Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 49

She fixed me with a chilly stare. “If you don’t tell me, you’re not getting any money.”

Claire’s voice was steady, no room for discussion. But I wasn’t about to tell her. Even if she knew what was going on with Darleen, would it make any difference? Would she feel bad for me? I doubted it. At this point, I could probably drop dead right in front of her and she wouldn’t even blink.

I met her eyes. “I can’t tell you. But I need the money. You promised, Claire. You said you’d help.”

There was frustration in my voice now. The Claire I remembered used to be gentle, used to care. That person was gone. Now she was cold, almost cruel.

She just scoffed. “Let’s get something straight. You’re the one coming to me for help. Not the other way around. Whether you want to talk or not, that’s on you.”

She turned, ready to head back to her car. I stepped in her way, desperate. “What do you need from me? What will it take for you to believe me? Just tell me what you want so I can get the money.”

She yanked her arm free. “I already told you what I want. You’re the one refusing.”

I stared at her, at a total loss. If I told her the truth, all those secrets I’d buried would come spilling out. She saw my hesitation and for a second, she looked almost disappointed.

“Fine, don’t explain. But tell me this. Would you really risk your life for this money?” She watched me, waiting for an answer. Time kept slipping by, and I still hadn’t given the doctors an update.

I looked at her, weighing my next words. If this was what she needed to hear, then I’d say it.

“Yes. If it costs me my life, then so be it.”

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify