No Strings Attached

Chapter 63

Clara’s slap landed across lan’s cheek with a sting that was more insulting than painful.

lan was the top dog in Northbridge, a tyrant no one dared to cross, and the Hayes family’s icy heir.

Nobody would dare speak out of turn in his presence, let alone raise a hand to him. The act could spell doom.

Even Chase felt a surge of anxiety for Clara. He grabbed lan, trying to talk sense into him. “lan, she’s sloshed. Don’t stoop to a drunk’s level. Come on, let’s get you home,” Chase said, attempting to lead lan out.

lan shrugged him off, his face stormy as he glared at Clara. Seeing lan like this, Anders. immediately shielded Clara behind him. “Mr. Hayes, Clara’s had a bit too much to drink. I apologize if she’s offended you,” Anders implored.

lan’s lips twitched with barely contained fury. “You apologize for her? And you have the right?”

think you

moved to snatch Clara away from

don’t love her, let her go. Stop

Anders said, his voice filled with a plea.

the way Anders shielded Clara as if she were the most precious thing in the world. It made

and ensure she’s never hurt again,” Anders said, his

was an intimacy that pierced lan to the core. Suddenly, it felt like if he didn’t act now, he’d lose what he desired to someone else. His fingers cracking with tension, Ian threw a punch at Anders. “My

shielding Clara, didn’t retaliate. The punch landed squarely on his face, blood trickling from the corner of his

loved her? lan, three years ago I stepped aside for you, but not this time. I’ll fight you for her, even at the cost of everything I

at lan’s heart, Clara was his, but it was a secret to everyone else. Anders‘ feelings for Clara were an open book,

had never felt so defeated. He lunged forward, pulling Clara from behind Anders into his chest.