New beginning: Billionaire love story novel Chapter 300

The sound made everyone jump. Never in Claire’s wildest dreams had she imagined Joan Harris slapping her. Joan, who had always been so kind, now had tears streaming down her face, and Claire could see the raw pain in her eyes. Claire stood there, unmoving, not flinching or reacting to the sting on her cheek.

Matthew’s eyes went wide in shock. “Mrs. Harris, you need to hear Claire’s side first!” he shouted, trying to intervene.

Claire, with a calm demeanor that almost felt too calm, lifted her hand to stop Matthew from talking. “It’s okay, Matthew,” she said quietly, turning to Joan. “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt Alexander. If you don’t want me here, I’ll leave.”

Joan’s face was still wet with tears, and she looked away, her voice breaking. “Please, just go.”

Claire gave a small nod and walked out of the hospital. She felt a mix of guilt and resignation, knowing she was leaving Joan with a heavy heart and a son in danger. Joan had always been gentle, but seeing her son in the operating room and hearing Claire’s admission of guilt had pushed her to a point where a reflexive slap seemed like the only way to release some of her anguish.

Outside, Matthew caught up with Claire and grabbed her wrist. “Are you okay?” he asked, concern etched into his face.

Claire’s expression was unreadable, her face a blank slate. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice steady.

“You need to get checked out,” Matthew insisted, his concern not easing.

“I just want to go home,” Claire said softly.

Matthew nodded, realizing there was no arguing with her. “I’ll drop you off,” he said, guiding her towards his car.

During the ride home, Claire stared out the window, lost in thought. “Where’s Lisa?” she asked after a while, breaking the silence.

“I sent her unconscious body to Cryptonic’s basement,” Matthew replied, keeping his eyes on the road.

Claire nodded, absorbing the information. Matthew glanced at her, then back to the road. “What are you going to do with Lisa?” he asked cautiously.

Claire’s tone was cold and resolute. “This time, I’m putting her in jail.”

Matthew didn’t say anything, but he knew that Claire's decision was right. Lisa has crossed the line, and she needs to be dealt with. He thought to himself.

The ride continued in silence, the weight of the situation hanging heavily between them.

Back at the hospital, Alexander had been moved to a VIP room. Joan sat beside his bed, holding his hand tightly. She whispered prayers, hoping that he would wake up soon and that everything would be okay. The door creaked open, and Joan looked up to see her husband, Michael, entering with a worried expression.

“What happened?” Michael asked, his voice filled with concern.

Joan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself before speaking. “It’s all because of Claire,” she said, her voice trembling. “Alexander is in surgery because of her.”

Michael’s eyebrows furrowed in disbelief. “Claire? Are you sure?”

Joan nodded, her tears still fresh. “Yes, Michael. Claire admitted it herself. She said it was her fault.”

Michael’s face showed a mix of confusion and skepticism. “I find it hard to believe. Claire’s always been reliable. Are you sure she wasn’t just trying to take the blame?”

Joan’s voice grew more urgent. “I know it sounds hard to believe, but she said it herself. She was here and admitted it right in front of me.”