No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 414

Trevor's face broke into a satisfied grin as he listened to his son. He patted Anders on the shoulder. His voice was deep and steady. "Take Elle home to recuperate. The family doctor will take good care of her. She'll be in safe hands."

Elle immediately interjected, "That won't be necessary. My dad will be here to pick me up soon. Let Orin go back with you."

"Elle, this whole mess started because of me. It's my duty to see it through. If I don't, I'd be shirking my responsibilities. Please, give me a chance to make amends," Trevor implored. His earnest tone made it hard for Elle to refuse.

Just then, James York, looking stern and serious, bustled over with a group of people. "Our York family can take care of our own daughter. We don't need to trouble the mayor," he said. His face was a mask of solemnity.

He approached Elle. His eyes were filled with the tenderness and concern. With a gentle hand, he brushed Elle's forehead and said, "My foolish girl, remember what your dad always tells you: you're no saint. Don't forgive everyone. Always remember the pain you went through carrying Orin. No one can ever take that away from you."

James took Elle from Anders with a grim smile. "We don't need to trouble Mr. Trevor and Mr. Anders with my daughter's injuries. I'll find the best doctor for her. You needn't worry."

Anders felt a sting of shame. He knew James had always felt this way towards him. Allowing him to recognize Orin as his child was one thing, but anything beyond that was off the table.

As Elle was whisked from his grasp, Anders' heart clenched. He said softly, "Mr. James, please, let me take care of Elle. Give me a chance."

James let out a cold laugh. "Want to take care of her? You're too late! When she was pregnant, she wandered alone abroad, too scared to tell you or her family. Do you know how much she suffered? She fainted on the streets with no one to help her. If not for a kind stranger, our only daughter might not have made it."

Hearing this, Anders hung his head in guilt. "Mr. James, I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry. You can't force matters of the heart. Since you were so heartless back then, you should've known there'd be no chance for you two. Our family doesn't raise daughters to suffer for a man. Once the child is born and Orin's condition stabilizes, I'll find her a reliable man. Legally, you're Orin's father, but that's all there will ever be. I hope you understand." After saying that, he scooped up Elle and made to leave.

Trevor suddenly grabbed his arm. "Mr. James, Anders made mistakes, but he's come to realize them. Please give him a chance. After all, there are two children involved. You wouldn't want them to grow up with their parents apart, would you?"

James remained unmoved. "What age do you think we're living in? There are no such taboos now. Rest assured. We won't deny your son's visitation rights. But getting back with my daughter? That's never going to happen."

He left with Elle in his arms before the Dolans could react. At the door, James noticed Clara staring at him, dazed. His previously cold face softened with concern. "Clara, you weren't hurt, were you?" Clara shook her head. "Elle shielded me."

"That's good. At least she's acting like a big sister. Take your uncle to check on lan, will you?"

Clara looked puzzled. She had always called him Mr. Jame. Why was he suddenly "uncle" today?

Elle, still in his arms, gave James' collar a gentle tug and shot him a look. James realized his slip-up and quickly smiled, "Well, if you're calling my mom 'grandma', can't you call me 'uncle'? I will give you a gift. Is that okay?"

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