No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 282

lan's cool gaze rested upon them, the corners of his lips curling into a smile that held a hint of inscrutability. "What gifts exactly are you planning to send?"

The woman chuckled triumphantly. "Reed has got this vintage bowl. Word is it could fetch a pretty penny. If I gift that to the big boss, my son will be a shoo-in for the branch manager position next year. We're talking about a salary with six zeros, darling. Not something your run-of-the-mill family physician can compete with."

Clara watched as the group carried on with their snide remarks, and she couldn't help but furrow her brow in frustration. After all these years, why couldn't they shed their penchant for one-upmanship? With his formidable skills, Casey had taken the family business handed down from her grandfather to impressive heights, only to become the object of envy among these people. They would grasp at any straw to tarnish Clara's mother's reputation, undermining her father's standing within the family.

Clara had no desire to argue with them. She tugged at lan's arm and murmured, "Don't mind them. That's just their way."

lan chuckled dismissively. "I was just thinking of picking up an antique for you to play with."

Clara shot him a glance. "That's Grandpa Reed's treasure, and he won't part with it for anyone."

"I wasn't planning on actually taking it. Even if we were to tie the knot, it's not like just anyone can bring a wedding gift."

Forget about the position of a minor manager at Hayes Corporation's branch office- even the executives at headquarters wouldn't necessarily get an invite to their wedding banquet.

The doctor finished examining Reed and then declared, "Looks like it's just a fracture. I can set the bone right here and then apply a splint. He should be good as new in about a month."

lan bent down toward Reed and reassured him, "You heard the doc. It's nothing serious. Don't worry."

Reed became increasingly taken with the young man, chuckling heartily. "I told you it was nothing. It's Casey who made such a fuss coming over here. But since he's brought you and Clara along, I can't say I mind the interruption."

lan responded with measured grace, "His concern is natural, sir. And it's only right for us as the younger generation to come by and check on you when you're unwell."

His humble and polite demeanor sharply contrasted with his usual aloof and detached persona, leaving Clara momentarily disoriented.

Reed's place, while tidy, was rather rustic, a far cry from the luxurious environment lan had grown up in. But far from showing disdain, lan settled himself comfortably on the worn sofa and engaged in easy conversation with Reed.

Clara felt a surge of emotion that she couldn't quite define. Maybe this was love. For the one you cared about, you embraced whatever circumstances came your way.

As dusk fell, the village was enveloped in darkness. The dim light in the old house threw lan's features into sharp relief, his thick lashes casting shadows on his eyelids.

Watching lan, Clara felt waves of sweetness wash over her. She tugged at lan's arm and whispered, "I'm sorry the house is so modest. We won't keep you for dinner. You take the doctor and head back. I'll stay a few days with Dad."

lan's eyebrow quirked up playfully as he looked at her. "Parting ways so soon after the proposal, Mrs. Hayes? That's a tad unromantic." His words, laden with both roguish charm and deep affection, caused Clara's cheeks to color.

She bit her lip, explaining, "You've been away on business for so long. There must be a pile of things waiting for you at the office. You go ahead. Once Grandpa Reed's a bit better, I'll come back."

Casey chimed in, "Grandpa Reed hasn't seen Clara in ages, and he probably won't want her to leave. Let her stay a few days before she returns."

While lan was reluctant to part with Clara, his phone was incessantly buzzing with incoming calls and pressing matters.