No Strings Attached

Chapter 370

Facing his interrogation, Marian clamped her jaw tight with determination. "Who she is has nothing to do with you, and how I spoil her is none of your business. If it weren't for the fact that you're Eddie's father, do you really think the York family would let you off the hook so easily? Especially after the way you treated May? You're not welcome in this place. Get out now, or I'll have the security toss you out this instant!"

Casey was also fuming, grabbing a broom and swinging it at Paolo. "I warned you last time, if you dare insult my daughter again, I won't let it slide. My little princess, whom I've cherished since she was born, is not someone for you to slander!"

He landed a broom strike across Paolo's back. It wasn't painful, but the insult was potent. Paolo wanted to retaliate, but a chilling glance from Ian sent him scurrying back. He clenched his fists tightly, glaring at Casey with venom. "You better not fall into my hands, or I swear I'll finish you!"

Ian eyed Paolo with a frosty stare. "Go ahead, make a move. Let's see if you can walk out of here alive."

Paolo's teeth were practically grinding to dust as he pointed at Edwin and sneered, "You can see that your old man is getting hit, and you don't utter a peep. Edwin, you sure are the model son. You're in cahoots with Ian. He confined his own mother. Are you thinking of throwing me into the doghouse as well?"

Edwin's face was expressionless as he looked on. "If you dare go after Clara again, it's not out of the question." Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

"Ha! Always Clara. Is she your ancestor or something? Ian locked up his mother for her, and you'd confine me for her, too. Fine, you all just wait. Sooner or later, you'll regret it!" With those words, Paolo stormed off without looking back.

Casey was breathing heavily with rage. He couldn't stomach Paolo's repeated insults towards Clara. Turning to Snow, he commanded, "Snow, that man bullied your mom. Give him a scare."

Snow, obeying the order, darted out and charged towards Paolo, barking ferociously. He grabbed Paolo's pant leg in his jaws and tugged fiercely.

Paolo panicked and started to run, but the faster he ran, the more viciously Snow pursued. The dog leaped, tearing at his clothes in a frenzy.

Soon, the once dashing and debonair Mr. Paolo was scrambling into his car, his clothes in disarray. Snow relentlessly continued to chase and bark at the retreating vehicle.

Seeing this scene, Casey's frustration finally lifted. He muttered with satisfaction, "Insult my girl, and I'll deal with you every single time!"

Clara approached with a smile. "I've never seen you fight before. What's gotten into you these past few days? You've already fought twice for me."

"Because no one is allowed to insult you. They can insult me, but never you."

Ian joined in, proudly saying, "You deserve a thumbs up!"

Clara shot him a look. "Don't you stir things up. Dad just had surgery. He shouldn't be getting so worked up. Are you trying to kill him?"

"The reason he had heart problems before was because he kept things bottled up. I think letting it out like this is good for him. Otherwise, would you rather he keep the frustration inside? That would just negate the effects of his surgery."

Casey nodded in agreement. "Ian's right. I do feel a lot better. I'm not so frustrated anymore. I could even eat three plates of pasta for lunch today, haha."

Witnessing their close-knit relationship, Marian sighed inwardly. Paolo brought nothing but hurt to Clara, while Casey cherished her like a treasure. How could Clara possibly acknowledge such a jerk as her father?

This small incident didn't interrupt Marian's affection for Clara. She went to the kitchen and whipped up several delightful dishes.

Edwin, who couldn't resist, snatched one up and popped it into his mouth, looking at Clara with a hint of longing. "Clara, my grandma hasn't cooked these dishes in years. I've been craving them for ages, and she never made them for me, but today, thanks to you, I'm in luck."

Clara was, of course, delighted by Marian's warm reception. She retrieved the bottle of homemade blueberry wine that Brodie's mother had given her from the liquor cabinet.

"Grandma, this was made by my friend's mom. I remember you love blueberry wine. Let's have a taste."