No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 311

Aside from the Palmers and the Millers, the Yorks and the Fletchers were also among the elite clans of Riddleton. When these families gathered, the crowd swelled to over two hundred, young and old, mingling together.

Despite the throng, Clara's eyes immediately found a familiar figure as she stepped out of her car. Heidi strolled over with her uncle James on her arm, her smile like the first day of spring.

Sasha clenched her jaw. "Why is that bitch everywhere? Just seeing her makes me want to hurl."

Clara offered a thin smile. "Looks like trouble's come to town. Best we stay sharp."

No sooner had Clara spoken than Heidi's delicate laughter tinkled through the air. "Uncle, this is Attorney Clara, the one I mentioned. She's quite the name in Northbridge's legal circles. Should you have any legal matters, you can rely on her expertise. It'd also be a nice way to look out for lan, giving his ex's business a little boost." Her words deftly severed any lingering ties between lan and Clara while elevating her own standing.

Clara chuckled lightly. "I appreciate the shout-out, Ms. Heidi, but my docket's full. I'm afraid I can't take on the York family's business."

Heidi's smile brightened. "Attorney Clara, the Yorks are the crème de la crème of Riddleton. Their legal affairs are abundant. Are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"Sorry, but I'm picky about my clientele. No matter the fee, I won't work with people I don't gel with. Remember when you were in that bind? I turned down your father for that very reason. Have you forgotten, Ms. Heidi?" Clara's words were a barbed reminder of Heidi's past scandal. It drained the color from Heidi's face.

With a polite nod to James, Clara excused herself. "Sorry, Mr. James, no offense meant towards you. It's just her. Sorry for causing you any trouble. My apologies." Then, she whisked Sasha away. James watched their departure, his expression unreadable but his smile profound. "Ian's got himself a fiancée with quite the bite, and she's got the smarts to match. Reminds me of your mother when she was young."

Heidi seethed silently, biting back her frustration. Did Clara really inherit all of May's traits? Why did everyone think they were so alike?

Heidi pouted. "Uncle, why do you take her side? She insulted me, and you didn't even defend me."

James chuckled, "It doesn't sit quite right with me, stepping into the squabble among you youngsters."

"Clara has an edge with words. I just never seem to best her."

James said, "Then go ahead and sway her with your skills, not by resorting to underhanded tactics. We don't take kindly to such behaviour."

Stunned into silence, Heidi knew her grandmother's side of the family cared for her, but they had boundaries very different from Paolo's blind indulgence. Nodding obediently, Heidi accompanied James into the main hall.

No sooner had they entered than she spotted Clara surrounded by several cousins from the York family, who usually gave Heidi nothing but cold shoulders. Heidi stormed over, yanking Clara aside, her voice fierce. "You're not content with snatching lan from me. Are you after my cousins now?"

Her accusation rang out loud and clear, painting Clara as a man-stealer.

As murmurs spread among the guests, a cool, deep voice cut through from behind.

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