No Strings Attached

Chapter 428

Clara’s head slammed against the deck with a bone-chilling thud. The pain radiated through her skull. Crimson blood trickled down from her forehead.

Despite the pain, Clara’s ears tuned into Heidi’s words. She spoke of the Campbell family’s daughter, as if Clara had any claim to that title.

What did the Campbell family have to do with her?

With eyes bloodshot, Clara glared at Heidi. “You must be mistaken. I’m Casey’s child. I have nothing to do with the Campbell family.”

Heidi’s response was a sinister laugh. “Is that baby in your belly so precious to them that they can’t even tell you the truth? Well, if no one dares to spill the beans, I will. They’re afraid you might lose the baby in a fit of emotion, but not me. I’d love nothing more than for that child to die inside you.”

“Listen up, Clara. You’re not Casey and Victoria’s daughter. You’re the long-lost daughter of the Campbell family, the one with the petal birthmark.

“You’re Paolo and May’s child. Bet you didn’t see that coming, right? That man who’s always at odds with you, he’s your real father.

“Ha! To save me, he’d hurt his own daughter. If you die today, it’s on him. In other words, he’s indirectly responsible for your death.”

Clara’s head throbbed, but she quickly sifted through her thoughts. She was May and Paolo’s child. So, Edwin’s care, Marian’s affection, even James’ kindness — it wasn’t just because of Ian. It was because she was the one they had been searching for.

Realization struck Clara like a lightning bolt, and her eyes widened in disbelief. Overwhelmed by the truth, she shook her head in denial. “Impossible. My dad is Casey. I have no connection with the

Campbell family. You are lying!”

Heidi kicked at Clara’s belly, spitting out venomously, “Did you really think my grudges against you were all about Ian? No, it’s because if they ever took you back, I’d lose my place as the daughter of the Campbell family. That’s my spot, and I won’t let anyone take it from me!”

She shook Clara violently, causing a dizzy spell and waves of pain in Clara’s belly. Clara fought to clear her head, pleading, “Heidi, even if what you’re saying is true, I won’t fight you for the title of the Campbell family daughter. I have only one father, and his name is Casey. Just let me go, and I promise you can return to the Campbell family without facing any legal consequences.”

Heidi laughed off Clara’s proposition, her scorn clear as day. “Think I can go back now? Clara, I know you have the gift of the gab. You could talk a dead man back to life, but not today. No matter what you say, I won’t let you go. You’ve stolen my man and my statue. How could I let that slide so easily?”

“You’re going to die right here!”

After she said that, Heidi’s foot connected with Clara’s belly, sending her sliding meters backward until she crashed against a pillar.

A sharp pain erupted from her lower belly. Clara lay on the ground, trapped and defenseless under Heidi’s assault. She curled up, trying to protect the child within her, but the more she coiled, the more Heidi targeted her belly.

Finally, Clara summoned every ounce of strength, pushed herself off the ground, and charged at Heidi like a wild beast. Heidi was sent flying, tumbling several meters before landing in a heap on the ground.Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.