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?"

old man erupted into laughter. "This grandson-in-law of mine gets me. I tell ya, I like the cut of his jib more and more. Beats the lot at home by a country mile." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Find ɴøᴠel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access

puff up outsiders? Your grandson-in-law is so great, but I don't see him bringing any gifts. He just shows up empty-handed every

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

his frosty demeanor, making the onlookers at the door uneasy. He nonchalantly placed a black piece on the chessboard, his

"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 son's a thousand

grew malicious as they sized up

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

a rich heir, but he's just a pretty

eyes softening with concern. "They used

girl. My father and I were