No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

lan's voice was hoarse as he spoke, "Alright, try to minimize the losses. Don't let this affect the Campbell and the York families."

Brodie glanced at him. "It's already affected them. The stocks of both Campbell Enterprises and York Corporation hit their limit down at the market opening this morning. Your affair with Clara has been dug up and spread all over the internet. The York and the Campbell families are Clara's maternal homes, and many netizens are pointing their fingers at them. Additionally, Edwin and James stepped up early on to vouch for Hayes Corporation, so they've all been implicated. Other projects have also pulled out because of this scandal, causing both families to lose over ten billion combined."

lan pinched the bridge of his nose, speaking in a deep voice, "What can we do to prevent them from being implicated?"

A dark shade flashed in Brodie's narrow eyes. "You and Clara are husband and wife. Some people are specifically using this to create stories. Their aim is quite simple: to drive a wedge between you. They know Clara is your weakness, so they keep stabbing you there. Their ultimate goal is to break you down mentally, thereby gaining control over Hayes Corporation."

As lan heard this analysis, a wicked smile appeared on his lips. "They think they can separate me and Clara? That's never going to happen in this lifetime! I'll definitely find a way to save the Hayes family along with both the Campbell and York families."

He grabbed his phone and stood up to leave.

When lan got home, it was already eleven at night. By this time, Clara should have been fast asleep. However, when he pushed open the bedroom door, he saw Clara staring at her laptop.

Upon seeing him enter, she immediately closed her laptop. The tension on her face immediately gave way to a smile.

Her voice was gentle and soft. "Honey, you finally remembered me and the baby. I thought you had forgotten about us." She got out of bed and threw herself into lan's arms.

Feeling her softness and hearing her voice again made lan's heart ache. He gently stroked Clara's head and kissed her on the face. His voice was low and husky. "I'm sorry I've made you worry." Clara shook her head with a smile. "I believe you'll handle everything well. My uncles and brothers called today, saying they'd stand by you through this. Don't worry."

lan gently caressed the side of her ear with his fingertips. His dark eyes filled with guilt as he looked at her. "Clara, is it hard being with me? Not only have I hurt you so many times, but now your family is also implicated because of me. I feel like I'm not a good husband."

Clara immediately covered his mouth with her small hand. "Don't say that. You're the love of my life. Being with you makes me very happy. No matter what happens, we should never doubt our love, okay?" Hearing these words, lan's eyes suddenly became teary. This was the woman who, from their first meeting, had stood by him through thick and thin. No matter what happened or how much trouble he brought her, she had never complained.

lan gently closed his eyes and held Clara tight. He whispered in her ear, "Clara, thank you for believing in me so much. I'll definitely find a way to get through this."

After being apart for a few days, they cuddled for a while before lan took Clara to bed. He watched her belly grow day by day, noticed her slightly swollen feet and tenderly stroked her forehead. For the first time, he felt uncertain about their future.