Rebirth Into My Second Chance novel Chapter 253

I kept hoping for a miracle, praying that Richard would make it back to us alive.

It seemed like the threats to my life had subsided, so why not let bygones be bygones? Our children, in both lives, didn't make it, a sign that Max and I were never meant to be, our bond too frail, our fate too flimsy.

I couldn't bear the thought of him sacrificing his destined fortune for me again in this lifetime.

"I can't agree to this."

Max's eyes brimmed with tears in an instant. Touching his cheek, I teased, "No wonder Claude thinks you're hopeless when in love."

I kept my tone light, fully aware that sorrow wouldn't help us now. Inside, I was utterly bereft.

"Claire, I don't agree."

"You know I won't change my mind once it's made up."

No sooner had I spoken than Max stood up, "As you wish."

He left without looking back, leaving me to wonder if he had always intended to leave or if my words had driven him away.

But then Helen walked in and said, "Mr. Hilton mentioned you had a miscarriage. He asked me to look after you."

Helen adored Max, yet she knew her place by his side was the best she could hope for.

Obediently, she followed Max's orders to care for me.

"I'd love some ginger wine chicken from the outskirts, could you prepare some for me?"

Immediately, a servant appeared with the dish, "Mr. Hilton had us prepare this to warm you up."

From the news, I learned that Max had reclaimed the Hilton Group, grooming Claude as his successor.

That's Max for you, loyal to a fault. Even when Claude sought to usurp him, Max chose to nurture him, knowing Claude could never outmaneuver him. Max's strategic depth was profound.

Even the lab explosion was a calculated move by Max and Richard.

I found out from Tracey in prison, who had intended to kill me. Forewarned by Richard, they had joined forces to save everyone at the orphanage, using the fallout between Max and Richard as a ruse to lower Hannah's guard and rescue everyone.

Though fulfilling my deepest wish, the memory of it all left me in anguish.

Lying in a rocking chair with a book, I eventually dozed off. I woke slightly when someone covered me with a blanket and planted a kiss on my forehead.

I knew who it was, but I couldn't bear to face him upon waking.