Chapter 253: Chapter 253: Whatever She Does Is Wrong

Henry Hartwell looked at her, amused. "By that logic, what kind of woman do you think *is* worthy of him?"

Claire Sinclair answered almost without thinking, "My sister."

"Why your sister and not you?"

"Everyone says so..." Some people had even asked her upon their first meeting why her sister was the one who died, not her.

Just because she was meek, she was the one who deserved to die.

Her sister’s existence seemed to be a matter of course, while her own was just a waste of air, an eyesore.

Being frail and sickly since childhood was wrong. Being bullied was wrong. Loving someone was wrong, and being loved was wrong. Being kind was wrong, being brave was wrong, being strong was wrong, and being weak was wrong... No matter what she did, she had never done a single thing right.

When enough people condemned her, she started to believe it.

’If it wasn’t true, why would so many people say it?’

Henry Hartwell laughed at her. "I know your sister, and we get along well, but I don’t think she and Young Master Quincy are a good match."

"Huh?" Claire Sinclair was stunned again. "Why?"

’Teacher Hartwell is really something else. He actually knows my sister!’

Henry Hartwell continued, "Your sister only has room in her heart for a greater love, not a smaller one."

"What does that mean?"

"It means your sister’s heart is filled with thoughts of her country and the world, not with romantic trifles. She has a deep-seated passion for protecting her home and defending her nation, but she pays no mind to her own romantic feelings."

"My sister..." ’She’s truly incredible, to have such grand ambitions.’

Henry Hartwell added, "If Young Master Quincy were interested in your sister, the position of Mrs. Quincy would never have fallen to you. His choosing you was certainly the result of careful consideration."

"I don’t really understand. Why would he choose me?" 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

"A man of Young Master Quincy’s status wouldn’t casually get involved with an ordinary woman unless he was absolutely determined. He chose you, which means there’s something about you that attracts him. As for what that is, only he knows."

Going around in circles, Claire Sinclair started to feel dizzy and became even more confused.

So, she had no choice but to ask for help. "Teacher Hartwell, do you think things will work out between me and Mr. Quincy?"

"Of course. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have invested so much effort in you."

"Huh?" Claire Sinclair was a little confused.

Henry Hartwell smiled. "Your only flaw is your low self-esteem. You have these bouts of insecurity every so often, and it’s quite frustrating. If I were you, I’d find more things to do. Work toward the direction you want to go, and you’ll eventually realize your own worth."

Claire Sinclair muttered under her breath, "What worth could I possibly have..."

She didn’t even know what strengths she had. Everyone said she was useless, good for nothing.

Henry Hartwell didn’t answer her question, simply saying, "I think you’re just overthinking things because you have too much free time. Keep yourself busy. Don’t give yourself the chance to let your mind wander. Now, go back to work."

Claire Sinclair nodded and turned to leave.

Just as she reached the door, Henry Hartwell called out to her, "Claire Sinclair."

"Yes?" Claire Sinclair turned back.

"Go home and eat more. You don’t look good when you’re too thin."

"..." ’I’ll try.’

...

The end of the month was approaching, and Aethelgard was about to welcome a very important person.

Phoebe Lockwood was in the office first thing in the morning, beaming with delight. Without a shred of modesty, she announced loudly, "Prince Hale is arriving tomorrow, and he specifically requested me to be his personal host! I haven’t even decided what to wear tomorrow. Does anyone have any suggestions?"

"Lockwood, you’re so pretty, you look good in anything."

"Haha... you could wear a qipao! The qipao is one of our national treasures, so it would be quite fitting."

"I agree, a qipao would be great. It’s very elegant."

Phoebe Lockwood looked a little troubled. "A qipao is beautiful, that’s true, but Prince Hale is a sports enthusiast. He’s here to have fun. If I wear a qipao, I won’t be able to do anything. Ah..."

"Then just wear sportswear! Go for a run with Prince Hale or something. Who knows, maybe you’ll spark an epic romance with him!"

"Haha... Prince Hale is so handsome! You’ve got to go for it, Lockwood! If you manage to marry him, your family will be royalty!"