No Strings Attached

Casey watched his retreating figure and watched Clara with a heart full of sympathy. "Clara, I know you're in pain right now, but isn't lan suffering as well? Maybe taking some time apart is the best choice for both of you."

Clara's tears, which she had been holding back, started streaming down her cheeks. "Dad, why is it that we still have to face this storm after all we've been through? Could it really be, as Heiman said, that without completing our wedding, we'll continue to face trials?"

Casey wrapped her in his arms to comfort her. "Hardships will always pass. It's just that this difficulty is a bit too much. Even someone as capable as lan, coming up against several of Europe's wealthiest families, finds himself stretched too thin."

Clara looked up at him. "Dad, if we all leave him, won't he be even more distressed? How will he save Katherine, and how will he save his grandpa?"

She couldn't bear to imagine how much pain lan would feel if they parted ways. He wouldn't be able to see his wife or his child. Ian had always been looking forward to the birth of that little life.

Casey sighed helplessly. "Clara, don't think about these things anymore. You're going to give birth in a month, so you need to keep your spirits high, alright? I made your favorite mini lasagna. Let's see if it's as delicious as what Katherine makes."

Elsewhere.

the sofa. The three of them faced each other, all with heavy

a long time, lan finally spoke. "Neither of your families should get involved. I've already implicated the Yorks and the Campbells, and I don't want to drag you

argued back, "That's not fair. Eddie can help you, so why can't we? Are

the Yorks, together, we should still be of some use. We can't just watch you get knocked down. We've never done that since we were kids." "Right, we've always faced

cold gaze

means death, don't you understand?

let alone your families. Connor wants to eliminate all

in his grasp, and I can't confront him directly. We need a long-term plan

involved, but what about the Yorks and the Campbells? They are Clara's family. You're not planning to divorce Clara to keep them out

and lit