No Strings Attached

Chapter 229

Clara didn't even flinch. Instead, she let out a light chuckle, "Paolo, is there some legal matter you want me to represent you in? If so, we can talk at the office tomorrow."

"Clara, cut the act. Are you going to sit there and tell me you weren't behind the fiasco at Heidi’s party today? Your little stunt didn't just tarnish her reputation. It also dragged her mother's good name through the mud. If you don’t step up and publicly apologize, don’t expect me to play nice."

A mocking laugh echoed silently in Clara's mind. Paolo sure had a soft spot for his daughter. He didn’t even bother with an investigation and just assumed Heidi was an innocent victim. What a doting father he was.

Clara wasn’t intimidated by his bluster. Her response was calm, even nonchalant. "Paolo, let's not throw around baseless accusations, or I might have to sue you for defamation."

For the first time, Paolo was engaging in a head-on confrontation with Clara, and he was taken aback by her sharp tongue and audacity.

The Campbells were a powerhouse in Northbridge, and crushing the Bells could be done in a heartbeat. Yet, this girl showed no fear.

His face darkened further. "Clara, you can keep your apologies. Just leave Ian. I'll give you fifty million. Take the money, go abroad, and never come back. If not, I’ll make life miserable for your father and your friends too."

His daughter was sobbing on the sofa like a delicate flower, and Paolo’s heart ached.

He had never seen Clara as a threat. Heidi outshone her in every conceivable way - in talent and family background. He always believed his daughter would emerge victorious in the love triangle involving Heidi, Clara, and Ian.

However, things were not as simple as he thought. Ian was willing to risk his life for Clara. This realization unsettled Paolo’s usually stoic heart. If he didn't take action, his daughter would lose not only Ian but her honor as well.

Clara scoffed lightly, "Paolo, you might want to save that money for your daughter's legal fees. Who knows? She might end up behind bars one day. As for who you choose to target, that's your prerogative. But just a heads-up, I'm not a pushover, and the Campbell family has its share of skeletons. If you're not afraid of what I might dig up, by all means, make your move."

"How dare you threaten me! Do you think you, a mere lawyer, can take down the Campbells? Don't overestimate yourself!" Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

"Whether I'm overestimating myself or not, Paolo, you'll just have to wait and see."

After dropping that line, Clara was about to hang up the phone, but it was snatched from her grip unexpectedly. Before she could react, she heard Ian's voice, cold and low. "Paolo, if you're not afraid of risking your family's legacy, go ahead and come after my father-in-law. You know I don't play favorites."

Paolo was fuming, his blood boiling with anger. Ian was willing to disregard the relationship between their families for Clara, even going as far as protecting Casey as if he were his father-in-law.

Paolo ground his teeth. "Ian, don't forget what Heidi has lost trying to save you. You dismiss her feelings, calling someone else's dad 'father-in-law.' Have you ever considered how I feel?"

Ian chuckled softly, "Paolo, are you getting forgetful? Wasn't it you who personally called off my engagement with Heidi? And even if it wasn't called off, do you still really think Heidi is a match for me?"

Paolo was left speechless, struggling to catch his breath. After a few seconds, clutching his chest, he managed to say, "Don't listen to Clara's nonsense. She orchestrated everything that happened to Heidi, a vindictive move to get back at my daughter. You’re protecting a venomous woman like she's some precious gem. Someday, she'll turn on you."

Ian glanced at Clara, his eyes filled with a tender concern as he pulled her into his embrace. If she ever found out Paolo was her biological father, how heartbroken she would be. To insult her over some mistress' child was beyond comprehension.