Rebirth Into My Second Chance

"I need you to get close to Richard."

Kate's eyes widened with fear. "Are you trying to get me killed? Richard would tear me apart if he saw me."

"Just tell him you've been tortured by me every day, that you can get close to me, that you can save me from this cage, and he'll use you, even value you! Then you can take the chance to find out who else in Crestview Metropolis is on their radar." As soon as I finished speaking, Helen knocked and entered, "Ms. Claire, I've brought the ice."

I was slightly taller than Kate and casually grabbed the collar of her blouse, pulling her close and said, "Play along. Your involvement in my kidnapping, consider it erased."Content © provided by NôvelDrama.Org.

She frowned slightly as I pulled her towards the ice. "Claire Floyd, you're really making me eat ice! The Goodwins won't let this slide."

"Max won't let the Goodwins touch me." I smirked at Helen with the ice in hand, "I've changed my mind, she's a sore sight. Throw her out."

As I pushed Kate towards Helen and turned away, I didn't look back.

"Helen, take her to Richard. He should hate her, given she's hurt me time and again."

Helen was stunned, "Ms. Claire, isn't this a bit too harsh?"

"Then I'll send you instead. You're a Hilton, Richard should hate you even more." I made it clear to Helen that she was a Hilton on purpose.

Kate shot me a determined look as they pulled her away.

I knew she would cooperate because she feared the leverage I had over her. I had recordings, but back then, Claude protected her, and without a solid backing, I couldn't shake her. But now I had Max and evidence, she knew how to choose.

Helen then said, "Ms. Claire, were you hinting at me? I am loyal to the Hiltons till death, I would never betray them."

I nodded and said, "I believe you."

I couldn't say I didn't trust her. Right now, apart from Max, I couldn't easily trust others.

Helen left, reassured.

Night fell, and I had yet to see Max return. What was he busy with today?

Staying here wasn't an option.

Just then, Max knocked and entered.

Seeing his tired face, I couldn't help but worry and support him.

He leaned on my shoulder, whispering, "Being tired isn't so bad when you've got someone to lean on."

"What kept you so busy today? You look exhausted."

He chuckled, "Richard and I were competing for a project contract f secure it, he'll be on par with me. If not, he'll always be beneath me."

I frowned slightly. "Why announce it so loudly?"

We had a mole in the house, I could feel it, and so should he.

But he continued, "The contract is on my computer, only I know the password."

I nodded, barely suppressing a smile. His slip-up was way too obvious, like he meant for anyone listening in to catch it.

"Better keep it safe then."

Max cradled my face, "You wouldn't spill my secrets to Richard, would you? I've kept you from seeing him, do you hate me for that?"

"I hate you to death, stop hugging me," I pushed him onto the couch.

Whispering in his ear, "Kate has agreed to help me. There's something else you need to do for me, go to Elmwood Springs and protect those girls from the O orphanage." en

He placed me on his lap, "Claire Floyd, you're asking me to risk my life."

I felt a twinge of guilt, realizing how far I was pushing him.

But those girls could be the next targets, they didn't deserve to be collateral in Hannah's vengeance.

"Max," my voice trembled with fear as I held him tighter, almost saying we should just drop it.

Yet, he smiled warmly and said, "For you, I'd face death and come back, what's not possible?"

I rested against his shoulder, "We need to act tonight. I fear Richard and the matron already suspect my plan."

Max kissed my forehead gently. "I'd face a thousand deaths."

I was still worried, "Max, maybe we shouldn't."

My soul was in turmoil. I couldn't

stand the thought of something happening to Max, but if we didn't

catch Hannah, both I and those girls would always be at risk.