No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 107

fan didn't get angry at the bite, en fact, he seemed to relish the pain as he touched the broken skin with a devil may care park playing at the comers of his mouth

Jut them, a low chuckle tickled his ears Roger sauntered over from a short distance away his face sporting an meaningful grin.

se go if you're so reluctant, huh? Roger teased. "Didn't you know Anders has had a thing for her for years? What if he just snatches her away. Are you really okay with that?"

tan fished a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a casual flick of his lighter. The flickering flame accentuated his sharp features. He took a few deep drags, his half smile carrying a note of challenge. "Who says she can be taken that easily!"

Roger threw a playful jab in his direction. "For the love of Pete, you're too cocksure! Who gave you that confidence? With that, Roger shook his head and walked away

Clara and Anders, through sheer talent and drive, landed two big clients that very night. They also managed to invite a host of high society figures to their law firm's grand opening. Though the evening was saturated with champagne toasts and spirited conversations, the real bounty was in the connections made.

When the grand opening arrived, Clara was the belle of the ball. Mr. Marco had summoned many legal luminaries, parading Clara around with unbridled pride "Meet my star pupil," he'd announce to the attendees. "She's joining the legal fray, so watch out!"

guests were many of Mr. Marco's protégés. Upon seeing Clara, dozens flocked to her, sparking conversations and adding their contacts to Clara's phone. Soon, Clara was a member of several legal group

chats

Standing in the hub of activity, Clara was radiant, her smile genuine and her eyes sparkling with an

rilliance. This was a side of her lan had not seen before, she was competent as his executive

sure, but never had her eyes shone so bright.

"Why" lan wondered, would she choose to be the executive secretary at Hayes Corporation when she clearly thrived in the legal world?

knew very little about Clara. He was unaware of her deep-sea phobia, the storms she had

weathered, and the reasons she stayed by his side

From the doorway, he watched her radiant smile, feeling a pang of something akin to heartburn.

It was then Mr. Marco spotted him. Quick as a flash, he ushered Clara toward lan. "My dear, have you met this gentleman before? Marco said, his voice light with jest "He's a big shot in Northbridge. If you ever need anything, go to him. If he doesn't help, I'll tan his hide"

Clara hadn't expected lan to be invited. Though surprised, she maintained her composure and gave lan a slight nod of acknowledgment "Welcome, Mr. Hayes. I look forward to your esteemed company in the future

lan gave her a cool glance, his voice distant and frosty "If you expect my patronage, Attorney Clara, I'll need to see some sincerity on your part."

Mr. Marco laughed and slapped lan on the shoulder. "You rascal, asking you for a favor is a compliment What more sincerify do you need?"

lar's icy gaze lifted slightly his tone casual yet pointed. "Business is business, old man. Hayes Corporation's legal bills are in the tens of millions annually. I can't just hand that out without proper incentive" Mr. Marco's eyes bulged at the prospect of such a lucrative arrangement. "Alright, name your terms of

Chapter 107

tan didn't get angry at the bite; in fact, he seemed to relish the pain as he touched the broken skin with a devil-may-care smirk playing at the corners of his mouth,

Just then, a low chuckle tickled his ears, Roger sauntered over from a short distance away, his face sporting an meaningful grin.

"Why let her go if you're so reluctant, huh?" Roger teased. "Didn't you know Anders has had a thing for her for years? What if he just snatches her away. Are you really okay with that?"

lan fished a cigarette from his pocket and lit it with a casual flick of his lighter. The flickering flame accentuated his sharp features. He took a few deep drags, his half-smile carrying a note of challenge. "Who says she can be taken that easily?"

Roger threw a playful jab in his direction. "For the love of Pete, you're too cocksure! Who gave you that confidence? With that, Roger shook his head and walked away.

Clara and Anders, through sheer talent and drive, landed two big clients that very night. They also managed to invite a host of high-society figures to their law firm's grand opening. Though the evening was saturated with champagne toasts and spirited conversations, the real bounty was in the connections made.

When the grand opening arrived, Clara was the belle of the ball. Mr. Marco had summoned many legal luminaries, parading Clara around with unbridled pride. "Meet my star pupil," he'd announce to the attendees. "She's joining the legal fray, so watch out!"

Among the guests were many of Mr. Marco's protégés. Upon seeing Clara, dozens flocked to her, sparking conversations and adding their contacts to Clara's phone. Soon, Clara was a member of several legal group

chats.

Standing in the hub of activity, Clara was radiant, her smile genuine and her eyes sparkling with an unfamiliar brilliance. This was a side of her lan had not seen before; she was competent as his executive secretary, sure, but never had her eyes shone so bright.

"Why," lan wondered, "would she choose to be the executive secretary at Hayes Corporation when she clearly thrived in the legal world?"

lan realized he knew very little about Clara. He was unaware of her deep-sea phobia, the storms she had weathered, and the reasons she stayed by his side.

From the doorway, he watched her radiant smile, feeling a pang of something akin to heartburn.

It was then Mr. Marco spotted him. Quick as a flash, he ushered Clara toward lan. "My dear, have you met this gentleman before?" Marco said, his voice light with jest. "He's a big shot in Northbridge. If you ever need anything, go to him. If he doesn't help, I'll tan his hide."

Clara hadn't expected lan to be invited. Though surprised, she maintained her composure and gave lan a slight nod of acknowledgment. "Welcome, Mr. Hayes. I look forward to your esteemed company in the future."

lan gave her a cool glance, his voice distant and frosty. "If you expect my patronage, Attorney Clara, I'll need to see some sincerity on your part."

Mr. Marco laughed and slapped lan on the shoulder. "You rascal, asking you for a favor is a compliment. What more sincerity do you need?"

lan's icy gaze lifted slightly, his tone casual yet pointed. "Business is business, old man. Hayes Corporation's legal bills are in the tens of millions annually. I can't just hand that out without proper incentive."

Mr. Marco's eyes bulged at the prospect of such a lucrative arrangement. "Alright, name your terms of

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Chapter 107

sincerity; let's see if we can meet them," he said eagerly.

Nonchalant as ever, lan picked up a glass of wine and said offhandedly, "Tonight, when the ball dancing begins, Attorney Clara must dance exclusively with me."