Claire Winters

Three days. That’s how close I was to marrying Alistair, the man I’d loved for six years, the man whose life I’d literally saved with my own rare blood. I was just admiring the final pearl on my wedding dress, a gown I’d poured my soul into, when he called.

The wedding? Off. He was marrying my stepsister, Ivy. Her dying wish, he said. Six months to live, maybe less.

The kicker? He’d already taken my wedding dress from my studio for her.

Just like that, six years, countless transfusions, our shared dreams – all tossed aside for the girl who’d made my life a living hell since childhood. He even offered me “compensation,” as if my future had a price tag.

But if Alistair and Ivy thought I’d just crumble, they seriously underestimated me. They wanted my fiancé? Fine. But it would cost them. First, our multi-million-dollar fashion company, Evening Gala – built on my designs, my vision. He signed it over. Then, a cool million for the stolen dress. He paid. Another million for the wedding jewelry they dared to ask me to hand over for Ivy. Cha-ching.

You’d think they’d learn. But no. Their next proposal was the most insulting yet: Alistair actually suggested that I should just wait. That after Ivy’s ‘inevitable’ passing in a few months, he and I could just pick up where we left off, have an even better wedding. Seriously?

Enough was enough. If Ivy wanted to play bride with my life, she was going to get a taste of what happens when you push someone too far. Let's just say her hospital room celebration involved a lot more smoke, water, and screaming than she bargained for, all thanks to a little wedding gift from yours truly.

Now they know I’m not the same Hazel they could walk all over. I’ve got my company, a pile of their cash, and a whole lot of scores to settle. They think this is over? This game of revenge is just getting started. And believe me, I play to win.

The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption

The courthouse steps gleamed in the midday sun as I wheeled myself outside, divorce papers tucked safely in my purse. Freedom tasted sweet, like the first breath after nearly drowning.


"It's official!" Vera exclaimed, practically bouncing beside me. "You're finally free of that manipulative bastard!"


Cherry, my assistant turned friend, nodded enthusiastically. "This calls for champagne. The expensive kind."


I smiled, allowing myself to feel the weight lifting from my shoulders. "I can't believe it's finally over."


For the first time in months, I felt light. The divorce had been finalized without Alistair trying any last-minute delays or manipulations. Richard had assured me the papers were ironclad—Alistair couldn't touch my company shares or contest our settlement.


"Let's get out of here before any reporters spot us," Cherry suggested, scanning the courthouse entrance nervously.


Vera grinned. "I know this amazing little bistro that serves mimosas the size of—"


A Public Accusation, An Unexpected Savior