Female Novel
Chapter 260
Clara gazed at the bracelet, its significance immediately apparent to her. She lifted her eyes to Ian,a silent question dancing in their depths.
With a chuckle, Ian ruffled her hair affectionately. "Silly girl, if Grandma Rose gives you something,just take it. Don't look at me. You're the one who'll be running the show here, not me."
His words laid bare the nature of their relationship and the future that awaited Clara.
Among the elite gathered, such hints did not go unnoticed. With practiced grace, they raised theirchampagne flutes in celebration, eager to curry favor while Ian was in high spirits.
Clara offered a demure smile. "Thank you, Grandma Rose."
Rose beamed, and her smile was so wide that it threatened to split her face. She called out to theothers in the room, "I've given my gift. What about you lot? Don't you dare shortchange our dearClara."
As the words settled, the usually stoic Teo produced a check from his pocket and handed it to Clara,his deep voice resonating. "Clara, here's ten million. Buy yourself some snacks, and when it's timefor the wedding, I'll discuss the wedding gift with your father."
The crowd's jaws collectively dropped. A ten-million-dollar welcome gift for a future daughter-in-lawwas the mark of the Hayes family's unparalleled wealth.
The check felt hot in Clara's hands, and once again, she looked to Ian.
Ian, smirking, wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Look at you, so obedient. I never noticedbefore."
He took the check from Teo, still smiling. "Dad, don't worry about the wedding gift. Just transfer thefunds to my account. I'll handle everything."
Teo laughed at his son's happiness, playfully scolding, "You better not mistreat Clara, or you'llanswer to me first."novelbin
"I wouldn't dream of it. I'll cherish her."
The rest of the Hayes family followed suit, each presenting Clara with their gifts, even the staff,including the butler and the maid.
Leonora handed Clara a fine marble statuette, her demeanor unexpectedly warm as she chattedaway. It was as if none of their past grievances had ever occurred, which struck Clara as odd.
However, any awkwardness was soon overshadowed by the evening's entertainment.
To everyone's surprise, Heidi was the featured performer at the birthday soiree. Paolo had pulledout all the stops for his daughter, not only having her scandals scrubbed from the press but alsohaving her perform at a string of charity events to rehabilitate her image.
Heidi's rendition of "Chasing Snowflakes," a piece considered the most challenging in the pianorepertoire, was flawless and graceful. Her skills, combined with her status as a Campbell, earnedher unanimous praise.
It was then that Leonora, always the epitome of congeniality, said with a smile, "Heidi is so beautifuland talented at the piano. It's a shame Ian is taken; otherwise, I'd have her as my daughter-in-law ina heartbeat. However, since Ian prefers Clara over Heidi, she must have something special abouther. Clara, as the future matriarch of the Hayes family, you must prove your worth not just in thecourtroom but in the home. You can't just be a brilliant lawyer. You need to have other talents."
Even a fool could hear the challenge in her voice.
Heidi approached, her face all smiles. "I trust Ian's judgment. Ms. Clara must excel in areas where Ido not. Isn't that right, Attorney Clara?" The challenge was clear in her eyes.
Before Clara could reply, Ian stepped to her side, pulling her close into an embrace. "She doesn'thave to lift a finger, and she's still a hundred times better than you. Is there even a point incomparing?"