The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 155

155 Sweet Delusions and Shrewd Dealings

Hazel’s POV 1

“I can drive you to the university anniversary,” Sebastian offered as we stood outside my building. The streetlight cast shadows across his face, highlighting his perfect jawline.

I blinked in surprise. “You don’t mind?”

“Not at all.” His smile was subtle but genuine. “My car has special access to campus grounds. You won’t have to walk from the public parking lots.”

The offer was tempting. I pictured us arriving together, turning heads. But reality quickly intruded. Sebastian would be swamped by faculty and alumni the moment we arrived.

“That’s kind of you,” I said. “But could you drop me off early? Before the official reception starts?”

Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “Avoiding something?”

“Someone,” I admitted. “My ex-professors will interrogate me about my career while pretending they didn’t predict I’d fail.”

He chuckled, the sound warming me despite the cool night air. “Consider it done. I’ll text you the details.”

We said our goodbyes, and I watched his car disappear around the corner before heading inside.

Once in my apartment, I kicked off my shoes and collapsed onto my couch. My mind refused to quiet down, replaying every moment with Sebastian. The way his eyes had lingered on mine. How his fingers had brushed against my hand when helping me from the car. The deep timbre of his voice.

“Stop it,” I scolded myself aloud. “You’re acting like a love-struck teenager.”

But the giddy feeling persisted as I got ready for bed. I caught myself smiling at my reflection in the bathroom mirror. My cheeks were flushed, eyes bright with excitement I hadn’t felt in years.

O

I crawled into bed and pulled the covers up, still unable to wipe the smile from my

face. Sebastian’s image followed me into my dreams, where we danced under twinkling lights, his arms strong around my waist.

Morning came too soon. I squinted at the sunlight streaming through my curtains, momentarily confused by the lingering warmth in my chest. Then the memories flooded back-Sebastian, the car ride, our conversation.

“You’re in trouble,” I muttered to myself as I threw off the covers. But I couldn’t deny that the trouble felt exhilarating.

In the shower, I tried to reason with myself. Developing feelings for Sebastian was risky. I was still healing from Alistair’s betrayal. Opening my heart again so soon was asking for pain.

Yet as I dressed for work, I found myself considering which outfit might impress Sebastian if our paths crossed today. I settled on a burgundy pencil skirt and cream blouse that accentuated my figure without being obvious about it.

“Just because I’m developing a crush doesn’t mean I have to act on it,” I rationalized while applying mascara. “It’s harmless. A little excitement to get me through the day.”

My phone rang as I was gathering my purse and keys. I glanced at the screen and froze. Aunt Tanya. My stepmother rarely called unless she wanted something.

I answered, schooling my voice into neutral politeness. “Good morning, Aunt Tanya.”

“Hazel, darling!” Her voice dripped with false sweetness. “How are you? It’s been too long since we’ve caught up.”

I suppressed a snort. The last time we’d “caught up” was when she’d tried to convince me to give Alistair and Ivy my blessing.

“I’ve been busy,” I replied, instantly on guard. Her unexpected friendliness meant she wanted something. My mind raced through possibilities.

The company shares. It had to be. Alistair and Ivy must be pressuring her to negotiate with me, likely hoping to get them at a discount.

“Oh, I can imagine,” Tanya cooed sympathetically. “Running that company must be exhausting for you all alone.”

And there it was. I bit back a smile at how predictable she was.

“It is challenging,” I agreed, deciding to play along. “I’m working fourteen-hour days. The stress is unbelievable.”

“Oh, you poor thing!” Tanya’s voice raised an octave in practiced concern. “That’s actually why I’m calling. I’ve been worried about you.”

I rolled my eyes as I slipped on my heels. “How thoughtful of you.”

“We’re family, after all.” She paused dramatically. “And family should look out for each

other.”

I waited, knowing what was coming.

“I was thinking,” she continued when I didn’t respond, “perhaps it’s time you considered other options. The company is becoming too much for you to handle

alone.”

“What kind of options?” I asked innocently, as if the thought had never occurred to me.

“Well…” I could picture her manicured nails tapping against her coffee cup. “You could consider bringing in partners or… selling your shares.”

I feigned a heavy sigh. “I’ve thought about it. The burden is overwhelming sometimes.”

“Oh, Hazel!” Excitement leaked into her voice. “I’m so glad you’re being sensible about this. You know, Ivy and Alistair might be interested in buying your shares. It would keep the company in the family, so to speak.”

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