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?”

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

head quickly. “Marco, we’re not. Since Mr. Hayes is interested in

me. Don’t you

Clara to the center

been reserved for the Hayes Corporation’s anniversary celebration.

But she betrayed him, sneaking off

!

frosty. He leaned in, his breath warming her ear as his husky and spellbinding

this. Don’t pretend you’re the victim

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

pulling her close with an intimidating

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

his voice a low growl,

stopped in her tracks, anger flaring in