No Strings Attached

Chapter 30

“Sir, Miss, there are a couple of folks at the door in uniforms, claiming they’re from the District Attorney’s office, here about some investigation.”

Clara’s smile froze instantly, and she bolted upright from the couch. Worried it might upset her father, she quickly reassured, “Dad, I’ll go check it out. It’s probably just something to do with Jay.”

Casey was no fool. Jay was just into some gambling debts, which were already paid off. Who would bother with him now? He sighed and said, “Let them in then. Whatever’s coming our way, it was bound to arrive sooner or later.”

The two officials from the DA’s office briefly outlined the situation, then turned to Clara, “This case involves corporate secrets and a substantial sum of money. We need to take Mr. Casey with us today for questioning.”

From the moment the two walked in, Clara had been suppressing a storm of emotions. Her nails dug into her flesh, unnoticed. Her gaze was icy as she addressed them, “My father is innocent. You cannot just take him away.”

“Ms. Clara, at present, Mr. Casey is merely a suspect. It’s standard procedure to question him, and we hope for your cooperation.”

“How long will this investigation take?”

“It’s hard to say with these types of cases. Gathering evidence can be tricky – could be days, could be months. It all depends on what the folks at Hayes Corporation decide.”

Clara’s lips trembled involuntarily. If her father had to stay in a place like a jail, it wouldn’t be long before his health deteriorated, and if not attended to promptly, it could be life–threatening. Thinking

of this, her resentment towards lan deepened.

She fought to keep her emotions in check, “My father’s health is poor. I hope you can ensure he’s kept in a decent environment.”

“You have my word, we will take care of that.”

After Casey was taken away, the facade of strength Clara had been maintaining collapsed. She stumbled a few steps, and if Anders hadn’t caught her in time, she would have hit the ground.

Anders spoke softly, comforting her, “Don’t worry, I won’t let anything happen to Mr. Casey.”

Sasha, fuming in the living room, stomped her foot, “That son of a bitch lan! Clara’s kindness has gone waste.”

Just then, Anders‘ phone rang. He took the call, a few short words, and then hung up. His expression was grave as he turned to Clara, “There’s news about that case with Heidi. If you don’t publicly apologize, they’re pressing charges for assault, with the trial set for next month.”

Hearing this, Sasha immediately wrapped Clara in a hug, murmuring reassurances, “Don’t be scared, Clara. You’ve got us. Anders‘ dad is the deputy mayor, and my family is top–tier in Riddleton. We can take down that bastard lan.”

Clara’s emotions gradually settled. She knew she couldn’t rely on anyone else for this, only herself. lan was targeting her, and unless she stepped forward, this would never be resolved. She couldn’t let her father die in prison. She couldn’t let her friends get dragged down.

Anders‘ father held a high position, and she couldn’t bring any scandal his way.

Sasha, after escaping an arranged marriage, had finally found stability. Clara couldn’t let her return to a family that forced her into unwanted nuptials.

Clara sat on the couch, silent. She remained there, still and quiet, for hours. By the time Sasha and Anders brought out the meal, Clara had vanished from the living room.

14:45

lan stepped out of the conference room, and Dawson immediately leaned in to whisper. Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

“Mr. Hayes, your mother has made her move. Mr. Casey’s been taken in, and the court’s notified Ms. Clara. The hearing’s scheduled for the third of next month.”

lan paused mid–stride, his deep–set eyes glinting coldly. “Where is she now?”