No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 322

Claudia stayed by the bedside until Hugh returned, then she slipped out of the room.

In the hallway, Gideon stopped her. "There's an opening for the academic conference in Portsborough in three days. Does your department have anyone to recommend?"

Portsborough? In three days? The thought struck her like lightning.

"Gideon, let me go to the conference," she said without a second thought. "The spot for the Havenport trip at the end of the month can go to Dr. Jesse."

Gideon hesitated. "But if you go to Portsborough, you'd have to leave tonight."

"I can leave anytime," Claudia insisted.

Gideon gave her a subtle, assessing look, then nodded.

A wave of relief washed over Claudia, an emotion she had to fight to contain. This was perfect. She could have the abortion in Portsborough and wouldn't have to wait until the end of the month.

Her mind was already racing with plans as she walked toward the elevators. Then, out of nowhere, York grabbed her wrist.

Claudia glanced around nervously before shaking his hand off. "If you have something to say, we can talk in my office."

They walked in silence. The moment the office door clicked shut behind them, York pulled her into his arms, holding her tight as she struggled against him. His voice was muffled and laced with a helpless frustration.

"Claudia, I'm sorry," he said. "I was wrong not to clear things up with Ann right away."

"You knew it was wrong," she shot back, fighting against his hold, "but you did it anyway."

"If I had clarified our relationship on the spot, the news about Ethan being illegitimate would have spread all over the school," York argued. "He's just a child. He couldn't handle that. Can't you please try to understand?"

Claudia finally shoved him away, creating a safe distance behind her desk. "Well, York, congratulations. You've finally admitted that Ann is your wife."

She paused. "Master Sayer is my friend. He couldn't stand seeing the miserable existence I was living and just wanted to cheer me up now and then. But you had his grandfather drag him back to Europe."

Her voice dripped with contempt. "You're just as despicable as Ann. You're a perfect match, a pair made in hell."

"Don't say another word!" York couldn't bear the look in her eyes, the raw accusation in her voice.

"The hospital is sending me to Portsborough for a training seminar," she said, her tone business-like again. "I leave tonight, and I don't have time to waste on you. Go find Ann. I hope that by the time I get back, you'll have finally decided to grant me a divorce."

York staggered back as if she'd struck him.

His eyes were wild. "Claudia, I know you don't want to see me right now. I'll give you time to cool off. We'll talk properly when you get back from Portsborough."

Claudia simply stared back at his tired, anguished figure, her own eyes filled with nothing but finality.