No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 184

Her questions were sharp, yet her expression remained calm, her tone laced with contempt. York's face darkened, his chest rising and falling heavily. His Adam's apple bobbed. His eyes were a storm of emotions—heartache, conflict, and helplessness.

After a moment, the storm in his eyes subsided, replaced by a calm resolve. He took her arm, gently pulling her closer. When he spoke again, his voice was soft. "Your mother is being discharged from the hospital today. I'll go with you."

"You know my family doesn't want to see you," Claudia reminded him flatly.

A wave of frustration washed over York. He nodded. "Alright. Then I'll pick you up tonight, and we'll go back to the Ferguson Mansion together."

A car she'd hailed pulled up to the curb. Claudia subtly pulled her arm free, got in, and drove away. York stood on the sidewalk, watching as the car merged into traffic. At the driver's prompting, he got back into his own car. It remained parked as he rolled down the window and lit a cigarette, a flicker of irritation in his movements. A message from Ann popped up on his phone screen. He glanced at it and ignored it.

Around noon, Claudia finally brought her parents and brother home from the hospital to their spacious city apartment.

The moment they were inside, Jessica pulled Claudia into her room.

"Claudia," she asked, her voice laced with worry, "what's really going on with all that news?"

Claudia forced a smile. "Mom, don't worry about things you see online. In this world, not everything is as it seems. It's best not to take it too seriously."

Jessica sighed. It seemed her daughter was finally starting to let go of her feelings for York. "Money isn't everything," she told Claudia. "Your health is what's most important. No matter what happens, promise me you'll take care of yourself."

A pang of sadness hit Claudia, but she kept the smile on her face.

The moment he answered, Rock Sayer's voice cut through, sharp and demanding. "I'm at the airport. Come get me. Now." There was a raw edge to it, a mix of command and utter helplessness, like a wet, furious puppy.

Claudia said a quick goodbye to her parents and rushed to the airport.

At the arrivals gate, Rock Sayer, with his tall, lean frame, cut a striking figure. His messy, textured hair was highlighted with streaks of lavender, and he carried himself with an arrogant swagger that turned heads. Claudia walked up to him. "Arthur, welcome to Capital City."

His hazel eyes shot her a dirty look. "Tell me the truth. Did you block my number?"

Claudia pulled out her phone to prove she hadn't, but just then, a call from York came through. Before she could react, Rock Sayer snatched the phone from her hand and ended the call.