Female Novel
Chapter 281
Ian lifted Clara's hand, showcasing the sparkling engagement ring, and said with a grin, "I proposedto Clara. We were planning on getting our marriage certificate today."
Casey's eyes moistened as he gazed at the dazzling diamond on his daughter's finger. A swell ofpride washed over him, knowing his girl had found her place in the world. Yet, a pang of sorrowtugged at his heart, realizing his little bundle of joy, the one he had nurtured and cherished, wasabout to start her own family.
Ian seemed to catch onto his emotions and quickly offered words of comfort in a deep, reassuringtone. "Dad, don't worry. Clara will always be your daughter. Even after we're married, she'll comehome often, and I'll be right there with her, keeping you company."novelbin
With tears brimming in his eyes, Casey nodded and smiled. "Alright, as long as you two are happy,that's all I need."
"You have my word, I'll take good care of Clara," Ian assured him.
Clara felt a surge of contentment listening to Ian's promise to her father. She tightened her grip onhis hand.
Soon, their helicopter touched down in the village. Clara, energized and purposeful, led the waytoward Reed's home.
Upon entering, they saw the old man lying in bed, surrounded by a few of his children andgrandchildren. Reed, who had been grimacing in pain, broke into a smile at the sight of Clara."Clara, how did you make it here?" he asked.
Clara rushed to his side, taking his hand. "Grandpa Reed, I've brought a doctor to take a look atyou," she said with urgency.
Reed chuckled, looking at the figure in the white coat behind her. "Who says a girl can't be capable?Look at Clara, braving the snowstorm to bring a doctor to me."
Reed's grandsons and daughters-in-law, descendants from Casey's younger brother's side, whooften mocked Casey for only having a daughter, watched the scene unfold. Their eyes then shiftedto the handsome Ian beside Clara, and they rolled their eyes. "What can a girl do, really? She's justlike her mother, using her looks to seduce men," one of them scoffed.
Clara was about to retort, but Ian's firm hand stopped her. His tall, imposing figure seemed out ofplace in the modest home. His chiseled features and the crisp, unwrinkled designer suit he woremade him stand out starkly from the others.
Ian's gaze turned icy as he glanced at the few people by Reed's side, then pulled Clara to the oldman's bedside. He bent down, his voice dropping a few notches.
"Grandpa Reed, I'm Clara's fiancé, Ian. I've brought the best specialist from our hospital. Please, beat ease."
The room fell into a stunned silence. A fiancé? With a mother of dubious reputation, how could suchan extraordinary man be with her?
Reed, beaming with joy, looked at Ian approvingly. "You're a fine-looking young man, a good matchfor Clara, and clearly capable."
A woman snorted. "You're easily impressed. A doctor is just a doctor. My son is a manager at a bigcorporation, and you've never praised him."
A man with a scruffy beard chimed in, "We're talking about the renowned Hayes Corporation. Myboy's doing well, tight with the boss, like they're buddies. The boss is getting married, and he'splanning to send a grand gift."