No Strings Attached

Chapter 150

Undoubtedly, the case had once again catapulted Clara’s name into the legal stratosphere. Online, many netizens had resurrected the gossip about her and Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

lan.

Clara thought the storm would pass eventually, but a few days later, she awoke to an onslaught of notifications from various platforms on her phone.

Before she could sift through them, Anders‘ call came through, his voice tinged with urgency. “Clara, stay off the web.”

The moment she heard those words, she knew trouble was brewing. A frown of concern etched her face. “Did someone leak something about me?”

Her most shameful secret was having Victoria as a mother. If those dirty laundries were aired, the consequences would be dire for her reputation.

After a pause, Anders said, “Victoria posted a video claiming you’ve abandoned her and had her committed to an asylum where she’s being mistreated. Now, the internet is ripping you apart.”

Clara’s eyes closed in defeat.

A few days ago, that lawsuit was about seeking justice for elderly care nationwide, but then it burst out with all sorts of negative things Clara did to her own mother. The timing couldn’t be worse. Netizens would brand her a hypocrite, slamming her for chasing clout and branding her as an unfilial daughter.

If she chose to explain, it would mean dragging Victoria’s dirty secrets into the light.

It was a clear trap. Her adversary knew her too well, striking right at her Achilles‘ heel.

Clara’s fingers whitened as they gripped the phone, her heart wrenching painfully. “I’ll deal with it, Anders. It’s not just my reputation on the line–it’s the firm’s. I’ll find a way to minimize the fallout,” she murmured.

“Clara, the guy who posted the video is one of the elder woman’s sons, but he’s clearly been put up to it. I’ve got people looking into it.”

A bitter smile touched Clara’s lips. “Good. Let me think of how to mitigate the damage to the firm.”

After hanging up, she sat motionless on the bed, a statue of distress, hands clenching the sheets, eyes bloodshot with unshed tears.

Victoria had pushed her to the brink time and again. This time, Clara was determined not to let her win.

Just then, the door to her room opened. Ian stepped in, the morning dew still fresh on him. His black shirt sleeves were rolled up, revealing forearms stark against the fabric, the contrast underscoring his distinguished aura.

He approached Clara’s bed, his hands gently massaging her head as he whispered comfort. “Don’t worry, I’ve got people taking down those posts. I won’t let them hurt you.”

Clara looked at him, her eyes red–rimmed with fury and pain. “lan, you’ve always known who’s been setting me up, yet you downplay it. All because Heidi saved your life, and she can’t have children because of it, you let her hurt me time and time again. Why should I be the collateral damage in

your drama? Why should I pay for her misfortunes? You tell me to trust you, but how could I trust you after all these?”

By the end, Clara’s voice was a ragged scream. Her tears circled her eyes, but her stubbornness wouldn’t let them fall.

Lips quivering, she held lan’s gaze, her eyes swimming with defiance and pain.

It nearly broke him. He wanted to wrap his arms around her, but as he reached out, he stopped midway. He knew she was repulsed by him at the moment, and she wouldn’t want his touch. His hand hovered, moving back and forth indecisively before finally dropping to his side.

lan’s voice carried a hoarseness that came after exhaustion. “Clara, I won’t let

Heidi off this time.”