No Strings Attached

Chapter 281

Ian lifted Clara's hand, showcasing the sparkling engagement ring, and said with a grin, "I proposed to Clara. We were planning on getting our marriage certificate today."

Casey's eyes moistened as he gazed at the dazzling diamond on his daughter's finger. A swell of pride washed over him, knowing his girl had found her place in the world. Yet, a pang of sorrow tugged at his heart, realizing his little bundle of joy, the one he had nurtured and cherished, was about to start her own family.

Ian seemed to catch onto his emotions and quickly offered words of comfort in a deep, reassuring tone. "Dad, don't worry. Clara will always be your daughter. Even after we're married, she'll come home often, and I'll be right there with her, keeping you company."

With tears brimming in his eyes, Casey nodded and smiled. "Alright, as long as you two are happy, that's all I need."

"You have my word, I'll take good care of Clara," Ian assured him.

Clara felt a surge of contentment listening to Ian's promise to her father. She tightened her grip on his hand.

Soon, their helicopter touched down in the village. Clara, energized and purposeful, led the way toward Reed's home.

Upon entering, they saw the old man lying in bed, surrounded by a few of his children and grandchildren. Reed, who had been grimacing in pain, broke into a smile at the sight of Clara. "Clara, how did you make it here?" he asked.

Clara rushed to his side, taking his hand. "Grandpa Reed, I've brought a doctor to take a look at you," she said with urgency.

Reed chuckled, looking at the figure in the white coat behind her. "Who says a girl can't be capable? Look at Clara, braving the snowstorm to bring a doctor to me."

Reed's grandsons and daughters-in-law, descendants from Casey's younger brother's side, who often mocked Casey for only having a daughter, watched the scene unfold. Their eyes then shifted to the handsome Ian beside Clara, and they rolled their eyes. "What can a girl do, really? She's just like her mother, using her looks to seduce men," one of them scoffed.

Clara was about to retort, but Ian's firm hand stopped her. His tall, imposing figure seemed out of place in the modest home. His chiseled features and the crisp, unwrinkled designer suit he wore made him stand out starkly from the others.

Ian's gaze turned icy as he glanced at the few people by Reed's side, then pulled Clara to the old man's bedside. He bent down, his voice dropping a few notches.

"Grandpa Reed, I'm Clara's fiancé, Ian. I've brought the best specialist from our hospital. Please, be at ease."

The room fell into a stunned silence. A fiancé? With a mother of dubious reputation, how could such an extraordinary man be with her?

Reed, beaming with joy, looked at Ian approvingly. "You're a fine-looking young man, a good match for Clara, and clearly capable." NôvelDrama.Org owns all content.

A woman snorted. "You're easily impressed. A doctor is just a doctor. My son is a manager at a big corporation, and you've never praised him."

A man with a scruffy beard chimed in, "We're talking about the renowned Hayes Corporation. My boy's doing well, tight with the boss, like they're buddies. The boss is getting married, and he's planning to send a grand gift."