Shattered Rose He Held On Tight novel Chapter 58

Chapter 58 Breaking Ties.

“He didn’t tell you? Jasper and I already broke up.”

Lottie waved it off. “You young people are so impatient. A little problem and you act like the world is ending. I heard the whole story–Jasper had to leave during the proposal because he rushed to the hospital. Don’t be so petty. I was the one who called him. Lydia needed him more at that moment. You’re supposed to be the future Mrs. Fenton. Learn to be generous. Stop getting jealous every time Jasper shows he cares.”

Claudia’s lips curved into a cold smile. If the roles were reversed and Lydia had been the one abandoned, everyone would call her immature.

“Then I hope one day, if the same thing happens to Dad, you’ll be just as understanding.”

“Claudia!” Lottie snapped, eyes wide with anger.

Her chest heaved as she forced herself to calm down, reminding herself why she had come.

“I’m here to tell you–you’re coming home tomorrow. We’re throwing a birthday party for you, and at the same time, we’ll announce your engagement to Jasper.”

She muttered to herself, “This has gone on long enough. It’s time to make it official.”

Claudia’s face hardened. “I told you. Jasper and I are done. I will never marry him.”

“You can sulk all you want; it doesn’t matter. The invitations are already sent.”

Claudia argued, “Then let your older daughter take

my place.”

“Stop talking nonsense. Lydia and Jasper have nothing between them. They’re only close‘ because of her treatments. And don’t forget, Lydia’s boyfriend died saving Jasper. Without him, do you think you and Jasper could’ve enjoyed all those happy years together?”

“Exactly. So let Jasper make it up to her.”

“You have no heart. I don’t care what you say–you will be at that party tomorrow.”

“No. I don’t have time.”

She refused without hesitation.

It wasn’t just an excuse. The night before, Sterling had told her there was a way to settle their “kiss debt“—she was to accompany him to a family gathering.

And the gathering was scheduled for tomorrow.

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Lottie’s face hardened at Claudia’s stubborn rejection. “You won’t show up? Then what happens to the birthday party and the engagement announcement? You’ll humiliate us all!”

“And what does your family’s reputation have to do with me? You didn’t even bother to tell me about this party beforehand. We’ve been done with each other for a long time.”

“Done?” Lottie’s voice rose. “You’ll never be done. We gave you life. Can you give that back?”

Angry words slipped out before she could stop them. The moment Lottie saw Claudia’s face turn pale, she bit her tongue, a flicker of regret rising inside.

She knew better than anyone–nothing cut deeper for Claudia than those cruel reminders about “owing her life.”

Claudia’s body stiffened, her face drained of color. Lottie turned her head away and forced her tone back into something cold and sharp. “Your grandmother left me a pair of heirloom bracelets. One was meant for Lydia, the other for you. You don’t even want your grandmother’s keepsake?”

She knew exactly where to press.

Claudia let out a faint, bitter smile. “First it was Grandma’s house. Now it’s her bracelets. When all of that is gone, Mrs. Lancaster, what will you use to threaten me with then?”

Lottie pushed down the unease creeping up her chest. She hardened her voice. “You’re my daughter. That tie can never be broken.”

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