No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 12

"That Watkins girl is nothing but the bankrupt daughter of a failed family," Sewell continued. "She has nothing to offer. The fact that we haven't already insisted York divorce her for dragging him down is generous enough. She shouldn't push her luck."

York's grandfather spoke, his face grim. "A woman with no career, no children, who can't even take care of herself. What use is she?"

York didn't want to discuss it.

He offered a few perfunctory words and left the living room with the thermos.

Darleen chased after him. "Brother, is that woman back?"

The motion of York opening the car door froze.

He stared at Darleen and asked, "What woman?"

Darleen clenched her fists in frustration. "That night you posted on your feed, that woman with the child! I saw it all!"

York's gaze sharpened. "Did you tell Claudia?"

Her brother's look rendered Darleen speechless.

She stammered for a moment, then answered guiltily, "Claudia is so good, and I'm afraid she'll leave. Why would I dare say anything?"

Claudia had told her not to say anything, which probably meant she had a plan.

York's expression visibly relaxed.

He warned Darleen, "Keep your mouth shut. If I find out you've been talking, you can forget about getting another cent of allowance from me."

Watching her brother drive away, Darleen stomped her foot in frustration.

This was a disaster.

Her brother was really cheating.

York returned to the house he shared with Claudia. The place felt unnervingly empty.

Leaving the thermos of soup in the dining room, he went upstairs.

He stepped inside and immediately saw Claudia, lying face-up on the floor.

An unexpected tightness gripped his chest. York lifted her upper body, feeling how cold she was. "Even if you're upset, you can't play games with your own health."

Claudia slowly opened her eyes. Her gaze, fixed on York, was empty, devoid of any expression.

Her lips moved, but no sound came out. A tear traced a path from the corner of her eye.

It was the same warm embrace. It just wasn't hers anymore.

His face grim, York carried Claudia to the bed.

She burrowed deeper under the covers, refusing to speak.

York got up to clean the mess. After a few steps, he turned back and sat on the edge of the bed.

He pulled the covers down slightly and asked her, "Have you calmed down now?"