The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 55

stunning Ener

55 Justice Served, A Stunning Encounter

My head throbbed dully as I sat in the hospital examination room. The doctor shined a light in my eyes, his expression professionally concerned. 4

“The cut on your cheek is superficial, but I’m concerned about possible concussion symptoms he said, making notes on his chart. “Any dizziness? Nausea?

blinked slowly, deliberately. “Some dizziness when I stand. And my vision blurred briefly earlier.

Neither symptom was true, but the doctor nodded gravely. “I’d like to run a few more tests to be safe

Perfect. The more extensive the medical report, the stronger my case against Tanya would be. Sebastian’s legal team had advised me to document everything thoroughly. I hadn’t expected to feel such fierce satisfaction at following through with pressing charges, but each step was like a weight lifting from my shoulders.

Three hours later, armed with detailed medical documentation, I walked into the police station. The officer who had responded to my 911 call recognized me immediately.

“Ms. Shaw, we’ve reviewed the security footage from your office,” he said, guiding me to a desk “It’s very clear what happened. The district attorney is pressing charges regardless, but your statement will strengthen the case.”

I gave my statement calmly, describing how Tanya had burst into my office

unprovoked and attacked me. When I finished, the officer nodded grimly.

“Based on the evidence and your medical evaluation, Mrs. Turner is being charged

with assault and battery She’ll likely face a short detention period, comm

service, and be required to issue a formal apology

An apology? I couldn’t help the bitter laugh that escaped me. “That will be a first

Two days later I stood in the courtroom watching Tanya’s face as the judge banded down her sentences ten days in detention, a substantial fine, and a court–mandated apology to me

Tanya’s perfectly maintained facade cracked completely. Her designer our couldn’t Aside the defeated soup of her shoulders. The wornan who had terrorized my teenage years, who had helped destroy my mother’s marriage and sanity, was now reduced tes tumbling an insincere apology in a courtroom

“Tapologize for my actions, Hazel she muttered, refusing to meet my eyes.

“Could you speak up, Mrs. Turner the judge prompted. “The court needs to hear your apology clearly:

Tanya’s face flushed with humiliation. Tapologize for assaulting you, Hazel.”

I stepped forward, dressed immaculately in a cream suit that radiated elegance and control. “Taccept your apology. Tanya,” I said smoothly. “I hope you’ll be comfortable in detention. Perhaps they’ll let you share a cell with my father. You’ve always enjoyed his company, after all

Her eyes flashed with rage, but with police officers flanking her, she could do nothing but clench her jaw.

As I walked out of the courtroom into the bright afternoon sunshine, I felt a lightness I hadn’t experienced in years. This hadn’t just been justice for me, but for my mother too. The woman who had helped destroy her was finally facing consequences.

“Ms. Shaw,” a reporter called out as I reached the courthouse steps. “Do you feel the

sentence was fair?”

I paused, considering my words carefully. “Justice isn’t always about fairness Sometimes it’s simply about accountability. For the first time, my stepmother is being

held accountable for her actions.”

Cameras flashed as I made my way to the waiting car Sebastian had arranged for me. The driver held the door open, and I slipped inside, finally allowing myself a genuine

Smile. One small victory, but it felt enormous

The next evening, I stood before my bedroom mirror, evaluating my appearance critically. Tonight was my dinner meeting with Sebastian Sinclair, and I wanted to strike exactly the right tone – professional but not severe elegant but not trying too

Hard

Pd chosen a sleek midnight blue dress that lingged my curves without being overtly

in

sexuud. My makeup was immaculate hiding the early–healed cut on my cheek, I considered my reflection with analytical detachunent

Beauty had always been both a blessing and a curse in my life. People noticed my looks before they recognized my talent. My own father had once callously remarked that I’d never have to worry about success” because of my appearance – as if my years of hard work and creativity meant nothing compared to symmetrical features and good genes.

But beauty was fleeting and unreliable. Talent and intelligence were the assets I trusted, the weapons I wielded with confidence.

1 slipped into black Louboutin heels, grabbed my clutch, and headed out. The restaurant Sebastian had chosen was one of the most exclusive in the city – a place where even my father, at the height of his success, had struggled to get reservations.

I arrived fifteen minutes early, a habit ingrained since childhood. As I gave my name to the hostess, my phone buzzed with a voice message from Vera.

“Hazel! I’m at Lumière right now for a family dinner. Vera’s excited voice came through. “Dad’s entertaining some business associates. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here tonight? We could’ve-

The message cut off abruptly, followed immediately by another: “Oh. My. God.” Vera’s voice had dropped to a breathless whisper. “Hazel, there is the most gorgeous man I have ever seen in my life who just walked in. The entire restaurant literally stopped

breathing for a second. He’s tall, dark–haired, wearing a suit that probably costs more

than my car, and has this presence that’s just… magnetic. He made the maitre d‘ practically bow. Who Is this guy? Wait, he’s being seated at the VIP section. Is he a

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