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."

who usually carried himself with imperious aloofness, had never humbled himself like this for anyone. But facing Clara, he had no choice because he knew if this situation wasn't handled correctly, it would directly affect the relationship between the

been kind to her. However, with Leonora driving a wedge between

helpless, Clara clenched her fingers, her voice catching in

now it's Grandpa Reed. The people close to me keep getting hurt because of me. I don't want to be selfish. I want to use what little strength I have to protect them. So, thank you for accepting me, but it seems

and the bracelet on her wrist, along with the credit card Teo had given her, onto

than a few steps, lan seized her wrist. His eyes were red-rimmed as he looked at her. "Clara, I

"Ian, I've tried for the sake of our relationship, but I can't exchange my loved ones' lives for my love for you. We have