No Strings Attached

Chapter 130

Just then, Casey emerged from the kitchen, a platter in his hands. He glanced around the living room, a puzzled expression on his face. “Hasn’t Clara come back yet? I could’ve sworn I heard her voice a moment ago.”

lan sauntered over, taking the platter with a teasing smile. “She’s upstairs changing. I’ll go cell her down in a bit.”

Casey hesitated before speaking. “Maybe let’s not. After all, you two have broken up, and a girl’s boudoir is off–limits to outsiders.”

He was fond of lan and knew Clara had deep feelings for him. But considering the unpleasantness of their breakup, and as Clara’s father, he couldn’t just forgive fan so easily.

Business was business, and matters of the heart were something else entirely. He would never again entangle his daughter’s emotions with any financial interests. Belonging © NôvelDram/a.Org.

lan felt a sour twist in his chest at the word ‘outsider,”

When Casey had been discharged from the hospital, lan had made an effort to dress up, bringing out a bottle of fine, vintage wine he’d saved for years.

Casey had truly seen him as a son–in–law. He would always cook a few special dishes. whenever lan visited.

After some days, lan had gone from being a potential family member to an outsider. Casey treated him with nothing more than the courtesy of a distant acquaintance.

lan’s gaze dropped, shadows playing in his eyes.

Upstairs, Clara had been sitting for a while. There was still no sound of a car leaving. She guessed that lan was staying for dinner.

Standing by the window, she gripped an old cellphone tightly in her hand. She stared at a text message she’d once sent, and her eyes began to moisten.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door. Clara composed herself and went to open it.

Casey stood there, an apron tied around his waist and a gentle smile on his face. His large hand ruffled her hair affectionately. “Your generation’s issues are not for me to meddle in, but believe me, I’m always on your side. Today, my car broke down on the way home, and lan happened to pass by. He helped me out and mentioned he was consulting an international expert for my condition. As a token of gratitude, I invited him to stay for dinner, nothing more.”

Clara chuckled dismissively. “It’s fine; we can’t avoid each other forever.”

“That’s the spirit. Let’s go eat,” he said, and they walked downstairs, arm in arm.

10:41

As they descended, Clara asked, “What did you want to talk to me about when you called me back?”

Casey slapped his forehead, laughing. “I almost forgot the big news. At my class reunion yesterday, I spotted several potential dates for you–fine young men, one after the other. Let me show you their pictures.” He pulled out his phone and started scrolling through the gallery for photos.

Clara didn’t make much of it. Ever since she graduated from college, this had become a routine for her father. She flipped through the pictures just like before, occasionally making a comment or two.

Casey continued, “If you like any of them, I’ll set up a date. You are so outstanding. You’re bound to find the one meant for you.”

lan’s forehead vein throbbed at that remark.

Wasn’t Clara’s secret admirer of seven years, Anders, and that puppy–like protector Ryker enough of a headache for him? Why was Casey adding more rivals to his already complicated situation?

Without delay, lan snapped a photo of himself with his phone and sent it to Casey. With a steady gaze, he said, “Casey, this is my photo and resume. Please arrange a date for Claral

and me as well.”