No Strings Attached

Chapter 17

“What did you just say? Was it you who orchestrated my meet–up with lan?”

Eve scoffed. “What else did you think? Do you think lan played the knight in shining armor by chance? Use your head, Clara. A guy of lan’s standing wouldn’t just wander into some out–of–the– way alley for no reason. If your brother and I hadn’t set the trap to lure him there, you wouldn’t have been living the high life these past three years. But no, you’re not satisfied. You’ve got your sights set on becoming Mrs. Hayes. Have you even considered it? With a mother like yours, who in all of Northbridge would dare to take you in? You have to get back to lan’s side, or I’ll spill every dirty secret your mother has.”

Rose’s words were sharp and biting, as if Clara were nothing more than a stranger to her.

Blood trickled down Clara’s forehead, mingling with her tears, the metallic taste filling her mouth. A wave of nausea hit her. She felt disgust at having such a family.

Grandma Eve and her cousin had used her like a pawn, pushing her towards lan. The saddest part was that she was completely oblivious, believing she had found true love.

For three years, she had given her all to that man. To be with him, she had abandoned her dream of being a lawyer, forsaking her own desires for marriage.

Faithfully, without a word of complaint, she had been lan’s secret lover for three years. To everyone else, it seemed nothing more than a sordid exchange, all thanks to her dearest kin.

Wiping the blood from her face, Clara managed a bitter smile. Her voice was tinged with newfound defiance. “I won’t be manipulated by you or anyone else. I won’t return to lan’s side. From now on, the Bell family’s fate has nothing to do with me.”

With those final words, she turned and walked away.

Not a moment later, she saw her father standing in the doorway, disbelief etched across his face, tears welling in his eyes.

Casey clutched his chest, gazing at Eve with incredulity. His voice was weak. “Mom, have I been that undutiful? Have I not sacrificed enough for the Bell family? Why did you do this to my daughter?”

The thought of his daughter being manipulated by his own mother pained him deeply, sweat beading on his

forehead.

Clara, sensing something was wrong, rushed to support him. “Dad, please, don’t get upset. I’m okay. You just had heart surgery. You can’t afford to get worked up.”

Casey looked at her tenderly, his large hand gently caressing the wound on her forehead. “I’m sorry I failed to protect you,” he said, his voice hoarse with emotion.

“Dad, stop. Let’s get you to the hospital,” Clara insisted. She helped her father into the car and drove straight to the hospital. Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

After an examination, the doctor informed Clara that her father had overexerted himself following his operation, and the recent stress had severely impacted his recovery. He needed to be hospitalized for a few days.

Once her father was settled, Clara stepped into the corridor, pulled out her cell phone, and dialed her father’s

secretary.

She learned that the company had invested heavily in a promising joint venture with Hayes Corporation. But just yesterday, Hayes Corporation had abruptly pulled out, even accusing her father of leaking information to competitors. If true, Bell International would lose a substantial investment, and her father could face a criminal investigation, with the grim prospect of prison bars.