No Strings Attached

lan's face was stormy as he glared at Leonora, his eyes brimming with barely concealed loathing. With a swift motion, he pushed Leonora aside and wrapped Clara into his arms. The icy look that had hardened his features melted into tenderness the moment his gaze met Clara's. His voice softened, "Clara, I'm sorry. You must have been worried sick." Clara felt a lump in her throat, her eyes burning with unshed tears. "lan, you—"

Her words trailed off as she realized she had no strength left. The last bit of energy she had been mustering up seemed to evaporate. Her body went limp, collapsing into lan's embrace. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ FindNøvᴇl.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Clara, Clara," lan called out urgently, scooping her up and striding towards the hospital room without even casting Leonora a second glance.

Leonora, fuming to the point of grinding her teeth, cursed loudly from behind them, "lan, Clara's nothing but a jinx, a walking disaster! Everyone around her meets a terrible fate. You stick with her and your luck will run out one day, too. Just mark my words."

Ryker, who had been trailing silently, suddenly spoke with a chilling tone, "If Grandma Rose heard you cursing her grandson like that, do you honestly think she'd hesitate to kick you out on your rear?" Leonora shot him a venomous look. "Mind your own business when it comes to my family!"

Clara a jinx, I can't just stand by. Leonora, you'd better straighten up. If you mess with Clara again, family ties won't stop me from chopping

has that little bitch cast on you to have you

It was as if she

He raised his arm and slapped Leonora across the face. "lan might not lay a hand on you, but that doesn't mean I won't!" Leonora's usually pale cheek flared red from the

by a Ryker was an unprecedented humiliation. She was livid, her fury nearly choking her. "Ryker, who gave you the guts to hit me? I'll tear your face

by searing pain, sent her tumbling to the ground. She let out an unbearable wail. "Ryker, you're crossing the

the Hayes family, you're less

instructed the bodyguard, "Take her back to the mansion.

away like

the hospital room and saw Clara lying pale and still on the bed. His brow furrowed with