No Strings Attached

Chapter 333

Tears streamed down Clara’s cheeks, unbidden. Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

This mutual love, a love that raced headlong toward each other, was something she couldn’t resist.

Her resolve to leave Ian crumbled in that instant. She looked up at him, her voice soft and slightly nasal. “Ian, promise me, no matter what happens, you’ll always keep our child safe.”

Ian bent down to kiss away the tears from the corners of her eyes. “I promise you, once all of this is over, we’ll leave for a place where no one can find us. Just the three of us. I’ll take care of you. We’ll attend prenatal yoga classes together, and we’ll wait for our little one’s arrival.”

Clara was touched and filled with longing. It was a scene she had dreamed of for so long. She wanted to raise their child together with Ian.

The tension in her heart finally eased, and a long-lost smile spread across her lips. “Ian.” She called to him softly.

Ian looked down tenderly. “Yeah, I’m right here.”

Clara wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed a gentle kiss to his lips. “I think I’m falling in love with you more and more.”

“Only think? Mrs. Hayes, shouldn’t you be absolutely, positively certain about loving your man?”

Immediately, Ian’s hot kisses peppered her neck, sending her senses into disarray.

By the time the car pulled into the Bell family estate, the desire in their eyes hadn’t faded. Clara’s voice was hoarse with lust. “To avoid any trouble, we’ll keep our relationship under wraps for now. Once I’ve got solid evidence of Heidi’s crimes, we’ll leave.”

Ian smiled and kissed her forehead. “I’ll follow Mrs. Hayes’ lead.”

Stepping out of the car, they entered the grand hall only to be confronted with an unexpected figure.

Paolo sat on the sofa with a brooding expression. Upon seeing them, he approached with a hint of desperation in his voice. “Clara, what Heidi did was wrong, and I’ll compensate you for any harm she caused you and your friend. Whatever you want, just don’t let her go to jail. You know, she’s been coddled all her life and suffers from depression. If she stays in prison too long, I’m afraid it might kill her. Please, let her off this once. Withdraw your charges.”

Clara stared at him coolly, her voice devoid of warmth. “Are you suggesting, Mr. Paolo, that your daughter’s life matters, but mine and my friend’s do not? If my friend hadn’t handled it well, others could have been hurt, innocent bystanders even. If we pardon such egregious actions, what’s the point of having laws in this country?”

Paolo’s face turned even more sullen, but to save his daughter, he had to swallow his pride.

“Rest assured. If you spare Heidi, I’ll take her out of the country immediately. I promise she won’t harm you again. I’ll give you a 5% stake in the company worth millions in dividends annually. All I ask is that you don’t pursue charges against Heidi.”

Clara watched Paolo, once so formidable, now pleading with her to save his daughter. She couldn’t help but draw her lips into a cold, thin line. “Sorry, Mr. Paolo, my friend’s life is more precious to me than money. I won’t withdraw the case. Please leave.”

She turned to walk away, but before she could take a step, Paolo’s voice rose in a frenzy of madness. “Clara, you’ll regret this!”