No Strings Attached

Leonora gazed at Clara with a twinge of guilt in her eyes. "If you must blame someone, it's me. I accidentally let slip about your fertility issues. But I made it clear to him that the Hayes family don't mind that. As long as lan is happy, that's all that matters. Honestly, I didn't say anything else."

Hearing this, Rose slammed her hand on the coffee table, visibly upset. "Reed was already struggling, Leonora. Talking about this stuff to him was like rubbing salt in his wounds. You started this mess, and if you don't make it right with Clara, you won't be forgiven-not by me, anyway! Teo, she's your wife. You decide what to do about it."

Teo's expression was stern, a clear indication that he was well aware of Leonora's motives. His gaze fell on Clara, his voice growing husky. "Clara, Reed left us in such a way because of Leonora, and that was wrong of her. I'll have her apologize at Reed's graveside, and I'll make sure to offer some kind of compensation to Reed's descendants. You won't bear the brunt of this. Is this an acceptable resolution for you? If you have any other demands, please feel free to voice them."

had never humbled himself like this for anyone. But facing Clara, he had no choice because he knew if this situation wasn't

she couldn't disrespect Rose and Teo-they had always been kind to her. However, with Leonora driving a wedge between her and lan, their relationship was doomed

her fingers, her voice catching

real reason behind Leonora's actions. First, it was my dad getting kidnapped, and now it's Grandpa Reed. The people close to me keep getting hurt because of me. I don't want

card Teo had given her, onto the coffee table. She then bowed respectfully to them and turned to

could take more than a few steps, lan seized her wrist. His eyes were red-rimmed as he looked at her.

escaped her control. She bit her lip, her voice quivering. "Ian, I've tried for