11:02 Chapter 170 Following Andersâ car, the two arrived at a local upscale diner known for its prime rib and cheesecake.
With the grace of an oldâschool gentleman, Anders opened the car door for Clara, his smile warm and charming. âClara, my grandparents are eager to meet you. Theyâve been waiting here for quite a while.â
Clara didnât decline. Instead, she offered a light smile, âDuring my investigation, they were a huge help. I really should pick up a little something to show my gratitude.â
âNo need for gifts. Just join them for dinner,â Anders insisted.
Together, they entered the diner and were immediately greeted by two silverâhaired seniors.
Andersâ grandma immediately took Claraâs hand with a beaming smile, âYou must be Clara. Such a beauty! You and our Anders are a match made in heaven.â
Clara greeted them politely, âMaâam, sir, thank you for your assistance. Please, allow me to treat you to dinner tonight.â
Andersâ grandma playfully scolded, âMaâam? Call us grandma and grandpa, itâs so much cozier,â
Clara glanced at Anders. She hadnât yet responded to his advances. Wasnât it a bit presumptuous to address them so intimately?
With a smile, Anders said, âEven as friends, itâs not too much to call them grandma and grandpa.â
Clara chuckled softly, acquiescing with a gentle, âGrandma, grandpa, nice meeting you.â
The two elders were thrilled. Grandma Dolan immediately took off her bracelet and, before Clara could react, she slipped it onto Claraâs wrist.
âClara, dear, this is a little something from me to you. Donât think itâs too much. Itâs been passed down through generations.â
Clara tried to refuse, âThis is too precious. I canât accept it.â
Grandma Dolan feigned offense, âIf you donât accept it, youâre spurning this old lady.â
âGrandma, how could I...â Claraâs protestations were cut short as Anders whispered in her ear, âJust accept it for now. You can always take it off later, donât upset them.â
Reluctantly, Clara gave in. It seemed it was time to seriously consider her relationship with Anders.
Watching from a nearby table, lan observed the entire exchange. Seeing Clara with the bracelet Andersâ grandma gave her, he was fuming.
lan pointed at Clara, reproachfully muttering, âThat foolish woman, canât she see sheâs falling right into Andersâ trap? That bracelet is clearly a family heirloom. Wearing it is as good as acknowledging a relationship with Anders. I have to remind her.â
Dawson grabbed the lanâs arm, âMr. Hayes, it might not be wise to intervene. It might only push Attorney Clara further away.â
âWhat am I supposed to do, then? That silly woman is being conned and she doesnât even see it.â
âHow do you know Attorney Clara is being conned? What if sheâs considering a future with Attorney Anders?â
The words hit lan like a knife to the chest, his fingers trembling slightly. Was Clara really thinking of being with Anders? Did she no longer want him?
These thoughts weighed on lan like a heavy stone, making it hard to breathe. She was his woman, the one she loved was always him. How could she possibly be with someone else?
At that moment, lanâs gaze landed on a little boy about two years old, who had been hiding in a corner, sneakily watching Anders.
The boyâs eyes were bright and clear, but lan could see a certain undeniable longing in them.
lanâs eyes narrowed slightly. Looking from Anders to the boy, a strange idea began to form in his mind.
lan whispered something in Dawsonâs ear. Dawsonâs eyes widened in disbelief, looking at him as if heâd heard the most preposterous thing.
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