No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 282

Ian'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 Ian's arm and murmured, "Don't mind them. That's just their way."

Ian 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."

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

Watching Ian, Clara felt waves of sweetness wash over her. She tugged at Ian'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."

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