No Strings Attached

Chapter 78

His gaze burned with an intensity that was almost palpable as he locked eyes with Clara. In a husky voice, he said, “Clara, I need to talk to you.”

He reached for her hand, but before his fingers could graze hers, Sasha stepped in front of him. “What’s your angle here, huh? You come crawling back after the truth’s out, looking to make amends with our Clara? Save it. You lost that right the moment you dragged her to donate blood for Heidi, without a shred of trust in her.”

“Do you have any idea she couldn’t even give blood back then? She nearly died in that hospital trying to save her while you just stood by. And let’s not forget how you treated her like some sugar baby. Did you stop for even a second to think how she’d feel when that recording went viral? Her three years of devotion reduced to nothing more than a sideshow for all to see.

“So, let me make this crystal clear: we don’t want your pampering. Go find some other woman to play your twisted games with.

“From now on, stay the hell away from her. Come on, Clara, we’re leaving!”

it hadn’t been for lan’s status, she might have

her grasp. Her demeanor was ice cold. “Let it be, Sasha. You head to the car with Anders.

Her eyes were alight with a protective fire. “Don’t you go easy on him. He doesn’t deserve

her frosty gaze back to lan. “Mr. Hayes, thank you for finding Kaleb. I was wrong about

say something?” A cold laugh escaped Clara’s lips. “I did say I couldn’t do it, but you coerced me with guilt, claiming I’d be leaving her to die.”

why, I wouldn’t have made you go.”

ever truly believed me? Lused to be heartbroken over it, but now, I see it clearly. What trust is there between a benefactor and his kept woman, anyway? So, here’s what propose: let me go. I won’t leave behind a single trace to trouble your perfect world with Heidi. Is

voice was steady, betraying no