No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)

Chapter 18

Clara's grip on her cellphone tightened and relaxed in an anxious rhythm. She was aware of the project. It was Hayes Corporation's new venture, a field ripe with potential. The profits could skyrocket if it all went according

to plan.

Her father, a man of his word, couldn't possibly be involved in anything shady-unless someone was deliberately making things difficult for him. As this thought settled in, Clara's expression turned icy.

She whipped out her phone and dialed lan's number repeatedly. Each call was met with a ruthless disconnect It wasn't until the fifth attempt that an indifferent voice finally answered. "Got any regrets?"

Clara bit her lip, struggling to maintain composure. Her voice came out slightly hoarse, betraying her weariness. "lan, my father isn't the kind of man to break promises. If you're out for revenge, target me-but don't tarnish a lifetime of integrity. He just came out of surgery. Do you understand that your actions could kill

him?"

There was a moment of stiffness on the other end, then a shadow of amusement flickered in lan's eyes. "Want to save your father?"

His laugh was soft, almost taunting. "Meet me in the hospital parking lot."

Hearing lan's tacit admission hit Clara like a ton of bricks. She hadn't realized the extent he would go, disregarding the three years they'd spent together. If he had felt even the slightest affection for her, he

wouldn't be so callous.

Overwhelmed, Clara felt her throat close up, her eyes moistened. She tilted her head up, glaring at the blinding hallway lights, and said coldly, "lan, just wait. I will get justice for my dad. I won't let you wrong an innocent

man!"

lan's response was a dry chuckle. "I'm curious to see how you'll claim this justice."

Five minutes later, Clara found lan's car in the underground garage. Dawson greeted her with a wave. "Ms. Clara, Mr. Hayes is waiting for you in the car."

He courteously opened the car door for her and then discreetly retreated to a distance.

lan noticed Clara's entry, and his gaze instantly locked onto the wound on her forehead, his dark eyes clouding with anger. "Who did this?"

He grasped her chin with a firm hand, his gaze dark and unreadable. Clara turned her head away, irritated. It's none of your business."

"Clara, is this how you live without me? You turn yourself into this... mess!" He fumed, then reached into the glove compartment for an ointment, applying it to her wound. Next, he pulled out the ugliest band-aid available-it was a souvenir from a night he drank too much and hurt himself. Clara had bought it as a punishment. Clara recoiled at the sight of the hideous band-aid. "I'm not wearing that."

But lan pulled her into his embrace and slapped the band-aid onto her forehead anyway. After he was done, he bit her lip mockingly and laughed, "You look ridiculous!" White with anger, Clara couldn't believe he still had the nerve to tease her after putting the Bell family through such an ordeal. "lan, what do you want to let my dad go?"

His eyes, dark and inscrutable, never left hers, and a cold laugh leaked from his throat. It's simple. Come back to me, and I promise, not only will your father be safe, but the Bell family will be restored to its former glory

Chapter 19