No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

A statement that made Brodie freeze in his tracks. "If my mother wasn't Leonora's stand-in, then the deeper meaning is... You mean to say the person who dated your dad years ago was my mother?" lan's sharp eyes flickered, and he gave a slight nod. "This explanation is the best I've come up with. Katherine was the woman in love with my dad. The one who married him and had children with him was an impostor. In his quest to ruin the Hayes family, Zachary found a woman who resembled Katherine, had her undergo plastic surgery, and even made her mimic Katherine's every move."

"Then, he sent her to my dad, thus extending his reach into the Hayes Corporation. That's why my dad can't remember Katherine. He only remembers Leonora's face and is unable to distinguish between the two. Leonora's parents, my maternal grandparents, passed away a long time ago. To prove which of the women is the real one, we only need to find my grandparents' belongings and test the DNA." Brodie heard his analysis and immediately caught the crucial information. "So, the woman Connor and Teo were fighting over was my mother, and you suspect he knows her true identity, right?"

lan took a drag of his cigarette. His voice was low. "These are just speculations without evidence. Even if you confront Connor, he won't admit it. So, I believe they've been after you and your mother all these years partly because Leonora wanted to hide her fake identity. Connor didn't want you returning to the Marecle family to contest the inheritance. Why did he bring you back later? I think he must have changed his strategy, but I haven't figured out what that is yet."

Hearing his explanation, Brodie felt a chill run down his spine. If this was true, not only was his mother in danger but even his grandfather and the entire Marecle family. They could all be under Connor's control Brodie clenched his fist, his voice grave. "So, you're having me take on this Vice President role to test Connor's motives, to see if he's actually Zachary."

lan spoke openly, "That's one reason. Another is that your grandmother and father want to make amends. These things will be yours sooner or later."

Brodie was silent for a moment, then said, "Okay, I'm willing to help you, but on the condition that my mother's safety is ensured."

"Don't worry, I won't act rashly. A single move could affect everything. What we're looking for is Zachary, the mastermind behind this."

The two signed a contract and briefly went over the company's business.

Then, lan took Brodie to a press conference. The news of Brodie's appointment as Vice President of Hayes Corporation spread instantly across the internet. Upon seeing this news, a smug smile appeared on the man in the wheelchair's gloomy face. "Ian, just wait to be driven out of the Hayes family."

Elsewhere.

Clara and Snow were taking a stroll in the garden when nearing noon, a flashy blue sports car pulled into the driveway.

Sasha got out, lacking her usual excitement and vivacity. Instead, she looked drained, walking awkwardly.

Clara immediately went over, concerned, "Sasha, are you sick? You look so out of sorts."

Sasha glared at Chase, gritting her teeth. "No, just got bitten by a mad dog early in the morning."