Chapter 160 His voice was raspy as he asked, âDid you listen to Daddy, Snow? Did you take good care of Mommy, huh?â
Snow barked twice in response.
He slipped the bag he was holding over Snowâs neck, a chuckle in his voice as he said, âThis is a little something for you and Mommy. Can you deliver it for me, buddy?â
Snow whined understandingly and trotted off toward Clara.
Clara had run a good three miles and was drenched in sweat. Seeing Snow bounding towards her, she plopped down on the grass with a sigh. Gently rubbing Snowâs head, she chided, âDidnât Mommy tell you not to accept things. from strangers? Why donât you listen?â
She laughed as she untied the bag from around Snowâs neck and was about to peek inside when that deep, familiar voice reached her ears. âItâs from me, not a stranger.â
The smile froze on Claraâs face. She slowly lifted her eyes and saw a tall, striking figure standing before her.
The man was dressed in a crisp black shirt and slateâgray slacks. His sharp features were accentuated by the warm glow of the streetlights, and his dark eyes held a careful watch over her.
After what felt like an eternity, lan took measured steps toward Clara and slowly crouched beside her. His gaze was unguarded as he looked at her, his voice soft but hoarse. 7âClara, are you all right?â
He tentatively reached out, tucking a damp lock of hair behind her ear. The warmth of her skin raced up his fingers and throughout his body.
He wanted to pull her close, to rest his head on her shoulder and confess how much he had missed her these past days.
But he reined in his desires, waiting quietly for her response.
Clara immediately dodged his touch, her lips curling into a faint smile. âThanks to Mr. Hayes, Iâm doing just fine.â
Chapter 160 Fine enough to have gone a week without a lawsuit. Fine enough to be in therapy every day. And fine enough to wake up from nightmares every night.
lan felt a tug at his heart as he noticed the chill in her eyes, his own voice dropping lower.
âClara, Iâm sorry. I know the hurt theyâve caused you is immense. Iâll make it right. Heidiâs been sent back to the family estate. Iâve stripped my mother of all her corporate roles, and Grandma Rose has my mom reciting scriptures in penance. As for Victoria, I will take Caseyâs advice and put her behind bars. If thereâs anything youâre not satisfied with, just tell me. Iâll make it right. Just donât shut me out.â
Clara listened impassively. âlan, if you ever loved me in the past three years, I could have tolerated their treatment, knowing I had your true love. But the truth is, what we had was nothing but a physical fling. Why should I bear so much? Donât you think thatâs unfair to me?â
âClara, I-â He wanted to say âI love you,â but the words felt empty and hollow. If he loved her, he wouldnât have uttered such hurtful words. If he loved her, he wouldnât have chosen to trust Heidi over her, time and again.
lan couldnât bring himself to say it. Instead, he looked at her with profound intensity.
Clara pushed Snow into his arms, her tone indifferent, âTake Snow with you. And donât come back.â
Thent, she didnât turn back no matter how Snow barked, and went straight into the elevator.
lan was about to follow when his phone rang, breaking the moment. He answered with a hint of impatience in his voice.
âSir, thereâs been an issue with the herbal tea Ms. Clara has been drinking.â