No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 34

Although only the two of them could hear his words, Clara's ears turned crimson in an instant. She cast a chill glance at lan. "You still believe Heidi's story?"

"What else should I believe? Bring me the evidence to prove your friend didn't do it," he retorted.

Clara let out a cold, mocking laugh. What a jerk, she thought. Just like before, he slung mud at the innocent without a second thought. Heidi's words were gospel truth to him. Clara's lips curled into a slight smirk. "Then let's follow official procedures. Ten million is not pocket change, and I won't let Sasha take the fall for nothing."

Heidi immediately responded with a smile, "Ms. Clara, you've misunderstood. I've already said I won't pursue Ms. Sasha any further; let's consider the matter closed."

"The price of not pursuing is pinning the blame on my friend. You're offering to drop the charges to make her guilt seem undeniable. Am I right, Ms. Heidi?"

At Clara's words, Heidi's eyes instantly welled up with tears. Looking at lan with a pitiful gaze, Heidi said, "lan, that's not what I meant. Ms. Sasha is a public figure, and it's not good for her to be involved in these situations. I just wanted to drop the lawsuit and let it go. Why does Clara have to misunderstand me like this?"

lan, seeing Heidi lunging towards him, sidestepped. He then swiftly pulled Clara into his arms, placing her between them. He leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Trust me on this one, let's put an end to it. I'll cover the damages."

Heidi was battling severe depression. If this scene escalated, it wouldn't just be a matter

of a car.

But from Clara's perspective, lan was just protecting Heidi. Her cool eyes showed a stubborn defiance. "No, I can't let her-"

Before she could finish, lan's slender finger pressed against her lips. He leaned in, his forehead against hers, and their gaze locked. "If you keep making a fuss, I'd kiss you right here."

His threat silenced Clara. Ian was a man of his word.

She bit her lip, glaring at him; her face a mix of defiance and hurt, but she had no choice but to watch quietly as lan pulled out a check, scribbled a figure, signed his name, and handed it to Heidi with the words, "I hope this is the end of it."

Heidi was too shocked to speak. She stared at the check, tears swirling in her eyes.

This wasn't the outcome she wanted. She wanted Sasha behind bars, vilified by fans. She wanted Clara to fight with lan over her.

But now, what did lan's check mean? Was he openly siding with Clara?

Tears streamed down Heidi's cheeks. "Ian, you don't believe me either. I said I didn't want compensation. Why won't any of you believe me?"

lan frowned at her. "Buy a new one. Consider it a gift from me."

He stuffed the check into Heidi's purse and instructed the driver, "Take her home."

lan had squashed the case, and Sasha was released without charge.

lan tried to lead Clara out, but she shook him off. Her delicate face was etched with disappointment and defiance. "lan, this is the last time. If Heidi dares to mess with me again, I won't let her off so easily." With that, Clara grabbed Sasha and strode out without looking back.

But after only a few steps, a woman's voice called from behind. "Clara, do you not even recognize your own mother anymore?"