The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 71

71 The Sobering Fear

My mothers jade bracelet sat umocently in its velvet box, but all could see was a trap Three hundred million dollars. My father’s desperate plea. Sebastian’s Calculated

interest None of it felt right

The realization crashed over me like ice water I wasn’t a business partner to the

wasn’t even a romantic interest, I was a resource A perfect blood match.

Sinclairs

My fingers shook as I touched iny inner elbow, where countless needles had pierced my skin over the years for Alistan’s transfusions How many times had I been bled for love? And now, was I being courted for the same reason, only with fancier packaging?

“No, I whispered to my empty apartment “Not again.”

I paced the room, mind racing. If Sebastian truly wanted my blood-or worse, my organs-how far would he go? The Sinclairs had enough power to make people disappear. They had enough money to buy silence.

And 1 bad stupidly, naively fallen for his charm

My phone buzzed on the coffee table. Sebastian’s name flashed across the screen.

I stared at it. heart hammering. If I ignored him, would he become suspicious? If A answered, could I hide my fear?

After four rings. I forced myself to pick up.

“Hello, I said, my voice surprisingly steady

“Hazel. His deep voice sent shivers down my spine-no longer pleasant ones I was hoping we could meet ronight instead of tomorrow. I have some ideas for the collection I’d like to discuss

My throat tightened “Tonight?”

“Is that a problem?”

I scrambled for an excuse “Actually I can’t. My stepsister’s condition has worsened. need to go to the hospital

A pause thought you weren on speaking terms with your fareils

Dukk Hazel Think

“We re not 1 said “”But she’s dying Cancer Stage four. At least that part wasn’t a lie “It feels wrong to hold grudges at this point.

Another pause

understand. Family obligations can be complicated.

Did he believe me? I couldn’t tell.

“Yes” agreed, Complicated is the right word,

“How bad is her condition?

closed my eyes, crafting the perfect balance of reluctance and duty “They don’t think she it last the week My father called earlier, asking me to come. Also true, Technically I can’t refuse a deathbed reconciliation, can I? What kind of person would that make

“You have a good heart. Hazel. Sebastian said softly. “Even toward those who don’t

deserve it

The gentleness in his voice almost made me doubt my suspicions. Almost

“I don’t know about that.” I said, trying to sound humble. “But I should at least say

goodbye

Of course. Family should be together at such times?

I gripped the phone tighter Our meeting tomorrow might need to be rescheduled I’m not sure how long I’ll be at the hospital.

“Don’t worry about that: Sebastian said. “We can adjust.”

My mind raced for a way to create more distance “Actually, I could send Maya to meet with you. She knows the designs inside and out. She could represent me while I handle

this family natter

There the perfect test. If he was only interested in my business acumen, he’d accept

The substitution if he wanted my blood

The silence stretched longer this time

1 if jenter to wait for you be finally said Maya is undoubtedly capable, but this partne shapes with you, Hare)

My stonschefenebes Partnership such a neutral word for what I now susper ted he

wanted

appreciate that Trephed trying to keep my voice even ‘But I don’t want to hold up production Time is money especially a fashion

“Some things are worth waiting for he said, his voice dropping lower family obligations come first. We’ll meet when you’re ready

swallowed hard. Thank you for understanding.

Your health and

“Is there anything you need? I could arrange for a private room for your stepsister The best specialists

Was it kindness or a way to monitor me” To keep tabs on whether I was really at the

hospital?

That’s very generous, I said carefully “But it’s already arranged. The Everetts are handiltag if Another lie. Let him think Alistan was involved. Maybe that would keep

him at bay.

“I see” His tone changed slightly “Well, the offer stands if circumstances change

“I appreciate it

One more thing, Hazel

“Yes?”

careful at that hospital. There are… rumors about experimental treatments being offered to terminal patients there. Not all of them ethical

Achill ran through the Was that a threat? A warning? Or just conversation?

Til keep my eyes

open I promised.

Good

look forward to seeing you when things settle down

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