Chapter 29 lan stood in front of Clara. His expression was crinkled with irritation, his tone was anything but friendly. âYou had your chance and you blew it. Now youâre having second thoughts and youâve set your sights on my Grandma?â
Clara was lost, completely at a loss. She turned to the old lady, her voice laced with disbelief, âYou mean your grandson is him?â
The old lady nodded with a warm smile, âYes, dear. Do you two know each other? Thatâs wonderful. It means thereâs already a connection, youâll be more comfortable together.â
Clara forced a sheepish grin, âIâm sorry, but since your family has come for you, I really must be going. I have other matters to attend to.â
The moment Clara stood up, lanâs grip tightened around her wrist. âYou think you can just hit someone and waltz off like that?â
Claraâs smile was cold, âMr. Hayes, donât forget, thereâs a dashcam in my car. Trying to stage a setup wonât work!â With that, she turned on her heel and left without looking back.
She had only taken a few steps when lanâs icy voice reached her. âClara, why go to such lengths to play hard to get with me?
Just accept my offer, and everything with the Bell family will be just fine.â
Without looking back, Clara retorted sharply, âIâm afraid Iâll disappoint you, Mr. Hayes. The Bell family has already weathered the storm.â
Ignoring Roseâs calls for her to stay, Clara quickly disappeared into the distance.
Observing Claraâs delicate silhouette coupled with the determination in her eyes, Rose fixed lan with a gaze prickling with irritation. âUseless is what you are! Do you have any idea how hard I worked to reel in a wife for you? I nearly worked myself to death. And you? Youâve gone and chased her off as soon as you show up. Do you think she cares about your money? Let me tell you, she doesnât give a hoot about it.â
lan frowned at her, âWho asked you to do that? Donât you realize how dangerous it is?â
âWhat choice did I have? If I didnât act, she really would have been gone for good,â Rose said, casting a disdainful look at her grandson. Ian had always been the best at everything since he was young, except when it came to marriage. On that front, he lagged far behind.
lan wanted to lecture her further, but seeing Rose sighing heavily, he held back and simply stated, âWhatâs there to worry about?
Sheâll come back once sheâs had enough.â
Rose, staring at her arrogant grandson, pounded the table in exasperation.
âHow did I end up raising someone like you? A wife needs to be cherished. Have you ever seen anyone else treat their partner with such coldness? With your attitude, youâd drive a hundred women away. Itâs utterly disappointing. Look at Mrs. Kingâs grandson. Heâs already had two children in three years.â
With a contemptuous huff, Rose stormed off without looking back.
Over the weekend, Casey was discharged from the hospital safe and sound. Sasha and Anders arrived early to celebrate, bringing with them a lot of Claraâs favorite dishes and taking turns cooking.
Casey watched Clara sitting on the sofa, lost in thought, and gently ruffled her hair. âYouâve been through a lot lately, kiddo. Iâm on the mend now, and since youâve left your job, why not take this time to enjoy yourself? Anders mentioned he has to go back to France to work on a case, right? You could go with him, and take your mind off things. I know I havenât been the most attentive father, and youâve faced your share of hardships because of it. From now on, Iâll do better.â
His fatherâs intentions couldnât be clearer. He wanted her to move on from her past relationship and start fresh.
14 45 Chapter 29 Clara smiled, âIâm fine, really. Iâll just rest at home for a few days. Iâll be quite busy soon. Iâve got a friendâs wedding to attend, and then a coworkerâs kidâs first birthday party.
Donât worry about me. Iâll get myself sorted.â
Casey gave her a meaningful pat on the shoulder. âMarried and with kids already, huh? Then itâs indeed time to have some fun and celebrate.â
As father and daughter chatted away contentedly, the butler rushed in with news,