Chapter 28 Clara never imagined that what she considered her most precious feelings would be seen by lan as nothing more than a frivolous fling, a game where the heart had no stake.
She walked under the maple, her gaze lifting to the leafy canopy above. Every sweet memory theyâd shared here ncw felt like a knife twisting in her gut.
She couldnât bear the pain any longer; she wanted to forget everything about this place.
Clara slipped two rings off her neck, her tears scalding hot as they fell upon them. A bitter laugh escaped her.
She squatted down and dug a small hole beneath the maple, burying the rings within. Staring at the still rings in the dirt, marked with the engraving of two heartbeats, Claraâs shoulders shook uncontrollably as she sobbed.
After several relentless days at the hospital and the office, Claraâs fatherâs condition had finally stabilized, and the company was back on track.
She planned to catch up with Anders and Sasha that evening, but no sooner had she driven a short distance from her place, she spotted an elder woman staggering toward her car.
Clara slammed on the brakes in alarm. The car screeched to a halt, and the elder woman toppled over, conveniently next to her front wheel.
Claraâs first thought was that it was a scam.
As Clara reached for her phone to call the police, she saw the woman moaning on the ground, and her heart softened.
Stepping out of the car, Clara crouched beside the woman with concern. âAre you alright? Do you need an ambulance?â
The woman sat up, looking at her warily, silent as the grave.
A bystander advised, âMiss, leave it be. Itâs probably a con. Your car didnât even touch her. How could she fall?â
Clara was undeterred. âIâve got a dash cam. If itâs a scam, Iâve got proof. I should just get her to a hospital first. At her age, you donât want to risk anything more serious.â
Disregarding the onlookers, Clara took the elder woman to the hospital for a full checkâup. It turned out to be nothing more than a few scratches and slightly high blood pressure.
Clara bought the woman some food and drink, soothing her gently. âYouâre okay now. Can you tell me how to reach your family?
Iâll let them come get you.â
The elder woman, looking into Claraâs kind and pretty face, finally found her voice. âYong lady, youâve gone through so much trouble for me, how can I ever thank you?â
Clara, relieved to hear the woman speak, replied with a smile, âAs long as youâre alright, thatâs thanks enough for me.â
âBut I must repay you somehow. I overheard you on the phone about your companyâs troubles. Let me have my grandson throw a few big contracts your way. Heâs a bigâshot CEO, really, Iâm not fibbing.â
Clara handed the woman a cup of water with a smile. âI appreciate the thought, but Iâll handle the company issues. Just give me your familyâs contact, and Iâll have them come for you.â
âThat wonât do. I believe in repaying kindness. I have to let my grandson help you out. Oh, and heâs still single, handsome, with a hefty fortune, though a bit hotâtempered. If you donât mind, you could take him off my hands, and all his wealth would be yours.â
As the woman spoke, she dialed her grandsonâs number.
1/2 14.45 Chapter 28 Half an hour later, Clara was in a nearby café with the elder woman, waiting, but the man who walked in was someone Clara knew all too well.
Chapter