wanted to say. He would soften her heart at the moment she was about to make a decision.

Claire Sinclair understood that she was just an ordinary girl among millions in this world, with nothing more than a slightly attractive face to make Jude Grant devoted to her.

However, Jude’s kindness wasn’t merely because of her appearance.

At least, throughout their relationship so far, Jude had never desired to become more intimate with Claire Sinclair, because every time Claire thought of the memories she once had with Zion Prescott, she couldn’t help but shudder. She would sit there dumbly, preventing Jude from truly continuing.

Claire Sinclair used to feel guilty about this.

One night, she even tried to overcome her psychological barrier to give herself to him.

Nevertheless, Jude resolutely refused.

He gently embraced Claire Sinclair.

It was an incredibly beautiful night.

They embraced under the terrace, with moonlight pouring down, and Jude sincerely placed a grass-woven ring on Claire Sinclair’s hand.

“Claire, I know you’re quite shy. Don’t force yourself like this. I’ll wait until you’re willing to marry me, willing to gladly accept everything about me.”

At that moment, Claire Sinclair couldn’t help but cry.

She didn’t know if it was due to being moved or feeling ashamed.

She had never received such valued and cherished affection from any other man.

Yet Jude, who was even a year younger than her, cradled her in his hands like this.

Seeing Claire Sinclair’s tears, Jude was instantly startled, then frantically began wiping away the tear stains on her face.

— Claire, did I speak too abruptly and scare you?

Claire Sinclair shook her head, broke into a smile, and like a child, touched the grass ring on her finger.

“Trying to win me over with a ring made from leaves, you’re too wicked.”

It was just a joke, but Jude was incredibly sincere, wanting to take Claire Sinclair then and there to order matching rings from the city’s best diamond store.

Claire Sinclair was naturally frightened.

She didn’t want Jude to waste money unnecessarily.

Things were yet to settle, and Claire Sinclair couldn’t ascertain how Jude’s family viewed her, as a girl about to enter the entertainment industry. Would Jude’s family really accept her?

In fact, Claire Sinclair had never met Jude’s parents before, and Jude seemed unwilling to introduce her to his family.

Claire Sinclair couldn’t help but feel anxious inside.

Until Jude explained.

— Claire, unless I’m absolutely certain my family will accept you, I won’t let you take such a risk.

Indeed, Jude’s family was quite traditional and couldn’t accept a future female celebrity as Jude’s wife.

This was something Jude understood clearly.

Hence, he chose to conceal Claire Sinclair’s identity from the outside.

Claire Sinclair didn’t know whether to feel touched or worried.

Until she reunited with Zion Prescott, until the nightmare repeated, and until Jude publicly announced she was his girlfriend.

That young lad, after all, held her dear.

Thus, Claire Sinclair knew even more clearly that she couldn’t let him down.

…

Thinking about Jude, Claire Sinclair’s face grew more resolute.

“Mr. Prescott, I believe you still need to check the traces left at the fire scene or perhaps inquire with other injured individuals. I won’t waste your time any longer.”

Zion Prescott looked at her steadily.

“Determined to chase me away like this?”

“…”

Claire Sinclair felt helpless, especially when she saw the man’s piercing yet seemingly wounded gaze, she could only find an excuse to avoid him.

“I didn’t… But Mr. Prescott, you’re a doctor, it really is inappropriate for you to stay here.”

However, Zion Prescott’s gaze shifted to her cheek, slightly scratched from the fall from the horse.

“Speaking of medical check-ups, Claire Sinclair, did you forget you’re also a patient?”

???

Claire Sinclair lowered her head blankly, noticing the scratches below her knees, but didn’t take them to heart.

“Mr. Prescott, it’s nothing, just a minor scratch, it’s insignificant.”

“A girl’s appearance is incredibly important, you’re aiming for the big screen, don’t you cherish it?”

Zion Prescott’s gaze locked on Claire Sinclair. Suddenly, he grabbed the ointment Claire Sinclair had placed on the vanity earlier, gently touched her cheek with his fingertip.

“No… no need.”

Claire Sinclair instinctively wanted to dodge, she shrank back a step, but behind was the wall, nowhere to retreat.

The man felt a pang of bitterness, then calmly spoke.

“Claire Sinclair, if you get a scar, the investment in this film will be wasted.”

“As a doctor or an investor, I have a reason to stay here, do you understand?”