No Strings Attached

Chapter 356

Leonora's tears broke through the dams of her eyes the moment she heard those words. She lamented with a face full of regret, "She must have been worried about her daughter and wanted me to watch over her to fulfill her last wish. That's why I've been so kind to Heidi all these years, treating her as if she were my own flesh and blood. How could I have known she wasn't May's child? If I'd known it was Clara, how could I possibly have stood in the way of you two?"

Her sobbing was heartfelt, her pain piercing to the core. She beat her chest in sorrow, moaning, "It's all my fault. I had no idea things would turn out like this. I've let Clara and May down. Ian, please bring Clara back. I need to apologize to her properly, to beg her forgiveness."

Ian's face remained unyielding, his voice growing even colder. "You killed her grandfather Reed, and nearly killed her father. Do you really think she'll forgive you so easily?"

"What do you want me to do then? I'll do everything you said," Leonora pleaded, her face streaked with tears and her eyes shining with unprecedented sincerity.

If Ian hadn't already known the kind of person she was, he might have been fooled by her performance. With a chilly sneer, he said, "Divorce Dad and leave the Hayes family."

At this demand, Leonora immediately shook her head. "My maiden family is all but gone. Where would you have me go if I left the Hayes family? Ian, I am your mother. Are you really that heartless? Do you wish to see me lonely for the rest of my life?"

Ian had anticipated her refusal and thus proposed another option. "Then, from today on, move to the back of Crimson Manor, and don't you dare step foot outside."

"You want to put me under house arrest? I'd rather die."

Ian was merciless. "Until this matter is cleared up, I'm not going to let you die. Someone, take her to Crimson Manor and make sure she doesn't leave the premises."

"Yes, Mr. Hayes," responded several burly bodyguards as they approached Leonora, seizing her arms and dragging her toward the villa in the back.

Leonora kept yelling, "Ian, don't do this to me! I'm your mother. Have you forgotten all the good I've done for you? Your sister and your father won't forgive you for treating me like this. Ian, I really didn't know Clara was May's daughter. Won't you give me a chance to make it up?"

No matter how she begged, Ian's expression was stone cold. He had grown up with this woman as his mother, but in the face of her actions, he wished he never had.

Ever since that kidnapping incident in his childhood, her demeanor had changed drastically. She went from a gentle and virtuous woman to being harsh and critical, constantly fighting with his father and scaring him and his sister to the point where they were afraid to come home. Their childhood had been overshadowed by her behavior.

He had maintained a respect for their family bond, always giving her the benefit of the doubt, but his repeated compromises had only led to Clara being hurt over and over again.

Until the full truth was uncovered, he couldn't allow her to harm Clara any further.

Ian stood frozen in the yard for a moment before slowly returning to the living room. He hadn't expected to find not only Grandma Rose but also Marian there.

As he entered, both women turned their gazes on him. Marian, in particular, was already in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. It was clear they had heard Leonora's cries. Clara's true parentage was no longer a secret.

Standing in the doorway, Ian's stoic features softened into an expression of hesitation.

Marian, teary-eyed, shakily rose from the sofa and approached him. "Ian, is what Leonora said true? Is Clara really May's daughter?"

He nodded gently. "Yes, but she's not in a condition to handle the truth right now."

Understanding dawned on Marian in an instant. She nodded in agreement, "It's best not to tell her. The shock might be too much for her and could harm the baby."Content from NôvelDr(a)ma.Org.