Chapter 77: Do You Still See Me as Your Sister
After Clara hung up the phone, she was extremely anxious. Her hands were shaking as she dialed Lucas's number.
Lucas had been living it up these past few days, partying and having a great time.
When he saw Clara's call, Lucas hung up without a second thought.
"Lucas, isn't Clara your fiancée?"
Lucas curled his lip disdainfully and lit up a cigarette.
"We're not even married yet and she's already bothering me. She really thinks she's my wife! It's definitely nothing good. Ignore her."
The phone kept ringing non-stop. Lucas had no choice but to pick up.
"Lucas! Something happened to my parents! Please help me!"
Clara's tearful voice came through the phone. Lucas was playing cards while kissing the woman next to him.
"What's wrong? Explain clearly."
"My parents were kidnapped by someone. They said they'll only let them go if I bring five million dollars. I don't have that much money. Lucas, please save my parents!"
Lucas was somewhat surprised. "Five million dollars? Your dad is worth that much?"
"Lucas, what do you mean by that? Please help us. Once my parents are safe, we'll pay you back!"
Yesterday at Bright Heal Hospital, the Smith family had made complete fools of themselves. Lucas's mother had warned him not to get too close to Clara.
Clara wasn't worthy of entering the Johnson family.
"Clara, don't panic. I don't have that much money either. You should try asking someone else."
Clara couldn't believe Lucas actually refused her!
"Lucas, what's that noise on your end? Where are you right now? I'm really scared. Can you come pick me up?"
Lucas wasn't stupid!
Five million dollars - Clara wasn't worth it.
If he went to pick up Clara now, that five million dollars would be gone for good. The Smith family wouldn't pay it back!
Lucas was drinking with several women around him and had no intention of caring about Clara.
"I'm talking business, Clara. I'm doing this for our future. Don't make a fuss. Gotta go."
Clara heard the obviously suspicious sounds on the other end of the phone. She felt Lucas wasn't really talking business, but couldn't quite put her finger on it.
What was Lucas really doing?
Why did it sound like there were women's voices too?
The call was quickly disconnected. Lucas didn't give her a single cent. Clara called over a dozen times, but none of them went through.
Clara stood by the roadside, stamping her feet, almost crying from worry about Oliver and Celeste.
"It's all that Catherine's fault! Everything wrong with our family is because of her!"
Esme, who was passing by and about to leave the set, stopped in her tracks when she heard this.
Did she hear that right? Clara just mentioned Catherine?
If she remembered correctly, she had the last name Smith, right?
That meant she must be related to the family that adopted Catherine.
Esme forced out a warm smile and turned to walk over to Clara.
"What's wrong? Is there anything I can help you with?"
When Clara saw Esme, she immediately perked up!
"Ms. Windsor, please lend me five million dollars! My parents were kidnapped. They want five million dollars to release them. Once my parents are safe, we'll pay you back!"
"Five million dollars is just pocket change to you. Please help me! I'm willing to do anything for you."
Esme's lips curved up.
"You're from the Smith family? Then you must know Catherine too?"
"Yes, yes! She used to be my sister."
Clara sensed that Esme seemed very interested in Catherine, and to prevent another situation like with Richard, she pulled out her phone and showed Esme photos of Catherine.
They were all taken at The Smith Villa, secretly photographed by her.
In the pictures, Catherine was either watering flowers or playing the piano, peaceful and elegant, completely unaware she was being photographed.
"We used to live together. I took all these photos. If you want to know more about Catherine, we can work together in the future. But right now I need to save my parents. Please help me!"
Esme's eyes were full of contempt.
The house Catherine used to live in was so small. And playing the piano - that piano looked cheap. She really thought she was some kind of refined artist.
Clara bit her lip. "Ms. Windsor, as long as you're willing to help me, I can tell you anything you want to know!"
"You know everything about Catherine?"
"Of course, we grew up together. Those photos I just showed you are proof."
Esme didn't have five million dollars on her either, otherwise she wouldn't be out looking for work and acting jobs.
But she didn't want to let Clara slip away easily. If she could learn more information, Catherine would definitely be kicked out of the Windsor family.
"Wait for me. Give me an account number. I'll transfer the money to you this afternoon."
Clara's face lit up with joy. "Okay, okay! Thank you so much!"
Imperia City, Bright Heal Hospital, VIP ward.
Esme tiptoed into the hospital room, pulled out Lila's phone from under her pillow, transferred money to her own account, and put it back. Her movements were very practiced.
Just as she put the phone back, Lila opened her eyes, nearly making Esme scream on the spot.
"Esme, where have you been?"
"I went looking for work. I want to act, but Richard won't let me play the female lead. He only lets me play a maid. Grandma, this is so embarrassing for you!"
Lila suddenly became alert.
"What did you say? Richard actually made you play a maid? Does he even see you as his sister? This is outrageous! I'm calling Richard right now!"
Esme was afraid that if Lila called, Richard would expose her threatening other actors on set, so she quickly stopped her.
"I'm fine!"
Lila looked at her disapprovingly. "Why did you think of becoming an actress? Why show your face in public like that?"
Esme pouted pitifully, looking especially pathetic.
"It's all because Catherine keeps badmouthing me at home and got me expelled from school."
Lila sat up in bed at once, her eyes wide with anger.
"What did you say? Catherine dared to bully you! Have you told Alexander about this? Esme, listen to me. You must make good use of your assets and marry into the Howard family! Only then will you have a place in the Windsor family!"
"But Alexander won't even talk to me."
Was it that she didn't want to find Alexander?
She simply couldn't even see Alexander!
A gleam flashed in Lila's eyes.
"I'll make the call and have Catherine bring Alexander to see me. Then you'll know what to do, right?"
Esme jumped up from her chair excitedly!
As long as she had a chance to be alone with Alexander, she was confident he would fall for her!
"I know! I'll do my best!"