Felix's eyes turned cold, and his tone hardened. "This is between me and Claire. Grandma, stay out of it."
"And I'm not divorcing her."
Old Mrs. Quigley was heartbroken and furious. "You're ruining her life! If you don't love her, why are you holding her back?"
"Give me some time. I will get to the bottom of this," Felix insisted, his demeanor still cool. "That was my child, too. I won't let it die for nothing."
Old Mrs. Quigley just shook her head.
She was utterly disappointed in him.
She left him with two words. "Too late."
After she was gone, Felix irritably fumbled in his pockets for a cigarette.
But he wasn't in a smoking area. He walked downstairs alone until he found the designated spot.
He smoked one cigarette after another, an endless chain until the pack was empty.
But the nicotine did nothing to calm his nerves.
His mind was still in turmoil.
He couldn't get the image of Claire out of his head—lying on the hospital bed, her eyes closed, silent tears streaming down her face.
A sense of panic tightened its grip on him.
Madeline called again.
Normally, he would have answered immediately. This time, he ignored it.
He pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to console himself.
*Claire can't afford the penalty for breaking the contract. She would never file for divorce herself.*
*And she cares deeply about Grandma, treats her like her own family.*
*She wouldn't have the heart to go through with a divorce, if only for Grandma's sake.*
*Stop panicking.*
When Old Mrs. Quigley returned to the room, Claire had completely calmed down.
"My dear girl, don't be sad. Getting too upset during this recovery period can cause long-term health problems. It's not worth damaging your body over someone who isn't worth it," Old Mrs. Quigley said, holding Claire's hand, her heart aching for her.
Claire looked down, a bitter smile on her lips. "You're right. He's not worth it."
And so, she decided to tell her grandmother the truth.

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