The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 63

63 The Ex–Husband’s Calculated Generosity

braced myself as Wethua stormed into my office without knocking. The dark circles under his eyes and his disheveled appearance told me everything I needed to know before he even opened his mouth.

“How’s your aunt?” I asked, keeping my voice heutral

“Don’t pretend you care, be snapped, dropping into the chair across from my desk. “You haven’t even visited her at the hospital

I bit back a sharp retort. I’ve been busy trying to figure out how to help.

Weihua laughed bitterly. “Help? You mean like your friend Vera’s doing? My father says her promised investment has suddenly disappeared.”

“That’s not what happened-”

“Save it.” He leaned forward, eyes narrowed. “I need fifty million. By the end of the

week”

The number hit me like a physical blow. “Fifty million dollars? Are you insane?”

“Our family business is about to collapse. Dad’s investors are threatening lawsuits. We need that money to stay afloat.

I stared at him in disbelief. “And you think I have fifty million just lying around?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, Hazel. His voice dripped with contempt. “Everyone knows your ex–husband practically handed you this company. And now you’ve got the mighty Sebastian Sinclair backing you.”

My hands clenched into fists under my desk. “That’s not true, I worked for everything I have. And I’m still paying back my loan to the Sinclairs

Right. His tone made it clear he didn’t believe me. “Whatever story helps you sleep at night

want to help Aunt Mel, but I don’t have that kind of money?

Then get it” He stamined his hand on my desk. “Borrow it from your bathonaire boyfriend sell some shares I don’t care how you do

Itook a deep breath. “I can help, but i need time

We don’t have time! The vein in his forehead pulsed dangerously “Dad’s talking about filing for bankruptcy by next week

Shouting at me won’t make money appear magically. I said, struggling to keep my

voice even. “I can maybe raise a million or two quickly, but fifty?”

“A million?” He laughed scornfully. “That’s like throwing a bucket of water on a forest

fire:

“It’s all I can offer right now.”

Weihua stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “This is exactly why Mom always said you were selfish. Your aunt took care of you after your mother died, and

now you can’t even help when she needs you?”

The unfairness of his accusation stung. “That’s not true. 1-

“Save your excuses.” He leaned across my desk, towering over me. “Fifty million by

Friday, or don’t bother showing your face at family gatherings ever again.”

Something inside me snapped. I stood up, meeting his gaze directly.

“Let me be very clear,” I said, my voice dangerously quiet. “I will help Aunt Mel because I love her, not because you’re threatening me. But if you ever speak to me like this again, you can consider our family ties permanently severed.

The sudden steel in my voice caught him off guard. He blinked, taking a small step

back

You wouldn’t-

Try me. I didn t raise my voice, but my tone left no room for doubt. Trecut ties with

worse people than you

The silence between us crackled with tension

A knock at my door broke the standoff. My assistant poked her head in: “Ms. Shaw, Mr.

Everett is here to see you

Perfect timing Just what I needed to make this disaster complete

Before I could respond Alistair waltzed in, immaculate m his designer suit. He assessed the situation with a quick glance his practiced smile never faltering.

Am I interrupting something?” he asked smoothly

“We were Rust finishing. I said firmly.

Weihua’s eyes darted between us, a calculating look crossing his face. “Actually, your timing is perfect. Mr Everett. Perhaps you could talk some sense into your ex–wife

Alistair raised an eyebrow. “Oh? About what?”

“Her aunt–my mother–needs financial help. Urgently. Fifty million dollars urgently

I watched Alistair’s expression change, that familiar look when he sensed an opportunity. It made my skin crawi.

That’s quite a substantial sum,” he said, his voice carefully measured. “May I ask what

it’s for?”

“Our family business is in crisis,” Weihua explained, suddenly respectful now that he was addressing someone he considered powerful. “We need to clear debts and avoid bankruptcy

Alistair nodded thoughtfully, then turned to me with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Hazel, if this is important to you, I’d be happy to help.”

No: I said immediately.

“I could arrange the loan,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “Of course, it would be recorded under your name, since we’re no longer married.

And there it was. The trap. If Laccepted, I’d be indebted to him for years, exactly where he wanted me

Absolutely not I said firmly. “I appreciate the offer, Alistair, but this isn’t your

Concern

bria Caster Gehrmgiry

“Hazel Weźma looked outraged. “He’s offering to help!”

Ne he’s offering focreate another way to control me Hturned to Alistan. If you want to help my cousin directly, thats between you two. But I won’t be involved.

Alistair’s smile tightened. I’m only trying to help you, Hazel

“We both know that’s not true

Weihua looked between us, clearly confused by my refusal. “Are you seriously turning down fifty million dollars because of pride?”

“It’s not pride! I said, not taking my eyes off Alistair. “It’s self–preservation.”

Alistair shrugged, turning to Weihua, “I’d be happy to discuss terms with you directly, if you prefer

Weihua’s eyes lit up. “Really? That would be-

“But.” Alistair interrupted smoothly. “I’d need to see detailed financials first. Complete transparency. And I’d want controlling interest in your company as collateral.

The hope on Weihua’s face crumbled. “Controlling interest? But it’s a family business….

“Business is business,” Alistair said coldly. “Fifty million is a significant risk without proper safeguards.”

I almost laughed at how quickly Alistair’s generous facade dissolved when there wasn’t

a way to use me in the equation.

Weihua shot me a look of pure hatred, as if this too was somehow my fault. “Forget it,” he spat, heading for the door. “I’ll find another way”

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