No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 492

The moment the words left his lips, all eyes turned in his direction.

lan clicked his tongue. "When have we ever shied away from a juicy steak, mate? Look at you, panting like you've run a marathon. You should knock back some oysters later and get some strength back."

Chase, fuming, gave him a swift kick. "For your information, I just went for a run. And don't you worry, I could go all night long, three days straight even, and my back wouldn't give an inch." Edwin, overhearing, delivered a playful knee to Chase's lower back, eliciting a yelp as he leaped up.

"Edwin, you're just jealous I'm off the market," Chase accused.

Edwin scoffed, "One hearty meal, and you're all puffed up. Remember, it's not about one feast. It's about keeping the table full every night-that's the real deal."

Chase pointed at them indignantly. "Are you lot doubting me? Just you wait. I'll be feasting every single night just to show you."

The men hadn't had a full gathering in a while, so naturally, when they did meet up, there was no shortage of friendly jabs.

Their banter was interrupted by the smooth roll of a black Rolls-Royce entering the yard.

Teo stepped out with Katherine at his side.

He wasn't just opening the car door for her. He took her coat, too, his eyes never straying from her.

Chase nudged lan with his elbow. "What's the deal here? Teo hitting a second wind in romance?"

Roger, equally curious, chimed in, "lan, is this going to be your new step-mom? She looks all sweet and nurturing, a real step up from your real mom, that's for sure."

They were whispering among themselves when Teo's hearty laugh rang out.

"You rascals, always scrapping the minute you see each other. You're all grown up. How come you're still acting like kids?"

He gallantly took Katherine's hand and introduced her with a smile, "Gentlemen, this is Brodie's mother, Katherine. Just 'Katherine' will do."

In unison, the group greeted, "Hi, Katherine."

Katherine nodded with a gentle smile. "Hello, everyone."

Chase teased with a grin, "Teo, what's going on here? I haven't seen you this lively in years. Are you expecting us to chip in for a wedding gift or what?"

Teo playfully kicked him back. "You little troublemaker, always with the smart mouth."

Roger added, "Teo, we're just speaking the truth. Both you and Katherine are single; why not give a late-in-life love a chance? Show us bachelors how it's done."

Chase immediately countered, "Speak for yourself. I've got a girlfriend now. Eddie's the only bachelor here."

As the fellas continued their playful bickering, Katherine's smile remained warm and affectionate.

"Why are you guys the same as when you were kids and always picking on the quiet Eddie? Be careful, or he'll get even like he once did when he secretly tore up your homework."

At the mention of this old story, Roger glanced at Edwin. "Him, quiet? He was a sly one, this boy. We were just fooling around, and he got so mad that he tore up all our summer assignments. We ended up standing in the corner as punishment."

Laughter erupted from the group.

Only lan's brow was furrowed, his hands clenched into fists at his sides.

How did Katherine know about that?

Why did she seem so familiar with their antics?

Who was she really, and what role had she played in their lives?

The others, caught up in their joking, missed these subtle cues.

lan, masking his concern, spoke up, "Katherine, Clara has been dying to try your famous lasagna since this morning. She hasn't stopped talking about it."

At that, Katherine's face lit up with a smile. "You boys catch up. I'll go check on Clara."

Then, she headed towards the villa's grand hall.

The rest followed inside, leaving Teo and lan alone in the courtyard.

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