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?”

his eyes downcast, he asked her, “What do

is interested in discussing a partnership,

me. Don’t you dare

gave a meaningful smile. “I wouldn’t dream of it.” Then, he led Clara to the center of the

for the Hayes Corporation’s

was supposed to become lan’s girlfriend. But she betrayed him, sneaking off to the rooftop for a

!

upon Clara turned frosty. He leaned in, his breath warming her ear as his husky

you owe me this. Don’t pretend

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

close with

you really think I’m the type to be cuckolded and swallow my pride? If

his voice a low

anger flaring in her