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Chapter 56

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Chapter 56 Upon hearing her words, Jay scrambled to his feet from the ground, trembling as he looked at lan. “Mr. Hayes, Clara said she forgives me. Does that mean | can go now?” lan’s voice was icy as he dismissed Jay with a single word. “Scram!” Eve, faced with such a formidable lan, didn’t dare utter another word. She could only lead Jay and his mother away.

The grand hall returned to its serene state.

Casey let out a deep sigh. “What a dinner-completely turned upside down by those clowns.” Clara was quick to offer solace. “Dad, I'll have the kitchen whip up a few more dishes, and we can continue our meal. From now on, whatever drama the Bells stir up, it has nothing to do with us. In a way, it's a blessing in disguise for us.” “That's right. We're no longer their puppets. We'll live our own lives.” Casey, ushering the guests further in, called out to lan. “lan, you've just cback. I'll have them set another place at the table for you.” lan squeezed Clara’s hand, his voice deep. “Thanks, Mr. Casey.” Throughout it all, his grip never loosened. He felt as if Clara were a delicate bird, and if he let go, she might fly away and never return.

He had never felt such fear of loss before.

Chase, raising his glass to lan, teased him with laughter. “That's enough, man. If | didn’t. know any better, I'd say you two were joined at the hip.” lan shot him a look. “If you're jealous, just say it. Don’t bother with the snide remarks. They don’t work on me.” Chase, irked, gave lan a swift kick under the table. “Jealous, my foot. I've got a woman at home, and my mom's on my case about getting married, okay?” Sasha, overhearing their banter, exclaimed with mock surprise. “Surprise, surprise. The wild Dr. Chase, caught in the web of arranged marriage. Do tell, what's your wife like? Must be a real sight if you're dragging your feet on tying the knot.” “What are you talking about. My wife is drop-dead gorgeous, I'll have you know, probably puts you to shame.” “Keep dreaming, pal. If she’s that stunning, why aren't you married already?” “I want romance, is that too much to ask? It’s the 21st century, and here we are talking about arranged marriages. | swear, right here, right now, if | cave and marry the woman they've picked out for me, Ill kneel and call you ‘Daddy.” Sasha clapped in delight. “That's the spirit, son. I'll be waiting for that day.” lan watched the two exchange barbs while his hand gently caressed Clara's beneath the. table. Clara tried to pull away, but his grip was unyielding. He even purposefully caught Casey's attention.

“Mr. Casey, that shirt looks great on you. Clara picked it out, didn’t she?” In their circle, a compliment from lan was a rare gem. Casey straightened his posture, smiling. “I think it looks sharp too. Clara’s got a good eye.” lan nodded in agreement. “Her taste is impeccable, but she’s been so busy lately. My wardrobe’s outdated. I'm wearing the sshirt to work every day.” Clara's eyes widened in disbelief, as did everyone else’s at the table. lan’s closet could stock an entire boutique with the latest fashions. The idea of him running out of clothes. to wear was ludicrous.

Chase leaned in, whispering to Sasha with a chuckle, “Look at him, starting step one of the ‘Winning Her Back" playbook-playing the sympathy card.” As expected, Casey immediately chimed in. “After dinner, Clara, you should take lan shopping for snew clothes. You've been taking care ofand neglecting lan. Tonight, you should move to his place. I'll manage on my own.” lan’s face remained impassive as he turned to Clara. “Alright, then. We'll do as Mr. Casey says and spend the night at my place.”

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