Chapter 130 Just then, Casey emerged from the kitchen, a platter in his hands. He glanced around the living room, a puzzled expression on his face. âHasnât Clara come back yet? I couldâve sworn I heard her voice a moment ago.â
lan sauntered over, taking the platter with a teasing smile. âSheâs upstairs changing. Iâll go cell her down in a bit.â
Casey hesitated before speaking. âMaybe letâs not. After all, you two have broken up, and a girlâs boudoir is offâlimits to outsiders.â
He was fond of lan and knew Clara had deep feelings for him. But considering the unpleasantness of their breakup, and as Claraâs father, he couldnât just forgive fan so easily.
Business was business, and matters of the heart were something else entirely. He would never again entangle his daughterâs emotions with any financial interests.
lan felt a sour twist in his chest at the word âoutsider,â
When Casey had been discharged from the hospital, lan had made an effort to dress up, bringing out a bottle of fine, vintage wine heâd saved for years.
Casey had truly seen him as a sonâinâlaw. He would always cook a few special dishes. whenever lan visited.
After some days, lan had gone from being a potential family member to an outsider. Casey treated him with nothing more than the courtesy of a distant acquaintance.
lanâs gaze dropped, shadows playing in his eyes.
Upstairs, Clara had been sitting for a while. There was still no sound of a car leaving. She guessed that lan was staying for dinner.
Standing by the window, she gripped an old cellphone tightly in her hand. She stared at a text message sheâd once sent, and her eyes began to moisten.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Clara composed herself and went to open it.
Casey stood there, an apron tied around his waist and a gentle smile on his face. His large hand ruffled her hair affectionately.
âYour generationâs issues are not for me to meddle in, but believe me, Iâm always on your side. Today, my car broke down on the way home, and lan happened to pass by. He helped me out and mentioned he was consulting an international expert for my condition. As a token of gratitude, I invited him to stay for dinner, nothing more.â
Clara chuckled dismissively. âItâs fine; we canât avoid each other forever.â
âThatâs the spirit. Letâs go eat,â he said, and they walked downstairs, arm in arm.
10:41 As they descended, Clara asked, âWhat did you want to talk to me about when you called me back?â
Casey slapped his forehead, laughing. âI almost forgot the big news. At my class reunion yesterday, I spotted several potential dates for youâfine young men, one after the other. Let me show you their pictures.â He pulled out his phone and started scrolling through the gallery for photos.
Clara didnât make much of it. Ever since she graduated from college, this had become a routine for her father. She flipped through the pictures just like before, occasionally making a comment or two.
Casey continued, âIf you like any of them, Iâll set up a date. You are so outstanding. Youâre bound to find the one meant for you.â
lanâs forehead vein throbbed at that remark.
Wasnât Claraâs secret admirer of seven years, Anders, and that puppyâlike protector Ryker enough of a headache for him? Why was Casey adding more rivals to his already complicated situation?
Without delay, lan snapped a photo of himself with his phone and sent it to Casey. With a steady gaze, he said, âCasey, this is my photo and resume. Please arrange a date for Claral and me as well.â