The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 141

141 A Twisted Favor

Hazel’s POV

I strode into Alistair’s hospital room with newfound confidence. The divorce papers were tucked safely in my purse, their weight a reminder of my purpose. Alistair was sitting up in bed, scrolling through his phone. His complexion had improved, and the sickly pallor was fading from his face. When he saw me, surprise flashed in his eyes.

“Hazel.” My name fell from his lips with practiced familiarity. “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon.”

“Consider this my final courtesy visit.” I maintained my distance, standing at the foot of his bed rather than taking the chair beside him. “I wanted to make something clear.”

He set his phone down, giving me his full attention. “I’m listening.”

“The woman who would cry over you, who would sacrifice everything for you without question-she’s gone.” My voice was steady, my gaze unwavering. “I’ve been reborn from the ashes of what you did to me.”

Alistair’s jaw tightened. “Always so dramatic.”

“Not dramatic. Just honest.” I pulled out the divorce agreement. “I’ve checked with my lawyer. Everything’s in order. Once you’re discharged, I expect you to fulfill your promise and finalize this.”

“You know, most wives would be concerned about their husband’s recovery, not shoving paperwork in his face.” His attempt at making me feel guilty fell flat.

“Most husbands don’t leave their brides for their dying stepsister.” I placed the documents on the bed tray. “But we’ve covered that ground already, haven’t we?”

As I turned to leave, Alistair’s voice stopped me. “I’ve decided to help your father.”

I froze mid-step, then slowly turned back. “What did you say?”

“Harold. I’m going to help him with his legal troubles.” Alistair looked smug, as if he’d found the perfect way to regain control over me. “I’ve already spoken to my family’s attorneys.”

The audacity stunned me. “Why would you do that?”

“I’m not doing it for him.” His expression softened into something resembling pity. “I’m doing it for you.”

A bitter laugh escaped me. “For me? Please, enlighten me how interfering in something that doesn’t concern you is somehow for my benefit.”

“Because one day, you’ll regret what you’ve done.” Alistair spoke with infuriating confidence. “When your anger cools, you’ll realize he’s still your father. I’m saving you from yourself, Hazel.”

The familiar sensation of being manipulated washed over me. This was classic Alistair -reframing his controlling behavior as concern, portraying himself as my savior.

“My hero,” I replied, voice dripping with sarcasm. “Always ready to step in and make decisions for me.”

“Someone needs to think clearly when you’re blinded by revenge.” He shook his head as if disappointed in a child. “This vendetta against your family has changed you, Hazel. You’ve become cold.”

“No, I’ve become strong.” I stepped closer to the bed. “And for the record, I don’t need saving. Especially not from you.”

Alistair’s eyes narrowed. “So you’re perfectly fine with your father rotting in prison? Is that the daughter your mother raised you to be?”

The mention of my mother sent a jolt of anger through me. “Don’t you dare bring her into this.”

“She would be heartbroken to see what you’ve become.”

“And what exactly have I become, Alistair?” I challenged, refusing to let him see how deeply his words cut. “A woman who finally stands up for herself? Who refuses to be a doormat?”

“A woman consumed by bitterness.” He reached for my hand, but I pulled away. “This isn’t you, Hazel. The woman I loved would never-”

“The woman you loved doesn’t exist anymore,” I cut him off. “You killed her the day you chose Ivy.”

A flash of guilt crossed his face before he recovered. “I’m still trying to protect you, even now. Can’t you see that?”

“What I see is a man who can’t stand losing control.” I crossed my arms. “What’s next? Going after my blood to save me from anemia?”

His face darkened at my mockery. “You know that’s not fair.”

“Nothing about our relationship was fair, Alistair. I gave and gave until I was empty, and you took and took until there was nothing left.” I headed for the door. “Do whatever you want with my father. It won’t change anything between us.”

As I reached for the doorknob, it swung open. Liana Everett stood in the doorway, her imperious gaze taking in the scene.

“I thought I heard your voice,” she said coldly to me. “Haven’t you done enough damage?”

“Mother, please,” Alistair began, but Liana was already advancing into the room.

“You have no business being here,” she hissed at me. “My son nearly died, and you’re hounding him about divorce papers?”

I lifted my chin. “Your son made promises. I’m simply ensuring he keeps them.”

Liana’s perfectly lined lips curled in disgust. “You’re heartless.”

“No, I’m done being heartbroken.” I moved past her toward the door. “Goodbye, Alistair.”

“Divorce her immediately!” Liana’s shrill voice followed me as I walked down the hallway. “I want her out of our lives for good!”

In the elevator, I allowed myself a moment of weakness. I leaned against the wall, closing my eyes as memories of what Alistair and I once had flashed through my mind. Six years of love, of planning a future together-all gone in an instant decision.

The elevator dinged, doors opening to the lobby. I straightened, wiped away a stray tear, and walked with purpose toward the exit.

In my car, I checked my phone and saw three missed calls from Vera. I dialed her back as I pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

“Finally!” Vera’s energetic voice filled the car through the speaker. “I’ve been trying to reach you all morning.”

141 A Twisted Favor

“Sorry, I was handling some business with Alistair.”

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