Chapter 56


    Upon hearing her words, Jay scrambled to his feet from the ground, trembling as he looked atn.


    “Mr. Hayes, ra said she forgives me. Does that mean I can go now?”


    Eve, faced with such a formidablen, didn’t dare utter another word. She could only lead Jay and


    his mother away.


    The grand hall returned to its serene state.


    Casey let out a deep sigh. “What a dinnerpletely turned upside down by those clowns.”


    ra was quick to offer sce. “Dad, I’ll have the kitchen whip up a few more dishes, and we can


    continue our meal. From now on, whatever drama the Bells stir up, it has nothing to do with us. In a


    way, it’s a blessing in disguise for us.”


    “That’s right. We’re no longer their puppets. We’ll live our own lives.”


    Casey, ushering the guests further in, called out ton. n, you’ve juste back. I’ll have them


    set another ce at the table for you.”


    Ian squeezed ra’s hand, his voice deep. “Thanks, Mr. Casey.”


    Throughout it all, his grip never loosened. He felt as if ra were a delicate bird, and if he let go,


    she might fly away and never return.


    He had never felt such fear of loss before.


    Chase, raising his ss ton, teased him withughter. “That’s enough, man. If I didn’t. know any


    better, I’d say you two were joined at the hip.”


    Chase, irked, gaven a swift kick under the table. “Jealous, my foot. I’ve got a woman at home,


    and my mom’s on my case about getting married, okay?”


    Sasha, overhearing their banter, eximed with mock surprise. “Surprise, surprise. The wild Dr.


    Chase, caught in the web of arranged marriage. Do tell, what’s your wife like? Must be a real sight if


    you’re dragging your feet on tying the knot.”


    “What are you talking about. My wife is drop–dead gorgeous, I’ll have you know, probably puts you


    to shame.”


    “Keep dreaming, pal. If she’s that stunning, why aren’t you married already?”


    “I want romance, is that too much to ask? It’s the 21st century, and here we are talking about


    arranged marriages. I swear, right here, right now, if I cave and marry the woman


    they’ve picked out for me, I’ll kneel and call you ‘Daddy.”


    Sasha pped in delight. “That’s the spirit, son. I’ll be waiting for that day.”


    “Mr. Casey, that shirt looks great on you. ra picked it out, didn’t she?”


    In their circle, apliment fromn was a rare gem. Casey straightened his posture, smiling. “I


    think it looks sharp too. ra’s got a good eye.”


    ra’s eyes widened in disbelief, as did everyone else’s at the table. Ian’s closet could stock an


    entire boutique with thetest fashions. The idea of him running out of clothes. to wear was


    ludicrous.


    Chase leaned in, whispering to Sasha with a chuckle, “Look at him, starting step one of the


    ‘Winning Her Back‘ ybook–ying the sympathy card.”


    As expected, Casey immediately chimed in. “After dinner, ra, you should taken shopping for


    some new clothes. You’ve been taking care of me and neglectingn. Tonight, you should move to


    his ce. I’ll manage on my own.”


    <pn’s face remained impassive as he turned to ra. “Alright, then. We’ll do as Mr. Casey says and


    spend the night at my ce.”