Chapter 15 Heidiâs voice boomed so loudly that Clara could hear every word crystal clear. And then there was that gutâpunch of a comment that lan had just made. Clara felt as if her seven years of devotion had been tossed out like yesterdayâs garbage. Her gaze upon lan was icy as she retorted, âAll I did was ask Nicole to record that clip. I never told her to delete it.â
lan looked at her, his face a mask of indifference, âWith both eyewitnesses and evidence against you, do you really think you can talk your way out of this?â
Claraâs laugh carried a tinge of desolation.
Why was she even bothering to explain herself? Was she actually hoping lan would believe her? Whenever it came down to anything involving Heidi, lan would blindly take her side.
Clara bit her lip, struggling to keep her composure in check. âIf thatâs how it is, then letâs get the authorities. involved. I wonât admit to something I didnât do, even if it means risking the entire Bell family fortune to clear my name.â
She had always been the epitome of gentleness and grace, obedient and docile. lan was witnessing this side of her for the first time. He chuckled lightly. âQuite the sharp tongue youâve got there.â
âDonât forget, Mr. Hayes, I studied law. If it wasnât for my foolish desire for your riches, I might have been a rather successful lawyer by now.â
As Clara emphasized âdesire for your riches, she allowed a small, seemingly careless smile to cross her face. It was as though she had grown accustomed to being viewed in such a light.
lan was seething inside, his teeth clenched in silent fury. âWell then, good luck to you!â With that, he stormed. out, not bothering to look back.
As he descended, Dawson quickly hopped out of the car, saying, âMr. Hayes, you forgot the health supplements you bought for Ms. Clara. Do you want to take them up to her, or shall I?â
Before Dawson could finish, lanâs voice cut through, sharp as ice, âToss them!â
Dawson, noting the bruise at the corner of lanâs mouth, could guess what had transpired. He tried to soothe lan with his words.
âMr. Hayes, you personally selected those highâquality supplements. It seems such a waste to just throw them away. Ms. Clara is just giving you the cold shoulder because you ignored her; a little tantrum is to be expected. If it were me whoâd let my current girlfriend donate blood to an ex and then neglect her, sheâd skin me alive. A little bruise on your face is nothing in comparison.
Once Ms. Clara cools off, Iâll deliver them. myself.â
lan seemed to ponder for a moment, and his thoughts were occupied with the image of Claraâs pale, drained. face. That 400cc of blood had taken such a toll on her. All those gourmet dinners they once shared now seemed in vain.
âDo whatever you want,â he said indifferently, then fished out a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a focused gaze. âGo check what happened with the surveillance.â
Dawson nodded, âIâm on it. You donât really believe Ms. Clara would do something like this, right? Sheâs competent and has won your favor. Others are likely envious and may even plot to push her out and take her place.â
lan took a deep drag of his cigarette, slowly exhaling a perfect ring of smoke. His handsome face was shrouded with an air of mystery as he narrowed his eyes, his voice cold as steel, âIâd like to see who dares!â
The car slowly drove off toward the Hayes Corporation headquarters. When lan opened the door to his office, a warm voice greeted him. âMy grandson, isnât it a lovely surprise to see me here?â
Rose stood there, clad in a skyâblue dress, her white hair elegantly curled. Despite being over seventy, she radiated an energy that seemed to knock decades off her age.
1/2 14.07 Chapter 15 lanâs stern expression immediately softened at the sight of Rose, a smile gracing his features. âWhat brings you here? Isnât it nicer to stay home, tending to your roses and herb garden?â