No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 410

lan's brows shot up in surprise. "You recognize the person in the photo?"

Rose's gaze lingered on the woman in the photograph as she began to speak. Her voice was low and distant. "That woman is named Anya. She was your grandfather's childhood sweetheart. A family feud kep them apart, but I've heard they had a child together - older than your father by a year. Could that be the little boy in the picture?"

Her words unlocked a floodgate of thoughts in lan's mind. "What happened to her afterward?"

"They say she and the child moved abroad. On the way to the airport, there was a car accident, and they both died."

lan furrowed his brow. His eyes pierced as he looked at Rose. "Was it my grandfather's doing?"

"Watch your mouth!" Rose glared at him. "Do you think your granddad's that kind of man? It was his brother who did it, trying to pin the blame on him, stirring up animosity from the Hansen family toward us. That's why the Hansens still see our family, the Hayes, as enemies. But the woman and child died in the accident, and where did you get this photo from?"

lan quickly pieced together his thoughts and said with a grave tone, "It's that man who wants to engulf the Hayes family. I suspect the child didn't die in the accident. The man in the wheelchair, he must be him."

At his words, Rose sighed deeply. "He still believes it was your grandfather who wanted them dead. What a tragic connection. The mistake your grandfather made years ago has caused you and Clara to suffer We, the Hayes, owe Clara an apology."

Rose took Clara's hand. Her eyes moistened as she watched her. Because of this fateful entanglement, not only had Clara lost her mother, but she had also repeatedly found herself in danger, narrowly escaping death several times. All of it was due to the grudges of the past, catching her in their crossfire without reason.

Seeing Rose's concern, Clara quickly comforted her, "Grandma, don't worry. This will all be over soon. Once we catch him, everything will be safe again."

Relieved by Clara's understanding, Rose nodded her head. Her eyes showed her gratitude. "You're a good girl, Clara. Ian's lucky to have you. Now, let's see what treats Grandma has brought you."

Rose produced a delicate little box from her bag and opened it to reveal an assortment of pastries. Clara's eyes widened. Her lips parted in delight. "Michelin-starred rainbow cupcakes? Wow, Grandma, how did you know I was craving these?"

"I had a hunch you'd like them, so I asked the butler to pick them up. Go on, have some."

"Thank you, Grandma."

Clara's pregnancy reaction wasn't too severe, and she usually had a hearty appetite, especially for her favorite treats. She eagerly grabbed a fork and plunged it into a cupcake. The creamy sweetness exploded on her taste buds and sank her into bliss.

Watching her indulge, lan,couldn't help but curve his lips in a fond smile. "My little foodie, got something delicious and didn't think to share with your man?"

Without missing a beat, Clara retorted, "I thought you didn't like sweets?"

Before she could react, lan leaned in and playfully licked the cream from her lips, murmuring with feigned longing, "But I do enjoy the sweetness from your lips."

Clara's cheeks flushed a deep red as she shifted away with her cupcake.

Rose watched the couple's playful banter with a contented smile. "Now that things are settling down, lan, once you're discharged, you should make it official with Clara. Then your father and I will visit the Bell family to discuss the wedding. I've been looking forward to this."

lan exchanged a smile with Clara. There was a hint of concern in his voice. "Let's wait a few more days, just in case of any backlash."

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