No Strings Attached

Chapter 344

Clara's body shivered, her steps faltering backward until she hit the wall. The cold of the wall snapped her back to reality.

Signing this paper meant her father had an 80% chance of never making it to the operating table. If she didn't sign, his life could slip away at any moment.

Faced with such a harrowing decision, Clara forced herself to stay composed. She walked over to the doctor, took the consent form with trembling hands, and scrawled her name across it in shaky letters.

Tears fell from her eyes, dotting the paper as she whispered, "Can I... Can I go in and be with my dad?"

The doctor frowned slightly. "The surgery could take seven to eight hours, and you're not in the right condition to be in there. It's better to wait outside. We'll do everything we can."

Clara nodded numbly, watching the doors to the emergency room close again. Time crawled by, and though only half an hour had passed, it felt like an eternity to her. Even when she was pacing the hallway, she couldn't tear her eyes away from the OR doors.

With a sympathetic tone, Sasha urged, "Clara, sit down and rest a bit. You need to think of the baby too."

At the mention of her child, Clara forced herself to sit down on a nearby chair and stare blankly into space. Content held by NôvelDrama.Org.

Then, the OR doors swung open. Clara's heart stopped. When a surgeon came out mid-operation, it was usually bad news.

She rushed over, her voice a quivering mess. "Doctor, what's happening?"

The doctor looked troubled. "It's a complex case, and the patient's vitals are fluctuating. We need you to sign a critical condition notice."

Edwin quickly steadied Clara, his voice firm yet soothing. "Clara, this document doesn't mean it's over. Have faith in Casey."

Clara's mind was foggy as she scribbled her name again. As the OR doors shut once more, she pressed her hands together in prayer.

That was when a tired, dark voice came from behind. "Attorney Clara, Dr. Elude is here."

Everyone turned to see Dawson leading a gray-haired man through the corridor. Clara's spirits lifted, and she quickly asked, "Where's Ian?"

Dawson hesitated, "To avoid the conflict zone, Mr. Hayes escorted us out. He's been held up, but don't worry, Ryker's with him, and he'll be okay."

Then, turning to Edwin, he inquired, "What's the status here?"

After Edwin briefed the doctor, he asked, "How certain are you that you can help?"

Dr. Elude narrowed his eyes thoughtfully. "I'm 70% sure, but for Mr. Hayes and Ms. Clara, I'll give it my all."

"Alright, let's get you in there."

The OR doors opened and closed again. Dr. Elude scrubbed in, donned the surgical gear, and approached the operating table.

Outside, Clara's tension hadn't eased with Elude's arrival. If anything, the anxiety tightened its grip. She clenched her fists, her teeth chattering uncontrollably.

Edwin watched Clara's tormented state, feeling a surge of protective agony. He longed to hold his sister, to assure her that her big brother was here and she needn't worry, but those comforting words were trapped in his throat, unsaid.

He approached Clara, handing a cup of warm tea, his voice soft and reassuring, "Ian's a former special ops soldier. He knows his way around combat, and the military won't target our nationals. He'll be safe, I promise." He gently patted Clara on the head, his large hand lingering for a moment before he withdrew it.