Claire Sinclair, of course, understood his implication. She whispered, "I have tomorrow off."

"Is that okay?"

"Mhm."

Having received the girl’s permission, Adrian Quincy no longer held back, gradually showering her with his affection.

The night was cool and still, occasionally punctuated by the sweet nothings of lovers. As the late hour blurred into a haze, it left a trail of romance in its wake.

「...」

Claire Sinclair was sleeping fitfully when she faintly heard the man getting out of bed, and her eyes fluttered open.

Through her sleepy haze, she saw him standing by the wardrobe, dressing. His movements were swift yet meticulous, exuding an elegant nobility.

In less than half a minute, he was fully dressed in his military uniform. He walked over quickly, knelt on the bed, and leaned down to kiss her half-closed eyes.

"Claire, I have to go on a long trip, and my return date is uncertain. Call me if you need anything. Wait for me to come back." With those final words, his lips brushed against hers in a light kiss before he abruptly stood and left.

Claire Sinclair shot up, about to call out to him, but the door had already closed.

She froze for a moment, then hurried out after him.

When she reached the doorway, she saw his back just as it disappeared down the stairwell. She couldn’t help but call out, "Mr. Quincy!"

He didn’t seem to hear her, continuing down the stairs without turning back.

’Where is he going in the middle of the night?’

’And he said his return date is uncertain.’

’No, I have to see him off!’

She went back into the room, threw on a coat, and ran downstairs.

Several vehicles were parked in the compound. Over a dozen uniformed personnel stood in two neat rows—one of men, one of women—looking valiant and ready for deployment.

Adrian Quincy stood before them, with Nancy Lockwood and Aiden Howkins flanking him on his left and right.

Seeing this scene, Claire Sinclair realized something serious must be happening. She didn’t dare approach to say goodbye, only hiding in a corner to watch in secret.

The two rows of soldiers were facing her direction. Noticing her in her pajamas hiding in the corner, they all shot her curious glances.

Aiden Howkins was the first to react. He glanced back and said in a low voice, "Young Master Quincy, the Young Madam is behind us."

Adrian Quincy frowned slightly. He looked back over his shoulder and asked in a deep voice, "Is there a problem?"

"N-No!" Claire Sinclair was so frightened her heart nearly leaped out of her chest.

He looked so fierce, as if he didn’t even know her. His dark eyes were veiled with an icy chill that merged with the night, making it impossible for anyone to meet his gaze.

It was just like the first time they met; he had looked at her with the very same expression.

Unfamiliar, heartless, indifferent.

’But just a moment ago, he was so gentle with me...’

In that instant, Claire Sinclair felt an unprecedented wave of disappointment. The chasm between them, which she had worked so hard to close, suddenly yawned dozens of meters wider.

’In the end, I’m just not good enough for him.’

She suppressed the farewell she had prepared, unable to say it. There was no need to say it. ’Maybe I should just go back to bed.’

Dejected, Claire Sinclair turned and walked back up the stairs.

Adrian Quincy suddenly spoke. "Claire."

Claire Sinclair’s body stiffened. She turned around mechanically, forcing herself to meet his gaze and wait for him to continue.

"Come here." He beckoned to her.

Claire Sinclair hesitated for a moment before walking over to him with her head lowered.

Adrian Quincy slowly leaned down and captured her lips with his own...

Right in front of his subordinates, he kissed the woman he loved.

Claire Sinclair was shy at first, but she gradually surrendered to his kiss. Her hands unconsciously found their way to the man’s lean, powerful waist, wishing they could become one with him.

’I don’t want to be apart from him...’

Just the thought of his uncertain return date was enough to make her panic.

’How long is "uncertain"?’

’A week? A month? Or a year? Or even... a lifetime...’

’It’s terrifying. He’s leaving me. It feels like my world is about to collapse.’