No Strings Attached

Clara saw someone falling toward her and instinctively tried to dodge backward. Stumbling a few steps, she realized she was about to crash into a tower of champagne glasses. The sense of danger overwhelmed her.

Just as she braced for a cascade of glass and pain, a pair of strong hands grabbed her waist, pulling her back into a protective embrace.

Clara heard screams piercing the air, followed by the clatter of the champagne tower tumbling down. She felt a liquid splash onto her, initially thinking it was the champagne. But as she regained her composure, she realized with horror that it was blood.

Stunned, she couldn't feel any pain of her own. Where had the blood come from?

That was when she saw lan bulldozing through the crowd toward her. His voice was shaking as he spoke, "Clara, are you hurt? Let me see."

Only then did Clara notice that it was Brodie who had shielded her. His body was now streaming with blood.

She watched Brodie with concern. "Mr. Brodie,

but lan held her close. Relieved to see she was unharmed, he said, "You're okay. That's all that matters. I'll have someone take him to the hospital." "lan, let go. He got

blood. "Just stay put. Don't move. You're injured too. We're going to the hospital now." Chaos ensued at the scene. Chase and Sasha

later, Brodie was rushed to the

bouquet, none

tower crashing onto someone was harrowing - it could leave scars, if

might think Clara's

at his words. She lashed out with a kick in Chase's direction. Her tearful demeanor quickly turned fierce. "Shut it, Chase! If I wanted your opinion, I'd ask for it! I am not crying

the kick. "Even if I died, my wife would be the one

back to your