Female Novel
Chapter 229
Clara didn't even flinch. Instead, she let out a light chuckle, "Paolo, is there some legal matter youwant 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’sparty today? Your little stunt didn't just tarnish her reputation. It also dragged her mother's goodname 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. Hedidn’t even bother with an investigation and just assumed Heidi was an innocent victim. What adoting father he was.
Clara wasn’t intimidated by his bluster. Her response was calm, even nonchalant. "Paolo, let's notthrow 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 takenaback by her sharp tongue and audacity.
The Campbells were a powerhouse in Northbridge, and crushing the Bells could be done in aheartbeat. Yet, this girl showed no fear.
His face darkened further. "Clara, you can keep your apologies. Just leave Ian. I'll give you fiftymillion. Take the money, go abroad, and never come back. If not, I’ll make life miserable for yourfather 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 andfamily background. He always believed his daughter would emerge victorious in the love triangleinvolving Heidi, Clara, and Ian.
However, things were not as simple as he thought. Ian was willing to risk his life for Clara. Thisrealization unsettled Paolo’s usually stoic heart. If he didn't take action, his daughter would lose notonly Ian but her honor as well.novelbin
Clara scoffed lightly, "Paolo, you might want to save that money for your daughter's legal fees. Whoknows? She might end up behind bars one day. As for who you choose to target, that's yourprerogative. But just a heads-up, I'm not a pushover, and the Campbell family has its share ofskeletons. 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'toverestimate yourself!"
"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 gripunexpectedly. Before she could react, she heard Ian's voice, cold and low. "Paolo, if you're notafraid of risking your family's legacy, go ahead and come after my father-in-law. You know I don'tplay favorites."
Paolo was fuming, his blood boiling with anger. Ian was willing to disregard the relationship betweentheir 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 herfeelings, 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 myengagement with Heidi? And even if it wasn't called off, do you still really think Heidi is a match forme?"
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 toHeidi, a vindictive move to get back at my daughter. You’re protecting a venomous woman like she'ssome 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 sheever found out Paolo was her biological father, how heartbroken she would be. To insult her oversome mistress' child was beyond comprehension.