The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 12

12 The Sister’s Shameful Duty

“Step–sister, I corrected automatically.

“Hazel.” Alistair’s tone turned pleading. “Please. You’re already making this harder than it needs to be. Haven’t you upset her enough? The doctors said the stress from your confrontation at the office caused her collapse”

The injustice burned like acid. “My confrontation? She-”

“Hazel.” My father’s voice cut like steel. “This isn’t a request.”

I looked past them to where Ivy sat. Her eyes, wide and victorious, watched our exchange with barely concealed satisfaction. She lifted one frail hand in a delicate wave, the diamond on her finger–my diamond–catching the light.

“Ivy has so little time left,” Alistair continued, his voice dropping to a whisper. “Would it kill you

to to show some compassion just once?”

The guests had begun filing into their seats, curious glances darting our way. The whispers had already started. I could feel dozens of eyes watching the drama unfold, hear the murmurs spreading through the chapel.

“Did you hear? That’s his ex–fiancée…”

“I heard she refused to step aside until he paid her off…”

“How awkward that they invited her…”

Heat crawled up my neck. Trapped. They had me completely trapped.

“Fine,” I said through clenched teeth.

Relief washed over Alistair’s face. He reached for my arm, but I jerked away from his touch.

“Don’t,” I warned. I

My father nodded curtly, as if I’d done nothing more than agree to pass the salt at dinner. “Good. Now fix your face. You look like you’re attending a funeral.”

I almost laughed. Wasn’t I?

I approached Ivy, whose smile widened as I drew near. Up close, I could see the pallor beneath her makeup, the slight tremor in her hands. She really was sick. But the triumph in her eyes

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