Chapter 254: Chapter 254: In Ancient Times, This Would Get Nine Clans Executed

Hearing her colleagues’ half-joking voices, Phoebe Lockwood wavered for a moment.

’If I could marry Little Prince Hale, I’d become the future first lady of Country K. That wouldn’t be a bad choice at all.’

’As for Young Master Quincy...’

’By comparison, Little Prince Hale seems like an easier target. I’ll give it a try tomorrow.’

’What if Little Prince Hale actually falls for me?’

...

Claire Sinclair was in no mood to listen to their discussion, her entire focus fixed on her draft.

Her train of thought was broken when a call came in, forcing her to answer. "Hello?"

"Hello, this is The Presidential Palace—"

Her heart skipped a beat.

Claire Sinclair hung up without a second thought.

’Are all scammers this dumb these days?’

’The Presidential Palace, really? Why not just claim to be the Bank of Aridia while you’re at it!’

Her article wasn’t finished, and not wanting any more distractions, Claire put her phone on silent and continued writing.

After working all day, Claire finally finished her article. She quickly tidied her desk, clocked out, and left for the day.

As she stepped out of the newspaper building, she noticed a discreet black sedan parked in front. A mysterious man in a black suit was standing by the door.

Upon seeing her, the man immediately approached. "Miss Sinclair, His Excellency requests that you join him in the car for a word."

Claire Sinclair glanced around. There was no one else nearby, so she was certain he was speaking to her.

"Who is His Excellency?"

The man glanced back toward the man in the car. Claire followed his gaze and saw a stern, cold face suddenly appear in the window, startling her into taking a step back.

’It’s President Lockwood!’

Having confirmed his identity, Claire didn’t dare try to flee. As nervous as she was, she braced herself and got into the car.

Arthur Lockwood sat in the back, his gaze calmly directed forward. Without sparing her a glance or telling the driver to depart, he slowly began to speak. "Claire Sinclair, I had someone call you this afternoon. Why didn’t you answer?"

"Ah?" ’So it wasn’t a scammer!’

’Holy crap, I hung up on The Presidential Palace. In ancient times, my entire clan would have been executed for this, wouldn’t it?!’

’This is terrifying...’

Claire Sinclair apologized profusely. "I’m so sorry, Mr. President. I was on a deadline this afternoon and didn’t have time to take calls, that’s why I hung up. I was really busy. I didn’t mean to hang up on you..."

The corners of Arthur Lockwood’s mouth quirked up. "There’s no need to be nervous. I’m not here to cause you trouble."

"Um, Mr. President, to what do I owe the honor of you coming to see me in person?"

Arthur Lockwood said, "Little Prince Hale is arriving tomorrow. Over the phone, he specifically requested you by name to act as his host. It was a difficult request for me to refuse, so I took the liberty of agreeing on your behalf. I was wondering if you would be willing to help me by receiving our guest from afar?"

Claire was speechless. ’To be honest, I’m not the least bit willing.’

’But the President himself came to give me this assignment. How could I possibly say no?’

’Refusing the president’s request is practically treason...’

Claire Sinclair gave a nervous laugh. "It would be my honor to host Little Prince Hale. Mr. President, you didn’t need to come in person; you could have just sent someone to let me know. I’m sorry to have troubled you to make this trip. I’ve been so ungracious and wasted your valuable time. I’m truly sorry."

"It’s nothing, I was just in the area. I’m deeply grateful that you’ve agreed to my rather presumptuous request, and I thank you for helping Aridia with this matter."

’Oh my god, if this polite back-and-forth with the president continues, my ego is going to explode.’

Claire Sinclair waved her hands dismissively. "Not at all, not at all! Mr. President, are there any specific requirements for hosting Little Prince Hale?"

Arthur Lockwood replied, "You simply need to ensure our guest experiences Aridia’s hospitality. There are no strict requirements."