No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 72

Sewell was livid. "What about Claudia? Have you forgotten you're not divorced yet? If word gets out that you have an illegitimate son, think of the scandal it would cause!"

"I'll support them discreetly," York replied. "I'll never publicly acknowledge the child's identity, and I won't divorce Claudia."

Old Mr. Ferguson rose slowly to his feet. "Even if I spare them, do you think that girl Claudia will?"

"Claudia is kind-hearted. She will," York insisted.

Old Mr. Ferguson hesitated for a moment before finally relenting. "Since the child is your flesh and blood, he is a descendant of the Ferguson family. You can give them money, you can take care of them, but you absolutely cannot give them official recognition!"

"On the condition that you don't touch them," York countered.

"If you're confident you can convince that Claudia girl not to create a scandal or divorce you, then I'll stay out of your affairs," his grandfather conceded.

With that assurance, York left Ferguson Manor.

He knew Claudia loved him. Even after discovering the existence of Ann James and her son, she had confined her anger to their home.

In public, she maintained a dignified front, which he took as a sign that she was leaving room for them to reconcile.

Her outbursts were a plea for an explanation, an apology, a demand for him to return to their family. He was sure she would never actually go through with a divorce.

After leaving the manor, York went straight to the office.

Claudia walked over to her mother and wrapped her in a hug. "Mom, trust me. I will get that jewelry back someday."

Her nose tingled, and her voice grew thick with emotion. "Mom, I loved York for so many years. I was married to him for three. I gave up my dream career and the chance to work, all for him, and this is how it ends."

As she spoke, her voice began to tremble. "From now on, I have no illusions about love or marriage. I'm going to work as hard as I can to make a good life for you and Dad."

York stood outside the break room door, a lunchbox in his hand.

Seeing Claudia looking so vulnerable, crying like a child in her mother's arms, he felt an undeniable pang of heartache.

He tilted his head back, took a deep breath, and knocked on the door.