No Strings Attached

Chapter 44

Marco burst into laughter, his voice rich with the timbre of experience, “What’s the matter, kiddo? You think I have passed his prime?”

“Not at all,” came the reply. “In my eyes, you’re still the dashing young man you’ve always been.

“Come on now, I’m well into my sixties; ‘dashing‘ is a young man’s game. But enough about me – you’re looking a bit worn out. Anders mentioned you hit a rough patch, so I thought I’d drop by and check on you.”

Clara couldn’t hold back the tears that had been pooling at the edges of her eyes. It had been three years since she’d last seen Marco, yet the moment he heard she was in trouble, he’d come without hesitation. She was overwhelmed by his kindness and didn’t know how she could ever repay it.

Clara hung her head, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. “I’m sorry for worrying you, Marco.”

The trio, reunited after a considerable absence, chatted merrily.

Then, Marco’s phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID and answered with a twinkle in his eye, “You little brat.”

The man on the other end teased, “Hey, old man, sneaking off to Northbridge without telling me?”

Marco took a sip of his wine, his voice warm and jovial, “Why should I tell a brat who won’t even greet his grand–uncle properly? And why would I, when I’ve got my favorite protégé right here?”

“Where are you? I’ll come to you.”

“The Grand Mansion, room 808. And don’t forget to bring a box of cheesecake from Miller’s Bakery.”

After hanging up, Marco gestured towards Clara with a nod, “The cheesecake you love I’ve asked someone to fetch it for you.”

Clara didn’t really pay attention, assuming Marco had just made a call with a younger relative.

Half an hour later, the door to the private room swung open. lan strolled in, with a box of cheesecake in hand.

His expression was indifferent, and when his gaze landed on Clara, it lingered for only a moment before moving on, betraying no emotion.

He approached Marco with his usual confident stride, his voice a deep rumble, “Still

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Indulging in sweets at your age? Aren’t you worried about diabetes?”

Marco shatched the box from his hands, giving him a stern look, “Can’t an old man offer a gift?

He placed the cheesecake in front of Clara, a smile spreading across his face, “Here you go, girl. Enjoy your favorite.”

lan’s impassive eyes observed Clara. She seemed almost like she didn’t recognize lan. Since he’d walked in, she’d barely given him a glance.

lan couldn’t help but smirk slightly, inquiring, “And who do we have here?”

“My two prized students,” Marco beamed with pride. “This one’s been in France for three years and is now a top–notch attorney, and this one was the belle of the ball and the brightest mind at Ivywood

University Law School. If she entered the legal arena, she’d take the world by storm.”

lan nodded politely, his voice even, “Ivywood University really is a breeding ground for talent. My secretary is an alum too. What’s her name again…”

He paused deliberately, his gaze shifting nonchalantly towards Clara. He was curious to see her reaction.

Just as he was about to say Clara’s name, a pinch on his thigh stopped him. Ian’s lips. curled into an amused smile at the bold gesture. With a swift move, he captured the offending hand in his own, his touch casual yet intimate.

His voice dropped an octave, “I can’t quite remember, but she’s impressive enough.”

Marco laughed heartily, “Of course, the law school students are top–notch wherever they go.”

Clara tensed at his words. As she was about to speak up, lan tightened his grip on her

wrist.

He traced a single word on her palm.

Behave.