Chapter 16

Without a hint of emotion on her face, Claire turned around to face the teary Curtis. "I'll only ask you one thing—did you or did you not recognize Matilda during that video call?" His sobs came to a sudden halt, and a flicker of panic crossed his eyes. He forced his composure and said, "It was too dark at that time for me to recognize her. Clairy, you have to trust me on this. Why would I harm Ashton on purpose? "Please, just help me one last time. I promise to explain everything to you! Once we put everything behind us, we can—" Before waiting for him to finish, Claire delivered a crisp backhand slap across his face. She screamed, "How dare you feel no remorse and continue to lie to me again?" Her slap carried immense force. Caught off guard by the strike, Curtis stumbled and knocked his forehead against the nearby shelf. Immediately, fresh blood oozed out. He looked at his blood-stained hand and exclaimed, "You hit me!" Claire's expression was ice cold. "You nearly got Ash k