The Colonel’s Claim: After the Divorce novel Chapter 6

Clara hung up the phone without another word.

She lowered her gaze to the ring on her right ring finger.

Under the harsh hospital lights, the pink diamond dazzled beautifully.

From the moment she slipped it on, she had never once taken it off.

Because Dominic had bought it for her.

Because, after they got married, he rarely gave her gifts.

So, even when she noticed he had stopped wearing his own wedding band, she refused to take hers off, desperately holding onto a crumbling illusion.

She didn't even know what she was holding on for anymore...

Clara gave a mocking smile and pulled the ring off her finger. She followed suit with the necklace around her throat and the bracelet on her wrist.

Then, she called a luxury consignment dealer, rushed an emergency sale, and walked away with over two million dollars.

Finally armed with the funds she needed,

Clara put her phone away and headed back to the ward to discuss transferring Caleb to a different hospital.

But to her absolute shock, pushing open the door revealed Dominic and Stella standing inside.

Was he... planning to demand a divorce right in front of her sick parents?

Was he truly that ruthless?

Clara's mind went blank, rooting her to the spot.

"Clara's back."

"Mom!"

Seeing her, Stella ran over and called out with a bright smile. Scarlett was in a much better mood now, which meant Stella was ecstatic!

Clara snapped back to reality and leaned down to hug her, her lips pressing into a thin line as she caught a whiff of a subtle, expensive perfume.

Stella whined sweetly, "Mom, I want an apple. Peel one for me."

Clara paused, then murmured in agreement.

Stella happily dragged her further into the room, stopping right next to Dominic.

Instantly, the scent of that perfume became overpowering.

Clara's mind involuntarily flashed to images of Dominic and Scarlett intertwined.

Unable to stomach it, she brushed off her daughter's hand and stepped away to peel the apple.

Oblivious, Stella simply tilted her head and leaned affectionately against Dominic's side.

Seeing his urgency, the elderly couple tactfully said, "You must have work to do, Dominic. It's fine, go handle your business."

"Stella can stay here, though. We've prepared so many gifts for you to look at."

They couldn't bear to let their granddaughter leave so soon.

Stella bit her lip in hesitation, genuinely curious about the presents.

But staying meant she wouldn't get to see Scarlett.

She instantly refused, "I want to go with Dad."

She figured since her grandparents adored her so much, they would eventually just make Clara bring the gifts home for her anyway!

Seeing right through her daughter's selfish calculus, Clara's heart turned to ice.

She set the apple down and, as Sarah tried to coax Stella again, said flatly, "Let her go. I'll stay here with you."

Hearing that, Sarah could only sigh, dropping the subject.

Stella beamed, grabbing Dominic's hand and dragging him toward the door before Clara could change her mind.

But Dominic stopped in his tracks, turning to Clara. "Step outside for a second."

Clara froze. Assuming he was finally going to discuss the divorce, she wiped her hands and followed him out.