No Strings Attached

Chapter 108

Before Clara could utter a word, Anders, who had been standing behind her, grabbed her wrist and glared coldly at lan. “Sorry, Mr. Hayes, but that’s a no–go. We’ll have to pass on your… ‘generosity.” With a firm tug, he pulled Clara to his side, shielding her like a guardian angel.

A sting shot through lan’s heart, and his eyes darkened with an added chill. “Did you really think I came here to talk shop with you today?”

He slowly approached Clara, leaned in, and whispered with a low chuckle in her ear. “If you don’t play along tonight, believe me, I’ll trash Anders‘ joint!”

Clara looked up to meet lan’s smoldering gaze. She knew he wouldn’t let her off the hook that easily. Biting her lip in determination, she faced lan with a steely look. “Dancing with you, Mr. Hayes, would be my pleasure. I trust you’re a man of your word.”

Anders immediately stepped in front of her. “Clara, he’s baiting you. You’re not dancing with him.”

Clara lifted her head to meet his gaze. “Anders, trust me, I know what I’m doing.”

Their exchange left Mr. Marco brimming with suspicion. Pointing at lan, he asked, “Have you met them before?”

eyes downcast, he asked her, “What do you think? Are

Since Mr. Hayes is interested in discussing

Don’t

wouldn’t dream of it.” Then, he led Clara to the

dance should have been reserved for the Hayes Corporation’s anniversary celebration.

But she betrayed him, sneaking off to

!

upon Clara turned frosty. He leaned in, his breath warming her ear as his husky and spellbinding voice broke through her defenses.

you owe me this. Don’t pretend you’re the

gaze met his, her voice calm and even. “After tonight, can I consider my debt paid? Will you leave me and Anders

pulling her close with

If you want

earlobe, his voice a low growl, “Spend

in her tracks, anger flaring in her striking eyes.