No Strings Attached

Chapter 44

Marco burst into laughter, his voice rich with the timbre of experience, “What’s the matter, kiddo? You think I have passed his prime?”

“Not at all,” came the reply. “In my eyes, you’re still the dashing young man you’ve always been.

“Come on now, I’m well into my sixties; ‘dashing‘ is a young man’s game. But enough about me – you’re looking a bit worn out. Anders mentioned you hit a rough patch, so I thought I’d drop by and check on you.”

Clara couldn’t hold back the tears that had been pooling at the edges of her eyes. It had been three years since she’d last seen Marco, yet the moment he heard she was in trouble, he’d come without hesitation. She was overwhelmed by his kindness and didn’t know how she could ever repay it.

Clara hung her head, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. “I’m sorry for worrying you, Marco.”

The trio, reunited after a considerable absence, chatted merrily.

Then, Marco’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and answered with a twinkle in his eye, “You little brat.”

on the other end teased, “Hey, old man, sneaking off to Northbridge without telling me?”

took a sip of his wine, his voice warm and jovial, “Why should I tell a brat who won’t even greet his grand–uncle properly? And why would I, when I’ve got my favorite protégé right here?”

you? I’ll come to

Grand Mansion, room 808. And don’t forget to bring a box

Clara with a nod, “The cheesecake you

didn’t really pay attention, assuming Marco had just made a

the door to the private room swung open. lan strolled in, with a box of cheesecake in

when his gaze landed on Clara, it lingered for only a

his usual confident stride, his voice a deep rumble,

12

your age? Aren’t you worried about

giving him a stern look, “Can’t an old man

cheesecake in front of Clara, a smile spreading across his face, “Here you

like she didn’t recognize lan. Since he’d