Building Her Throne Burying My Heart (Claire) novel Chapter 49

She fixed me with a chilly stare. “If you don’t tell me, you’re not getting any money.”

Claire’s voice was steady, no room for discussion. But I wasn’t about to tell her. Even if she knew what was going on with Darleen, would it make any difference? Would she feel bad for me? I doubted it. At this point, I could probably drop dead right in front of her and she wouldn’t even blink.

I met her eyes. “I can’t tell you. But I need the money. You promised, Claire. You said you’d help.”

There was frustration in my voice now. The Claire I remembered used to be gentle, used to care. That person was gone. Now she was cold, almost cruel.

She just scoffed. “Let’s get something straight. You’re the one coming to me for help. Not the other way around. Whether you want to talk or not, that’s on you.”

She turned, ready to head back to her car. I stepped in her way, desperate. “What do you need from me? What will it take for you to believe me? Just tell me what you want so I can get the money.”

She yanked her arm free. “I already told you what I want. You’re the one refusing.”

I stared at her, at a total loss. If I told her the truth, all those secrets I’d buried would come spilling out. She saw my hesitation and for a second, she looked almost disappointed.

“Fine, don’t explain. But tell me this. Would you really risk your life for this money?” She watched me, waiting for an answer. Time kept slipping by, and I still hadn’t given the doctors an update.

I looked at her, weighing my next words. If this was what she needed to hear, then I’d say it.

“Yes. If it costs me my life, then so be it.”

Her eyes widened in disbelief, like she hadn’t even considered the possibility. For a second, she looked suspicious, then her expression twisted into something bitter and hurt. I saw her eyes go a little red as she looked away, tilting her head back to stare at the sky. When she faced me again, she looked like she couldn’t decide whether to laugh or cry.

“So what, she’s dying? She got some incurable disease? You really love her that much? Enough to throw your life away?”

Her words hit a little too close. She’d guessed the truth, but I couldn’t say more. I kept my face blank, but I knew this was my last chance.

“She’s sick,” I said quietly. “She needs money for treatment. There’s nothing else I can do. Every word I’ve told you is true.”

There was no point hiding it anymore. I couldn’t walk away now. If I kept quiet, Claire would just keep pushing until she got everything out of me anyway.