Chapter 16: Chapter 16

Chapter 16 “Oh, all that stuff is worthless compared to the joy of you giving me a great–grandbaby to dote on,” she said with a chuckle, her eyes crinkling with mirth as she glanced around the office. “I heard you had this stunning and competent little assistant. How come I haven’t seen her around?”

“She resigned, lan replied curtly, without offering any further explanation.

Rose tsked with disapproval. “You couldn’t keep a girl as sweet and smart, as pretty and capable as her? What a waste! I had my eye on her to be my granddaughter–in–law.” It looked like she’d have to step in, or else that perfect bride would slip away.

lan just smirked dismissively. The sweet and understanding Clara? That was in the past.

The Clara of now was like a rose with thorns. Every time he attempted to get close, she’d prick him. The thought brought the familiar frustration bubbling up inside him again.

Meanwhile, Clara was piecing the puzzle together and realized Nicole had turned on her. She adamantly claimed it was Clara who instructed her to destroy the evidence. And there was the matter of the one–million–dollar transaction between them.

It was a loan from Clara to Nicole. She needed the money for her wedding and to furnish her new home, so she borrowed a million from Clara.

Who would’ve guessed that money would now be labeled as ill–gotten gains?

Clara couldn’t help but let out a bitter laugh. The person she trusted the most had turned against her at the worst possible moment.

Clara looked up at Anders and said, “This looks tricky, Anders. All the evidence seems stacked against me. I don’t want to damage your reputation.”

Anders just chuckled confidently. “I’ve told you before, with me around, no one’s going to mess with you again.. ПI handle the evidence. You just focus on getting some rest. Get your strength back, okay?”

“I want to help you look. Nicole wouldn’t betray me without reason. Someone must be pulling her strings,” Clara insisted.

They were discussing their next move when Clara’s phone suddenly rang. The caller ID made her frown in annoyance. As soon as she answered, an abrasive voice came through. “Clara, get back here this instant!”

It was her grandmather Eve. Whenever she called, it was rarely good news.

The moment Clara stepped into the Bell family’s grand hall, a mug came flying at her. She couldn’t dodge in time, and the lid struck her forehead, causing blood to trickle down her skin.

Instinctively covering the wound, she looked at Eve bewilderedly. “What have I done to deserve this welcome?”

“You have the nerve to ask? The Bell family’s major deal with the Hayes family is off because of you. You had a perfectly good job as a secretary, and you had to quit! Now look what’s happened. lan’s made his move against the Bell family, and it’s all going to come crashing down because of you.”

Eve ranted while banging her hand on the coffee table, her presence formidable and sharp, devoid of any familial warmth.

Clara momentarily forgot the pain on her forehead as she absorbed Eve’s words. The Hayes family had indeed cut ties with the Bell family. Ian had kept his word. A bitter smile crossed Clara’s face. “So, what are you suggesting? That I continue to be at lan’s side, not seeking a title, and just be his outlet for carnal desires?”

Eve scoffed coldly. “You’re quite bold to assume that you could get a title by hooking up with lan. If it weren’t for my intervention, you think you’d have had such a chance?”

1/2 14:07 Chapter 16 Hearing those words, Clara’s eyes widened in shock, staring at Eve in disbelief.