No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 391

Teo grabbed Leonora by the collar without a shred of mercy and tossed her onto the ground like a ragdoll. His eyes blazed with fury, not a hint of pity. "Leonora, let me make one thing crystal clear—you better pray Ian pulls through. If he kicks the bucket, you can kiss your sweet life goodbye!"

Leonora's eyes widened with terror, and she immediately shook her head, pleading through tears, "Teo, my bad. I just wanted to spook you a bit. I never thought the flames would go wild, and I never meant for Ian to get hurt for my sake. I'm so sorry. Please, let me see him. He's my own flesh and blood, after all. My heart's been in tatters, like it's been pierced by needles."

Teo's grip tightened around her neck, his voice seething with anger, "So, you're in pain, huh? Eaten up by guilt, are you? Good. My son's fighting for his life, teetering on the edge, and you think I'll let you off easy? I'll torment you slowly. For every day Ian's out, you'll wish you could die, but it won't be that simple!"

Leonora gasped for air, her face turning a shade of deep purple as Teo's fingers threatened to crush her windpipe. She had never seen Teo this enraged. Looked like Ian's vegetative state was the real deal.

A flicker of satisfaction crossed her mind, yet tears continued to stream down her face.

When Teo saw she was nearly suffocating, he finally loosened his grip and flung her aside. Then he turned on his heel and left.

As he pushed open the door to Ian's hospital room, the harshness on his face melted away. His eyes softened as he looked at Clara. "Clara, Grandma Rose cooked up some chicken soup for you. Have it while it's still warm."

He even ladled a bowl himself and handed it to her. Ian, lying on the bed, let out a heavy sigh, "Dad, my fate is hanging by a thread, and you can't spare a thought for me? You’re all about taking care of your daughter-in-law and grandchild."

Teo shot him a look. "You're practically a goner. What's there for me to fuss over? I've got to make sure Clara and the kid are alright for the sake of the Hayes family legacy."

"So you're hoping I’ll kick the bucket sooner so my son can take over, is that it?"

"Something like that. If you go early and the kid's still a squirt, Clara taking the reins is all the same to me."