The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 473

"Coming to the office so early? Don't tell me you're finally here to sign the termination papers?"

Clive ignored him completely, walking straight past him toward Luke's office.

Luke was equally surprised to see him. Clive kept his expression flat and went straight to the point. "I'm here to ask for Winifred's address."

So, he had changed his mind after only a few days? It seemed his backbone hadn't lasted even a week. Luke let out a scornful laugh, slowly pulling a gold-stamped business card from his drawer and sliding it across the desk.

"Wouldn't it have been better if you'd just done this sooner?" Luke leaned back, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Tell me, what were you pretending to be so noble for? Everyone in the entertainment industry knows that your success was bought and paid for by the Sloan family's money. If you had just listened to me back then, things wouldn't have gotten this ugly."

Clive clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white as he suppressed the urge to argue. He needed Luke right now. Offending him again would truly lead to a dead end.

Clive's emotions were written all over his face. Seeing him look as if he had swallowed a fly brought Luke immense satisfaction. He stood up and patted Clive on the shoulder, his voice filled with fake sympathy. "Alright, stop giving me that sour look. For the sake of our past friendship, let me give you a piece of advice: when you go to serve her, you can't wear that expression. Winifred might be older, but she pays generously. Suffer through it for a few months, keep her company, and your breach of contract debt will be resolved."

Clive slapped his hand away, his eyes dark and menacing. "Luke, have you said enough?"

Luke shrugged, sitting back down with indifference. "Suit yourself. It's the path you chose. You can choose to ignore my advice."

He tapped the card on the table. "The address is there. I've given it to you. Whether you go or not is your decision."

Luke lowered his voice. "About the share you promised me..."

"Don't worry," Magnus chuckled. "You won't be shortchanged."

Hanging up, Luke looked at his phone, silently offering a mock prayer for Clive. Heaven had a gate, but he refused to enter; Hell had no door, yet he barged right in. Being a "companion" wasn't a job just anyone could handle. The real show was just beginning.

***

In the hallway, Clive gripped the business card so hard his fingernails nearly pierced it. He stood by the window, looking out at the bustling cityscape, suddenly finding it incredibly ironic.