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.”

sip. His eyebrows knitted

paused, taken aback. “Well, you’ve always disliked bitter coffee, so I made it with at touch of sweetness for you.”

icy. “No need for you to make my coffee. anymore.

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

for the executive secretary position, playing the sympathy card with her tales of woe. It was her best shot at staying close to lan, and she wasn’t about to

teary–eyed act, said, “Leave 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 had spiked his coffee because his longing for it was

train of thought was interrupted by a call.

you have news about

received a donation of two hundred and eighty million yesterday. I suspect it’s connected to patient number eleven

sharpened. “What makes you

‘A cycle of fate begins and ends here, hoping all Is well from now on since 9911 is no more.”

echoed in his mind the fusion