No Strings Attached

Chapter 260

Clara gazed at the bracelet, its significance immediately apparent to her. She lifted her eyes to Ian, a silent question dancing in their depths.

With a chuckle, Ian ruffled her hair affectionately. "Silly girl, if Grandma Rose gives you something, just take it. Don't look at me. You're the one who'll be running the show here, not me."

His words laid bare the nature of their relationship and the future that awaited Clara. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Among the elite gathered, such hints did not go unnoticed. With practiced grace, they raised their champagne flutes in celebration, eager to curry favor while Ian was in high spirits.

Clara offered a demure smile. "Thank you, Grandma Rose."

Rose beamed, and her smile was so wide that it threatened to split her face. She called out to the others in the room, "I've given my gift. What about you lot? Don't you dare shortchange our dear Clara."

As the words settled, the usually stoic Teo produced a check from his pocket and handed it to Clara, his deep voice resonating. "Clara, here's ten million. Buy yourself some snacks, and when it's time for the wedding, I'll discuss the wedding gift with your father."

The crowd's jaws collectively dropped. A ten-million-dollar welcome gift for a future daughter-in-law was the mark of the Hayes family's unparalleled wealth.

The check felt hot in Clara's hands, and once again, she looked to Ian.

Ian, smirking, wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Look at you, so obedient. I never noticed before."

He took the check from Teo, still smiling. "Dad, don't worry about the wedding gift. Just transfer the funds to my account. I'll handle everything."

Teo laughed at his son's happiness, playfully scolding, "You better not mistreat Clara, or you'll answer to me first."

"I wouldn't dream of it. I'll cherish her."

The rest of the Hayes family followed suit, each presenting Clara with their gifts, even the staff, including the butler and the maid.

Leonora handed Clara a fine marble statuette, her demeanor unexpectedly warm as she chatted away. It was as if none of their past grievances had ever occurred, which struck Clara as odd.

However, any awkwardness was soon overshadowed by the evening's entertainment.

To everyone's surprise, Heidi was the featured performer at the birthday soiree. Paolo had pulled out all the stops for his daughter, not only having her scandals scrubbed from the press but also having her perform at a string of charity events to rehabilitate her image.

Heidi's rendition of "Chasing Snowflakes," a piece considered the most challenging in the piano repertoire, was flawless and graceful. Her skills, combined with her status as a Campbell, earned her unanimous praise.

It was then that Leonora, always the epitome of congeniality, said with a smile, "Heidi is so beautiful and talented at the piano. It's a shame Ian is taken; otherwise, I'd have her as my daughter-in-law in a heartbeat. However, since Ian prefers Clara over Heidi, she must have something special about her. Clara, as the future matriarch of the Hayes family, you must prove your worth not just in the courtroom but in the home. You can't just be a brilliant lawyer. You need to have other talents."

Even a fool could hear the challenge in her voice.

Heidi approached, her face all smiles. "I trust Ian's judgment. Ms. Clara must excel in areas where I do not. Isn't that right, Attorney Clara?" The challenge was clear in her eyes.

Before Clara could reply, Ian stepped to her side, pulling her close into an embrace. "She doesn't have to lift a finger, and she's still a hundred times better than you. Is there even a point in comparing?"