No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 245

"Alright, I'm on it."

Ian hung up the phone and remained silent for a few seconds. His people had just made contact with Victoria, and before they could pry any useful information from her lips, she had landed in trouble.

There was no way this was just a coincidence. Someone with a long reach was pulling strings from behind the scenes, all the way into the prison. Was it an attempt to silence someone for good, or was there another agenda at play?

Ian glanced at Clara, a sinking feeling in his gut. "Clara," he called softly, "stay by my side for the next few days. Don't go anywhere on your own."

Clara had overheard the phone call. She knew what Ian was worried about. So, without any objection, she obediently nodded.

For several days straight, Ian stayed at Clara's place. Although they slept in separate bedrooms, their relationship had warmed considerably.

Just when they thought this ordeal might be behind them, Clara's phone rang early one morning. It was her dad. With affection, she answered, "Dad?"

But what came back was Victoria's sinister chuckle. "Clara, your dear daddy is with me now. Want to save him? Have Ian rustle up ten million for me, or I'll be taking your beloved dad down to hell with me."

Clara felt the strength drain from her body. She collapsed onto the bed, her voice trembling. "Victoria, don't you dare touch my dad. If anything happens to him, I'll never forgive you!"

Hearing her shaky voice, Ian, who had been in the kitchen whipping up pancakes, rushed over and snatched the phone from her hands.

"Victoria," he said icily, "if you lay a finger on him, I swear you'll regret it."

Victoria sneered, "Ian, prepare ten million. Get me out of the country, or I'll make your woman lose the dad she adores."

"Don't you dare!"

"What's stopping me? She's not my flesh and blood. What do I care?"

Dawson responded immediately, "On it, I'll get everything prepared."

After hanging up, Ian saw Clara's tear-streaked face looking at him. He walked over and held her in his arms, comforting her, "Don't worry, I won't let anything happen to Casey."

Clara was cold to the touch, her lips pale. "Ian," she croaked.

He kissed her lightly on the lips. "I'm here, Clara."

"Please, save my dad. I can't lose him."

"I know. I'll bring him back."

An hour later, Ian and his team arrived at the location Victoria had given them, but the scene that unfolded before his eyes left him completely stunned.