Chapter 162: The Strongest Dose

Claire was long accustomed to Frederick’s distrust. Reflecting on her instinctive attempt to explain herself the previous night, she felt utterly foolish. She had loved him for so many years. When such things happened, her first instinct was to explain herself. Habits like that weren’t easily changed. No matter—she would take it slow. One day, she would get used to breaking that habit. In fact, hadn’t she already stopped explaining herself to Frederick as much as she used to?

“Claire, do you believe I can send you back to prison with just one word?”

Frederick’s narrowed eyes glinted with a dark, oppressive intensity as he lay there, staring at her.

“Of course, I believe it. So, are you going to send me back?”

Claire turned and met his gaze. What had happened last night had caught even her off guard.

But when it came to Frederick, there was no need to be overly confrontational—it would only backfire. Frederick wasn’t a fool. If she merely posed the question, he would weigh the consequences himself and decide whether locking her up again was worth it.

“Get out!”

Frederick clenched his fists tightly. After a long moment of deliberation, all he could manage was that single command. He knew all too well that, at this critical juncture, sending Claire back to prison would be a foolish move. In truth, doubts about the events of the previous night were starting to creep into his mind. When Claire had burst into the private lounge, he had been consumed by fury and lashed out, demanding answers. But now that he had cooled down, things didn’t add up. Claire had no reason to orchestrate something like that.

After Claire left, he immediately called Richard.

“Investigate carefully. Find out exactly what happened last night,” Frederick ordered.

“Yes, General. By the way, about the meetings you canceled last night—should I reschedule them for tonight?” Richard responded promptly, then hesitated, recalling the important appointments Frederick had abruptly canceled the previous evening.

Frederick frowned slightly. “Reschedule them, but not at Eclipse Nightclub. That place has likely been compromised. Find a more secure location.” Frederick was well aware that during such a critical time, caution was paramount. Not even the slightest mistake could be tolerated.

“Understood. I’ll handle it right away.”

After ending the call, Richard immediately contacted Eclipse Nightclub. “Suite 3066 can be opened to the public now. Make it a fixed location; no more frequent changes.”

Half an hour later, news of this decision reached Hannah at the underground Eclipse Nightclub.

“What? Got it, I understand.”

Hannah hung up the phone, her heart racing with unease. Taking a deep breath, she retrieved her phone and dialed another number.

“Sir, I’m not sure why, but Frederick suddenly shut down all operations here. Suite 3066 has been downgraded to a regular suite. I’ve confirmed that I haven’t been exposed—you have my word.” Hannah’s voice was anxious as she hurriedly explained.

“I see. No matter. Perhaps some of my recent maneuvers have caught his attention. If that’s the case, so be it. If Frederick couldn’t sense even this, he wouldn’t be who he is,” the man on the other end replied with a slow, deliberate tone, as if this outcome had been anticipated.

Hannah pressed further. “Should I stay on at the underground Eclipse Nightclub?”

“Stay for now. Let’s wait and see.”

The man paused briefly, and just as he was about to hang up, his tone softened. “Hannah, you’ve worked hard over the years.”

“Sir, without you, I wouldn’t be alive. Staying undercover, or even risking my life one day, wouldn’t make me flinch for a second,” Hannah replied, gripping her phone tightly, her eyes welling with tears as memories of a stormy night and a night of passionate entanglement flashed before her eyes.

“…How’s the matter with Caroline progressing?” The man changed the subject, ignoring Hannah’s sentiments as he inquired about Caroline’s situation.

“It’s in progress. You can rest assured,” Hannah answered, snapping back to reality.

“Good.” With that, the man ended the call.

Hannah held her phone, listening to the dial tone long after the call ended. Finally, she lowered it from her ear, a faint, bittersweet smile tugging at her lips. Yet, despite the smile, a trace of happiness lingered in her gaze. With a man like him—one night was enough. She knew her place and understood that she could never stand beside him. That single night they shared had been more than she ever dared to hope for. It was enough—truly enough.

Remembering his instructions, Hannah opened WhatsApp and sent a message: [Use the strongest dose. Make sure it’s potent.]

The reply came swiftly: [Don’t worry, Hannah. When it comes to handling women, that’s our specialty.]