The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 75

75 A Love Unmasked

The hospital corridor felt endless as Ivy’s accusations about my mother echoed in my mind I couldn’t leave yet-not with so many unanswered questions hanging in the air

I hovered outside Ivy’s room, my heart pounding. The medical team had stabilized her and now only Alistan remained at her bedside I watched through the narrow window in the door as Ivs regained consciousness,

Her eves fluttered open, finding Alistair immediately. She reached for his hand with a

weak grip

You’re still here, she whispered, relief washing over her gaunt face.

Mistair nodded stiffly. The tenderness that once defined his every interaction with her was noticeably absent

thought you might have left. Ivy continued, her voice small and fragile

pushed the door open slightly, just enough to bear their conversation clearly. Neither

noticed me

“Ivy Alistair said, his voice hollow. “what you said to Hazel about her mother

“It’s all true Ivy cut in her eyes hardening despite her weakened state. “Her precious mother was nothing but a home-wrecker who stole my father away

“Even if that were true, why bring it up now? Alistair asked, frustration creeping into

What does it accomplish except causing more pam?”

his tone

Ty’s lips curted into a smile that didn’t reach her eves “Because she deserves to know Mat ber diother wasn’t some innocent victim. She died knowing she lost. Just like

Hazed lost you

They ruel satisfaction in her voice made niy stomach turn. I gripped the doorframe Tighter stradving oneself

My mother loved me unconditionally I said, stepping fully into the room

Both heads snapped toward me. Alistair’s eyes widened with surprise tv’s narrowed with contempt

“Your mother was pathetic, Ivy spat “She couldn’t even keep a man who had married

hen she died alone and miserable

Something snapped inside me. “My mother died with dignity and love. She taught me what real strength looks like

She taught you how to be a doormat, Ivy laughed, the sound brittle and harsh. Look at you, you gave Alistair everything for years, including your own blood, and he still

chose me in the end.”

Austan finched at her words.

“hy, stop this he warned

Why she challenged, her voice rising. “Because it makes you uncomfortable to face what you’ve done Or because deep down, you know you still love her?

The accusation hung heavy in the air. Alistair’s face drained of color

That’s it, isn’t it?” Ivy pushed herself up against her pillows, her eyes wild. “You still jove her You’re just waiting for me to die so you can go crawling back to her

Alistair began, but she cut him off with a shrill laugh.

Tcan see it in your eyes! Every time you look at me, you’re wishing I was her. Every time you touch me von reimagining her skin instead of mine

Her breathing became labored, her heart monitor beeping faster

“You’re hoping Ell die quickly so you won’t have to pretend anymore!”

That serumph” Alistair shouted, startling both Ivy and me

The roord fell silent except for the increased beeping of the monitors. Alistair stood his hands trembine at his sides

ve been purtiept the been land ve given up everything my relationship my peace

in self-crapeet Ferulfill your dying wish His voice was steady de with quies cas

And Hats is what get in return: Accusations and manipulation?

wy’s face crumpled tears filling her eyes. “Ahstan, I didn’t mean

rechart

Jilled

30 meant very wont be interrupted “Just like you theant factuurt Hazel by taking kengrantinitust & brevet. Just like you meant to destroy whatever good memories

she had of lier mother

I watched my stumped silence as Alistair finally confronted the truth that had been

starmy him in the face for weeks

“You never loved me, he continued, the realization dawning in his eyes. “I was just a tool for your revenge against Hazel. A way to take something precious from her

Ivy’s monitor spiked as panic set in. “That’s not true! I love you!

“No, you don’t Alistair said softly, the fight draining from his voice: “And I’m not sure f ever really knew you at all:

He turned toward the door, toward me, his eyes hollow with disillusionment

I’m done, Ivy, I can’t do this anymore.”

Ivy’s face contorted with fear. With surprising strength for someone so ill, she lunged forward and grabbed his arm.

Please don’t leave me!” she sobbed, her fingers digging into his sleeve. “Tin sorry! Fu be better. I promise!”

Tears streamed down her hollow cheeks as she clung to him. I do love you! I’ve always loved you! Please, Alistair-I’m scared. I don’t want to be alone when I die!

For a moment. Alistair hesitated. I saw the conflict in his eyes-the desire to break free battling with his innate compassion.

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