Chapter 22: Is it too kind to her?

“Can you start working tonight?” The manager glanced up at her.

“Tonight?” Claire hadn’t expected it to be so soon.

“Not possible? If not, I’ll find someone else,” the manager replied firmly.

“Sure, I can do it,” Claire said, eager to keep the job she had finally secured.

Checking the time on her phone, it was already 9 PM, and Frederick hadn’t called her yet, so he likely wouldn’t need her tonight.

The manager discussed her work schedule, then took her to start her shift. Claire learned she would work from 6 PM to 2 AM, eight hours, and hesitated a bit. Normally, it wouldn’t be an issue, but she recalled that Frederick had taken her to events around 8 PM. If he needed her by his side, it could complicate things. However, she reassured herself that such occasions were rare. Frederick, being the head of Kingstown’s Security Department and a general, was usually very busy with many responsibilities. Furthermore, when she needed to go out with him, it wasn’t always at night.

Chapter 22: Is it too kind to her?

As long as it was for work, there were rest periods every month, and the manager just said she could adjust her schedule. This issue was basically nothing to worry about anymore. Besides, he didn’t care about her well-being, let alone when she returned home. With that thought, Claire felt less anxious.

To ensure her safety and avoid Frederick’s notice, she bundled up tightly for her first day at work. Wearing a hat and mask, she thought even Frederick, or her brother Harrison, who had grown up with her, wouldn’t recognize her. After all, in a place like Eclipse Nightclub, Frederick would probably only come occasionally. With so many clubs in Kingstown, it was unlikely he would choose this one.

Thus, Claire began her job at Eclipse Nightclub, thinking about how she would receive her first paycheck in a month. She could even pick up some bottles and cardboard boxes to sell for a little extra cash and a meal, which would help her get through the month.

However, Claire never anticipated that just three days into her job, she would run into Frederick.

Chapter 22: Is it too kind to her?

On that day, after finishing her cleaning duties, she was rinsing the mop in the sink when she accidentally slipped on the wet floor and fell. She landed hard, hitting her face and causing it to bleed. As she removed her hat and mask to check her injury, Frederick happened to come out of the restroom. He looked up and immediately saw Claire.

Claire froze, her mind blank. Remembering everything Frederick had done to her, she instinctively turned to run. But Frederick was quick; he grabbed her and cornered her.

“What’s this? Have I been too lenient with you lately? Letting you linger here, Claire? I need you to take the heat, but if you don’t obey, I can easily let you go and make you pay for Anna’s life!”

The man speaking was none other than Arthur’s secretary, Shawn Blake. The call was meant for Arthur.

“Okay, I understand,” Shawn replied.

Moments later, Arthur’s voice came through Shawn’s phone.

“Mr. Arthur Hawthorne, why are you going to such lengths for this woman? Given her current status, what can you possibly gain? If Frederick finds out it’s you…” Shawn cautioned, a hint of worry in his tone.

“No, soon you will see. I know my brother better than anyone. Remember, everything must proceed in an orderly fashion; don’t rush it. Alright, we can leave now.” Arthur smirked slightly, his gaze darkening as he looked at the sign for Eclipse Nightclub.