Chapter 90: The Cost of Wrong Information
After two days of continuous remorse over his own stupidity, James Clifford's brain finally began functioning
normally again. The shock of Eleanor’s sudden reappearance had shaken him, but now he knew he needed to
get his emotions under control. He had to decide his next steps regarding Eleanor... strategically and carefully.
Although he didn’t know the full truth, he had to formulate a plan with the fragments of information he had
managed to gather so far.
Seated in his favourite spot at his outskirt villa... on a rocking chair beside the serene swimming pool... he took a
long sip of his freshly brewed coffee. The sun glinted off the water's surface, but James's gaze was distant, dark,
calculating.
"I need to inform the Whitmores," he murmured to himself. "If they run into Eleanor and react inappropriately in
front of the Millers, it could be a disaster. Especially Jennifer... | know how volatile she gets when it comes to
Eleanor."
But before that, he knew he had to be sure... gather all possible intelligence. He couldn't afford any more
mistakes.
He pulled out his phone and dialled a number he hadn't used in a long time. It rang twice before being answered.
"Hello, Detective Harvey speaking."
"Detective Harvey, it's James Clifford."
"Mr. Clifford!" The voice on the other end instantly brightened. "You're an old client... | still have your number
saved. Although... | must apologize again for failing to locate your former girlfriend all those years ago. That was
a truly exceptional case. What can | do for you today?"
James spoke calmly but with urgency, "Actually, that’s the reason I'm calling. I've finally found her."
Before he could elaborate, Detective Harvey exclaimed enthusiastically, "Oh! Congratulations!"
James's expression darkened. His voice dropped a tone. "Don’t congratulatejust yet. Yes, | found her... but
there's a serious complication. It appears she’s lost her memory. She didn’t recognizeat all, no matter how
many times | tried to remind her."
He took a long breath, gathering the nerve to say the next part. "And that’s only half of the problem. The bigger
issue is... she seems to be involved with Edward Miller... the chairman of the Miller Group. She might be his
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtgirlfriend or, God forbid, his wife."
A bitter smile curled at the edge of his lips. "Sure, Edward Miller is wealthy, but he’s old, widowed, and already
has children and grandchildren. | want you to investigate her current status. Where is she living? What's her
relationship with the Millers? How is she being treated? | just want... for the peace of my mind."
He added softly, with feigned sentimentality, "You know, | always wanted what's best for her."
"I understand, Mr. Clifford," Harvey replied. "You spent a lot of resources on the original case. | remember well...
you were quite invested. | felt bad not being able to provide results back then. But now that you've givena
lead, I'll find everything you need. I'll start immediately."
"Good," James said. "I'm transferring your standard fee right now. This is a new investigation, so treat it as such.
But | need the full report by this evening. If your findings are thorough, I'll ensure you receive a generous bonus."
"You're very generous, sir," the detective responded. "I'll push all other cases to my assistants. Today, | work only
for you. Expect my call this evening."
"I'll be waiting," James said, ending the call.
He sat in silence for a few moments, letting the information settle. Then, without hesitation, he dialled another
number... this tan international one. The line connected after a moment.
"Eleanor Whitmore is still alive," James said without preamble. "What happened on your end?"
Thousands of miles away, in a snow-covered European village, a tall man with broad shoulders walked along a
quiet road. Snowflakes drifted gently from the grey sky, landing on the thick trees that lined the path. His face
was mostly hidden beneath the hood of his jacket. He paused, glanced around to make sure no one was nearby,
then answered in a cold, gravelly voice.
"It shouldn't have taken this long," he said. "Wait a bit... Ill call you right back."
He pulled his phone away and began tapping on it. Minutes passed. The wind rustled the trees. A bird chirped
faintly in the distance.
James's phone rang again... this tit was the man calling back.
"I don’t know what happened," he admitted. "The money | paid for the mission was confiscated as compensation.
Two assassination attempts failed. Every member of the teams either died or vanished. Now they're blaming me
for providing false information. So tell me, James Clifford, who the hell is protecting that girl?"
James's jaw clenched. "What are you saying? | only just learned she’s involved with Edward Miller. Maybe things
progressed... maybe they got married. But the Millers shouldn't have the strength to protect her like this. How
can they wipe out trained elites?"
The man scoffed. "Edward Miller? You're joking. The Miller Group has money and influence, sure, but not the kind
of force needed to kill my people. You're underestimating the situation. Someone far more powerful is behind
her... and possibly behind the Millers too."
He paused, then added ominously, "The people who accept contracts through my channels aren't your average
thugs. They're ex-military, most of them special ops. Veterans with black ops experience. You think a bunch of
British security guards took them out? No. Findthe real backer. And if you want to continue the mission... the
price just went up."
"How much?" James asked, a tremor in his voice.
"Half a million pounds," the man replied. "And | want detailed, accurate intel this time. Otherwise, I'm out."
James hesitated, "I... | have to speak with my partners first. I'll get back to you."
He hung up the call and leaned back
in the chair, staring blankly at the
rippling water of apes! Kigoriihg
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Was it possible someone else was protecting Eleanor? Someone powerful enough to kill trained assassins without
leaving a trace? He needed answers.
Finally, he decided to take it up with
the Whitmores directly. If A0Y3NEN
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knew mare fran intdbbut Eleanor’s
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power, it would be them. The content
is on novelenglish.net! Read the latest
chapter there!
He quickly dialled William Whitmore.
"Uncle," James began as soon as the call connected, "We need to talk. It's about Eleanor. Something important
cup. When can we meet?"
"I'm busy all day," William replied. "But you can cto the house tonight. Jennifer and Jeanne will be home
too."
"Perfect. I'd also like to bring my mother along. I think it’s best if she hears this too."
"That's fine," William said. "Just make sure to cafter nine. | have a meeting in the evening that might run a
bit late."
"Of course. We'll be there on time," James replied and ended the call.
He placed his phone on the small
round table beside him, then
muttered darkly under(hjs krdath!
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Ramn ddan You think | don't
know your little hotel rendezvous
with your secretary during these
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He clenched his jaw.
"We're in the middle of a crisis, and all you care about is getting into your secretary’s pants."