No Strings Attached

lan stroked her hair softly as she sobbed uncontrollably, offering a comforting embrace.

"Clara, I'm arranging for a consultation with top specialists for Reed right now. We're heading back to the city immediately."

The people at the door immediately intervened, "It's useless to treat such an illness. It's just a waste of money. If you guys have the cash to burn, go ahead, but we certainly don't."

"Yeah, we don't either. I've got three kids to marry off. Where would I get the money for Reed's treatment?"

The crowd was relentless with their remarks, infuriating Clara until she finally spoke with icy resolve, "Nobody needs your help. From now on, Reed is mine and my father's responsibility."

Clara's aunt overheard this and was visibly displeased. "I see what's going on here. You pretending to care for Reed is just a farce; you're really after the treasures he's got. No way Reed is leaving with you. If he must go, the treasures stay."

"That's right, leave the treasures if he's going."

but she hadn't expected them to stoop this low. They were all Reed's kin. He had cared for them and spoiled them with

consciences been devoured by the

"Go help Grandpa Reed pack his things. I'll handle

and commanded, "Get these people out of here. Anyone causes trouble, break

shivers down the complainers' spines

room was

sighed in resignation, "I'm sorry you had to witness

fault lies not in the stars but in ourselves. You're their grandfather; you're not to blame. Don't worry about anything, and come with us to

your own careers, and your father-in-law is unwell. At my age, I don't have much

glanced at Clara and said, "Do you think Clara would agree just

under Clara's persistent coaxing

convened for Reed's consultation. The

are pointless now. It would be best to let him enjoy whatever time he has left." Hearing this, Clara's vision blurred, and she fainted into lan's arms. When she came to, she found herself