No Strings Attached

Clara finished buttoning up her crisp white blouse and stepped out of the room, her eyes immediately landing on lan. He sat cross-legged on the plush, oversized couch, deeply engrossed in a game of chess with Grandpa Reed.

lan wore a black turtleneck sweater that hugged his physique just so, paired with impeccably tailored slacks. His posture was upright, and the lines of his lean thighs were impossible to ignore under the soft fabric. The sleeves of his sweater were casually rolled up, revealing the defined contours of his forearms.

His aura was one of refined elegance, so stark against the humble backdrop of the family room that it was jarring.

As Clara approached, Reed called out with a hearty chuckle, "Clara, dear, come give me a hand here. This young man's chess game is no joke - he's beaten me three times already!"

Clara smiled and settled down beside Reed, her gaze shifting to lan with a mock frown. "You could show some mercy to your elders, you know. Ever heard of going easy?"

lan's lips curved in a teasing smile. "Grandpa Reed's the chess champ around here. Pulling punches would be an insult, right?"

laughter. "This grandson-in-law of mine gets me. I tell ya, I like the cut of his jib more and more. Beats the

banter was cut short by a snide voice at the door. "Why is it you always put down your own and puff up outsiders? Your grandson-in-law is so great, but I don't see him bringing any gifts. He just shows

the doorway eyed lan with disdain, a sneer twisting her lips. She wasn't alone; a veritable entourage of Reed's kin stood behind her, each looking more critical

room seemed to chill in the shadow of his frosty demeanor, making the onlookers at the door

a scoff. "We heard Clara snagged herself a catch and came to see for ourselves. But all we find is a pretty boy without a penny to his name. My

grew malicious as they sized up

family would look twice? She must be a gold-digger, hoping to cash in on some inheritance," one whispered

she bagged a rich heir, but

grip on Clara's hand tightened, his eyes softening with concern. "They used to

because of my mother and because I'm a girl. My father and I were never favored in the family.