The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption (by Claire Winters) novel Chapter 96

96 A Cruel Request

Hazel’s POV 4

The morning after my meeting with Sebastian. I found myself standing in front of my closet, staring blankly at my collection of designer dresses None of them seemed right fot a Sinclair family gathering. How did one dress for dinner with one of the most powerful families in the country?

“Six months until the divorce is final. I muttered, running my fingers over a midnight blue gown.

Sebastian’s words from yesterday still echoed in my mind. Six months felt like an eternity, to be ned to Alistair. And now, knowing he’d been watching my apartment made my skin crawl.

My phone buzzed with a reminder: “Sinclair dinner 7PM

A flutter of excitement mixed with anxiety swirled in my stomach. I still couldn’t believe I’d agreed to attend. More importantly, I couldn’t believe Sebastian’s mother wanted to meet me. Why would the matriarch of the Sinclair dynasty have any interest in me?

I realized I’d forgotten to ask Sebastian the most important question: Why was his family being so kind to me? Was it pity? Curiosity? Or something else entirely

“I’ll ask him tonight I promised myself, closing the closet door

My pug. Pepper, waddled into the bedroom, snorting excitedly at the sight of his leash

You need a walk, don’t you, buddy?” I smiled, scratching behind his ears. “And I need fresh au to clear my head.

Decision made I threw on a simple white blouse, jeans, and a light jacket Nothing Flashy just a quick walk around the block to settle my nerves and give Pepper his

The elevator ride down was uneventful Fnodded politely to Mrs Chien from apartment 38 she was turning from her morning grocery run Asathe doors opened to the lobby I pulled slightly on Peppers leashy

Come in, hoy. Just a quick walk and then

The wonls died in my throat as I stepped outside There, standing by a sleek black cat parked directly in front of my building, were two people I never wanted to see again Alistan and his mother. Tanya.

My heart dropped to my stomach. Pepper sensed my tension and growled low in his

throat

“Hazel” Alistair stepped forward, dark circles under his eyes making him look haggard and older than his years.

I tightened my grip on Pepper’s leash. “What are you doing here?”

Tanya, dressed in her usual expensive but tasteless outfit, dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, “It’s Ivy,” she said, her voice breaking. “She’s dying

A bitter laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it. “Isn’t that what you said six months ago? The reason Alistair had to marry her instead of me? Yet here we are.

“This time it’s different. Alistair insisted, taking another step toward me. I immediately backed away The cancer has spread to her organs. The doctors say she only has days left:

“And this concerns me.. why?” I kept my voice cold, fighting the urge to turn and flee back into my building

She wants to see you.” Tanya’s voice trembled “One last time. To make amends

The audacity was breathtaking. After everything Ivy had done-stealing my fiance taking my wedding dress, gloating about her victory-she expected me to come ninning for some deathbed reconciliation?

The word came out firm and clear “Absolutely not.”

Alistair’s face hardened Hazel, please. She’s dying

That’s not my problem” I tugged on Pepper’s leash, preparing to walk past them. Now If you’ll excuse me

She needs bipod Alistair blurted out, stepping into my path. A transfusion Beg rare blood type-

froze the full implication of his words hitting me like a truck

“You came here for my blood? My voice rose in disbelief. “Not for forgiveness of closure but for my actual blood?”

Tanya stepped forward, her mascara-streaked face a mask of desperation. “The hospital has exhausted their supply of her blood type. They’ve contacted every blood bank in the state Nothing!

And you expect me to donate?” The nerve of these people was astounding

“You re a match,” Alistair said softly. “You’ve always been a match.”

A cruel smile curved my lips. Just like you are. Alistair. We share the same rare blood type, remember? That’s how I kept you alive all those years with my donations

Something flashed in his eyes-guilt, perhaps. “Hazel-”

“Why don’t you give her your blood?” I cut him off. “Since you’re so devoted to her

Pepper barked suddenly, sensing the tension. I scooped him up, needing something to hold onto before I completely lost my composure.

“I’m not giving anyone my blood.” I stated firmly. “Especially not the woman who stole my wedding.

“She’s your sister” Tanya pleaded.

“Stepsister” I corrected coldly. “And a poor excuse for one at that.

Alistan rata band through his disheveled hair: “Hazel, I know we’ve hurt you. I know what we did was unforgivable But this isn’t about us-it’s about saving a life.

was this concern for saving lives when you abandoned me I demanded You took the wedding dress I spent months making with my own hands and gave it to her?”

The memory still burned- Alistair calling me the day before our wedding to tell me he Was marry mig y mistead The humiliation of having to tell everyone the ceremony was

18x off. The pain of seeing photos of my stepsister wearing my handcrafted gown

Twas wrong Alistair admitted, his voice breaking I made a terrible mistake

And now you want me to fix it wilemy blood laughed bitterly No. My answer is

414

Ftried to step around him, but he moved to block my path again

Please he begged. “She needs the transfusion tonight or she won’t make it until

morning

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