After Divorce, My General Husband Chasing… Chapter 48: No Escape

“Ah!” A startled cry escaped Claire’s lips as Emma shoved her into the room. The door instantly slammed shut behind her. Simultaneously, Neil found Claire, his gaze sweeping across the room to lock onto hers, leaving her no opportunity to slip away unnoticed.

Whether it was nerves or something else entirely, the moment Claire stepped inside, she was enveloped by an odd scent that seemed to hang in the air, peculiar and unsettling. The scent was impossible to pinpoint, something Claire had never encountered in her time within Eclipse Nightclub’s underground.

“I’ve lingered in Eclipse Nightclub for ages, yet never have I witnessed a woman make an entrance quite like yours. It’s funny!” Neil turned his gaze upon her. A smile escaped his lips. His voice, though deep, carried a warmth that belied the fearsome whispers that shadowed his name.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Robertson. I’m new here and still learning the ropes. Please forgive me,” Claire replied, forcing a smile. She nervously fidgeted with her clothes and cautiously chose her words.

“The newcomer? You’re quite the exception. Those who serve me usually adorn themselves with elaborate makeup and finery. Yet, here you are… Come closer. Let me have a look at you,” Neil demanded, pausing and extending his arm in invitation.

“Mr. Robertson, I… How about this? You tell me what style or outfit catches your fancy, and I’ll transform myself in an instant.” Claire hesitated, fearing Neil might lunge at her with the same perverse intent as Jacob had in the darkness, a terrifying specter from the depths of hell.

“No need for that. Just come here first.” Accustomed to the spectacle of women adorned in resplendent makeup and radiant beauty, Neil found himself intrigued by Claire, who was devoid of any cosmetic enhancement but captured his interest in a way the others never had.

“Okay.” Claire conceded, swallowing her fear and releasing her grip on her clothes. She approached Neil with feigned composure. She hoped against hope that Neil was not the monster the rumors painted him to be. Despite her attempts to self-soothe with these thoughts, a quiver of fear still lingered within her.

With tentative steps, she approached Neil, briefly studying him before she dipped her head in deference and crouched down at his feet. In her mind, this humble posture was her safest harbor.

“Why do you avert your gaze? Raise your head; let me see your face.” No sooner had she settled into her crouch than Neil extended his hand, gently lifting her chin.

“Your face is quite captivating, especially your eyes. I’ve never seen such bright eyes like yours before. You seem both afraid and unafraid of me.”

“Tell me what’s on your mind, or share your story. If it’s interesting, I might even tip you generously tonight. I’m well aware that in the underbelly of Eclipse Nightclub, existence hinges on performance. The lower your performance, the more wretched your life becomes within these walls. You’re new, so your life must be tough. Importantly, it’s been ages since I’ve been this intrigued by a woman.”

“I’m giving you a chance. If your story pleases me, you won’t have to do anything tonight, and you can leave unharmed. Moreover, you’ll earn a substantial sum.” Neil intensely observed Claire, offering his earnest suggestion.

Claire was stunned. Everyone in the underground Eclipse Nightclub spoke of Neil as a pervert, yet here he was, offering her freedom in exchange for a simple story. Could it be true?