No Strings Attached

Chapter 433

Paolo was yanked into the car, feeling a stabbing pain in his arm and thigh. He knew he must have broken bones, but this physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in his soul. Cradling his head in his hands, he lay in the backseat, sobbing uncontrollably.

As their car pulled away, a sleek silver sports car zoomed in, parking with a flourish. Chase handed Sasha a tissue, murmuring softly, “C’mon now, dry those tears. You’ve been crying for days. Ian’s even more torn up than you. We’re here for him, not to add to his grief.”

Sasha’s tears flowed faster with every dab of the tissue. The sight of the backyard swing set and the silent, white Samoyed sitting by the door pierced her heart like a needle.

Clara had lived here for three years, sprinkling her youth and love all around. Every flower and blade of grass bore her imprint.

Sasha still vividly remembered how, after dinner each night, Clara would race across the lawn with Snow, or how they’d laugh together on the swing set.

Whenever Clara was happy, she’d invite Sasha over for her favorite home-cooked meals. Returning to this familiar place without Clara was excruciating for Sasha.

Through tear-blurred eyes, she looked up at Chase. “Clara can’t really be gone, can she? So many people are waiting for her. She has to come back, right?”

Chase gently ruffled her hair, reassuring her, “Of course. Clara’s got an angel watching over her. She’ll be back.” He unbuckled her seatbelt and led her into the villa’s grand foyer.

Ian had been standing on the balcony, and had seen everything. He hadn’t slept a wink. As soon as Edwin left, Ian was on the balcony, smoking.

He had witnessed the whole scene of Casey and Teo ganging up on Paolo. And he saw Sasha’s breakdown.

He stared at Clara’s photo in his hand, his voice hoarse with emotion. “Clara, come back. We’re all waiting for you.”

Right then, his phone rang with an unfamiliar number. Hoping it was the search team, he answered immediately, “Did you find her?”

But as soon as he spoke, a sinister voice came from the other end. “Ian, does losing the one you love hurt? Good. That’s exactly the effect I wanted.”

By the tone, Ian knew it was the mastermind who’d been lurking in the shadows. Keeping his emotions in check, he replied coolly, “Who are you? If you’re so brave, face me directly. Why are you going after my woman? What kind of man are you?”

The man laughed darkly, “I’m not just after your woman. I’m after the Hayes family. I want to see you all fall, to avenge my mother!”

Ian’s expression turned grim. “Zachary, if you think you can destroy the Hayes family, you’d better have the guts to back it up.”

Zachary paused after hearing his name, then burst into laughter. “Not bad, you’ve figured out my name. But what good does that do you? Our game is just beginning. Just wait for the downfall of the Hayes family.”

The call ended abruptly. Còntens bel0ngs to Nô(v)elDr/a/ma.Org

Ian stood on the balcony, taking a deep drag of his cigarette. His forehead’s veins bulged with fury. Then, his assistant Dawson called. “Mr. Hayes, the company firewall has been breached. Our chip technology data has been stolen.”