No Strings Attached

Chapter 165

Clara could detect the urgency and concern facing Dawson’s voice. She took a few seconds before replying, “Dawson, he and I are done. You shouldn’t be coming to me with this”

“Attorney Clara, just hear me out, please. The Hayes Corporation’s latest smartphone model has taken the market by storm in less than a month. It’s a major blow to a certain tech giant. They took advantage of Mr. Hayes being out of town and set him up. Now he’s been falsely accused of assaulting a Hollywood celebrity and is being held in jail. Hayes Corporation’s stock plummeted this morning, hitting rock bottom. Attorney Clara, this case involves a lot of corporate secrets, and Mr. Hayes specifically wants you on board to fight this battle in court.”

Clars knew Dawson wasn’t lying. Even before the release of the smartphone, lan had braced himself for sabotage. It was a direct hit to certain international brands, and she knew they wouldn’t take it lying down. They’d do anything to stem the tide. However, Clara hadn’t expected them to stoop so low

Her fingertips turned white as she gripped her phone. She wanted to suggest other lawyers, to claim that she wanted nothing to do with lan anymore, but the words wouldn’t come out. Because this wasn’t just lan’s problem, nor was it simply about Hayes Corporation. It was a matter of national interest. She had no reason to turn her back on a fellow citizen, or stand by while a national brand was framed.

Clara took a moment to collect herself, then asked with a steady voice, “What did he say?”

woman entered his room while he was asleep. He insists he never touched her,

faint smile crossed Clara’s lips. She knew lan well; alcohol always rendered him incapable in that department. That must be why he wanted her on

to think it over. The case was complex, a clear attempt by foreign interests to

on Anders‘ office door and was about to step back when she heard him end a call with, “Clara, my

looked at him, puzzled.

phone with a serious look,

Trevor’s authoritative voice came through. “Clara, I gather lan’s people have already been in touch. Hayes Corporation is the backbone of Northbridge’s economy, and the its product is a source of national pride. We can’t let those international sharks win. So please, set aside any personal grievances