Chapter 136 How could Clara not see the obvious intention? It was maddening.
lan was holding a bouquet of roses heâd picked up earlier and was just about to instruct Dawson to bring the car around when Ryker came barreling down the street in Claraâs BMW, effectively blocking his way.
With his sunglasses on, Ryker whistled in his direction, then grinned and said, âSorry, buddy, looks like rainâs on the way. Gotta dash and pick up my girl.â With that, he popped open a black umbrella and made a beeline for Clara.
lan felt a vein in his temple throb with irritation.
Seemingly oblivious to lanâs mounting fury, Dawson pointed to the car and said, âMr. Hayes, isnât that Ryker? Whatâs this about picking up a goddess? Is he shacking up with Attorney Clara now?â
His eyes widened in surprise, catching sight of lanâs scowl reflected in the rearview mirror, darker than a thundercloud.
lanâs cold gaze swept over him mercilessly. âKeep quiet, Dawson, No one will mistake you for a mute.â
Dawson clammed up instantly, spooked into silence.
Then the rain began to fall, a fine drizzle that soon intensified, drumming against the car windows and splashing up in a spray.
lan caught sight of Clara approaching and immediately stepped out of the car with the flowers. He was just about to make his way over to her when the crowd that had been fawning over Clara pushed him to the outside.
Clara looked up for a moment and saw a man standing in the rain, clutching a bouquet. Their eyes met across the veil of rain, and although they were only steps apart, Clara felt like worlds lay between them.
Her face was expressionless as she bid farewell to her alumni and climbed into the car, not sparing lan a second glance.
lan stood alone in the rain, watching Claraâs car drive away, his heart aching in sharp, sporadic twinges. The wound on his head began to throb in sympathy.
Clara was ignoring him now. Even seeing him in the rain did not draw her concern. This was not the Clara whose world had once revolved solely around him.
Just then, Dawson camé running over with an umbrella. âMr. Hayes, the rainâs getting heavier. Best get in the car before your wound gets infected.â
It took a while for lan to respond in a hoarse voice, âSo what if it gets infected?â
âAn Infection could lead to a fever, Mr. Hayes. Letâs head home and get you treated.
Jan arched an eyebrow, his gaze icy. âYou go back. I need to walk alone.â
Without waiting for Dawson to react, he strode off into the rain, indifferent to Dawsonâs pleas.
At nine oâclock that night, Claraâs phone rang. It was lanâs housekeeper, a woman who had always taken good care of her. Clara had no reason not to answer.
âHello, whatâs going on?â
âMs. Clara, Mr. Ian has a fever of 38.5 degrees. He refuses to take his medicine or see a doctor. Heâs waiting for you to come and tend to him.â
Claraâs brow furrowed in frustration. âPlease call Dawson or Dr. Chase. They have more sway with him than I do.â
âMs. Clara, Mr. Ian says he wonât let anyone touch him except you.â
âThen let him suffer,â she snapped, ending the call abruptly.
Seconds later, the phone rang again.
âYou tell lan that I am not a doctor, nor am I his personal nursemaid. His life or death has nothing to do with me. Stop calling me,â
Clara said, ready to hang up.
But from the other end came lanâs voice, deep and hoarse. âClara, if I go public with our relationship, will you come back to me?â