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.”

law. If it wasn’t for my foolish desire for your riches, I might have been a rather

seemingly careless smile to cross her face. It was as though she

his teeth clenched in silent fury. “Well then, good luck to you!” With that,

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

lan’s voice cut through, sharp as

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.”

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

fished out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a focused gaze. “Go check what happened with the