Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

Suzanne waved her fan and let out a hearty laugh. "How was I supposed to know Connor's your son?" she teased, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I've got plenty up my sleeve that you don't know about."

She leaned in, playful as ever, "Sing me 'Romeo and Juliet,' and maybe I'll spill some secrets."

Smack. A sharp slap echoed as it landed on Suzanne's cheek.

"You wretch! How dare you try to humiliate me like this!" Claire snapped, her voice trembling with indignation. Did Suzanne really think she could be ordered around like some performer?

But Suzanne just laughed even louder. "Aren't you the one who loves singing 'Romeo and Juliet'? Remember all those rehearsals with your friend? You're practically a pro at it!"

"Suzanne, do whatever you want, but if you think you can shame me, you've got another thing coming," Claire retorted, standing her ground.

Claire had always known about Suzanne's feelings for Hank, ever since college. That unrequited love had turned Suzanne's attention to Desmond, Claire's partner. It was supposed to be a win for Suzanne, but Claire didn't care. In fact, she was almost grateful.

Suzanne's elaborate schemes were all about bringing Claire down, but Claire wasn't about to let herself be toyed with.

"I'm not going to kill you," Suzanne said coldly. "But I will make you sing."

Her voice was ice. "Bring out the costume for our princess," she ordered.

Soon enough, a group emerged from backstage, carrying a costume and all its trimmings. They even had the ancient bronze sword, Claire's cherished possession from a bygone era. She had gifted it to Hank, who had adored it. Now, it was supposed to be safely stored at the Sartori family estate. How on earth had Suzanne gotten her hands on it?

Claire marched over, reclaiming the sword, her grip tight. She pointed it at Suzanne. "Suzanne, dream on. This isn't happening."

Suzanne stood her ground, unfazed by the threat. "Planning to kill me? Give it a

go. Let's see if you're faster than the snipers around here."

Claire's grip tightened further, but Suzanne wasn't done. "How about this: sing once, and I'll tell you a secret. Interested?"

"I don't want to know," Claire replied defiantly.

"Don't you want to know who was behind the kidnapping of you and my friend?" Suzanne pressed on, her voice lowering conspiratorially.

Claire's eyes narrowed, suspicion flaring. "What do you mean?"

Sure, the seven criminals who'd kidnapped them were dead, but the Sartori family had never uncovered the mastermind. All trails had gone cold when the last criminal took his own life, leaving nothing behind.

"It wasn't that the Sartori family couldn't find out. Jeffery discovered it, but he chose not to pursue it," Suzanne revealed, leaning in closer.

Claire was taken aback. "Suzanne, stop with the nonsense. Do you really think I'll buy this?"

She couldn't fathom Jeffery letting someone who'd hurt her go scot-free. It was against everything she knew about him.noveldrama

"Or maybe Jeffery had his

linet

suspicions but didn't dig deeper.

Even if he had, he wouldn't have

found anything," Suzanne continued,

her voice enigmatic.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Suzanne. Enough with your cryptic talk; I

won't believe a word," Claire insisted.

"Fine, the who might not matter, but have you ever wondered how those seven men found you in that vast, secluded forest?" Suzanne asked, leaving Claire momentarily O speechless.