No Strings Attached

Chapter 26

Clara tried to pull herself away, but her body went limp, and she collapsed into lan’s embrace.

“Clara!”

Spotting Clara’s hand reaching desperately for her purse, lan instantly grasped the situation. He flicked her forehead, irritation lacing his voice, “Clara, are you trying to get yourself killed?”

It was either injuries or hypoglycemia with her. If she didn’t bumped into him, who knows what might have happened.

Without wasting a moment, lan pulled out a piece of candy from the bag and slipped it into Clara’s mouth, eyes filled with concern. “Feeling better now?”

It took Clara a moment to gather her strength, but finally, she managed a weak ‘thank you‘ and tried to slide off the bathroom countertop to leave.

Before she could move, lan scooped her up in his arms. “lan, put me down,” she protested.

But no matter how much Clara struggled, lan carried her straight into the private booth.

The crowd inside froze at the sight. The trust–fund brat who had been pushing drinks on Clara moments earlier shot up from the couch, panic–stricken. “Mr. Hayes, what brings you here?”

set Clara down on a chair and his icy gaze swept over everyone

now?”

Clara’s beauty, combined with the Bell family’s current misfortunes, had made

one spoke up, lan turned his attention to a nearby server. “If you want

beans.”

The heir of the affluent Hayes family. His word could spell ruin or resurrection.

—

ten drinks three with Mr. John, two. with Mr. Lee, and the rest

“Mr. Hayes, we’re sorry, we had no idea Ms. Clara was one of yours.” They each grabbed a glass and chugged one after the other.

could stop, lan’s chilling voice echoed, “Who told you to stop?” Terrified, they continued pouring and drinking

to Clara and glanced at her. Leaning down,

own way, I’ve avenged you. Ready to come home

dark pupils shimmered with fractured light. His crimson lips curved into an attractive arc, and his Adam’s apple slid up and down

response, he lifted her chin and kissed her softly. “Come back with me. We can try for another

laugh escaped Clara’s lips. “To go back and continue being

eyes widened in surprise. “You