Female Novel
Chapter 293
Clara’s aunt pointed an accusing finger at Clara. "I always said you and your mother were nothingbut bad omens, bringing just bad luck. You just had to take Reed to see the doctor, and now lookwhat happened! The man's gone, and we were all counting on him to make ends meet."
"I bet she had something to do with Reed's death. She probably wants to hog that family heirloomall to herself."
"With all the grandchildren we have, there's no way that treasure should go to just her. She's alwaysbeen a financial drain. We ought to auction it off and split the cash."
"Yeah, sell it and split the proceeds."
In a flash, Reed's funeral had turned into a scene of greed and division.
Clara kept her head bowed, silent amidst the chaos, her mind filled with images of Grandpa Reed inhis suit. She was wracked with guilt. If only she hadn't taken Reed away that day, maybe he'd stillbe alive. The cacophony of insults and reproaches seemed to encase Clara in a cocoon of misery.
Just then, Ian stepped forward, pulling a document from his pocket and presenting it to theclamorous crowd. "Grandpa Reed knew you lot would pull a stunt like this, so he donated theheirloom to the National Museum six months ago. This is the proof."
Clara’s aunt snatched the certificate, her eyes scanning the photo of the heirloom. There wasReed's signature and the museum's seal. Tears, which had been stubbornly absent until then,suddenly cascaded down her cheeks.
"The old man played us for fools! He'd donated it already and never breathed a word. He wanted usall fawning over him to the very end. And now, all our efforts have been for nothing."
The revelation left everyone seething with anger. They had agreed to share the funeral expenses,but in the end, Casey and Clara shouldered the costs. Even at the burial, several of Reed'sgrandchildren were conspicuously absent.
Clara stood by Reed's grave, her composure like a statue as if she had cried all her tears in thedays before.
Ian, standing beside her, put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "Clara, let's head back home.We can come visit Grandpa Reed again in a few days," he said softly.
Clara looked up, her eyes red and swollen. "Has Leonora been found?"
Ian's expression darkened. "Yes, she's been found. My father has her locked up at home."
"Take me to her."
They drove straight to the Hayes family estate.
Seeing Clara's pallid face, Rose took her hand with a gentle concern. "Clara, don't be too hard onyourself. Look after your health."
Clara's voice was hoarse. "Grandma Rose, I'm alright. I need to see Leonora."novelbin
Rose felt a pang of sorrow. She knew that Ian's marriage prospects would be in jeopardy unlessLeonora was dealt with properly. She immediately instructed the butler, "Bring that woman to me."
Leonora was escorted to the living room. Seeing Clara, she rushed over, grabbed her arm, andwatched her with a face full of feigned innocence. "Clara, I swear I didn't say anything. I was justtalking to Reed about the dowry arrangements. He must've gotten too excited seeing the generousdowry the Hayes family offered you, and his blood pressure spiked. I really didn't do anything. Youhave to believe me."
Clara shook off Leonora's grip, her gaze icy as she stared at her. "Reed was never a vain man. If hewere, he wouldn't have donated a family treasure worth three hundred million to the NationalMuseum. Aside from my father, Reed was the one who cherished me the most in this world. Youmust've told him something about me, something he couldn't accept, and that's what caused hisstroke. I want to know what you said to him!"