Chapter 129: Get Yourself Drunk

Frederick was deeply engrossed in the moment, letting out a low, satisfied growl. However, upon hearing Claire’s sobs, he froze, his body halting mid-action. He could feel Claire’s body trembling and the tightness of her muscles, prompting him to ultimately release her. Gently, he laid her back on the bed, careful to place her head on the pillow with utmost tenderness. As he observed Claire’s damp hair and the sweat glistening on her chest, an unexpected pang of concern welled up within him—an emotion he hadn’t recognized before.

When he later entered Claire’s body, his movements were instinctively gentle, reminiscent of how one might handle a newborn. Even Frederick himself was unaware of this softness; it was a response driven purely by his physical instincts. Afterward, Claire succumbed to exhaustion and fell into a deep sleep. Given her prior injuries and the intensity of their encounter, it was no surprise that she drifted off so quickly.

Standing in the shadows of the night, Frederick watched. He lit a cigarette and stepped outside. “You don’t need to follow me,” he instructed Richard as he reached the hospital exit.

“Let’s grab a drink,” he said once in his car, frowning as he contemplated his next move before dialing Harrison’s number. “Same place as always.” Harrison happened to be awake when Frederick called and soon arrived at Eclipse Nightclub. “What’s going on?” he asked upon seeing Frederick’s furrowed brow and tense demeanor.

“I slept with Claire,” Frederick stated bluntly without any pretense.

“And?”

Harrison tightened his fists, surprised yet seemingly expecting this news. “There’s nothing more to it. I didn’t think it would happen either,” Frederick replied, shaking his head but withholding some of his deeper feelings.

“You should have seen this coming when you used her to shield Caroline from harm,” Harrison remarked. “It’s only natural for things to develop between a man and a woman who spend so much time together. Besides, Claire is quite attractive; she’s had countless admirers since childhood.”

“But remember Amma’s death,” Harrison continued. “What happened is done; just keep it physical and don’t let your heart get involved.” “Elizabeth already knows about this; it’ll make explaining things easier for you,” Harrison added, sensing Frederick’s unease.

Frederick nodded slowly, realizing that perhaps his feelings towards Claire were more about vengeance than compassion. “I think you’re right; maybe I’m just punishing her for Anna.” At this moment, he heard Harrison’s words and became even more determined that he was just punishing Claire.

“Exactly,” Harrison confirmed. “By the way, Elizabeth’s ninetieth birthday is in a week—make sure you bring Claire along.”

“Understood,” Frederick said as he took a large gulp from his drink. Yet, despite trying to drown his thoughts in alcohol, images of Claire lingered in his mind throughout the night. As they drank together, Harrison eventually succumbed to intoxication and fell asleep on the couch while Frederick continued to sip at his drink. Determined to forget everything for just a moment longer, Frederick found himself increasingly alert rather than numb as memories of Claire flooded back to him.

Eventually, after what felt like an eternity of drinking, he slumped onto the couch in their private booth and finally closed his eyes. He wouldn't return to Halfmoon Manor until she was discharged from the hospital. When Richard informed him about Claire’s release, Frederick merely nodded without looking up from his work. “Where should I take her? Halfmoon Manor has Caroline there.” Richard asked cautiously. Finally lifting his gaze, Frederick set down his pen and replied coldly, “Bring her to my office.”

“What?”