No Strings Attached

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 to whisk away our little princess, he'll have to pass our test. Make sure there's plenty of booze for tomorrow. 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 by Clara's side.

He knew the York men were notorious for doting on the women in their family. When May passed away, her brothers were devastated. Now that they had found her daughter, it was only natural that they 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 her grandfather's six brothers, ten uncles, and thirteen male cousins. Though only James was her blood uncle, each had brought her lavish gifts. In that moment, she truly felt the vitality and unity of a large, extended family.

The Yorks might not have the business empire or wealth of the Hayes family, but their tight-knit solidarity made them a force to be reckoned with. In this household, there were no secret schemes or fratricide; it was just a clan united in purpose and protective of their own. This content provided by N(o)velDrama].[Org.

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 a treatment she had never known growing up in the Bell family, where she had been the least favored due to Victoria's influence.

In her excitement, she thought of her father, Casey. She immediately took out her phone and dialed his number.

Casey was sitting alone on the living room couch, sipping coffee with a pensive expression. The coffee mug was a birthday gift from Clara, one he had been reluctant to use until now. The coffee beans were of the finest brand, a luxury Clara had chosen for him.

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's a landscape painting by the artist Enis, your favorite. They also said that you should pick the wedding date because I'm your daughter."

Hearing this, Casey nodded with a smile. "Thank the Yorks for me. As for the wedding date, I'll discuss 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 can handle 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!"