No Strings Attached

Clara's heart skipped a beat. "What in the world is going on?" she demanded.

The butler replied, "Your grandma must've said something to Mr. Casey, and it triggered his heart condition. He's in the hospital right now, fighting for his life. The doctors have issued a critical condition notice." At those words, Clara's hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Her voice quivered as she spoke, "Wait for me. I'll be there as fast as I can."

She was about to rise when she caught sight of the opposing lawyer striding towards her. "Attorney Clara, my client has calmed down. We're ready to proceed," he announced.

Clara glanced over at Heidi, who moments ago had been in a frenzy. Now, she sat composed and smug, with a taunting smirk on her face. It all clicked for Clara in an instant.

She clenched her jaw in frustration. “I've got an emergency. I request a recess. We need to postpone the hearing."

The other lawyer's brow furrowed slightly as he said, "I'm sorry, Attorney Clara, but my client is dealing with health issues. Any further delays could prevent her from making it to court. If you insist on leaving now, we'll have no choice but to consider it a withdrawal of the case."

stared down

father's sudden collapse was no coincidence. It was all part of

now that she understood the warning Paolo had given her when he came

be treated as a withdrawal, and as a lawyer, she'd

The threat to

down hard on her lip. She couldn't ignore her father's life hanging in the balance. However, if she walked away now, not only would Heidi get off scot-free, but her own credibility in the legal world

rested gently on her shoulder. Ian's deep voice resonated in

Clara felt her eyes well up with tears. "lan, the butler just called. My dad's been rushed to

with concern. "Don't worry. I'll call the hospital right

grave. "It's true. Your dad's had a heart attack. It's serious. They're

back cascaded down her cheeks. She knew all too well how fragile the life of someone with heart disease could be, how mere minutes could mean the difference between life and death.