No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 316

Wrapped in a charcoal cashmere overcoat, Edwin strode into the room with his long legs, the picture of sophistication that seemed slightly marred by the icy severity etched onto his usually calm face.

He made his way over to Heidi, who was slumped on the floor, and yanked her to her feet with an uncharacteristic roughness. His voice was a cold whisper, "You've dragged the York family name through the mud. How could you invoke our mother in your defense? Go home and take a long, hard look at yourself!"

Without a trace of his usual gentleness, Edwin dragged Heidi out of the room.

In the corner, Marian sensed something was off. Her grandson was always the epitome of grace and kindness, especially toward his little sister. Now he seemed like a stranger-harsh and unforgiving. The words he spoke earlier echoed in her mind, puzzling her.

Marian quickly took James by the hand and urged, "James, let's head back. I have a feeling Eddie's keeping something from us."

James nodded in agreement, "I'll just say goodbye to a few people, and then we're off."

They hurried out of the banquet hall and caught sight of Edwin practically throwing Heidi into the car, both of them raising their voices in what looked like a heated exchange.

Edwin's neck veins stood out like cords, and his eyes were bloodshot. His voice was hoarse with contained fury. "The dance instructor's sudden disappearance was that your doing?"

Heidi looked up at him, innocence painted on her face, tears streaming down her cheeks as she shook her head, "I don't understand what you're talking about. What dance instructor? I really don't know anything about this."

"Don't play dumb with me. You were the only one who saw the photo of that little girl dancing. You know I've been searching for a girl with a petal birthmark on her collarbone, and you've deliberately cut off every lead. You've been in my house, in my study, and you've seen that DNA report. You've known all along that you weren't May's child, so you sabotaged my search for my sister, didn't you?"

Once Heidi realized the game was up, she adopted a pitiful expression, "But I'm your sister too, aren't I? We've grown up together, sharing such deep affection. Why should my place in your heart be lessened upon finding out I'm not May's daughter? I've called you brother for over twenty years. Why does the girl, who's never been around, get to claim the love that was mine?"

Edwin clenched his fist in anger, "You've lived as the Campbell family's darling for 24 years, receiving love and adoration from both the York and Campbell families while she's been out there, living who knows what kind of life. Just for that, do you think it's fair to her?"

"Your mother was the other woman. She not only caused my mother's death but is also to blame for my sister going missing. Is that fair to you?

"Heidi, despite my hatred for your mother's destruction of our family, I wanted to believe you were innocent, that you didn't need to be dragged into this. But time and again, you've disappointed me. The things you've done have not only tarnished the Campbell name but now have the York family's reputation hanging by a thread. If I don't expose you now, your deception might ruin us all." Heidi was gobsmacked by her brother's words.

Was he truly casting her aside? Was he planning to reveal her true identity to their grandparents? What would become of her without her safety net?

Desperately, she clung to Edwin's arm, her eyes brimming with tears, pleading, "Edwin, please don't do this. Our grandparents are old. They can't withstand such upheaval. If they learn that the granddaughter they've cherished for over twenty years isn't their flesh and blood, it will break their hearts. I'm begging you. I'll do whatever you say from now on, isn't that enough? As soon as you find that girl, I'll step aside willingly."

Her sobs were heartbreaking, tugging at Edwin's heartstrings. This was the sister he had cherished for so many years, whom he had wanted to treat kindly. He never imagined her heart could grow so cruel.

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