The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 39

39 A Father’s Cruel Price

The Shaw Industries building towered over the city skyline, a glittering monument to my father’s success. I stared up at it from the sidewalk, my stomach in knots. People streamed past me. hurrying to their morning meetings. I needed to move, too. My appointment was in ten minutes.

“You can do this,” I whispered to myself, gripping my purse tightly

The security guards in the lobby recognized me immediately. No one stopped me as I headed for the private elevator to the executive floor. My reflection in the mirrored walls showed a composed woman in a crisp white blouse and navy blazer Only I knew how badly my hands were trembling inside my pockets.

My father’s secretary, a stern woman who’d been with him for decades, barely looked up from her computer screen “He’s expecting you. Go right in.

I paused outside the heavy oak door, took a deep breath, and knocked.

“Enter” His voice was as cold as I remembered.

Harold Shaw sat behind an enormous desk, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing the city he thought he owned. At sixty-two, he still maintained the sharp features and commanding presence that had made him famous in business circles.

“Hazel He didn’t stand. “What was so important that you needed to see me immediately?”

o “hello: No “how are you” Just straight to business. Typical.

I sat in the chair across from him without being invited. “I need money.”

A flicker of amusement crossed his face. “At least you’re direct.

need fifty million dollars.”

His eyebrows shot up. “For what?”

“There’s a commercial building up for auction. I want to turn it into my design stadio and flagship store”

He leaned back in his leather chair, studying me with cold eyes And why should I give you that kind of money

swallowed hard. “Because Mother’s shares in your company should have come to me when she died. You know that’s what she wanted”

His face hardened “Your mother had no legal claim to those shares after the divorce”

“She helped you build this company. I insisted. “You cheated her out of her fair share just like you cheated on her with Tanya.”

His fist crashed down on the desk. “Watch your mouth!

Iflimched but held my ground. “Either give me back the shares that rightfully belong to me, or give me the cash I need.”

“You’re defusional.” He stood up, towering over me. “I don’t owe you anything”

“You owe me everything. I hissed. “Six years of caring for your precious stepdaughter while you were busy building your empire. Six years of blood transfusions to keep Ivy alive

“That was your choice.”

And now I’m choosing to collect what’s mine.

He circled the desk, looming over me. “Get out. You’re wasting my time

I stood my ground, despite the fear crawling up my spine. “I need that money”

Then work for it, like everyone else.”

Taking a deep breath, I played my last card. “Ivy’s getting worse. She’ll need more transfusions soon.

That stopped him. “What’s your point?”

Tm the only compatible donor they’ve found. If I walk away, what happens to your perfect little family then?

His eyes narrowed dangerously. “Are you threatening to let my daughter die

39. A halmers Chelico

“Tm suggesting a fair exchange. The money I need for the continued health of your stepdaughter”

Harold stared at me, his expression calculating. For a moment, I thought I had him. Then he laughed–a harsh, ugly sound

“You’re bluffing. You’d never let Ivy die, even after she stole your fiance.”

“Try me, I challenged, though my heart raced at the bluff.

He leaned against his desk, arms crossed. “Ten million. That’s my final offer

“Ten?” I scoffed. “That’s not even close to what I need.”

“It’s generous considering what you’re worth.

The words stung, but I pushed on. “Fifty million or no deal.

“You ungrateful little-” He stopped himself, taking a breath. “Ivy is dying anyway. The doctors give her less than a year. Why should I waste fifty million on a lost cause?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “She’s your daughter.”

“Stepdaughter” be corrected coldly. “And an expensive one. The medical bills alone are eating into my profits.

Disgust rose in my throat. I pulled out my phone. “I’m recording this, by the way. 1 wonder what Tanya would think about your lost cause’ comment.

His face contorted with rage. “Give me that phone!”

Before I could react, his hand cracked across my face. The force of the slap sent me stumbling backward. I lost my balance and fell hard against the floor.

Pain exploded across my cheek. My vision blurred with tears.

“You think you can blackmail me?” Harold grabbed my arm, yanking me up. “Give me that phone. Now!”

I clutched my phone tighter, trying to pull away. His grip tightened painfully

“Let go of me I shouted.

He Twisted my arm, slamming it against the edge of the desk Pain shot through me My fingers went numb, and the phone clattered to the floor

Harold snatched it up, checking the recording apps. Finding nothing, his face darkened further

“You little bar” He threw the phone at me. It hit my shoulder before landing on the carpet. There was no recording”

I touched my throbbing cheek, feeling it swell beneath my fingertips.

“Just like your mother,” he spat. “Always scheming, always trying to get more than you deserve.

Tears threatened, but I forced them back. I wouldn’t cry in front of him.

“Don’t you dare mention my mother,” I said, my voice shaking.

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