No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 338

When Clara rushed to the hospital, Casey had already been moved to the Intensive Care Unit.

Staring at her father, hooked up to a ventilator and surrounded by a myriad of medical devices, Clara slowly approached the bedside. She took her father's large hand in hers, and tears began to drop onto the back of his hand.

Immediately, lan wrapped his arm around her shoulder to comfort her. "Clara, don't be sad. He had a severe shock, a relapse of his heart condition. He just needs one more valve replacement surgery." Clara looked at lan through teary eyes. "But his health is so fragile. No expert here dares to perform the surgery."

lan tenderly wiped her tears away. "Stop crying. It's not good for the baby. And don't worry. I'm here. I won't let him leave you. I've already contacted Dr. Elude abroad. He can perform the surgery. The only issue is he's currently aiding in Africa, and with the conflict escalating there, I need to personally bring him back."

Hearing this, Clara looked at him with concern. "It's dangerous over there with the war and all. I don't want you risking your life."

lan reassured her with confidence. "Sweetheart, trust in your husband's abilities. Just take care of yourself and our baby, and wait for my return."

Clara was torn. On one hand was the father she adored, and on the other, the love of her life. She couldn't bear the thought of losing either.

She gripped his hand tightly, her gaze intense. "lan, I don't want to trade your life for my dad's. The baby and I need you here."

lan leaned down and kissed her forehead gently. "Okay, I promise, nothing will happen to me. I'll have someone here around the clock to watch over things. Don't go out unless it's absolutely necessary, alright?"

"I understand. I'll protect myself and our child."

"Good. I have to leave immediately. Your dad doesn't have much time."

lan held Clara's face tenderly, kissing her lips softly as his voice grew hoarser with each word. "Clara, don't worry about anything here. Just wait for me to get back, okay?"

Clara nodded, her eyes red-rimmed.

After giving her a few more instructions, lan finally left with his team. When he stepped out of the hospital lobby, he saw Edwin rushing in. "Ian, I heard about Mr. Casey's illness. How is he? Is Clara okay?" lan glared at him grimly. "You better hope nothing happens to either of them, or you can forget about Clara ever coming back to you."

Edwin immediately caught the implication. "Are you suggesting this has something to do with my father?"

"It's too much of a coincidence that Clara was in court when her dad suddenly had a heart attack. Paolo wants her to drop the case by forcing her to give up the trial. Edwin, if something happens to her dad, do you think she'll ever acknowledge Paolo as her father?"

Edwin clenched his fists in anger. "Don't worry. I'll get to the bottom of this. Where are you headed?"

"Africa, to pick up a doctor."

Edwin's frown deepened. He realized Casey's condition must be serious. "Go with peace of mind. I'm here, and I won't let anything happen to Clara."

lan didn't object. Having Edwin there to protect Clara would give him some relief. He hurried to his car and drove off.

Edwin turned and took the elevator. Standing outside the hospital room, he watched Clara clutching her father's hand. She was speaking softly to him, her eyes slightly red.

From her gaze, it wasn't hard to see the depth of her love for Casey and her fear of losing him. He couldn't help but wonder how devastated she would be if she ever found out that the man who had cherished her since she was a child wasn't her biological father.

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