No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
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 lan 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, lan, and Clara have arrived."

All eyes turned toward the entrance.

lan stood there in a bespoke black suit and a sapphire blue tie, setting off his chiseled features and striking brows. By his side, Clara wore a light aqua embroidered gown that hugged and highlighted her curves. Her wavy hair was pinned back with a wooden hair clip, with a few loose strands framing her face. Her delicate features and ethereal presence instantly drew admiring glances even.

This was Clara's first time attending a family dinner with lan, and she couldn't help but feel a touch of nervousness, clutching his arm a little tighter.

lan caught the subtle gesture, leaning in to whisper with a teasing glint in his eyes, "Darling, where's all that courage from last night when you clung to my waist, begging me not to stop?"

Clara, already on edge, felt her face flush crimson at his words. Her eyes glistened as she looked up at him, wishing she could silence his teasing. Amused by her adorable reaction, lan gently nudged her nose and reassured her, "Don't worry, love. I'm here, and no one's going to bully you." With that, he escorted Clara toward Rose. "Grandma Rose, I've brought Clara back to you."

Rose's eyes got teary as she witnessed the couple, once weathered by life's tempests, finally reunited. She beckoned Clara over. "Clara, come here." 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 lan, 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.

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