The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 174

174 More Than a Debt

Hazel’s POV

“You’re making a terrible mistake!” Liana Everett’s voice echoed through the hospital corridor. “Alistair, this divorce will ruin everything we’ve built!”

I kept walking, tuning out her shrill protests. My phone vibrated in my hand- Sebastian’s name flashing on the screen. Perfect timing. I needed to escape this toxic family drama.

“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Alistair’s voice came from behind me.

I turned, finding him following me down the hallway, his mother and the family lawyer trailing behind.

“Privacy, Alistair. Something your family clearly doesn’t respect.” I gestured to my still-ringing phone. “Excuse me.”

I ducked into a small waiting area and answered the call. “Sebastian?”

“How did it go?” His deep voice instantly calmed my frayed nerves.

“As expected. Gloria’s plan is exposed, and they’re scrambling.” I kept my voice low. “I’m heading to the courthouse soon.”

“Good. My lawyers are waiting for you there.”

I smiled despite myself. Sebastian was always three steps ahead.

Through the waiting room window, I could see the Everetts arguing fiercely. Gloria must have told them about the video backup I’d mentioned-judging by Liana’s reddening face and wild gesticulations.

“I don’t deserve your help,” I admitted softly.

“You deserve much more than I could ever give you, Hazel.”

My heart fluttered traitorously at his words. I cleared my throat. “I should go. Need to prepare for the hearing.”

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“One more thing,” Sebastian added. “I’ve arranged additional security for the courthouse. Given Gloria’s recent… creativity, I’d prefer we not take chances.”

Warmth bloomed in my chest at his protective instinct. “Thank you.”

I hung up, gathering my composure before stepping back into the hall. The Everetts fell silent as I approached.

Liana’s eyes narrowed on my phone. “Calling your new boyfriend? Shameless.”

“Speaking of shameless,” I replied coolly, “I have several copies of that video, Mrs. Everett. One is with my lawyer, another in cloud storage, and a third with someone you definitely don’t want to cross,”

Her face paled. “Are you threatening me?”

“Just stating facts. The video stays private if Alistair shows up today and signs the papers without any more games.” I stared directly at her son. “Three o’clock. No delays.”

I turned to leave but Liana grabbed my arm. “You ungrateful little—”

“Remove your hand,” I said quietly, “or I’ll make a scene that will give the hospital staff gossip for months.”

She dropped her grip as if burned.

“And Mrs. Everett?” I smiled sweetly. “Your son was never too good for me. If anything, I was too good for him.”

I walked away, her indignant gasp like music to my ears.

My phone buzzed with a text as I reached my car.

Sebastian: Trial at 3. I can send a car if needed.

I hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen. His attentiveness was becoming… complicated. I typed a quick response.

Me: I can drive myself. But thank you.

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His reply came instantly.

Sebastian: Call if you need anything. Anything at all.

Those last three words lingered in my mind. Was this still about his debt to me? His gratitude for my blood donations years ago? Or was it something more?

Before I could overthink it, I called him back.

“Hazel?” He answered on the first ring, concern evident in his voice.

“Is this just about repaying a debt to me?” I blurted out.

Silence stretched between us for several heartbeats.

“No,” he finally answered, his voice low and intense. “It’s never been just about repaying the debt.”

My pulse quickened. “Then what is it about?”

“That’s a conversation for another time. When you’re ready to hear it.”

“And if I’m not ready?” My voice was barely above a whisper.

“Then I’ll wait,” he said simply. “I’ve waited this long.”

Something about his certainty scared me more than Liana’s threats ever could. “I have to go.”

“Hazel-”

I hung up, my hands trembling slightly. One emotional battle at a time. Today was about ending my marriage, not exploring whatever was developing with Sebastian.

The courthouse steps were crowded with reporters when I arrived. My breath caught in my throat-had the Everetts leaked the divorce proceedings to the media?

Vera appeared at my side, linking her arm through mine. “Don’t worry, they’re not here for you. Some celebrity tax evasion case.”

Relief flooded through me. “You came.”

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174 More Than a Debt

“Of course I did,” she scoffed. “Did you think I’d miss watching you finally ditch that

parasite?”

I laughed, some of my tension easing. Looking past her, I spotted a small crowd gathered near the entrance-Jason and Emma from Evening Gala, my college roommate Lizzie, and several other friends.

“What’s all this?” I asked, genuinely surprised.

Vera grinned. “Your divorce support squad. We’re celebrating your freedom day.”

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