Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 124

I know some people make sacrifices for their families because of real love. I’m just not one of those people.

“Yeah, those stories about family are really touching,” I said, my tone flat. “But honestly, I’ve never felt that kind of love or family bond, so none of it means anything to me.”

“It’s easy for you to talk about cutting me off, just like that, like it’s no big deal. You never saw me as real family anyway. Why keep pretending? Isn’t everyone tired of this?”

“People always say home is some safe, warm place. For me, it’s never been that. If he actually cared, he wouldn’t be forcing me to make this choice.”

“If Darleen hadn’t been there for me, I wouldn’t even be who I am today. I’m just trying to pay her back for everything she’s done. And now you want me to turn my back on her and act like I’m some heartless, cold person? Is that what being a father means to him?”

Sitting in the car, Halley’s face twisted with anger. He probably thought he was giving me a way out, but I wasn’t about to let go of Darleen. Garrison, though, was quietly thrilled. As long as I had someone I cared about, he figured I could be pushed around.

“Dad’s got his own problems, Lambert,” Garrison said, trying to smooth things over. “Why not go back and talk with him? We know we owe you from all those years ago. Let’s clear things up, work things out.”

I looked over at Garrison, then straight through the dark window of the car. “Alright. If you’re so set on making peace, I guess I shouldn’t be rude about it.”

“But here’s the deal. Let Claire leave me alone. Let me keep seeing Darleen. And give me thirty million. Then I’ll actually consider what you’re saying.”

But Halley was stuck. He could either try to pressure me, or talk things over with Claire. And handing over thirty million definitely made his blood boil.

Garrison suddenly leaned in, lowering his voice. “Dad, don’t get worked up. Lambert’s just lost right now. I think he’s only using Darleen as a shield. He knows you care about keeping up appearances, that’s why he’s acting like this.”

He paused, letting the idea sink in before adding, “But what if Darleen was the one to break things off with him? Wouldn’t that fix everything?”

Halley’s eyes lit up, like he’d just figured out the missing piece. Darleen was the key. Get her out of the way, and I’d have nothing left to bargain with. Then everything would finally tip in their favor.