No Strings Attached

Chapter 15

Heidi’s voice boomed so loudly that Clara could hear every word crystal clear. And then there was that gut–punch of a comment that lan had just made. Clara felt as if her seven years of devotion had been tossed out like yesterday’s garbage. Her gaze upon lan was icy as she retorted, “All I did was ask Nicole to record that clip. I never told her to delete it.”

lan looked at her, his face a mask of indifference, “With both eyewitnesses and evidence against you, do you really think you can talk your way out of this?”

Clara’s laugh carried a tinge of desolation.

Why was she even bothering to explain herself? Was she actually hoping lan would believe her? Whenever it came down to anything involving Heidi, lan would blindly take her side.

Clara bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure in check. “If that’s how it is, then let’s get the authorities. involved. I won’t admit to something I didn’t do, even if it means risking the entire Bell family fortune to clear my name.”

She had always been the epitome of gentleness and grace, obedient and docile. lan was witnessing this side of her for the first time. He chuckled lightly. “Quite the sharp tongue you’ve got there.”

“Don’t forget, Mr. Hayes, I studied law. If it wasn’t for my foolish desire for your riches, I might have been a rather successful lawyer by now.”

As Clara emphasized ‘desire for your riches, she allowed a small, seemingly careless smile to cross her face. It was as though she had grown accustomed to being viewed in such a light.

lan was seething inside, his teeth clenched in silent fury. “Well then, good luck to you!” With that, he stormed. out, not bothering to look back.

As he descended, Dawson quickly hopped out of the car, saying, “Mr. Hayes, you forgot the health supplements you bought for Ms. Clara. Do you want to take them up to her, or shall I?”

Before Dawson could finish, lan’s voice cut through, sharp as ice, “Toss them!”

Dawson, noting the bruise at the corner of lan’s mouth, could guess what had transpired. He tried to soothe lan with his words. “Mr. Hayes, you personally selected those high–quality supplements. It seems such a waste to just throw them away. Ms. Clara is just giving you the cold shoulder because you ignored her; a little tantrum is to be expected. If it were me who’d let my current girlfriend donate blood to an ex and then neglect her, she’d skin me alive. A little bruise on your face is nothing in comparison. Once Ms. Clara cools off, I’ll deliver them. myself.”

lan seemed to ponder for a moment, and his thoughts were occupied with the image of Clara’s pale, drained. face. That 400cc of blood had taken such a toll on her. All those gourmet dinners they once shared now seemed in vain.

“Do whatever you want,” he said indifferently, then fished out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a focused gaze. “Go check what happened with the surveillance.”

Dawson nodded, “I’m on it. You don’t really believe Ms. Clara would do something like this, right? She’s competent and has won your favor. Others are likely envious and may even plot to push her out and take her place.”

lan took a deep drag of his cigarette, slowly exhaling a perfect ring of smoke. His handsome face was shrouded with an air of mystery as he narrowed his eyes, his voice cold as steel, “I’d like to see who dares!”

The car slowly drove off toward the Hayes Corporation headquarters. When lan opened the door to his office, a warm voice greeted him. “My grandson, isn’t it a lovely surprise to see me here?”

Rose stood there, clad in a sky–blue dress, her white hair elegantly curled. Despite being over seventy, she radiated an energy that seemed to knock decades off her age.

14.07

lan’s stern expression immediately softened at the sight of Rose, a smile gracing his features. “What brings you

here? Isn’t it nicer to stay home, tending to your roses and herb garden?”