No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 336

Clara's heart skipped a beat. "What in the world is going on?" she demanded.

The butler replied, "Your grandma must've said something to Mr. Casey, and it triggered his heart condition. He's in the hospital right now, fighting for his life. The doctors have issued a critical condition notice." At those words, Clara's hands began to tremble uncontrollably. Her voice quivered as she spoke, "Wait for me. I'll be there as fast as I can."

She was about to rise when she caught sight of the opposing lawyer striding towards her. "Attorney Clara, my client has calmed down. We're ready to proceed," he announced.

Clara glanced over at Heidi, who moments ago had been in a frenzy. Now, she sat composed and smug, with a taunting smirk on her face. It all clicked for Clara in an instant.

She clenched her jaw in frustration. “I've got an emergency. I request a recess. We need to postpone the hearing."

The other lawyer's brow furrowed slightly as he said, "I'm sorry, Attorney Clara, but my client is dealing with health issues. Any further delays could prevent her from making it to court. If you insist on leaving now, we'll have no choice but to consider it a withdrawal of the case."

Clara's fists clenched tightly. Her gaze was icy as she stared down the opposing counsel. So this was their desired outcome.

Her father's sudden collapse was no coincidence. It was all part of their scheme.

It wasn't until now that she understood the warning Paolo had given her when he came in. This was their trap all along.

If she walked out against their wishes, the case would be treated as a withdrawal, and as a lawyer, she'd face penalties.

Paolo's words echoed in her mind. The threat to ruin her reputation was becoming a reality.

Clara bit down hard on her lip. She couldn't ignore her father's life hanging in the balance. However, if she walked away now, not only would Heidi get off scot-free, but her own credibility in the legal world would be shattered.

At that moment, a warm, steady hand rested gently on her shoulder. Ian's deep voice resonated in her ear. "Clara, what's happened?"

With lan's timely arrival, Clara felt her eyes well up with tears. "lan, the butler just called. My dad's been rushed to the hospital. He's in critical condition."

lan's brow furrowed with concern. "Don't worry. I'll call the hospital right now."

He dialed the hospital and after a minute, he turned to Clara. His expression was grave. "It's true. Your dad's had a heart attack. It's serious. They're trying to save him."

When she heared the confirmation, the tears Clara had been holding back cascaded down her cheeks. She knew all too well how fragile the life of someone with heart disease could be, how mere minutes could mean the difference between life and death.

"Clara, your dad's going to be okay. We're heading to the hospital now. I'll have someone take care of things here," lan said, trying to reassure her as he began to lead her out.

Clara only took a few steps before she turned back and saw Heidi's self-satisfied grin.

If Clara left now, the case would end with a withdrawal of charges. And she would face the legal community's sanctions.

At that thought, Clara was overcome with grief, yet she bit her lip with resolve. "Ian, I can't leave. I have to win this case. I can't let their plot succeed."

Her eyes filled with such pain and determination, and lan felt a sharp pang in his own heart. "Alright then. We'll split up. I'll head to the hospital, and you stay here to fight. I believe your dad's going to pull through."

He wrapped Clara in his arms. His hand gently stroked her back. "Don't be afraid. I'm here for you. I won't let anything happen to your dad." He could feel Clara trembling in his embrace.

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