Chapter 300 “This time, I’m putting her in jail.”

The sound made everyone jump. Never in Claire’s wildest dreams had she imagined Joan Harris slapping her. Joan, who had always been so kind, now had tears streaming down her face, and Claire could see the raw pain in her eyes. Claire stood there, unmoving, not flinching or reacting to the sting on her cheek. Matthew’s eyes went wide in shock. “Mrs. Harris, you need to hear Claire’s side first!” he shouted, trying to intervene. Claire, with a calm demeanor that almost felt too calm, lifted her hand to stop Matthew from talking. “It’s okay, Matthew,” she said quietly, turning to Joan. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt Alexander. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave.” Joan’s face was still wet with tears, and she looked away, her voice breaking. “Please, just go.” Claire gave a small nod and walked out of the hospital. She felt a mix of guilt and resignation, knowing she was leaving Joan with a heavy heart and a son in danger. Joan had always been gentle, but seeing her son in the op