Chapter 62: Investigates the Truth
Frederick stared out the window, watching the scenery blur by, his expression growing distant. After their brief exchange, a heavy silence enveloped them for the rest of the ride. Neither could fathom how the proud little princess they had grown up with had ended up in such a dire situation. Frederick had instructed Richard to make things difficult for Claire at Eclipse Nightclub, but he never intended for her to be taken to the underground part of the club. He knew all too well what went on down there.
Once they returned to Halfmoon Manor, an unsettling feeling gnawed at Frederick. He picked up his phone, ready to call Richard and demand answers. Just then, his phone buzzed to life.
“Frederick, are you there? I’m so scared…”
He answered the call, Caroline’s trembling voice breaking through the line, laced with fear.
Without calling for Richard, Frederick rushed over to Caroline’s apartment.
“Frederick, I had a nightmare and woke up terrified. I dreamt about the incident with my sister four years ago, and those thugs were coming after me just like before. I can’t take it…”
As soon as Frederick entered the apartment, Caroline threw herself into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably. She had just finished her shower and was about to settle in for the night when Diana called, warning her that Frederick and Harrison were both at the underground Eclipse Nightclub. Caroline, anxious about what might happen, concocted this scheme to get Frederick over, hoping to gauge his thoughts while preparing for the worst. She intended to use Anna’s death to provoke Frederick, making sure he felt no sympathy for Claire.
“It’s okay, Caroline. I’m here,” Frederick reassured her, feeling the familiar surge of anger and hatred towards Claire rise within him as he heard about Anna and the thugs. Yet, even with those feelings swirling inside him, the image of Claire’s demure servitude from earlier that night kept replaying in his mind.
Once he had calmed Caroline down and she finally drifted off to sleep, he stepped out into the living room and called Richard to discuss Claire.
Richard answered, his voice shaky, “General Hawthorne, I assure you. I’ve followed your orders to the letter. I never instructed anyone to take Ms. Prescott to the underground Eclipse Nightclub.”
“Alright, find out what happened,” Frederick replied, knowing Richard was too afraid to act against his wishes.
Meanwhile, Caroline, who hadn’t actually fallen asleep, stood by the door, listening to Frederick’s conversation. Panic surged through her, and she quickly texted Diana: [Diana, we’re in trouble. Frederick’s sending someone to investigate. You need to handle this now.]
[Don’t worry, I’ve got it all covered.]
Diana’s reply was confident, but Caroline couldn’t shake her unease. Frederick was a four-star general and presidential candidate overseeing the security department of Kingstown. If he truly decided to dig deeper, Diana might not stand a chance against him. If things got messy, she would have to throw Diana under the bus as a scapegoat.
Meanwhile, Claire lay in bed at the underground Eclipse Nightclub, tossing and turning, unable to find peace. Her mind raced with memories of the night’s events and Frederick’s intimidating presence. She had considered calling Frederick but ultimately decided against it, opting instead to reach out to Harrison.