The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 61

61 A Dream, a Delay, and a Devastating Accusation

Warm lips pressed against mine as Sebastian’s strong arms held me close. The wedding march played softly in the background as guests applauded. I was a bride at last, wearing the dress I’d poured my heart into creating–but not for Alistair. For Sebastian.

“I’ve waited for this moment my whole life, dream–Sebastian whispered against my ear, his voice sending shivers down my spine

My heart swelled with joy as he gazed at me with those intense eyes. This felt right. This felt real.

Then the alarm blared.

I jolted awake, my hand automatically slapping at my phone to silence it. Six a.m. Reality crashed back like a bucket of cold water. The dream faded, leaving behind a confusing mix of emotions and a racing heart

“What is wrong with me?” I groaned, pressing my palms against my eyes.

It was just a dream–a ridiculous fantasy my subconscious had conjured after my dinner with Sebastian and Vera’s outlandish texts. Nothing more.

My phone buzzed with a calendar reminder: Meeting with divorce attorney, 9 AM. Right. Real life was calling, and it had nothing to do with wedding Sebastian Sinclair. I

had a divorce to finalize.

After a quick shower, I called Alistair. He needed to be reminded about our

appointment with the attorneys today. The phone rang five times before he picked up.

“What?” His voice was cold and irritated.

“Good morning to you too, I said, rolling my eyes. “I’m calling to make sure you’ll be at the attorney’s office at nine

heavy silence followed. Then: “I can’t make it today.”

My grip Lightened on the phone. “Excuse me?”

Class and Tasting Arg

hey had a bad night. I was up with her until four in the morning I’m not leaving her

side today.

Of course Ivy was always the perfect excuse

*Alistair” I said, forcing my voice to remain calm, “we’ve rescheduled this meeting three times already. The papers are ready to be signed.

“And they’ll still be ready next week” he snapped. “My wife is sick

The irony wasn’t lost on me. Tm your wife too, legally speaking. Or did you forget that minor detail?”

“Don’t be petty, Hazel. This isn’t about you.”

My temper flared. “It’s absolutely about me! You’re stalling the divorce on purpose,

“Think whatever you want,” he said dismissively. “I’ll call to reschedule when things

settle down with Ivy

“Alistair-

The line went dead. He’d hung up on me.

I slammed my phone onto the counter, cursing under my breath. Three months of this game. Every time we got close to finalizing the divorce, Ivy miraculously had a health crisis. The woman was genuinely ill, but her timing was suspiciously convenient

I grabbed my coffee mug so hard I nearly broke the handle. Enough was enough. I needed this divorce finalized before the charity gala next month. Walking in there still legally tied to Alistair would be humiliating.

At the office, Fasked my assistant to connect me with the top divorce attorney in the

city.

Ms. Shaw?” A crisp female voice came through the speakerphone an hour later. “This is Diane Lancaster. I understand you’re having issues finalizing your divorce?

“My husband keeps postponing the signing” explained. “He uses his girlfriend’s

liness as an excuse every time”

Girlfriend?” Diane’s voice sharpened with interest. “You mean he’s openly in a

relationship while still married to you?”

Worse He married her too. We’re matechnical bigny situation

A pause. “Well, that changes things considerably. His second marriage isn’t legally valid while he’s still married to you.”

“I’m aware” I said I just want out. Can we force the issue?

“Absolutely. I can file a motion to-

The door to my office burst open so violently it slammed against the wall. My cousin Weihao stood in the doorway, his face contorted with rage.

“I need to call you back. I told Diane quickly, ending the call. I rose from my chair. alarmed. “Weihao? What’s happening?”

His chest heaved as he stared at me, fists clenched. “You’ve ruined everything

“What are you talking about?”

“The money,” he spat. “The money my mother gave you for the auction. Do you know

where it came from?”

My stomach dropped. “She said it was from your family’s savings-

It was embezzled!” he shouted, his voice cracking. “She took it from public funds she manages. They’re investigating her now!”

The blood drained from my face. “No… she told me-

She lied! She took that risk for you, and now everything is falling apart!” Weihao’s eyes filled with angry tears. “My parents are fighting constantly. They’re talking about

divorce. My father can’t even look at her anymore.”

I sank back into my chair, stunned. I returned the money right away when Sebastian stepped m

It doesn’t matter! The transaction was flagged. There’s an investigation. He slammed his hands on my desk, making me flinch. “My mother might go to prison because of

you

Waihad 1 had no idea

and a Devistate Accuestion

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