No Strings Attached novel (Sharp and Clara’s)

Chapter 169

His voice carried the weight of endless grievances and a deep beat. His large hand gently stroked Clara's hair, with a tender yet possessive touch.

lan’s vulnerability left Clara feeling helpless. She preferred the domineering and assertive man he used to be at least then, she could push him away without a second thought. Now, lan seemed like a delicate porcelain doll, so fragile that even a little pressure might

shatter him

Clara forced a scale, though her voice remained cool and detached. “Mr. Hayes, you needn't thank me with such grandeur. With the hefty retainer veuve paid, winning this lawsuit was simply my duty” She avoided mentioning his plea entirely.

Casually, she patted his back and flashed a professional smile.

This version of Clara made lan uncomfortable. Their relationship seemed stripped down to mere business, devoid of any personal

connection.

Pain flickered through lan’'s deep—set eyes. He gazed at Clara's complexion, searching for a glimmer of love in her eyes. To his dismay, Clara's gaze was calm and her smile, unperturbed.

A pang of discomfort struck lan’s throat as he rasped, “Clara, do you really not want me anymore?” Clara's eyelashes fluttered, her lips curving slightly, “Mr. Hayes, the severance has been settled. Any further entanglements wouldn't be

proper.

She nodded towards Dawson, “Dawson has brought you a change of clothes. Freshen up. You have a press conference to attend.”

lan had never felt so powerless. The person he loved was right before his eyes, yet he was utterly helpless. Clenching his fists, he said firmly, “Wait for me. You're attending the press conference.” Half an hour later, lan faced the reporters. He deflected all credit onto Clara. Due to this case, Clara once again stunned the legal world.

As the interview drew to a close, a reporter asked, “Mr. Hayes, you previously admitted to pursuing a girl. Is that girl Attorney Clara?”

lan’s gaze openly shifted to Clara. His usually inscrutable eyes now betrayed his deep affection. “I'd rather not answer. If I say too much and upset her, it'll only make my quest to win her back all the more difficult.”

His words carefully skirted around Clara, yet his eyes were laden with emotion. Even a fool could identify the woman he referenced.

Throughout the interview, Clara maintained a professional smile, offering no clarification to lan's responses. To explain would be to acknowledge.

As the event concluded, lan grabbed Clara's wrist, his voice thick with unmasked emotion. “Attorney Clara, we've won the case. Surely you wouldn't mind joining me for a humble meal?”

His lofty invitation seemed bulletproof, anticipating no refusal. Yet, the next moment, Clara's cool voice responded. “Sorry, Mr. Hayes, I have a prior engagement. Maybe next time.”

Then, she walked towards a sleek black sedan. An elegant man stepped out of the vehicle, none other than Anders.

lan clenched his jaw in frustration and turned to Dawson, “Why is he here?”