No Strings Attached

Chapter 83

Clara offered a slight smile. Her voice was tinged with an air of resignation. “Mr. Hayes, that was Leonora’s decision, not mine to question.” And truth be told, she didn’t want to question it.

lan’s gaze lingered on her stoic expression. “Clara, you know the significance of the date l choose to bring to the anniversary gala. Why aren’t you jealous?”

Her tone remained devoid of any discernible emotion. “Mr. Hayes, a sugar baby doesn’t have the privilege to concern herself with such matters. My role is to be your bed partner, to ensure your pleasure between the sheets. Beyond that, my opinion is neither sought nor needed, right?”

Her words were delivered with a deceptive softness, yet each syllable struck like a thorn deep into lan’s heart. He wrapped his arms around her, with memories of a jealous Clara flooding his mind. He longed for that version of her, not this compliant, faultless facade she now wore.

lan gently stroked her hair. “Join me after work to try on the dress.”

“Mr. Hayes, I’ve already chosen my dress. Perhaps you should accompany Ms. Heidi

instead.”

“Clara, your father’s health isn’t the best. Do you really think he won’t suffer a relapse if he

learns about us?”

She no longer resisted; lan had found her Achilles‘ heel. “Fine, I’ll go. I have plenty to do, so I’ll take my leave now.” Pushing past lan, she turned and walked away.

After a busy day, Clara finally finished at six in the evening. She said her goodbyes to her colleagues and headed for the parking lot alone. But as she approached her car, Victoria came running over with a grin. “Clara, Mom’s been waiting. Take me home. I will make your favorite sea bass.”

Victoria reached for Clara’s hand, but was deftly avoided. “I don’t have a mother. She died

seven years ago.”

As Clara attempted to drive away, Victoria threatened her, “Give me two million, or I’ll go to your father.”

Clara grabbed Victoria by the collar. Her voice was icy with menace. “If you dare target my father, believe me, I won’t hesitate to end you!”

“Oh! My own daughter disowns me and now wants me dead!”

Their altercation drew the attention of passing colleagues, and Clara didn’t want anyone to know she had such a mother. She shoved Victoria into the car and sped off.

Heidi, watching from the shadows, chuckled ominously as the car disappeared.

“Struggling already, Clara? The real show is yet to come. Just you wait.”

Clara pulled over in a secluded spot. Her face flushed with anger. “Here’s half a million. Take it and get out of my life!”

Victoria scooped up the card. Her laughter shook with greed. “With a sugar daddy like lan, how can you be short on cash? Just let him fucking you a few more times.”

Clara clenched her teeth. “Get lost!”

Victoria swung the car door open with a sly smile. “If you don’t give me the rest, I’ll go to your father. Your choice.” Then she slammed the door shut and sauntered away in her heels.

Clara was left with the ghosts of the past haunting her thoughts. Tears cascaded down her cheeks, and no matter how much she tried to wipe them away, they just kept flowing. Never had she felt so powerless.