No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 259

Just then, the butler came in to report from outside the door.

"Rose, the York folks are here. Marian herself has come, and she brought along Ms. Heidi."

A flicker of disgust crossed Rose's eyes. Ever since finding out that Heidi had set them up, she hadn't had a shred of affection for that woman.

She hadn't wanted her to come over, but Heidi had gone and dragged her grandmother, Marian, into this. The Yorks and the Hayes had been tight for generations. With Marian showing up in person, there was no way Rose could refuse entry.

Rose immediately got up. "I'll go greet them."

Just as she stepped out, there was Heidi in a light blue gown, supporting Marian as they walked in. That innocently sweet face still wore a pleasant smile. "Grandma Rose, Grandmother, and I have come to wish you a happy birthday."

Rose approached with a chuckle and warmly took Marian's hand. "Marian, you honoring me with your presence is such a delightful surprise."

Marian smiled back at her. "Oh, it's no trouble at all. We have shared so many years of fondness. It's the least I could do."

After exchanging pleasantries, Marian glanced through the crowd, searching for a particular face, but she couldn't spot him.

She felt a twinge of disappointment. "I heard Ian was injured and in the hospital. Hasn't he been discharged?"

The mere mention brought a smug smile to Rose's face. "He's out but went with Clara to fit their formal wear. They'll be here soon."

As Rose's voice trailed off, Greta announced, "Grandma Rose, Ian, and Clara have arrived."

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

Clara approached and presented her birthday gift to Rose, her voice soft and gentle. "Grandma Rose, happy birthday. Wishing you health and a long life."

"Of course, I should live a long and healthy life," Rose laughed heartily. "I'm waiting for you two to give me a great-grandchild, after all."

She laughed a few more times and took out a small, exquisite box, from which she retrieved a green bracelet and placed it on Clara's wrist. "Clara, this is a little something from me to you. Wear it well. It'll bring you good fortune."

Heidi's eyes nearly bulged out of her head at the sight of the bracelet. She knew very well that it was a treasure passed down through the Hayes family, meant only for the lady of the house.

What was Rose implying? Not only did Rose want Clara to be with Ian, but she also seemed to be grooming Clara to become the matriarch of the Hayes family.

Heidi clenched her teeth in fury. She swore she wouldn't let Clara have her way.