No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 257

Clara felt a surge of emotions she couldn't quite name. There was a tenderness for Ian, certainly, but even more so, she was moved by the lengths he had gone for her.

She mastered the storm brewing in her eyes and turned to Elle with a small curve of her lips. "Thanks for sharing all this with me. I hope you and Anders find your way back to each other soon."

Elle offered a faint smile. "Reconciliation sometimes takes more than just courage. It also requires someone's silent sacrifice. Haven't you ever found anything odd about that case about Ian, Ms. Clara?"

Clara's brow furrowed slightly at these words. "What do you mean?"

Elle continued, "I mean, Ian loves you so deeply. How could he ever give another woman a chance to get close? Do you really believe he was out of it that night after having too much to drink?"

After this, Elle gave Clara a light smile, "That case cost Hayes Corporation a fortune, nearly tarnished Ian's reputation, but it also made you an overnight sensation, catapulting you from rock bottom to the pinnacle. Haven't you ever wondered?"

Elle took another sip of her coffee, nodded at Clara, and left the café.

Clara remained, stunned, in her seat. She didn't know that the car Elle climbed into was occupied by an octogenarian.

Marian peered through the window at Clara sitting by the café window, and without realizing it, tears began to stream down her face.

Elle immediately went to comfort her. "Grandma Marian, what's wrong? Are you feeling alright?"

Marian shook her head. "I'm fine. It's just that when I saw that girl pick the strawberries off her cake, she reminded me of your aunt. There's a resemblance."