No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 77

"Jolie!"

After freshening up, Claudia went with York to his suite. The moment she saw Jolie, she rushed forward for an enthusiastic hug.

Jolie pulled Claudia to sit beside her. York got them both juice and sat opposite them.

Jolie was a celebrity. She had impeccable taste and an air of absolute grace.

She looked between York and Claudia and sighed. "Such a shame. I'd be even happier if there were a little one to play with me."

York glanced at Claudia. "Once Claudia and I have a baby, you'll be the first to know."

"You've been married for three years," Jolie said. "It's about time you had a child."

York's eyes remained fixed on Claudia. "Jolie's right. I'll work on it."

Claudia couldn't bring herself to be as hypocritical as York, but she didn't want to spoil the mood by bringing up the divorce in front of their old friend.

She smoothly changed the subject. "Jolie, you have to let me know the next time you're in Capital City."

Jolie, who had squeezed in the visit between her busy schedule, didn't stay long. "Don't worry. The next time my tour brings me to Capital City, I'll be sure to stay with you two for a few days."

Ten minutes later, York and Claudia saw Jolie to the elevator.

The instant the doors closed, Claudia shrugged off the hand York had placed on her shoulder.

York grabbed her wrist, preventing her from getting into the next elevator. "Claudia, we need to talk."

She tried to wrench her hand free, but he only tightened his grip.

His eyes locked on hers. "Are you going to walk, or am I going to carry you?"

York hesitated, then made a concession. "Claudia, we can keep things as they are. Give us both some time to cool down. But you can't sell the jewelry."

She turned to face him, enunciating each word. "Forget a set of jewelry. If it meant I could get a divorce, my parents would sell their own kidneys to make it happen!"

York's hand, resting on the back of the sofa, tightened unconsciously. His chest heaved.

He knew better than anyone how much her parents doted on her.

He closed the distance between them, step by step.

Placing his hands on her shoulders, he said, "Claudia, tell me. What do I have to do to make you stay?"

She shook her head. "York, whatever you do, it's too late. The moment I think about you and the woman you love getting back together, about the son you have, I can't bear it."

"Other than divorce," she said, her voice firm, "there's no other way for us."