No Strings Attached

Chapter 90

Greta couldn’t help but marvel, “That girl is a mix of innocence and allure – looks like a pushover if there ever was one. Grandma Rose, I’ve got to head over and make my presence felt as the big sister here.”

She made to stand up, but Rose’s firm hand on her shoulder stopped her. “Don’t stir up trouble for your brother. Let’s see what he’s up to first,” Rose advised with a knowing look. From the moment Clara and lan entered, they captured everyone’s attention. They had attended functions together before but never with such fanfare, both dressed in matching formal attire. The way lan gazed at Clara was loaded with affection.

Murmurs bubbled up from the crowd.

“Mr. Hayes bringing Ms. Clara to such a high–profile event must mean she’s more than just a date,” one guest speculated.

Heidi, overhearing these comments, clenched her fists in anger. She could see lan’s intentions clear as day. He wanted to acknowledge Clara’s status in front of this crowd, and Heidi was set on preventing it. She whipped out her phone and hastily sent a text.

After greeting city leaders and several VIPs, lan escorted Clara over to Rose. “Grandmal Rose, keep an eye on her for me, will you? Make sure nobody gives her a hard time.”

took Clara’s hand. “Don’t you worry, lan. I’ll guard her

I

I find a little

he leaned in close to Clara. His breath, warm and

swarm of cameras trained on them and instinctively tried to retreat, but lan’s firm grip encircled

Clara whispered, her voice a mix of curiosity and unease, “what are you planning?” A bold guess flashed through her mind, only to be immediately dismissed, yet lan’s unusual behavior left her

the opening dance, and there might be a reward for you,”

Clara’s nose before he gave Greta a few instructions and

to speak. His tall figure

11:52

air of commanding elegance.