Fated Marriage Spoiled by My Ice Billionaire novel Chapter 833

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Chapter 833 Defending Harold

Chapter 833 Defending Harold

Back in the hospital room, Harold checked her temperature.

It had come down a bit, but she was still running a low–grade fever.

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Noticing she was drenched in sweat, he grabbed a basin of warm water and gently wiped her down to help her feel more comfortable.

Claudia wasn’t used to being cared for like this–it felt more than just repayment for a favor. There was a warmth to his attention that went deeper.

Just after he’d helped her into fresh clothes, Isabelle and Damian arrived at the hospital.

Zander had gone with Harvey to the office, so he didn’t join them.

If he had seen Claudia lying in that hospital bed, he probably would’ve burst into tears—and no doubt would’ve insisted on clinging to her all night long.

Claudia propped herself up slightly.

Isabelle hurried over and gently steadied her. “Take it easy, honey, don’t move too quickly.”

Harold adjusted the bed to raise her upper body, then placed a pillow behind her lower back for support.

Damian stood near the doorway and gave Harold a look. “Come outside with me for a minute.”

Harold nodded and began to follow him out.

Claudia’s eyes followed Harold–he was probably about to get lectured again. It seemed like every time she and Harold were together, something ended up going sideways.

She spoke up just before Damian stepped out. “Damian.”

Damian paused and softened his tone. “What is it?”

“Harold barely slept last night,” Claudia began carefully. “If it’s nothing too urgent… maybe you could let him come back soon so he can rest a little?” She didn’t quite have the nerve to say it outright.

Damian had this natural intensity about him that could feel intimidating.

Claudia was a little wary of upsetting him, but she also didn’t want Harold getting chewed out after he’d been taking such good care of her. That wouldn’t be fair.

Harold glanced over at her.

It was funny–sometimes she seemed fearless, standing her ground against anyone. Other times, like now. she hesitated to even speak up.

He couldn’t quite figure her out.

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Chapter 833 Defending Harold

One moment she could be all sharp edges, like a porcupine protecting itself.

The next, she softened, more like a bunny just going with the flow.

Even Damian seemed a little surprised. Claudia was sticking up for Harold.

Come to think of it, she’d done the same before with Zander.

Something warm shifted inside Harold’s chest.

Damian still led Harold out into the hallway, but this time, there was no shouting.

“Not bad,” Damian remarked, a faint smile touching his lips. “She’s already got your back.”

Harold let out a low, casual laugh. “What, you think you’re the only one who knows how to charm someone? I’ve got a few moves of my own.”

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“Every ‘move‘ you’ve got, you learned from me. And you’re still not quite there,” Damian shot back, though his eyes held a hint of amusement.

“Yeah, yeah, you’re the master,” Harold said under his breath, then couldn’t resist adding, “The master who still ended up in the hospital after Grandpa and Great–Grandpa got through with him.”

“You-”

Damian raised a hand playfully as if to swat him, but Harold had already stepped back toward the doorway.

Just then, Claudia appeared at the hospital room door, glancing out curiously. Damian lowered his hand. Harold grinned. “Go ahead, take a swing. Right in front of your future daughter–in–law.”

Damian shook his head at his son’s cocky expression, but deep down, he felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.

Someone had finally gotten through to him.

“Harold,” Damian said, his voice lighter now. “Your time has come, hasn’t it?”

Harold fell silent for a moment.

He’d never really imagined a day like this would arrive.

All his pride, all his stubbornness–it all seemed to soften when it came to Claudia.

He’d even learned to swallow that pride and meet her halfway.

Without realizing it, Harold found himself peeking back into the room where Claudia was now talking with Isabelle.

As luck would have it, she chose that exact moment to glance toward the door. Their eyes met briefly

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Chapter 833 Defending Harold

before both quickly looked away.

Damian watched him and saw a reflection of his younger self.

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“Alright,” he said, clapping Harold lightly on the shoulder. “For Claudia’s sake, I’ll go easy on you this time But if something like this happens again, I don’t care whose fault it is–you’re still getting an earful.”

“Tough guy,” Harold teased, then quickly corrected himself with a grin. “I’m gonna go tell my wife.”

“You’re something else,” Damian muttered, though there was no real irritation in his tone.

Back in the room, Claudia kept stealing looks toward the hallway where the two men stood talking.

Isabelle noticed and handed her a small bowl of homemade soup the nanny had prepared to soothe her throat.

“Don’t you worry,” Isabelle said gently. “Damian won’t actually give him a hard time.”

Claudia felt a flush of embarrassment. She really was paying more attention to Harold lately than she wanted to admit.

She lowered her head and took a careful sip of soup, then quietly asked Isabelle, “Was Harold always getting into trouble when he was younger?”

She couldn’t help but feel a little bad for him–every time he came around or ran into Damian, it seemed like his dad found something to criticize.

Isabelle chuckled softly. “Not exactly trouble. It’s more that when Harold believes in something, he goes all in. And he’s got a bit of a temper. His dad just wants to make sure he stays grounded, so he ends up saying more than he needs to sometimes.”

Claudia nodded thoughtfully.

It was actually a good thing, she realized–even now, at his age, Harold had someone to guide him and keep him in check.

“What do you think of him?” Isabelle asked suddenly, then added warmly, “And don’t just say something nice to make me happy. Really think about it. What’s your honest impression?”

Claudia cradled the bowl in both hands and looked through the doorway once more, where Harold was still talking quietly with Damian.

“You raised him really well,” she said softly. She honestly couldn’t find a single flaw in him.

Even the things others might see as shortcomings–Claudia found they suited him just fine.

His confidence, his determination, his stubborn streak, his pride…

They weren’t flaws to her. They were just part of what made him Harold.

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