Rebirth Into My Second Chance

Chapter 197

Max was the definition of cool under pressure, never rattled no matter how stormy things got.

But me? I was a wreck, especially since Richard had become unrecognizable and terrifying.

"Richard, I can't go with you." I'd never confess to him that I had been reborn or that in my past life, he had ordered a hit on me. Wasn't he the real enemy?

Yet, Richard had ensnared me with love, blinding me to the truth. A shiver ran down my spine.

"Are you afraid of me? Claire, I've looked after you since we were kids. Was all my affection a lie? What kind of poison has Max been feeding you, making you hide behind him instead of coming to me?" Richard's frail frame belied the intensity of his presence. His sunken cheeks and hollow eyes made him look almost vampiric.

I said, "Richard, I'll listen to your explanation one last time."

"There's nothing to explain. My lawyer will handle it. Today, you only have to choose. Max or me?" Richard was forcing my hand.

think?" I shot back

you're keeping the baby?" Richard's words shocked everyone present, especially Max, whose

elite dynasty. They'll never acknowledge the child. Only by overturning the old guards' views can you and the baby have a future. Shouldn't you

it clicked why he always insisted I was mentally ill, wanting to

just another pawn in his game. He wanted to destroy Max, using me as the weapon. Without me, Max was

said, but Max seemed to disagree, taking my hand and looking at me with

deal with you. Don't

topple the Hilton family." With a cold snort, Richard

of relief. But Max quickly led me to his car, strapping

"Why are we going to the

Richard said true?

my gaze, knowing Max was unaware that I hadn't taken the birth control pills Eaton had given me. We had had sex just two days ago. It was impossible to

his anger stemmed from suspicion of my

calm. "I lied to Richard. I'm not pregnant. I've taken the pills Eaton gave me. And