No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 293

Clara’s aunt pointed an accusing finger at Clara. "I always said you and your mother were nothing but bad omens, bringing just bad luck. You just had to take Reed to see the doctor, and now look what happened! The man's gone, and we were all counting on him to make ends meet."

"I bet she had something to do with Reed's death. She probably wants to hog that family heirloom all to herself."

"With all the grandchildren we have, there's no way that treasure should go to just her. She's always been a financial drain. We ought to auction it off and split the cash."

"Yeah, sell it and split the proceeds."

In a flash, Reed's funeral had turned into a scene of greed and division.

Clara kept her head bowed, silent amidst the chaos, her mind filled with images of Grandpa Reed in his suit. She was wracked with guilt. If only she hadn't taken Reed away that day, maybe he'd still be alive. The cacophony of insults and reproaches seemed to encase Clara in a cocoon of misery.

Just then, Ian stepped forward, pulling a document from his pocket and presenting it to the clamorous crowd. "Grandpa Reed knew you lot would pull a stunt like this, so he donated the heirloom to the National Museum six months ago. This is the proof."

Clara’s aunt snatched the certificate, her eyes scanning the photo of the heirloom. There was Reed's signature and the museum's seal. Tears, which had been stubbornly absent until then, suddenly cascaded down her cheeks.

"The old man played us for fools! He'd donated it already and never breathed a word. He wanted us all fawning over him to the very end. And now, all our efforts have been for nothing."

The revelation left everyone seething with anger. They had agreed to share the funeral expenses, but in the end, Casey and Clara shouldered the costs. Even at the burial, several of Reed's grandchildren were conspicuously absent.