No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 217

York walked over to his grandfather, grabbed Claudia's wrist, and forcefully pulled her to her feet.

"Grandfather," he said, "I am determined to protect Ann, but a divorce is absolutely out of the question!"

Wendy interjected, "If you are determined to protect Ann and her son, then you must get a divorce!"

"Mom!" York cried out, his voice fraught with emotion.

Ann lowered her head in shame. York felt guilty toward her; he was protecting her because he didn't want his grandfather to hurt her like he did six years ago. But he had feelings for Claudia, which was why he wouldn't agree to a divorce, no matter how much pressure everyone put on him.

A faint sense of dread crept into Ann's heart. Thank God she hadn't admitted to loving York or wanting to marry him when Claudia had asked. If she had, even if the old monster had spared her, York certainly wouldn't have.

Old Mr. Ferguson stated his terms plainly. "The future of this family rests on you, York. Ann is too reckless, and Claudia lacks the cunning and ruthlessness for the position. She is not fit to be the lady of this house."

"Grandfather, Ann is innocent," York insisted. "Whatever it is, direct it at me. Let Ann leave first."

"Ann is innocent, so Claudia isn't?" Wendy shot back.

"If you want to keep Ann and her son," Old Mr. Ferguson continued, "then you will agree to a divorce and marry a suitable heiress from another prominent family."

"No matter what any of you say, I am not getting divorced!" York blurted out.

Ann lowered her head, her hands clenching into fists at her sides, knuckles turning white. Why? Why was it that even if York were to remarry, she would still have to be the 'other woman'? How dare this old bastard humiliate her like this?

After a moment of thought, Ann gathered her courage and stepped forward. "Sir, please rest assured. Although York and I have a child, I never thought we could get back together. I am staying by his side only for my son. Tonight was my fault. I will accept any punishment you see fit!"

Claudia closed her eyes, exhausted. York was willing to die for Ann, but Ann didn't have the courage to stand by him. It seemed she would have to find another way.

Claudia used her body to block the living room door, separating York and Ann from the inside. "I promised you when we arrived that I wouldn't let your beloved get hurt. I keep my promises."

Their eyes met for a moment before Claudia slammed the door shut.

"Claudia!"

York tried the door, only to find it locked from the inside.

Watching York frantically call Claudia's name and throw his body against the door, Ann was consumed by panic and jealousy.

She grabbed his arm, her voice choked with tears. "York, your mother and sister are so good to your wife. They're in there with her, she'll be fine! Your grandfather's target is me! He wants to kill me!"