Female Novel
Chapter 453
"Ian, just you wait, at tomorrow's dinner party, I'm gonna give you a run for your money!"
The uncles and cousins of the York family who had been waiting outside all surged forward,standing by Edwin's side, giving Ian odd looks.
"Eddie, don't you worry," one of the uncles boomed, slapping Edwin on the back. "If he wants towhisk away our little princess, he'll have to pass our test. Make sure there's plenty of booze fortomorrow. We're going to have a proper drink with our future son-in-law."
Ian was unfazed by the challenge from the twenty-odd men. He had come prepared to stand byClara's side.
He knew the York men were notorious for doting on the women in their family. When May passedaway, her brothers were devastated. Now that they had found her daughter, it was only natural thatthey would shower Clara with all the love that had been pent up over the years.
At the family reunion, in addition to recognizing her grandparents, Clara was also introduced to hergrandfather's six brothers, ten uncles, and thirteen male cousins. Though only James was her blooduncle, each had brought her lavish gifts. In that moment, she truly felt the vitality and unity of alarge, extended family.
The Yorks might not have the business empire or wealth of the Hayes family, but their tight-knitsolidarity made them a force to be reckoned with. In this household, there were no secret schemesor fratricide; it was just a clan united in purpose and protective of their own.
Clara looked at the mountain of gift boxes piling up in the room, her heart a cocktail of emotions.For the first time, she was experiencing the sensation of being the center of attention. It was atreatment she had never known growing up in the Bell family, where she had been the least favoreddue to Victoria's influence.
In her excitement, she thought of her father, Casey. She immediately took out her phone and dialedhis number.
Casey was sitting alone on the living room couch, sipping coffee with a pensive expression. Thecoffee mug was a birthday gift from Clara, one he had been reluctant to use until now. The coffeebeans were of the finest brand, a luxury Clara had chosen for him.novelbin
However, even the rich aroma of the tea couldn't mask his longing for his daughter.
He glanced at the time. Clara should be having a reunion dinner with the York family right now.
As he wallowed in his sentimentality, his phone rang. He answered immediately.
His daughter's gentle voice came through, "Dad, have you missed me? I've missed you so much."
Her words made Casey's eyes redden. He quickly masked his emotion with a chuckle, "Of course,I've missed you. Are you getting along well with the Yorks?"
"Really well. They're all so nice to me. Don't worry. Grandma and Grandpa even sent you a gift. It'sa landscape painting by the artist Enis, your favorite. They also said that you should pick thewedding date because I'm your daughter."
Hearing this, Casey nodded with a smile. "Thank the Yorks for me. As for the wedding date, I'lldiscuss it with Teo. Make sure you keep an eye on Ian. Don't let the York men get him too drunk."
Clara laughed confidently, "Don't worry about that. He's seasoned in the business world. He canhandle a little celebration."
But just as she finished speaking, she heard Orin's panicked shout from outside. "Auntie Clara,hurry! You've got to save your fiancé. They're getting him smashed!"