No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 392

lan's voice was the epitome of cool as he laid out his plan, "Drop the bait, and wait for the big fish to bite."

He was actually curious to see who had the audacity to rally the Four families and take on the Hayes Corporation. After hanging up, lan noticed that Clara was about to head out the door.

He called out to her, "Where are you off to?"

Clara turned. Her smile was a gentle curve. "I'm going to check on Katherine. You hash things out with Teo."

lan's gaze followed her. There was a touch of vulnerability in his voice. "Mrs. Hayes, your husband can't even move at all. He needs you. Are you sure you want to leave me here to meet another man?"

A playful arch danced in Clara's brows. "You're discussing business with Teo; I wouldn't want to interrupt. I'll be back soon."

Without waiting for a response, she left.

Teo stood up, blunt as ever. "You don't need looking after. I'll go with Clara to see Katherine."

lan watched his father's hasty departure, gritting his teeth in frustration.

It was clear to him that his father had a soft spot for Katherine. He was officially here to visit him, yet Teo spent more time in Katherine's hospital room.

lan couldn't shake the feeling that his father had a past with Katherine.

Without a second thought, lan pulled out his phone and shot Dawson a message.

[Get a DNA test done on Brodie and my dad.]

Ten minutes passed without Clara's return.

Impatient, lan dialed her number.

Clara was lounging on the couch, indulging in a strawberry shortcake Brodie had whipped up for her. At the sight of lan's name flashing on her phone, she answered immediately.

lan's voice, husky and low, filled the line. "Clara, how's Katherine doing? Is the wound healing alright?"

Without wiping her mouth, Clara replied, "The wound's healing well. The doctor says she can be discharged in a couple of days."

lan hummed meaningfully, "I thought something was up. You and my dad have been gone for ages and still aren't back."

Clara glanced at the clock. "Ages? It's been less than ten minutes."

"Is that so? It just feels longer without you here. Time drags on. Clara, I find I'm more and more dependent on you. What am I to do?"

The typically domineering lan now sounded like a lonely, forlorn puppy yearning for affection.

Clara couldn't help but laugh, with a forkful of cake halfway to her lips. "Ian, even Snow isn't as clingy as you. Hold on. I'll finish my cake and be right back."

lan's forehead creased slightly. "Who got you that cake?"

Clara was candid. "Brodie made it - it's an ice cream strawberry shortcake and it's delicious. Do you want some? I'll save you a piece."

Maintaining his composure until now, lan couldn't hide his annoyance any longer.

"I'm not interested in his stuff. Be careful he didn't use some expired cream. You don't want to get sick and harm our baby."

Brodie, who'd been sitting beside Clara, heard every word. A small, amused smile played on his lips. He took the phone from Clara and spoke in a soothing tone, "You better eat up before the ice cream melts." Then, moving to the balcony, he continued, "Don't worry. I only use the finest ingredients for Clara, all safe for pregnant women. There's no chance of an upset stomach."

lan clenched his chin upon hearing Brodie's voice.

"My housekeeper can make any cake Clara wants. There's no need for your attentions, Brodie. Clara is my wife now, so watch your boundaries when you're with her."

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