No Strings Attached

Chapter 446

As the shout rang out, the balloons soared into the azure sky. At their apex, they burst, showering crimson rose petals from the heavens.

Clara gazed upward, watching the petals dance in the sky, and couldn’t help but let her pretty lips curl into a smile.

When she returned to this place, there was a shadow in her heart, but wrapped up in this atmosphere, her shadow dissipated in an instant.

Sasha bounded over, wrapping an arm around her neck with a laugh. “Hey, Mr. Hayes promised us a feast! He said he’s gonna treat us to Australian lobster, Alaskan king crab, and South African abalone, and not to skimp on any of them.”

Clara chuckled and playfully flicked Sasha’s forehead. “Check if that’s enough. If not, you can steam me as a side dish.”

“I’ll pass on that,” Sasha retorted with a grin. “Before I could even get you in the pot, Mr. Hayes would’ve chopped me up for shark bait. And hey, how many times have I told you not to knock on my noggin? If you scramble my brains, who’s gonna marry me? You?”

Before Clara could respond, Chase’s roguish voice came from behind. “Being a bit daft might be a blessing. It saves me from your constant nagging.”

Sasha rolled her eyes at him. “Chase, would it kill you to keep quiet? Don’t talk to me today, or you’ll regret it.”

Chase watched her with an amused smile. “Is it really that big a deal? We just crashed together after a few too many drinks. It’s not like I laid a finger on you.”

“And you better not even think about it! If you did, I’d ensure you’d be dickless for the rest of your life!”

“Fine, fine. I yield, okay?” Chase, fearless in the face of anything, knew when to back down.

Edwin and Roger were watching the drama unfold from a safe distance.

“Do you reckon those two have a thing going on?”

“Isn’t it obvious? They’ve already shared a bed.”

“Chase is such a wimp, to share a bed and not seal the deal. He better not call himself my friend anymore.”

The group bantered, poking fun at Chase, who seemed unbothered. His laughter grew more scandalous by the moment.

Ian, standing amidst them, couldn’t help but interject, “He’s not just a wimp. He’s a total clown. He doesn’t even recognize his own arranged match. Ranting about calling off the engagement one minute and shamelessly chasing after her the next. If that’s not foolish, I don’t know what is.”

At this revelation, everyone’s eyes bulged. “Sasha is his arranged match?”

“Yep, he called it off himself. That’s why Sasha has such a bone to pick with him.”

Roger, as if struck by lightning, gaped at Ian. “So you knew all along and didn’t tell him?”

“Why should I? He’s the one who’s clueless, rejected the match without even seeing her face. Besides, watching him chase after her is highly entertaining. Weren’t you guys having a blast watching my own pursuit back in the day?”Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Roger clicked his tongue in admiration. “When it comes to being scheming, you’re the champ. I wouldn’t dare cross you. Speaking of which, if you have a son, how about we become family through marriage?”

“Get lost! I wouldn’t take your daughter if you paid me. She’s hideous!”

At that, the previously jovial Roger swung a punch at Ian’s belly. Fuming, he hissed, “You’re the first to insult my angel. I’ll knock you into next week!”

And with that, the two men quietly scuffled on the grass.

Clara, who had been playing with Della, was stunned by the sudden brawl. They were fine just a moment ago. How did it escalate so quickly?

Seeing someone fighting with her dad, Della burst into tears.

Clara immediately soothed her in a soft voice, “Don’t cry, honey. I will go give them a piece of my mind.”

With the tears still glistening in her eyes, Della nodded vigorously and shouted toward Roger, “Papa, Papa!”