No Strings Attached

Chapter 31

Dawson replied immediately, “Ms. Clara has been in your office for about half an hour

now.”

Something heavy seemed to slam against lan’s chest. His voice deepened, “Cancel the rest of my schedule.” With that, he strode toward his office, his long legs taking swift, determined steps.

When he pushed open the door, the first thing he saw was the familiar silhouette in front of the floor–to–ceiling window.

The girl was dressed simply: a black tee and an olive–green miniskirt. Her hair was loosely tied up in a messy bun, revealing a swan–like, delicate neck. Her legs were long and slender, almost glowing.

lan’s gaze lingered for a mere second, but it was enough to set a fire burning somewhere within him. He suppressed the turmoil brewing inside and walked casually up to Clara, his voice low and magnetic. “Have you figured it out?”

Clara slowly turned around, her gaze indifferent as she looked at lan. Her delicate face seemed to bear traces of dried tears, her eyes still misty. Yet, there was a resolute air about her, as if she were marching toward her own execution.

Her voice was hoarse, “lan.” She whispered his name, biting down on her trembling lips. “Let my dad go.”

Those few words were heavy with implication. She was well aware of what stepping into this office meant. She was about to become the kind of person she loathed the most, ready to trade her body for a cause.

She also knew that there was no going back to how things were with lan. The chasm between them was likely too vast to ever bridge.

A laugh bubbled up from lan’s throat, his well–defined hand gently pressing against Clara’s pale lips, his voice tinged with barely restrained desire. “Be good, and I’ll ensure the Bell family remains untroubled.”

As he spoke, he began to kiss her, each touch reigniting the intense longing in his body. His rough hand gently caressed her slender waist.

Clara shivered slightly. She took a step back, her expression blank as she held his gaze. “My dad’s health isn’t good. He can’t stay in jail for long. Make sure he gets out soon.”

lan moved closer, wrapping his arms around her, cradling her face, and murmured in a husky voice, “Okay, he’ll be home in a few days.”

“My dad has put a lot of effort into that project. Don’t force him out.”

“Agreed.”

11:10

otar 31

“I won’t be the other woman. I’ll leave before your engagement becomes official.” Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Anything else? Speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

“I want to go back to work, same position as before.”

lan chuckled softly, his warm breath teasing her ear. His voice was rough, like hot sand, “You name it, I agree. But now, isn’t it my turn?”

Clara fell silent, her eyes downcast, bracing for the storm that was to come. A burning hand traced up her waistline, stopping abruptly at a crucial spot. lan’s cold voice echoed in her ear, “Clara, you got rid of our child. Do you really think I’d let you back into my life. so easily?”

Clara’s eyes snapped open in shock, her gaze meeting lan’s, which were devoid of any warmth or desire.

So, all his passion had been an act, a ruse to make her reveal her hand.

Clara’s lips curled into a cold sneer.