No Strings Attached

Chapter 99

Days had passed since lan, known for his cool composure, had lost his temper at a meeting with the senior staff. As the staff filed out of the conference room, a collective sigh of relief was palpable, like school kids streaming out at the final bell.

In hushed tones, they wondered amongst themselves, “What’s gotten into Mr. Hayes. lately? Everything seems to rub him the wrong way. My proposal was praised just last week, and now it’s rubbish?”

A knowing smirk from one of the group members cut through the murmurs, “Who was sitting next to Mr. Hayes during the last meeting?”

“Ms. Clara.”

“Well, there you have it. The boss is heartbroken. As his underlings, we should show a little empathy.”

As they chatted away, they were oblivious to lan’s presence right behind them. He entered his office with a frosty expression just as Heidi, his new secretary, came in with a steaming cup of coffee.

With a sweet smile, she said, “lan, I made you your coffee. Give it a try.”

a noncommittal ‘hmm‘ and took a sip. His eyebrows knitted together immediately. “Did you put sugar

bitter coffee, so I made it with at touch of sweetness for

was icy. “No need for you

I did wrong, and I’ll fix it. Please don’t send me

the executive secretary position, playing the sympathy card with her tales of woe. It was her best shot at staying

now. I’ll switch to tea.” He couldn’t enjoy anyone else’s coffee anymore. It’s just not the same as Clara’s. Secretly, he wondered if Clara

a call. He recognized the

do you have news

hundred and eighty million yesterday. I suspect it’s connected to patient

“What makes you say

the donation read, ‘A cycle of fate begins and ends here, hoping all Is well from now on since 9911

echoed in his mind the fusion of him and number eleven.