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."

fists clenched tightly. Her gaze was icy as she stared down the opposing

was no coincidence. It

wasn't until now that she understood the warning Paolo had given

be treated as a withdrawal, and as

mind. The threat to ruin

balance. However, if she walked away now, not only would Heidi get off scot-free,

hand rested gently on her shoulder. Ian's deep voice resonated in her ear. "Clara,

well up with tears. "lan, the butler just called. My

brow furrowed with concern. "Don't worry. I'll

the hospital and after a minute, he turned to Clara. His expression was grave. "It's true. Your dad's had a heart attack. It's

tears Clara had been holding 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