The Billionaire's Dangerous Claim のすべてのチャプター: チャプター 71 - チャプター 77

CLOVER'S POVA warm breeze grazed my cheeks gently, stirring me from the depths of darkness. My eyes fluttered open hazily, vision blurred and unfocused as I stared into a hazy nothingness, the world around me swimming in soft, indistinct shapes.The second I tried to move my body, a deep grunt escaped my lips at the overwhelming stiffness and numbing pain that shot through every muscle and joint. Gently twisting my neck to the side, wincing at the sharp pull,.I sighted my mom seated next to my bed in a stiff hospital chair, her head tilted back slightly as she softly snored, exhausted from what must have been endless hours of vigilant watching.As the strong, unmistakable metallic scent of antiseptic hit my nose, mingled vividly with the underlying notes of bleach, stale recycled air, faint traces of latex gloves, and that peculiar sterile tang unique to hospitals, my nostrils wrinkled instinctively in discomfort."Mom..." I called out softly, my voice weak and raspy from disuse as

CLOVER'S POV:8:00 PMThe rain that had been pouring nonstop since noon showed no signs of letting up. This kind of weather usually had me curled up in bed, cuddling my pillows and comforter, but tonight was different.I stood in front of the mirror, turning slightly from side to side, a satisfied smile tugging at my lips. I looked good, really good. The sleek black silk gown with its daring V-neckline hugged my body perfectly, sleeveless and elegant, paired with my favorite strappy stilettos. My hair was styled in a low, voluminous bun that gave me just the right touch of sophistication.I hadn’t dressed to impress tonight, I had dressed to kill.Every deliberate choice was made with one person in mind, to catch a certain man’s undivided attention.I took a deep breath as I stepped out of my room. Even from the hallway, I could already hear the loud chatter and clinking of cutlery drifting from the dining hall. I was late again...Tonight’s dinner wasn’t in the garden as usual; it

CLOVER'S POV My gaze snapped to the curtains whipping wildly in the wind that poured through the cracked-open window. This was my room in my stepfather's mansion. Walls thin enough that voices carried down the hall and family and strangers were sleeping just doors away. If someone heard. "Hey, eyes on me, Lovie," Calhoun murmured, fingers gentle but insistent as they tilted my chin back to him. The moment our eyes locked, the rest of the world faded, the storm outside, the risk of being caught...none of it mattered. His stare was dark, hungry, and entirely mine. I let my eyes drift shut as his mouth claimed mine again. The kiss was slow at first, almost reverent, like he was memorizing me. Then it deepened, his tongue slid against mine, coaxing soft gasps from my throat as heat flooded every inch of me. Our breaths mingled, hot and ragged; his lips were firm, demanding, tasting faintly of the red wine from dinner. Every time I tried to breathe, he chased me, angling

Clover.I zipped the last suitcase shut, scanning the room one final time. Nothing left behind, not a single pen, not a scrap of fabric, not even one of the countless pins I'd used over the past year. Everything was packed, labeled, ready. Finally. One year in the Hanson mansion, done. College, here I come. A sharp knock on the door made me jump, and the stack of books in my arms tumbled to the floor with a thud. I hurried over and swung the door open. Morgan stood there, a soft smile lighting her elegant face as her eyes swept into the room. “Leaving today?” she asked gently, already knowing the answer. Oh no. I'm not letting her talk me into staying another day. I'd told myself I'd leave on the 25th, and here I am on the thirty-first. I knew she was here to try to persuade me to stay for New Year's, and as much as I would love to. Mom would literally kill me if I delayed. The day I told her I was heading straight to France instead of coming home first, she immediately