No Strings Attached

The officer's words hit her like a bucket of cold water. "I'm sorry, but they are not interested in any settlement. They want to see you prosecuted to the full extent of the law. And if you're thinking of filing an appeal, you should know that Attorney Clara is personally taking on the case. Do you really think you can win against her?"

Heidi stared at the police officer, her face a mask of disbelief. "Clara is injured. How can she possibly be in court to fight a case?"

"I'm afraid you're mistaken," the officer said with a note of finality. "Ms. Clara is not the one who's injured."

Heidi felt like she had been sucker-punched. That damn bitch hadn't been hurt after all. She had dodged a bullet.

Why was it that Clara got off scot-free while she was left facing the hammer of justice? Heidi felt an unprecedented sense of defeat. In a fit of desperation, she cried out, "I want to see my dad. He'll get me out of this mess."

deaf to her pleas, motioning for her to be taken away

the middle of peeling an apple for Sasha, when she heard the news. Her hand paused for a moment before she looked up at lan. "The person who threw acid at me last time must've been put

lips curled into a smug grin. "You're as sharp as ever. Great minds think alike. I've already spread the word. As soon as that guy gives up on Heidi, he won't be her pawn anymore. With the two charges combined, she's looking at a few years in

whisper in her ear. "Don't worry. I'll make sure she gets a 'warm welcome' in prison. Any hardship you've faced, I'll see it paid back double.

blatant flirtation. "Ian, I'm trying to have a serious conversation. Can you

my wife and child

She quickly took the apple from Clara's hand. "Okay, you two.

shook her head, reluctant. "I want to stay with

you don't go, lan won't leave, and I can't even use the restroom in peace. Please, I'm