No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 29

lan stood in front of Clara. His expression was crinkled with irritation, his tone was anything but friendly. "You had your chance and you blew it. Now you're having second thoughts and you've set your sights on my

Grandma?"

Clara was lost, completely at a loss. She turned to the old lady, her voice laced with disbelief, "You mean your grandson is him?"

The old lady nodded with a warm smile, "Yes, dear. Do you two know each other? That's wonderful. It means there's already a connection, you'll be more comfortable together."

Clara forced a sheepish grin, "I'm sorry, but since your family has come for you, I really must be going. I have other matters to attend to."

The moment Clara stood up, lan's grip tightened around her wrist. "You think you can just hit someone and waltz off like that?"

Clara's smile was cold, "Mr. Hayes, don't forget, there's a dashcam in my car. Trying to stage a setup won't work!" With that, she turned on her heel and left without looking back.

She had only taken a few steps when lan's icy voice reached her. "Clara, why go to such lengths to play hard to get with me? Just accept my offer, and everything with the Bell family will be just fine." Without looking back, Clara retorted sharply, "I'm afraid I'll disappoint you, Mr. Hayes. The Bell family has already weathered the storm."

Ignoring Rose's calls for her to stay, Clara quickly disappeared into the distance.

Observing Clara's delicate silhouette coupled with the determination in her eyes, Rose fixed lan with a gaze prickling with irritation. "Useless is what you are! Do you have any idea how hard I worked to reel in a wife for you? I nearly worked myself to death. And you? You've gone and chased her off as soon as you show up. Do you think she cares about your money? Let me tell you, she doesn't give a hoot about it." lan frowned at her, "Who asked you to do that? Don't you realize how dangerous it is?"

"What choice did I have? If I didn't act, she really would have been gone for good," Rose said, casting a disdainful look at her grandson. Ian had always been the best at everything since he was young, except when it came to marriage. On that front, he lagged far behind.

lan wanted to lecture her further, but seeing Rose sighing heavily, he held back and simply stated, "What's there to worry about? She'll come back once she's had enough." Rose, staring at her arrogant grandson, pounded the table in exasperation.

"How did I end up raising someone like you? A wife needs to be cherished. Have you ever seen anyone else treat their partner with such coldness? With your attitude, you'd drive a hundred women away. It's utterly disappointing. Look at Mrs. King's grandson. He's already had two children in three years."

With a contemptuous huff, Rose stormed off without looking back.

Over the weekend, Casey was discharged from the hospital safe and sound. Sasha and Anders arrived early to celebrate, bringing with them a lot of Clara's favorite dishes and taking turns cooking.

Casey watched Clara sitting on the sofa, lost in thought, and gently ruffled her hair. "You've been through a lot lately, kiddo. I'm on the mend now, and since you've left your job, why not take this time to enjoy yourself? Anders mentioned he has to go back to France to work on a case, right? You could go with him, and take your mind off things. I know I haven't been the most attentive father, and you've faced your share of hardships because of it. From now on, I'll do better."

His father's intentions couldn't be clearer. He wanted her to move on from her past relationship and start fresh.

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Chapter 29

Clara smiled, "I'm fine, really. I'll just rest at home for a few days. I'll be quite busy soon. I've got a friend's wedding to attend, and then a coworker's kid's first birthday party. Don't worry about me. I'll get myself sorted."

Casey gave her a meaningful pat on the shoulder. "Married and with kids already, huh? Then it's indeed time to have some fun and celebrate."

As father and daughter chatted away contentedly, the butler rushed in with news,