No Strings Attached

Chapter 121

Clara’s voice held a wistful resignation as she spoke, “Mr. Hayes, there’s no question of forgiveness here because you haven’t wronged me. It was my own folly to assume that your kindness was a sign of true love. It wasn’t until later that I realized I was no different from that Samoyed you pampered, just another pet in your collection. Mr. Hayes, if you’re willing to spend the money, you can have any pet you desire, and they’ll surely please you more than I ever could.”

With that, Clara didn’t wait for lan’s response. She turned to Dawson, who was hurrying over, and said, “Mr. Hayes‘ ulcer is acting up. Take him to the hospital, will you? I’ve got other matters to attend to. I’m leaving.” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Without a backward glance, she stepped into the elevator. As the doors glided shut, Dawson sighed at the sight of his boss‘ pitiful gaze. Quickly, he moved to lan’s side. “Mr. Hayes, I’ll get you to the hospital.”

lan shook him off, his face stormy. “No need. Just get the pills from the car.” Then, he strode toward his private room.

Chase saw him standing at the door, pale and shaken, and sprinted over in alarm. “What’s happened? Surely, the chase hasn’t knocked you down this hard?”

lan had never looked so vulnerable: eyes bloodshot, face ashen, drenched in cold sweat. He seemed utterly defeated, like an eggplant hit by frost.

He slumped into his chair, head bowed, voice muffled and strained with a hint of hurt. “She didn’t care to see if I was okay. She wasn’t always like this.”

Roger quickly poured him a glass of warm water. “You’ve been hitting the bottle too l hard. Drink this to settle your stomach. Dawson’s getting your meds; just hang in there.”

Minutes later, lan took his medicine. He leaned back on the couch, the sharpness in his eyes now replaced by a lifeless stillness.

Chase exhaled deeply. “Should’ve seen it coming. You didn’t cherish what you had, and now, after all the hurt you’ve caused, a few sweet words aren’t going to cut it. Give it time.” Roger, hesitating, finally spoke, “I want to know why you’re pursuing Clara now. She’s traditional, through and through. Even if she still loves you, she’s not going to be your surrogate. She adores kids too much to let her own child call another woman ‘mom.“”

At that, lan’s apathy shattered. His eyes snapped to Roger, “What did you just say? When did I ever ask Clara to be a surrogate?”

Roger shot back, “Didn’t you promise Heidi a child?”

lan nodded, “I agreed to adoption, never for Clara to bear one for her. What are you on

about?”

Seeing lan’s genuine confusion, Roger pulled out his phone. “Here’s a video from my daughter’s christening. Watch.”

lan’s gaze sharpened as he snatched the phone and played the video. He saw the fury flash in Clara’s eyes the moment she heard the phrase ‘surrogate.’ He could tell that her eyes held not only resentment toward him and Heidi but also the pain of profound disappointment.

Her disappointment in him was as deep as her hatred.

Indeed, he had talked about being a surrogate, and he had given her three months to conceive and bear him a child. But he had only wanted to keep her close. He never intended to treat her like a surrogate.