No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 231

lan's eyes, which had just been smiling, instantly chilled as he reached for Clara's phone, intending to hang up. But then he heard her soft reply. "Sure, I'm free tomorrow. What kind of food does your mom fancy? I could help her pick a restaurant."

Brodie's smile was gentle. "Aren't you worried my mom will actually take a shine to you?"

"That's what you want, isn't it? For her to like me so you can dodge the arranged marriage back home? Don't worry, I'll make a good impression," Clara said, stirring the spaghetti in the pot.

Brodie pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling helpless. Clara didn't remember him at all. She was no longer the little girl who used to run after him, calling out 'brother.' She had become a self-assured and independent woman.

He gave a half-smile. "Fine, you choose the restaurant, and I'll pick you up from your place."

"No need, Mr. Brodie. I can drive myself there."

Brodie chuckled lowly. "Clara, that formality kind of gives away that you're a rental."

After a few seconds of stunned silence, Clara asked, "So, should I just call you Brodie?"

"Sure. Everyone at home does. It sounds more familiar," he suggested.

Clara hesitated, then said, "Alright. Don't worry. I'll help you out with this mission." They agreed on the time and place before hanging up.

Clara turned to get two eggs from the fridge and was surprised to find lan standing at the doorway, his eyes full of silent sorrow. "Clara, you can't call him that."

"You and he are different. He's a pretend boyfriend, and you're not even that, are you?"

lan clenched his jaw in frustration. "Brodie is not as simple as you think. I've investigated him for so long and found nothing. Not even his family background, schools, workplaces - everything's a blank. Don't you find that dangerous? His intention to introduce you to his mother is a sham. He's planning to whisk you away, and I won't allow you to go with him!"

lan had used private detectives and still couldn't uncover Brodie's details, only that he was a criminal psychology expert brought in by the local police.

Someone so secretive about their background was not to be trifled with. Ian moved closer to Clara and embraced her. His chin rested on her shoulder, his voice muffled. "Clara, I'm injured and afraid I can't protect you if something happens. Please, don't go. Stay home with me, will you?"

Clara was merciless. "No."

"Then take me with you. I promise I won't interfere with your conversation."

Clara raised an eyebrow at him. "Who brings their ex to meet their boyfriend's parents?"

She cracked the eggs into a bowl and added, "Oh, and you're not even an ex. At best, a former boss, or maybe a former benefactor."

lan felt like his heart was pierced by a thousand arrows. All the harsh words he had once said to Clara were now being returned with interest. Each time she retorted, it was a fresh wound in his heart. "Clara, I nearly died saving you. Can't you treat me a little better?"

Clara scoffed, "Trying to play the victim like Heidi? It won't work with me."

She placed the spaghetti on the table and handed lan a pair of cutlery. "Eat up. You must be starving, right?"

lan's eyes darkened, and he grabbed her wrist firmly, his expression stern. "What do you mean by that?"

"I'm saying you intentionally got hurt saving me, trying to use that to keep me tied to you."

Upon hearing this, lan sat down thoughtfully and took out his phone to call Dawson. "Check the backgrounds of the people who went after me three years ago. See if there's any link to the Campbell family." Dawson understood immediately. "Mr. Hayes, do you suspect this was a trap set by Heidi?"

"It's not outside the realm of possibility. And get Heidi's medical reports thoroughly checked."

Clara's words had made him think of Heidi. Ever since his eyes had healed, the Campbell family had repeatedly sought intermediaries to restore the marriage arrangement. He had coldly refused each time. Using a life debt as a form of manipulation was not beyond Heidi's capabilities. He had simply failed to see her true nature before.

The next day at noon, Clara arrived as planned to meet Brodie and his mother.

Liana was a refined woman with a gentle demeanor and an air of elegance. She held Clara's hand and looked her over, her eyes glistening with tears. "Clara, how have you been all these years?" Clara was a bit taken aback by such a question on their first meeting, but she replied with a polite smile. "I've been well."

"That's good to hear. Now that Brodie is in Northbridge, you should go to him if you need anything. It's nice to have someone to rely on."

"Of course, I will."

As they were enjoying their conversation, lan approached with a stern expression. Spotting Clara, he feigned surprise, raising his eyebrows. "What a coincidence."

Clara internally cursed at the unwelcome intrusion. She nodded politely, knowing better than to provoke him in front of others. "Mr. Hayes, indeed it is."

She expected lan to sit at a nearby table, but to her dismay, he took the seat beside Liana. Pretending to be the perfect gentleman, he suggested, "Since we're all here, why don't we join tables? Ma'am, would you mind?"

Liana looked at him warmly, and at that moment, their gazes locked, both of their pupils dilating with recognition.

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