Chapter 156: Lady of the House
“Elysium Bliss?” Frederick couldn’t believe it. That Diana would dare to order Elysium Bliss—it was entirely unexpected. Not long ago, he had even used the substance to pressure Claire. He’d seen firsthand the effects it had on women who consumed it. After years in politics, rising to the rank of General, Frederick knew the murky underbelly of power, money, and temptation better than anyone. Most of his covert dealings took place at Eclipse Nightclub, and he had encountered Elysium Bliss far too many times to count.
She’d pried into his plans to go to the private room and had even ordered Elysium Bliss. The implications were crystal clear—she was planning something targeting him. The realization brought back memories of the other night when Caroline had fallen ill. He should have noticed it then. Anna’s kind-hearted nature and Caroline’s seemingly innocent demeanor over the past four years had blinded him. He hadn’t wanted to suspect anything.
That night, when Caroline fell ill, Frederick had tried to convince himself it was all just a coincidence. Her actions—they had to be the result of her being unwell, nothing more. But Diana and Caroline had always been close, practically inseparable. Could Caroline have been involved in this scheme as well? His hands tightened into fists, his knuckles cracking under the pressure as his gaze turned icy.
“General, shall I proceed with…” Richard, who had served Frederick for years, knew better than anyone what his moods meant. Sensing his growing fury, he carefully ventured to ask for instructions.
“We’ll play along.” Frederick’s jaw tightened, and his fists clenched so hard that his bones audibly protested. He uttered only these words.
“Yes, General.” Richard bowed respectfully and immediately left to make the necessary arrangements.
If Frederick’s reaction was anything to go by, tomorrow night at Eclipse Nightclub would be anything but peaceful. Richard’s job was to ensure all contingencies were covered. As he closed the door behind him, Richard sighed deeply, shaking his head.
“Ms. Diana Hawthorne… you must not realize who actually owns Eclipse Nightclub. To think you’d try to pull a stunt like this on your own brother… Well, some people just don’t know when to stop until it’s too late.” Muttering under his breath, Richard made his way to Eclipse Nightclub to prepare for the storm ahead.
Diana, unaware that Frederick had uncovered everything, was busy scheming with determination. Her plan was clear: if Caroline could be with Frederick tomorrow, leveraging her identity as Anna’s younger sister, combined with the good impression she had cultivated over the years by staying by Frederick’s side, the outcome would be inevitable. In the end, Frederick would surely choose Caroline.
At the Halfmoon Manor, Claire had tidied up everything, eaten dinner, and settled in for the evening. She was finally looking forward to a good night’s sleep. As for Caroline’s peculiar behavior earlier that day, Claire had no intention of dwelling on it. After all, she was now openly by Frederick’s side, a relationship well-known across all of Kingstown. With Frederick’s promise to erase her criminal record, nothing else truly mattered. Caroline no longer posed a threat to her life, and Claire could now focus on finding a job and living a normal life. This was everything she had dreamed of while in prison—a simple, ordinary existence that had finally become her reality. Claire had no other desires left.
That night, she slept more peacefully than she had in years. With everything weighing her down finally lifted, she felt a sense of lightness she hadn’t known in ages. She even dreamed—a rare occurrence. In her dream, she was a humble office worker at a small company, going about her days with a steady, predictable rhythm. She commuted between work and home, and her life centered around a quiet routine. On weekends, she strolled through town, and on holidays, she took small trips. Her life was simple, fulfilling, and happy.
When Claire woke the next morning, a smile lingered on her lips. “Good morning.” “Good morning, Ms. Prescott.” “Good morning, Wendy.” Claire was in a good mood. After freshening up, she came downstairs to eat and greeted everyone with a smile. Everyone responded politely, as things had changed for Claire since her return to the Halfmoon Manor. Everyone knew she was soon to be engaged to Frederick, so they treated her with utmost respect. Wendy, ever eager to please, was singing her praises, and as a result, the entire atmosphere in the manor had shifted.
“Who would have thought Ms. Prescott would return so down-to-earth?” “Indeed.” “I’ve always thought Ms. Prescott was a good person. Didn’t she once risk her life to save a servant and get seriously injured? How many ladies would do such a thing?” “Yes, but before, General Hawthorne and Ms. Prescott had some conflicts, which is why we all kept our distance.” By the time breakfast was over, the entire Halfmoon Manor was buzzing with praise for the future lady of the house, who was described as having such a good temperament that everyone felt fortunate.
When Caroline stepped outside, she overheard two servants talking. “Ms. Prescott is really kind. She doesn’t seem at all like the arrogant and overbearing person people used to talk about.” “Yes, indeed. General Hawthorne has great taste in choosing such a wonderful woman to be the lady of the manor.”
Caroline had originally been in a good mood, excited about finally being with Frederick tonight, and had dressed with extra care for the occasion. However, upon hearing the servants’ praise of Claire and the constant mention of her being the ‘lady of the house,’ she felt a surge of anger. “Chattering fools, always gossiping instead of doing your work,” Caroline muttered, her nostrils flaring with frustration. She raised her hand, about to strike the two servants, when, at that exact moment, Frederick happened to walk by. “What are you doing?”