The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 32

32 Poisonous Words and Broken Promises

“You’re wrong, Hazel. You’re the interloper,” Ivy’s voice turned venomous. “You always have

been.”

My grip tightened on the phone. “What are you talking about?”

“Did you really think Alistair ever loved you?” She laughed, the sound sharp and cutting. “The unloved one is always the interloper. That’s you, not me.”

I struggled to keep my breathing even. “Put Alistair on the phone. Now.”

“No. I don’t think I will.” Her voice dripped with malice. “You know what your problem is, Hazel? You never understood your place. You were always trying to steal what belonged to me.”

“That’s rich coming from you.” I couldn’t stop the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. “You took my wedding dress, my fiancé-”

“They were never yours to begin with!” Ivy’s voice rose. “Alistair was always meant to be with me. You were just keeping him warm until I needed him.”

anger. “Is that what you

My hand trembled with tell yourself at night? That you didn’t destroy my life just because you could?”

“You destroyed your own mother’s life by being born,” she spat. “You’re the family homewrecker. Like mother, like daughter.”

The accusation hit like a physical blow. “How dare you-

“Everyone knows it. Dad only married your mom out of pity. He always loved my mother first. You and your pathetic mother were just temporary distractions.”

I could feel tears burning behind my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. “You’re delusional.”

“Am I? Then why did Dad choose us? Why does Alistair choose me every day? Face it, Hazel. You’re second–best. Always have been, always will be.”

I wanted to scream, to throw the phone across the room, but I forced myself to stay calm. “Put. Alistair. On. The. Phone.”

I heard shuffling, then Ivy’s muffled voice saying something 1dn’t make out. A moment later,

Alistair’s voice came through the line.

“Hazel?” His tone was soft, almost tender, as if we were still together. As if he hadn’t shattered my heart.

“Don’t ‘Hazel‘ me, I snapped. “I’m calling about our appointment at the Civil Affairs Bureau tomorrow. Will you be there, or are you planning to stand me up again?”

16:29

32 Poisonous Words and Broken Promises

He sighed heavily. “I’ve been meaning to call you about that. I don’t think I can make it tomorrow. The company is in crisis mode with the summer collection launch, and-”

“Spare me your excuses, I cut him off. “This is the third time you’ve canceled. Do you actually want this divorce, or are you just stringing me along?”

“Of course I want to resolve things properly,” he said, his voice taking on that patronizing tone I’d grown to hate. “But surely you understand how busy I am right now.”

“What I understand is that you’re a coward.” My voice was ice cold. “What’s the real reason, Alistair? Afraid Ivy will find out you’re still legally married to me?”

“Lower your voice,” he hissed. “She’s fragile right now. The doctors have adjusted her medication and-”

)”I

“I don’t care.” The words came out harsher than I intended. “I don’t care about her health

updates or your excuses. Either show up tomorrow, or I’m taking legal action.”

“Don’t be dramatic, Hazel.” His tone softened again, attempting charm. “Listen, sweetheart, I know this is hard for you-”

“Don’t call me sweetheart.” My voice shook with barely contained rage. “You lost that right when you gave my wedding dress to my stepsister.”

“I’ll make it up to you,” he promised. “Just be patient a little longer. I need to focus on Ivy right

now.”

“You’ve made your priorities clear.” I took a deep breath. “Tomorrow. Nine AM. Be there!”

I ended the call before he could respond, dropping my phone onto the couch as if it had burned me. The conversation replayed in my mind, each word from Ivy and Alistair like poison seeping

into my veins.

Was I really the interloper? The unwanted one?

I tried to distract myself with work, but my thoughts kept returning to tomorrow’s appointment. Would Alistair show up? Or was he playing me for a fool again?

The next morning, I arrived at the Civil Affairs Bureau fifteen minutes early. I chose a seat facing the entrance so I could watch for Alistair. Each time the door opened, my heart jumped, only to sink when a stranger walked through.

At nine forty–five, I accepted the truth. He wasn’t coming.

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