Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 37

I stared at her, my hands clenched so tight my palms felt damp. Asking her for help now, after everything I’d done, was pretty much the definition of shameless. I’d left her behind without a second thought back then, and now here I was, swallowing my pride and begging.

There was no way to justify it. Not logically, not emotionally.

But for Darleen, I had to try. Even if Claire looked at me with nothing but cold disgust, even if she tore apart what little dignity I had left. If it meant saving Darleen’s life, I’d take it all. I didn’t have much time left anyway. My body was falling apart. I needed to do something, anything, for her.

I forced the words out, every syllable scraping my throat. “Could you pay me a year’s salary in advance? I need it… it’s urgent.”

Claire just laughed. It was the kind of laugh that made your skin crawl. She took her time before replying, her voice heavy with sarcasm.

“Did you lose your mind, or did you just conveniently forget everything you did to me?”

I had nothing to say. There was nothing I could say.

She turned away, already done with me. Refusing to give up, I stepped in front of her again. “Please, it’s really important.”

She shot me a glare. “Move. I’ve got a contract to sign.”

“Even if you’re in some kind of crisis, what does that have to do with me?”

I took a deep breath, trying to stay steady. “I know it sounds insane, but I need the money. I really do.”

“After this, you can treat me however you want. I won’t say a word. Whatever you want, I’ll deal with it.”

“If you still don’t trust me, I’ll sign anything you want. If you give me the money, my life is yours. Do whatever you want with it.”

Claire spun around, got right in my face, and grabbed me by the collar.

“Did you forget what you did to me?” she hissed. “Because if you need a reminder, I can give you one.”

Her anger was like a living thing, her eyes burning with hate.

I knew. I knew exactly how much I’d hurt her. I knew the pain I’d caused, and I knew she’d never forgive me.

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