No Strings Attached

Chapter 82

Clara’s fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white. She stood in the middle of the office. The weight of the world pressed down on her shoulders.

She knew Heidi would never let this go. That damning recording was the perfect weapon to rile her up. It was no secret now. The whole company was abuzz with whispers of her clandestine affair with lan.

Amy sidled up to her, tugging gently at her sleeve. “Ms. Clara, we all believe in you. There’s got to be some kind of mistake here.”

Clara’s laugh was tinged with bitterness. “No mistake. What she said is true.”

It was lan’s own voice on the tape. It couldn’t be a lie. Even if she wanted to hide it, there was no way she could.

Before she even walked into work that day, she’d braced herself for the worst. But when the moment of confrontation actually arrived, her heart still ached with the pain of it.

Seven years of love for lan, three years of intimate companionship, and it had to come out

like this.

She had once dreamed of the day lan would proudly introduce her as his girlfriend in front of everyone, the day he would propose and promise her a future as his wife. The harsh reality, however, was a nightmare compared to her bold dreams.

With a dismissive chuckle, Clara whispered, “Let’s get back to work. The company’s anniversary bash is this Saturday, and it looks like we’re in for some long nights ahead.”

Dawson lingered by the door, having captured the entire scene on his phone. The uncertainty was etched on his face as he showed it to lan. “Mr. Hayes, the whole office is buzzing about this. The things they’re saying they’re way worse than Nicole’s usual gossip. Aren’t you going to do anything?”

lan’s gaze was fixed on Clara in the video. His fingertips were pale as he gripped his phone. Clara had always been docile and obdient to him, but beneath that soft exterior lay a pride and stubbornness that refused to bow down. She had never belittled herself like this before, even when he had accused her of approaching him with ulterior motives. She had always held her head high, defiant. Now, she seemed resigned to her fate.

A storm of unspoken emotions churned in lan’s dark eyes as he replied with an icy tone, “Make it clear that if anyone speaks another word about this, they’re out. No second chances.”

Dawson gave him a thumbs–up, impressed. “You’re the man, Mr. Hayes! I’ll spread the word. Let’s see who dares to gossip now.”

“Send Clara in.”

11:51

Right away.”

Minutes later, Clara knocked and entered. Her face was devoid of any trace of self–pity, all business–like professionalism. “Mr. Hayes, did you need something?”

lan’s intense gaze held hers for several seconds before he asked, “How are the anniversary preparations coming along?”

“Everything’s smooth sailing. We should be all set by Friday afternoon,” she reported crisply. Her eyes were steady and clear, as if their shared history had never happened.

After her report, she asked respectfully, “Anything else you’d like to add, Mr. Hayes?”

lan continued to stare at her, taking a few seconds to gather himself before asking softly, “Who’ll be my date?”

Clara replied calmly, “Aren’t you taking Ms. Heidi with you? Just a moment ago, Leonora called to say that Ms. Heidi’s and your outfits are ready. You might want to take her for a fitting when you find the time.”

That was the last straw for lan. He stood up, closed the distance between them, and pulled Clara into his embrace. His lips found her graceful neck, planting warm kisses along her skin. “Why isn’t it you?” he murmured in a deep, soothing voice.