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.

realized he wouldn't hurt me, so I knew how

Claire.

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 wouldn't

matter to you? Or do you

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

through me. He hated the Hilton family so much. Was he setting a trap to hurt Maximilian when he tried to

I believed it, even though I didn't have

I'm

any

bales in Maximilian until

if he'll come for me. If he does, you'll hurt him. If not, you'll keep me locked

Claire. Now, let's

and soup. I knew resisting was futile at this point. I'd better

flown in from Marrowfall. You've always loved this

from Crestview Metropolis, so my soup skills are top-notch. Whenever you want

of soup," I said coldly. The new maid was too close to my plate as she spoke. And considering how she treated Lydia earlier, I took