No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 246

Casey and Victoria were strapped with explosives like two ticking time bombs. Tucked behind Casey, Victoria was nearly impossible to target—her silhouette almost completely obscured.

Considering the meticulous planning and such lethal attire, Ian didn’t think Victoria was capable of this on her own. The mastermind behind this was undoubtedly extraordinary. Their reach extended into the prison system and crafted such an impeccable escape. With this thought, a shadow of intensity deepened in Ian's gaze.

At the sight of her father wrapped in explosives, Clara couldn't help but let out a terrified scream. "Dad!"

She started to rush forward, but Casey stopped her in her tracks. "Clara, Ian, don't come any closer. Get out of here now! This woman's lost it. She's got the detonator, and she's ready to take us all out with her."

Ian's firm grip on Clara's wrist held her back as he spoke with a calm, resonant voice, "Clara, stay put. Let me handle this."

He raised the briefcase in his hand towards Victoria. "We've got your cash and your helicopter ready. Now let him go."

Victoria laughed mockingly, "Ian, have your men drop their weapons and back off twenty meters. You and Clara will personally deliver the money to me. Make a move, and we all go boom." As she spoke, Victoria lifted the detonator in a threatening gesture.

With a cool command in his voice, Ian acquiesced, "Alright, they'll back off." He signaled his guards with a glance, and as ordered, they holstered their weapons and retreated.

Ian, holding the briefcase in one hand and Clara's wrist in the other, inched closer to Victoria. When they were just a few steps away, they halted.

Ian declared, "Release Casey first. He's not well. I'll be your hostage until you're safely out of the country."