No Strings Attached

Stepping through the door, shielded by a simple curtain, his eyes immediately landed on lan sitting on the couch. Dressed in black, lan sat with a straight back, his dark hair falling across his forehead, accentuating his chiseled features. A shadow of a smile played in his eyes.

Joey, who had been smug just moments ago, now felt his face contort, muscles twitching involuntarily, his legs shaking uncontrollably.

Clara's aunt, blind to her son's distress, eagerly tugged at his arm and urged, "Son, take a good look and tell Grandpa Reed here whether these items are fakes."

Joey was just a department manager in a subsidiary of Hayes Corporation. He had never met lan in person, having only seen him on television. He'd heard rumors that Mr. Hayes had a beautiful secretary by his side, but he never imagined that secretary would be his cousin Clara nor that they were engaged to be married.

How had such staggering wealth and fortune fallen into Joey's lap?

cigarettes and bowing, eager to make amends. "I had no idea you would be my future brother-in-law. Mr. Hayes,

room fell silent, everyone

confused. "Mr. Hayes? You

silent signal, and said in a low tone, "This man is the CEO of Hayes Corporation, my ultimate boss.

the mention of a feast, the very people who had scrutinized Clara now changed their tune, tripping over themselves to

roast goose. I'll

now." sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ

and said softly, "Grandpa Reed enjoys his peace, and he's not fond of those things. Please, everyone, you can leave." Joey, still grinning, interjected, "Clara, it's not often you and your betrothed visit. Let us entertain you. Besides, it's the festive season, and

did she even get a taste of your kindness? You're her relatives, for heaven's sake, yet you never cared for her and only ganged up with outsiders to bully her. Now that she's doing well, you want to cozy up?

right before lan, something fell out. He frowned deeply as he picked it up. "Clara," he called out, his voice grave