No Strings Attached

Chapter 458

After he spoke, he ordered a small vial of blood to be drawn from Leonora.

He was determined to verify her claims. He had recorded their conversation earlier, and with this evidence, he was sure it would be enough to seal Leonora's fate.

Upon leaving the prison, Edwin lit up a cigarette. He took several deep drags, the taste of nicotine filling his mouth and rushing into his lungs. Drawing too fiercely, he broke into a fit of coughing.

The thought of Clara's predicament was a sharp pain in his heart. He was torn about whether to tell her or not.

What would it mean for her relationship with Ian if she found out? She was finally about to marry the man she loved, only to learn that his mother was the murderer of her own.

With a heavy heart, Edwin composed himself and dialed Clara's number.

As soon as she answered, her soft and pleasant voice came through. "Edwin, why did you leave so early? Is something wrong?"

His sister's voice made Edwin smile despite himself. "There's a bit to sort out at the office. What are you up to?"

Clara sounded thrilled, her voice bubbling with laughter. "Grandma gave me a whole bunch of stuff, saying it was all part of the gift Mom had prepared for me. There's jewelry, artwork by famous artists, and several riverside properties. All of it must be worth a fortune. I just wish I could have seen Mom. If only she were still here."

Edwin's heart felt like it had been struck by a hammer. He could tell Clara's memories of their mother were becoming more vivid, and that scared him even more.

With a grave tone, he asked, "Clara, what would you do if we found Mom's killer?"

Clara stopped what she was doing. "Did you find a new lead?"

"No, just a hypothetical question."

"If we found the real culprit, I'd take them to court myself to clear Mom's name. I'd make them pay dearly. You have to promise me, Edwin, whatever you find out, you need to tell me. She was my mother, too, and I have the right to know the truth."

As a lawyer, Clara's instincts were sharp. She had picked up on a hint of something in her brother's words.

Hearing her determination, Edwin's voice was even more somber. "Alright, I'll tell you. Spend a few more days with Grandma. I've got things to handle here."

After hanging up, he took Leonora's blood sample and headed to the hospital. Heidi was lying in bed, trying to ignore the news repeating on the television. She struggled, wanting to scream for someone to turn it off, but the broadcast kept repeating the news of Clara being recognized by the York family.

Edwin didn't need to guess who was behind this torture. Ian had taken the art of psychological warfare to a new level. The news was like a knife, stabbing Heidi in the heart with each repeat.

Edwin pulled up a chair and sat down next to Heidi's bed. His gaze was fierce as he looked at her. "Can't handle it? What will you do if they broadcast their wedding? Will you go mad?"

Tears rolled down Heidi's cheeks as she shook her head, making 'ah ah ah' noises. This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

Edwin leaned in closer, looking at the face marred beyond recognition, and whispered, "When I found out you weren't my mother's daughter, I didn't plan on doing anything to you. I thought you

weren't involved, and it wouldn't be right to drag you into this."