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."

expected them to stoop this low. They were all

their consciences been devoured by the

voice deep and soothing, "Go help

these people out of here. Anyone causes trouble, break

carried an authority that sent shivers down

room was

sighed in resignation, "I'm sorry you had to witness this disgrace. Ungrateful

ourselves. You're their grandfather; you're not to blame. Don't worry about anything, and come with us to the city for

careers, and your father-in-law is unwell. At my age, I

at Clara and said, "Do you think Clara would

coaxing and agreed to return with

their arrival at the hospital, several specialists convened for Reed's consultation. The

Reed is in the late stages of stomach cancer. He has, at most, three months to live. Surgery and chemotherapy 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 lying in