Chapter 174

Back then, everyone thought it was a huge blessing for an orphan like her to marry Nelson Cooper. Even Claire believed that herself. Why would she dare complain? Serena used to say straight to her face that Claire had stolen her life, stolen the engagement that should've been hers. Even though it was Nelson's grandfather who arranged it, somehow the blame still landed on Claire. So even if there was bitterness and jealousy inside, she had no choice but to bottle it all up. She was terrified that if anyone noticed her pain, they'd point fingers and say, "How dare you feel wronged? This engagement wasn't even yours to begin with. You're just a thief—what right do you have to cry?" Because of that, she always hid her feelings. Even when she saw Nelson treating Serena with extra care, she swallowed the sting and said nothing. That kind of pain? Oh, she remembers it like it was yesterday. It was like biting into a sour lime—so harsh it made her teeth ache. Back then, even Serena slapping he