126 Maria’s Trump Card

Claire's POV

“Chris is here?!”

Louis frowned and shot a sharp, dagger-like look at Maria. “Did you arrange this too?”

“You needn’t think so poorly of me, Prince Louis.”

Seeing a way out, Maria quickly shed her tearful demeanor, a hint of smugness replacing it.

“I’m just a mother. When a child is separated from his mother, he will naturally want to find his mother. It’s inevitable.”

While Maria’s expression revealed her satisfaction, Louis’s face darkened completely. The air grew thick with impending danger. Everyone present held their breath, fearing they might be the one to ignite Prince Louis’s wrath.

“Prince Louis, please believe me, I really didn’t—”

“Stop thinking you can always use Chris to escape punishment, Maria.”

Louis lifted his chin, looking down at Maria with cold disdain. He delivered a nearly threatening warning, “You will pay for your crimes. Remember my words.”

“Louis, I—”