No Strings Attached

lan's cool gaze rested upon them, the corners of his lips curling into a smile that held a hint of inscrutability. "What gifts exactly are you planning to send?"

The woman chuckled triumphantly. "Reed has got this vintage bowl. Word is it could fetch a pretty penny. If I gift that to the big boss, my son will be a shoo-in for the branch manager position next year. We're talking about a salary with six zeros, darling. Not something your run-of-the-mill family physician can compete with."

Clara watched as the group carried on with their snide remarks, and she couldn't help but furrow her brow in frustration. After all these years, why couldn't they shed their penchant for one-upmanship? With his formidable skills, Casey had taken the family business handed down from her grandfather to impressive heights, only to become the object of envy among these people. They would grasp at any straw to tarnish Clara's mother's reputation, undermining her father's standing within the family.

Clara had no desire to argue with them. She tugged at lan's arm and murmured, "Don't mind them. That's just their way."

lan chuckled dismissively. "I was just thinking of picking up an antique for you to play with."

Clara shot him a glance. "That's Grandpa Reed's treasure, and he won't part with it for anyone."

to tie the knot, it's not

of a minor manager at Hayes Corporation's branch office- even

can set the bone right here and then apply a splint. He should be good as new in about a

bent down toward Reed and reassured him, "You heard the doc.

you it was nothing. It's Casey who made such a fuss coming over here. But since he's brought you and Clara along, I can't say I mind the

"His concern is natural, sir. And it's only right for us as the younger generation to come by and check on you when

and polite demeanor sharply contrasted with his usual

a far cry from the luxurious environment lan had grown up in. But far from showing disdain, lan settled himself comfortably on the worn sofa and engaged in easy conversation

define. Maybe this was love. For the one you cared about, you