The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 65

65 A Desperate, Futile Bargain

Istood by the window in my office, watching the city lights flicker in the distance. The door clicked open behind me, and I didn’t need to turn around to know who it was Like a persistent shadow, Alistair had returned.

thought i made myself clear yesterday. I said, keeping my back to him.

“You did Alistair’s voice was softer today, less demanding. “But I’ve come with a better

offer

turned slowly, studying his face. Dark circles had formed under his eyes. His usually impeccable appearance looked strained, his designer suit slightly rumpled.

“Let me guess,” I said. “You’ve increased the price tag on my mother’s bracelet?”

He nodded eagerly. “Fifty million wasn’t enough. I’m offering seventy–five million now?

A bitter laugh escaped my lips. “You still don’t get it, do you?”

“T’m trying to help you, Hazel. Your family needs this money.”

I walked back to my desk, putting it between us like a shield. “My family’s financial

troubles are none of your concern.”

Alistair paced before setting his briefcase on my desk and clicking it open. He pulled out a folder, spreading documents before me.

“I’ve drawn up the paperwork. It’s just a loan agreement. Three months, then the bracelet returns to you, regardless of what happens with Ivy.”

I glanced at the papers but didn’t touch them. “What part of ‘no‘ was unclear?”

He ran his hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration I used to find endearing. Now

just seemed calculated.

“Fine, One hundred million dollars, he said abruptly. “Just for borrowing a bracelet for

three months

My eyebrows shot up despite myself. “You’re that desperate?”

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kvienadition is worsening” he admitted. “The doctors have revised their rimele She might not base three months”

I should have felt something–pity, perhaps, or even satisfaction. Instead, I felt nothing

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“So now you’re using her impending death to manipulate me?” I asked. “That’s low

even for you.”

Alistair’s expression hardened. I’m not manipulating you. I’m offering you a business

deal

“A business deal? I repeated. That bracelet is all I have left of my mother. It’s not for

sale or rent

“Two hundred million, he countered, his voice tense. “And I’ll throw in my shares of Evening Gala

The offer was staggering. With that kind of money could resolve my family’s debt

crisis buy out his stake in our company and still have enough left to expand

internationally. For a moment Lalmost considered it.

Almost

why does she want my bracelet so badly? Lasked instead, genuinely curious about

the motive behind this obsession

Alistair hesitated, averting his eyes She says it would bring her peace?

“Peace” Lechoed fatty “Taking something precious from me would bring her peace?

“It’s complicated, he mattered.

No, it’s actually very simple Ivy has spent her entire life coveting what’s mine. Even

on her deathbed, she’s still trying retake than the

How cleached. There not fall savere dying. Hazel

And that excites verything Lebens toy heart Death flows Sanctify saicon

“The hundred folion eral and riddenty, fue voice nearly coucking “Final fie

The desperation in fus eyes was almost pitiable. Almost

Let me be crystal dear, Isard, leaning forward on my desk penny of the Everett fortune, my answer would still be no

If so coffered me every

He stared at me, disbelief etched across his face. “You’re still punishing the for choosing lvy, aren’t you?

Flaughed then, truly laughed. You think this is about punishment? This is about me finally recognizing my own worth

I know your financial situation he pressed. Sebastian Sinclair has you in his debt. Use this money to pay him off before it’s too late.”

My smile vanished. “What are you talking about?”

“The Sinclairs don’t give without expecting something in return,” Alistair warned. “The longer you stay indebted to them, the higher the price becomes.”

“You know nothing about Sebastian or my relationship with him.” I said coldly.

“I know enough.” he countered. “They’re dangerous, Hazel. Why do you think nobody crosses them? Take the money, pay off your debt, and cut ties with them while you

still can.

Ibristled at his presumption. “The debt I’m in is because of you. You forced me to find alternative funding when you pulled your investment from our collection.”

“And I’m trying to make it right!” he exclaimed. “Three hundred million dollars, Hazel Think about what you could do with that!”

“At what cost?” I asked quietly. “My self–respect? The last connection I have to my

mother?”

Alistair’s shoulders slumped slightly. “It’s just a bracelet.”

Those four words crystallized everything wrong between us. To him, it was just an object, something with a price tag. He had never understood that some things couldn’t be bought or sold.

“Get out. I said firmly “And take your money with you.”

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of faving, he saak into the chair across from the return it, I swear. As soon

After she dies while wearing something precious that belongs to me? I finished for

Shim. No, thank you?

“Please, he whispered, and for the first time, I saw real desperation in his eyes “She’s suffering This would case her mind.

“My and matters too. I replied. “And my peace matters.

Frustration flashed across his face “Why are you being so stubborn? It’s just a loan!”

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