The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 176

176 A Conditional Freedom

The swarm of well-wishers continued to press around me, their voices blending into background noise as my eyes caught movement across the corridor.

“Yes,” I decided, turning my back on the departing ambulance. “I’d love to have dinne with you.”

I shook my head. “She’s panicking too much.”

Hazel’s POV

Liana hovered nearby, wringing her hands and supplying information about his condition. I caught fragments of her frantic explanation – “rare blood disorder,” “need transfusions,” “usually stable with medication.”

“Yes, but under state law, there’s a fifteen-day period where either party can file an appeal or motion to reconsider.”

“My son just finalized his divorce too,” another woman chimed in. “You two would make such a handsome couple.”

“Nonsense!” Mrs. Blackwood waved dismissively. “The best way to move on is to move forward.”

As we exited the courtroom, a crowd of well-dressed women converged around me, many from Liana’s elite social circle. They’d witnessed everything – Alistair’s attempts to delay, Liana’s desperate pleading, and finally, my victory.

“Hazel?” Sebastian prompted. “Dinner?”

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Not exactly.”

The floor seemed to tilt beneath me. “Meaning?”

I pulled my phone from my purse.

My lawyer touched my arm, her voice lowering. “Actually, Hazel, there’s something you should know.”

“Alistair?” Liana’s voice was sharp with concern. “Are you alright?”

176 A Conditional Freedom

“Court is adjourned,” the judge announced.

“Apparently there’s a fifteen-day window where Alistair can appeal.”

The paramedics wheeled Alistair past me toward the exit. Liana followed close behind, her mascara streaked down her cheeks. She didn’t even glance in my direction, her attention focused solely on her son.

“Yes, but I’m leaving soon.”

The operator answered promptly. I gave the courthouse address and explained the situation with clinical detachment, as if I were reporting a stranger’s emergency rather than my ex-husband’s collapse.

“Legally speaking, the marriage has been dissolved, but there’s this window where-”

Freedom. After months of bitter fighting, the word tasted like honey on my tongue. I was no longer Mrs. Everett. I was Hazel Shaw again – just me, entirely my own.

Across the hall, paramedics burst through the doors, rushing toward Alistair with a stretcher and medical equipment. They worked efficiently, checking his vitals and starting an IV.

“Ladies, I appreciate the thought, but I’m not looking to date just yet.”

“Don’t even think about it,” she warned. “Let his mother handle it.”

“His mother can do that.”

“Perfect.” I forced a smile. “Then I should go.”

“Good. You’ve done more than enough for him already.” Sebastian’s voice softened. “Have dinner with me tonight. We should celebrate your victory, waiting period or

not.”

I watched as the ambulance doors closed behind my ex-husband, the man I’d once planned to spend my life with, the man whose life I’d saved repeatedly with my own blood.

The word should have filled me with joy, but now it rang hollow.

“What are you doing?” Vera demanded.

I forced a polite smile. The ink on my divorce papers wasn’t even dry, and they were

already шying to many

u

I stood on shaky legs, clutching the edge of the table for support. The rush of emotions threatened to overwhelm me – relief, vindication, and a staggering lightness I hadn’t

felt in years.

I stared at her. “What are you talking about? The judge just granted the divorce.” Her expression was puzzled. “No, everything’s complete. You’re officially divorced.” “Nothing about this divorce has been typical,” I replied, watching as the paramedics lifted Alistair onto the stretcher. His eyes fluttered open briefly, scanning the crowd until they found me. Even across the distance, I could read the naked desperation in his gaze.

“Meaning the divorce isn’t technically final until that period expires. And during that time, Alistair could potentially challenge the judgment.”

“He’s having another attack,” Liana cried, loosening his tie with trembling fingers.

“I can’t believe it’s finally over,” I whispered.

Alistair stood there, leaning heavily against the wall. His face had drained of all color, making him look ghostly under the harsh fluorescent lights. His mother hovered anxiously at his side, her earlier tears replaced by alarm.

My phone buzzed in my hand. Sebastian’s name flashed across the screen.

“Where he could drag me back into court,” I finished, my voice flat.

My lawyer squeezed my shoulder. “Congratulations, Hazel.”

Sebastian was silent for a moment. “That’s a technicality. It rarely happens.”

“Someone call an ambulance!” Liana shrieked as he collapsed to the floor.

“Calling an ambulance,” I replied, already dialing.

The air left my lungs in a rush. “So I’m not divorced yet?”

Vera rushed forward, enveloping me in a fierce hug. “You did it, girl! You’re free!”

Another attack. The words hit me like a physical blow. I knew what that meant blood disorder was flaring up again.

–

his

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify