No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 316

Claudia couldn't help but frown. "What are you doing back?"

York strode over and snatched the suitcase from her hand. "Where do you think you're going?"

"I'm in a bad mood," she said bluntly. "I'm going to stay at Grant Manor for a few days to clear my head."

York stared at her, his tone softening slightly. "If you want to get away, I'll take you anywhere. But Grant Manor is not the right place for you."

Claudia was getting annoyed.

"York, just seeing you puts me in a bad mood. I don't want to be near you. It feels suffocating. I'm miserable. Do you really need me to say it that clearly?"

They stared at each other, and York took an unsteady step back.

He conceded immediately. "I was wrong to hide things from you last night. I'll stay at the office for a few days. I won't come home, okay?"

"No!" Claudia said, pushing him away.

As she zipped up her suitcase to leave, York lost control and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Claudia, if you don't believe me, I can swear an oath," he pleaded. "Since Ann came back with the child, I've taken care of her and protected her, but I have not touched her. I have not betrayed you. Please, just believe me this once!"

Claudia knew if she kept arguing with him, she'd never get away.

She took a deep, quiet breath.

Then, in the gentlest voice she could manage, she said, "But talk is cheap. I saw what I saw with my own eyes. Just let me go clear my head for a few days. Once I've calmed down, you can come get me from Grant Manor."

York reluctantly loosened his grip.

He looked into her eyes. "Really?"

Claudia held up five fingers. "Just five days. Let me get my emotions in check. In five days, you can come get me from Grant Manor. I promise I'll come home with you."

It was a classic negotiation move, playing on the 'forbidden fruit' effect. The more he tried to stop her from leaving, the more she'd want to go—and the harder he'd dig in to block her. Her only real choice was to bend a little first and get out.

York was silent for a moment.

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