No Strings Attached

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

With a chuckle, lan 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.

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 lan 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."

welcome gift for a future daughter-in-law was the mark of the Hayes family's unparalleled

check felt hot in Clara's hands, and

shoulders. "Look at

the check from Teo, still smiling. "Dad, don't worry about the

playfully scolding, "You better not

I'll cherish her." S~ᴇaʀᴄh the (ꜰind)ɴʘvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels

suit, each presenting Clara with their gifts, even

unexpectedly warm as she chatted away. It was as if none of their past grievances had ever

surprise, Heidi was the featured performer at the birthday soiree. Paolo had pulled out all the stops for his daughter, not only having her

rendition of "Chasing Snowflakes," a piece considered the most challenging in the piano repertoire, was flawless and graceful. Her