Female Novel
Chapter 410
Ian’s brows shot up in surprise. “You recognize the person in the photo?”
Rose’s gaze lingered on the woman in the photograph as she began to speak. Her voice was lowand distant. “That woman is named Anya. She was your grandfather’s childhood sweetheart. Afamily feud kept them apart, but I’ve heard they had a child together — older than your father by ayear. Could that be the little boy in the picture?”
Her words unlocked a floodgate of thoughts in Ian’s mind. “What happened to her afterward?”
“They say she and the child moved abroad. On the way to the airport, there was a car accident, andthey both died.”
Ian furrowed his brow. His eyes pierced as he looked at Rose. “Was it my grandfather’s doing?”
“Watch your mouth!” Rose glared at him. “Do you think your granddad’s that kind of man? It was hisbrother who did it, trying to pin the blame on him, stirring up animosity from the Hansen familytoward us. That’s why the Hansens still see our family, the Hayes, as enemies. But the woman andchild died in the accident, and where did you get this photo from?”
Ian quickly pieced together his thoughts and said with a grave tone, “It’s that man who wants toengulf the Hayes family. I suspect the child didn’t die in the accident. The man in the wheelchair, hemust be him.”
At his words, Rose sighed deeply. “He still believes it was your grandfather who wanted them dead.What a tragic connection. The mistake your grandfather made years ago has caused you and Clarato suffer. We, the Hayes, owe Clara an apology.”
Rose took Clara’s hand. Her eyes moistened as she watched her. Because of this fatefulentanglement, not only had Clara lost her mother, but she had also repeatedly found herself innovelbin
danger, narrowly escaping death several times. All of it was due to the grudges of the past, catchingher in their crossfire without reason.
Seeing Rose’s concern, Clara quickly comforted her, “Grandma, don’t worry. This will all be oversoon. Once we catch him, everything will be safe again.”
Relieved by Clara’s understanding, Rose nodded her head. Her eyes showed her gratitude. “You’rea good girl, Clara. Ian’s lucky to have you. Now, let’s see what treats Grandma has brought you.”
Rose produced a delicate little box from her bag and opened it to reveal an assortment of pastries.Clara’s eyes widened. Her lips parted in delight. “Michelin-starred rainbow cupcakes? Wow,Grandma, how did you know I was craving these?”
“I had a hunch you’d like them, so I asked the butler to pick them up. Go on, have some.”
“Thank you, Grandma.”
Clara’s pregnancy reaction wasn’t too severe, and she usually had a hearty appetite, especially forher favorite treats. She eagerly grabbed a fork and plunged it into a cupcake. The creamysweetness exploded on her taste buds and sank her into bliss.
Watching her indulge, Ian,couldn’t help but curve his lips in a fond smile. “My little foodie, gotsomething delicious and didn’t think to share with your man?”
Without missing a beat, Clara retorted, “I thought you didn’t like sweets?”
Before she could react, Ian leaned in and playfully licked the cream from her lips, murmuring withfeigned longing, “But I do enjoy the sweetness from your lips.”
Clara’s cheeks flushed a deep red as she shifted away with her cupcake.
Rose watched the couple’s playful banter with a contented smile. “Now that things are settlingdown, Ian, once you’re discharged, you should make it official with Clara. Then your father and I willvisit the Bell family to discuss the wedding. I’ve been looking forward to this.”
Ian exchanged a smile with Clara. There was a hint of concern in his voice. “Let’s wait a few moredays, just in case of any backlash.”