No Divorce? The Billionaire's Love Chase! novel Chapter 451

York frowned at his father's unreasonable demands.

He glanced discreetly at Claudia before saying, "Dad, I chose to save her. You shouldn't have come here to cause trouble."

He added, "If you're angry, take it out on me. This has nothing to do with Claudia."

Enraged, Sewell slapped York across the face. "You worthless fool! I'm doing all of this for you!"

Already unsteady, York stumbled from the force of the blow but managed to stay on his feet, planting himself firmly in front of Claudia. "Dad," he said, his voice resolute, "if you want me to live, then you'll leave this place right now."

Sewell stared at his son's swaying, vulnerable frame, torn between fury and concern. He shot a final, venomous glare at Rock Sayer and Eddy before spitting, "You just wait!"

Peter quickly escorted Old Mr. Ferguson toward the door. The old man paused in front of Claudia. "I won't forget what happened here today. Think carefully about my offer. You can do this the easy way or the hard way."

Claudia watched them leave, a knot of worry tightening in her stomach. Old Mr. Ferguson was ruthless, and Sewell was arrogant and dismissive of everyone. If York hadn't shown up, injured as he was, Sewell never would have left so easily.

In this world, the weak got pushed around and the quiet got walked all over. No matter how difficult the Fergusons were, she would not give in.

York stared at her, his expression pained. "On behalf of my grandfather and my father, I sincerely apologize—"

"York, stop," Claudia cut him off impatiently. "We're divorced. My life has nothing to do with you anymore, and that includes whether I live or die. Please, stop making decisions for me!"

Her words stopped him cold. The rest of his apology died on his lips, and the light in his eyes went out.

"You saw what just happened," she continued. "If it weren't for you, my parents and my brother wouldn't have been subjected to that humiliation. Master Sayer wouldn't have gotten involved."

York's eyes were red as he struggled to speak. "Mom," he choked out, "I'm sorry."

"Don't you dare call me Mom!" Jessica screamed.

She pointed toward the door. "If you have a shred of conscience left, you'll go back and tell your family to never, ever bother us again!"

Peter steadied York, feeling his entire body tremble from the strain of standing.

"Things have gone too far," Peter urged. "Let me take you back to the hospital."

York looked at Claudia, but she had already turned her head away.