No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 236

Clara stared at lan in disbelief. The apartments here were cozy, with two bedrooms and a living room, barely reaching a thousand square feet. That was smaller than any single bedroom in lan's sprawling mansion. And yet, here he was, abandoning his luxurious abode to become her neighbor, all for the sake of treating Snow's illness.

Snow was bounding around with such vigor that he hardly seemed like a dog with depression.

A wry smile touched Clara's lips. "Mr. Hayes, you're going to great lengths for Snow, aren't you?"

lan regarded her earnestly. "Clara, the vet suggested having a second kid would do wonders for Snow's recovery. She recommends we get Snow a little sister or brother. What do you think?"

He seemed completely unaware of how outrageous his suggestion might be, watching Clara intently, waiting for her response.

Clara allowed herself a soft chuckle. "Mr. Hayes, if you want to get a companion for Snow, you might try a pet store. No matter how hard you try, you can't exactly give birth to a puppy, can you?" She stood up and continued chopping vegetables.

Just then, the door swung open again. Clad in a casual black ensemble, Ryker stood at the threshold, cradling a large bouquet of colorful asters, a stark contrast to his brawny presence. He slipped off his sunglasses and called out, "Ms. Clara, I'm back!"

Hearing his voice, Clara hurried out of the kitchen, her face lighting up with a brilliant smile as she took him in. "You look like you've lost weight. Has the camp been skimping on meals?"

Ryker handed the bouquet over with a mock pout. "Nothing tastes as good as your cooking. I can hardly eat there."

"I've made your favorite dish. Eat as much as you can today, and thank you for the flowers. They're beautiful."

"If you like them, I'll bring you some every day."

Before Clara could reply, lan emerged, eyeing the bouquet with disdain. "Those weeds? Who'd want that? If you're buying flowers, at least get something decent, not a bunch of wildflowers. How embarrassing."

Ryker snorted softly. "This is how we do it these days. Only the old-timers are still hung up on cliché roses."

He gave lan a once-over. "Heard you got stabbed in the back. Shouldn't you be resting at home instead of gallivanting around?"

lan's eyes flashed with smugness. "Just stopping by to greet the new neighbor. It's good to have someone to watch your back."

Ryker stared at him in astonishment. "Don't tell me you've actually moved in here."

"You're sharp. Not as dull as you were when we were kids."

"lan, when will you stop haunting us? Haven't you caused Ms. Clara enough trouble? Every time danger has come her way, it's been because of you. And now you've moved in here, too? Aren't you afraid your crazy flame will one day snap and set the whole building ablaze?"

Ryker was visibly irritated at the mention of Heidi. If he had known she was so malevolent, he would have scared her to death the last time.

lan was about to speak when his phone rang inopportunely. The display caused his eyebrows to knit together, and his expression darkened as he answered.

Leonora's wailing voice came through immediately. "Ian, Heidi's taken poison. She refuses treatment and just wants to see you one last time. Please come quickly."

Leonora's voice was loud enough that Ryker heard every word. He scoffed, "You better hurry, or your precious Heidi will be gone for good."

lan replied with barely concealed irritation, "Her life or death is none of my concern. Stop calling me."

As he was about to hang up, he heard Leonora cry, "lan, she's Aunt May's daughter, and she's always been good to you. Can't you show her a little respect? Just come and persuade Heidi to get treatment. Is that too much to ask?"

lan was unsparing. "Aunt May would never acknowledge such a daughter! I'm done with her, and I don't want you bothering me again."