No Strings Attached

Chapter 358

Clara was taken aback. Then she remembered the story Edwin had once told her, and her heart went out to Marian.

Marian’s daughter was murdered, and her beloved granddaughter of over two decades turned out to be the child of a mistress. Seeing the hopeful look in Marian's eyes and feeling the deep longing in her heart, Clara affectionately called out, "Grandma."

At the sound of "Grandma," Marian could no longer contain her emotions. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

She nodded repeatedly, her voice trembling. "My dear, I am so happy to see you. You take good care of yourself, okay?"

"I will, thank you, Grandma Marian." Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

Watching the tender moment unfold, Casey, who had been standing at a distance, felt his eyes well up. He knew that Marian was aware of Clara's true identity. He also knew that this familial bond would be acknowledged sooner or later.

Still, Clara was the daughter he had cherished all his life. The thought of her returning to her roots tore at his heart.

Ian stepped beside him and whispered comfortingly, "No matter what happens, Clara will always be your daughter, and you will always be the only father-in-law I recognize. Take care of yourself. We'll need you to help us with the kids someday."

Casey patted him on the shoulder with relief. "Of course, I'll be there for you guys."

As they were talking, Brodie walked up with his mother, Katherine, holding a gift in his hands. "Casey, this is some blueberry wine my mother made herself. Let us know what you think."

Casey accepted the gift box, admiring the blueberry wine inside. "I remember back in the day, our neighbor made the most incredible blueberry wine. It was sweet and rich, and you couldn't get drunk off it easily. One time, Clara sneaked a whole jug of it and ended up sleeping for a whole day and night. Scared Reed half to death."

Brodie's smile widened as he recalled the story. "Clara was such a mischievous child, so adorable." His eyes shifted to Ian as he spoke, his gaze seemingly gentle but laced with a challenge.

Ian didn't show jealousy, instead, he raised his eyebrows proudly. "Thanks for the compliment. My wife is still quite adorable. But Casey just had surgery, and this wine might not be best for him. We appreciate your kind gesture, though, Katherine."

Hearing Ian refer to his own wife so affectionately, Brodie's smile took on a deeper meaning. "Mr. Hayes, don't forget the promise you made to me—to treat Clara well for a lifetime, or else, I might just take her away."

"Sorry to disappoint you, but you won't have that chance in this lifetime," Ian retorted.

Katherine gently tugged at Brodie's arm, her voice soothing. "Mr. Hayes has been true to Clara. He got seriously injured while helping Casey find a doctor. How are you recovering now?"

Although Ian wasn't fond of Brodie, he couldn't help but warm up to Katherine. Her smile and the tone of her voice reminded him of someone else. Only that person was long gone, and much had changed.

He nodded politely, "I'm doing well now, thank you for asking, Katherine. Please, both of you, come inside."