No Strings Attached

Chapter 28

Clara never imagined that what she considered her most precious feelings would be seen by lan as nothing more than a frivolous fling, a game where the heart had no stake.

She walked under the maple, her gaze lifting to the leafy canopy above. Every sweet memory they’d shared here ncw felt like a knife twisting in her gut.

She couldn’t bear the pain any longer; she wanted to forget everything about this place.

Clara slipped two rings off her neck, her tears scalding hot as they fell upon them. A bitter laugh escaped her.

She squatted down and dug a small hole beneath the maple, burying the rings within. Staring at the still rings in the dirt, marked with the engraving of two heartbeats, Clara’s shoulders shook uncontrollably as she sobbed.

After several relentless days at the hospital and the office, Clara’s father’s condition had finally stabilized, and the company was back on track.

She planned to catch up with Anders and Sasha that evening, but no sooner had she driven a short distance from her place, she spotted an elder woman staggering toward her car.

Clara slammed on the brakes in alarm. The car screeched to a halt, and the elder woman toppled over, conveniently next to her front wheel.

Clara’s first thought was that it was a scam.

As Clara reached for her phone to call the police, she saw the woman moaning on the ground, and her heart softened.

Stepping out of the car, Clara crouched beside the woman with concern. “Are you alright? Do you need an ambulance?”

The woman sat up, looking at her warily, silent as the grave.

A bystander advised, “Miss, leave it be. It’s probably a con. Your car didn’t even touch her. How could she fall?”

Clara was undeterred. “I’ve got a dash cam. If it’s a scam, I’ve got proof. I should just get her to a hospital first. At her age, you don’t want to risk anything more serious.”

Disregarding the onlookers, Clara took the elder woman to the hospital for a full check–up. It turned out to be nothing more than a few scratches and slightly high blood pressure.

Clara bought the woman some food and drink, soothing her gently. “You’re okay now. Can you tell me how to reach your family? I’ll let them come get you.”

The elder woman, looking into Clara’s kind and pretty face, finally found her voice. “Yong lady, you’ve gone through so much trouble for me, how can I ever thank you?”

Clara, relieved to hear the woman speak, replied with a smile, “As long as you’re alright, that’s thanks enough for me.”

“But I must repay you somehow. I overheard you on the phone about your company’s troubles. Let me have my grandson throw a few big contracts your way. He’s a big–shot CEO, really, I’m not fibbing.”

Clara handed the woman a cup of water with a smile. “I appreciate the thought, but I’ll handle the company issues. Just give me your family’s contact, and I’ll have them come for you.”

“That won’t do. I believe in repaying kindness. I have to let my grandson help you out. Oh, and he’s still single, handsome, with a hefty fortune, though a bit hot–tempered. If you don’t mind, you could take him off my hands, and all his wealth would be yours.”

As the woman spoke, she dialed her grandson’s number.

14.45

Half an hour later, Clara was in a nearby café with the elder woman, waiting, but the man who walked in was someone Clara knew all too well.