Rebirth Into My Second Chance

I could barely breathe. Claude's voice was warm, but his words sent a chill down my spine.

"Why did you promise to stay by my side forever if you were going to leave? You moved out and refused to come home, not even for my mother's funeral. I gave you so many chances to come back on your own, but instead, you spend every day with another man. Claire, He wrapped his arms around me from behind, his chin resting on my shoulder.

you forced my hand to lock you away."

I remained silent, my heart racing, fearing what he might do next.

Claude asked, "Scared?"

I bit my lip, not responding.

He pressed on, asking, "Richard or Max, have either of them touched you?"

I stiffened even more.

In a past life, he dragged me home and doused me in ice-cold water just because I was too close to Richard.

shame me?" I realized he wouldn't hurt me, so I

"Good, Claire. I

for me in Elmwood Springs until I return." With that, Claude let go of me, and the tension in my body eased. He was still the same old-fashioned man who

matter to you? Or do you think

scornful laugh. "Yes, I'd love to see him

Hilton family so much. Was he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian when he

believed it, even though I didn't have solid

said, "So, I'm bait? You didn't

any

bales in Maximilian until

you're killing two birds with one stone, waiting to see if he'll come for me. If he does, you'll

smiled. "Clever, Claire. Now, let's have dinner before

pulled a chair for me to sit on as the maids served dishes and soup. I knew resisting was

fresh truffles flown in from Marrowfall. You've always loved this soup. Let's see how it

"Ms. Claire, I'm from Crestview Metropolis, so my soup skills are top-notch. Whenever you want soup in Elmwood Springs, I'll make

was too close to