No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 289

lan stroked her hair softly as she sobbed uncontrollably, offering a comforting embrace.

"Clara, I'm arranging for a consultation with top specialists for Reed right now. We're heading back to the city immediately."

The people at the door immediately intervened, "It's useless to treat such an illness. It's just a waste of money. If you guys have the cash to burn, go ahead, but we certainly don't."

"Yeah, we don't either. I've got three kids to marry off. Where would I get the money for Reed's treatment?"

The crowd was relentless with their remarks, infuriating Clara until she finally spoke with icy resolve, "Nobody needs your help. From now on, Reed is mine and my father's responsibility."

Clara's aunt overheard this and was visibly displeased. "I see what's going on here. You pretending to care for Reed is just a farce; you're really after the treasures he's got. No way Reed is leaving with you. If he must go, the treasures stay."

"That's right, leave the treasures if he's going."

Clara knew their eyes shone only for dollar signs, but she hadn't expected them to stoop this low. They were all Reed's kin. He had cared for them and spoiled them with treats.

Had their consciences been devoured by the devil?

Just as Clara was about to speak up, lan pulled her into his embrace. He kissed her forehead gently, his voice deep and soothing, "Go help Grandpa Reed pack his things. I'll handle this."

With that, he turned to Dawson and commanded, "Get these people out of here. Anyone causes trouble, break their legs!"

His voice carried an authority that sent shivers down the complainers' spines and had them retreating hastily.

Soon, the room was quiet again.

Reed sighed in resignation, "I'm sorry you had to witness this disgrace. Ungrateful descendants... I failed in their upbringing."

lan replied firmly, "The fault lies not in the stars but in ourselves. You're their grandfather; you're not to blame. Don't worry about anything, and come with us to the city for treatment."

"But I don't want to be a burden. You have your own careers, and your father-in-law is unwell. At my age, I don't have much time left anyway."

lan glanced at Clara and said, "Do you think Clara would agree just to let you be?"

Eventually, Reed relented under Clara's persistent coaxing and agreed to return with them.

Upon their arrival at the hospital, several specialists convened for Reed's consultation. The lead specialist shook his head regretfully.

"Mr. Hayes, Reed is in the late stages of stomach cancer. He has, at most, three months to live. Surgery and chemotherapy are pointless now. It would be best to let him enjoy whatever time he has left." Hearing this, Clara's vision blurred, and she fainted into lan's arms. When she came to, she found herself lying in a hospital bed with lan holding her hand, seated by her side.

As her eyes fluttered open, he whispered her name, "Clara."

Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at him. "How is Grandpa Reed?"

"Don't worry, Grandpa Reed is in good spirits. He insisted on not staying in the hospital, so I brought him here. We'll be with him every step of the way."

Hearing this, tears streamed down Clara's cheeks. As a child, whenever she'd cry for her father, Grandpa Reed would stuff her hands with candy and carry her to the lakeside to take in the view. She thought she had more time to be with him and take care of him, but the sudden turn of events was hard for her to accept.

With a choked voice, Clara whispered, "lan."

lan tenderly rubbed her head. "Don't be afraid. I'm here."

He was about to kiss her forehead when a faint voice interrupted the moment. "Let's go get married tomorrow."