The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 5
Chapter 5: Celebration by Firecracker
The money landed in my account by nightfall. Two million dollars—the price of my dignity, according to Alistair. My phone buzzed with a notification of the completed transfer while I was finishing dinner.
“At least he’s prompt with his betrayal payments,” I muttered to myself, setting down my fork.
I opened my laptop and pulled up the website for the most exclusive fireworks shop in the city. The one that supplied celebrations for celebrities and millionaires. The one that promised same-day delivery for premium customers.
My finger hovered over the “add to cart” button beside a pack of indoor firecrackers. The kind designed for stage performances and small celebrations. The kind that created more noise and smoke than actual fire.
Perfect.
By ten o’clock that evening, a discreet package arrived at my door. I signed for it with a smile that made the delivery man step back nervously.
“Special occasion?” he asked.
“You could say that.” I tucked the package under my arm. “It’s a… celebration of sorts.”
I slept better that night than I had in days, dreaming of smoke and chaos and justice.
—
Morning arrived with a call from my father. I considered ignoring it, but decided answering would be more satisfying. Let him hear the new Hazel—the one who no longer cared about his approval.
“What do you want?” I answered, not bothering with pleasantries.
“Is that any way to speak to your father?” Harold Shaw’s voice boomed through the speaker.
I laughed. “Father? That’s a generous title for someone who’s treated me like garbage since Mom died.”
“Watch your tone, young lady. I heard about your extortion scheme with Alistair.”
Of course he had. The family gossip network worked at lightning speed when it came to painting me as the villain.
“Extortion?” I kept my voice light as I selected my outfit for the hospital visit. “I simply set a fair price for my possessions. Basic capitalism, Dad. I thought you’d approve.”
“Your sister is dying, and you’re charging her fiancé for wedding jewelry? Have you no shame?”
I paused, anger heating my blood. “Shame? You want to talk about shame? Let’s discuss how you cheated on my mother. Let’s talk about how you let your new wife and her daughter torture me for years. Let’s talk about THAT shame, Dad.”
“You ungrateful—”
“Save it,” I cut him off. “I’m done being your punching bag. Ivy wants my life? Fine. But it comes with a price tag.”
“We’ll see how smug you are when you’re written out of the will,” he threatened.
I laughed again, this time genuinely amused. “What will? You’ve been broke for years. The only thing keeping you afloat is Tanya’s family money, and we both know that’s drying up fast.”
His spluttering rage was cut off when I ended the call. I tossed my phone onto the bed and finished dressing. A sleek black dress. Comfortable flats for a quick exit. Hair pulled back in a severe ponytail.
And tucked into my designer handbag, my special delivery from last night.
Time to pay dear sister Ivy a visit.
—
The hospital’s pristine corridors reeked of disinfectant and despair. I made my way to the private wing where Ivy’s room was located, the jewelry box heavy in my bag next to the package of firecrackers.
As I approached her room, I heard muffled voices. I slowed my steps, curious.
“It’s not fair!” Tanya’s voice carried through the half-open door. “Why her? Why my beautiful daughter? God should have taken that ungrateful Hazel instead!”
I froze, my hand gripping the doorframe.
“If Hazel had died, no one would miss her. She has no one who loves her. But my Ivy—my perfect, sweet Ivy—has everything to live for!”
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The readers' comments on the novel: The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters)
This had the potential to be a really good read, unfortunately it is inconsistently contradictory and all over the place....