Chapter 372: Who Is She?
Arthur vividly recalled losing the fight for the Kingstown Security Department three years ago, largely due to Frederick’s comprehensive surveillance network. In Anbusall, the economy reigned supreme. Money dictated many outcomes. While it was true that money wasn’t everything, lacking it could mean losing everything, especially in Anbusall, where various sectors, including military and technology, were deeply intertwined with financial interests. Arthur had always prioritized trade, believing that controlling legal and illegal trade would grant him significant power, including over the military. He had achieved considerable success but overlooked a critical aspect: the bond of camaraderie in the army, where trust couldn’t be easily bought.
When Frederick first joined the military, Arthur hoped he would die on the battlefield. Even if he came back alive, it wouldn’t matter. However, as Frederick grew stronger, he found it was too late. Three years ago, during the struggle for the Kingstown Security Department, Frederick revealed his true strength, and Arthur realized he had underestimated him, mistaking his restraint for weakness. By then, Frederick had become too powerful for Arthur to defeat him completely. Moreover, Arthur couldn’t kill Frederick directly; no matter what, Frederick was the second heir of the Hawthorne family. Nathan would never allow him to kill Frederick. Despite his experience, Arthur was not yet ready to confront Nathan. It was also from that time that Frederick controlled the Kingstown Security Department.
Arthur began to take it seriously, but after repeated investigations, he discovered Frederick had already grown to an unfathomable level. Even at such an important moment as the battle for the Kingstown Security Department, Frederick did not try his best. Since then, Arthur never dared to act rashly again. He began to study him closely, gathering information from the past twenty years, even trivial details like what Frederick wore on his birthdays.
After three years of investigation, Arthur felt he had a comprehensive understanding of Frederick, except for one crucial element—his comprehensive surveillance network. This network was Frederick’s most important asset in Kingstown and even Anbusall, limiting Arthur’s actions. He knew he had to navigate carefully to avoid detection by this network. If he knew the distribution of Frederick’s network, he would be able to deal with him with twice the result and half the effort. Even if it wouldn’t determine the outcome of their presidential competition, details determined success or failure. In critical moments, small details could lead to significant advantages. Securing the presidential seat would allow Arthur to overshadow Frederick, though he still couldn’t eliminate him. By then, Frederick would be left with only his life and a hollow general’s rank.
As for Claire, Arthur appreciated her contributions and intended to treat her well. He smirked, pulled out his phone, and sent a message via WhatsApp: [The big fish has already taken the small fish on the hook. Now it’s about the size of your net and how many you can catch.]
Moments later, he received a reply: [Don’t worry, you know my abilities. At least half will be in my net, but remember what you promised me afterward.]
Arthur replied: [Don’t worry, I’m just curious. Who exactly are you, and why are you so interested in Claire?]