No Strings Attached

Chapter 37

Chapter 37

A few minutes later, Clara knocked on the CEO’s office door. Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

The commanding aura she wore earlier had vanished, replaced by the natural, gentle smile of a professional woman. “Mr. Hayes, did you need to see me for something?”

lan glanced at her empty hands with a slight frown. “Where is my breakfast?” In the past, whenever he missed breakfast, Clara would have it ready in a thermos and bring it to the

office for him.

Clara offered a polite smile. “Mr. Hayes, would you prefer a continental or American–style breakfast? I can order it right now for you.”

“You didn’t make it yourself?”

Clara chuckled awkwardly. “Mr. Hayes, I don’t recall that being part of my job description.”

lan stared at Clara unblinkingly, trying hard to find a trace of the past in her face. Once, when she looked at him, her eyes sparkled like stars. But now, her expression was nothing more than a professional, impassive smile, devoid of any personal emotion.

lan felt an emptiness inside him. It was as if something he’d always held close was slipping away without notice.

He had never felt this way before. It was utterly foreign to him.

Without warning, he pulled Clara into his embrace, his fingers tilting her chin, a cold smirk on his lips. “Then let’s do something that is part of the contract.” With that, he captured her soft lips in a

kiss.

Holding her tightly against him, he kissed her over and over, greedily. He wished he could swallow her whole, so she would stay obedient and never think of leaving.

Clara’s head buzzed from the intensity of his kiss, her hands clutching his tie. She had been prepared for this; returning to lan meant he would be more demanding than before. Lovemaking like this was likely to become a daily performance in the office.

lan, sensing Clara’s lack of response, abruptly stopped. His burning gaze fixed on her, the tip of his nose teasingly brushing against hers in a provocative gesture. His voice was huskily seductive. “Before the meeting starts, I intend to collect on the debt you owe me from last night.”

Before Clara could react, he bent down again to claim her lips. This kiss was even more lascivious and teasing than the previous one.

Just as lan was lost in the heat of the moment, the office door swung open. Leonora, witnessing the scene, instantly went cold. “What on earth are you two doing!”

Hearing the noise, lan slowly released Clara but kept her firmly in his arms. His previously

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lustful eyes now bore a layer of frost. “This Is the CEO’s office. Haven’t you heard of knocking?”

Leonora was livid. “I’m your mother, and you speak to me like this!”

In this office, you’re my subordinate and should follow my rules. Don’t overstep.” His tone was icy, devoid of any emotion.

He leaned down to straighten Clara’s clothes and ordered in a low voice, “You should go prepare for the shareholders‘ meeting.”

As Clara stood up to leave, Leonora’s grip tightened around her wrist. “Don’t you dare walk away. Tell me how you ensnared my son.”

Clara’s smile was serene. “I think that’s a question for your son–what means he used to compel me to come back.”

Clara looked at Leonora coolly, slowly breaking free from her grip. Undeterred, Clara walked past her.

Leonora pointed at Clara’s retreating figure. She was furious to the point of hypertension. “lan, you turn against me, investigate my personal accounts, force me to let go of the Bell family, all for this woman? What is it about her that’s worth all this?”

lan chuckled dismissively. “You forced my hand, Mother. If you had simply let go when I asked, I wouldn’t have had to discover you embezzling billions from the company’s charity funds.”