No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 161

Claudia stood in the doorway, a mixture of humiliation and forbearance on her face.

The image of her mother lying in a hospital bed flashed through her mind. Claudia bit her lip and forced her legs to move, stepping inside.

Seeing her enter willingly, York wrapped an arm around her shoulders again.

He didn't close the door right away. Instead, he asked her, "Made up your mind?"

Claudia fought to suppress the turmoil churning inside her and didn't push him away.

Satisfied, York shut the door and led her toward the kitchen. "Wilma heard you were coming back tonight. She steamed a fish specially for you."

Wilma, busy in the kitchen, quickly cleaned her hands and came out. "Young Lady, dinner will be ready in a moment. Why don't you rest for a bit?"

Claudia glanced up, reading York's expression.

Wilma was the Fergusons' housekeeper and had been with the family for over twenty years. She had watched both Claudia and York grow up.

It was clear York had been certain she would give in.

Claudia asked, feigning ignorance, "How were you so sure I'd come back tonight?"

York led her into the bedroom, helping her out of her coat and hanging it on the rack.

He turned back to her. "I trusted you to make the wisest choice."

Standing before him, Claudia felt completely stripped of her power.

"I'm back now," she said. "Can you call Professor Sullivan for my mother?"

York made the call right there in front of her.

After hanging up, he said, "Professor Sullivan happens to be in Capital City visiting family. He'll be at the hospital in twenty minutes."

A cold laugh echoed in Claudia's heart.

Of course. York had planned this all along, just waiting for her to bow her head.

Wendy was right.

She wasn't the one in the wrong. Why should she throw away her future for a man like this?

Though it sounded like a suggestion, it was an undeniable command.

Claudia allowed him to lead her by the hand to the dining table.

He was truly manipulative, a master of deception.

Committing evil deeds while speaking sweet words.

If she hadn't experienced it herself, she might have almost believed him.

They sat down. York took the soup bowl Wilma handed him, tested the temperature, and passed it to Claudia.

When she didn't take it, he gently placed it in front of her.

"If this is too much for you," he said, his voice soft as silk, "you can still leave."

He spoke the harshest words in the gentlest tone.

Swallowing her pride, Claudia picked up her spoon, but she couldn't bring herself to eat a single bite.