No Strings Attached

Chapter 119

Tan’a loy gaze flickered with a challenge. “Yeah, and so what?”

Chase gave him a sharp kick under the table. “Come on, you useless lug, go for it! Are you really gonna wait till Clara sends you a wedding invite before you realize it’s too late?”

lan felt a sting at Chase’s words, a pang in his chest at the mere thought of Clara marrying another man. It felt like a pack of hounds tearing at his heart.

His dark eyes narrowed, a gleam of determination lighting his face. “Dawson, fetch my prized bottle from the cellar.”

Dawson beamed with a quick, “You got it, Mr. Hayes,” and dashed off.

True to his word, Dawson was back in under five minutes, cradling a vintage bottle that had been cellared for years.

lan took the bottle and strode out of the private room, leaving behind the rowdy cheers of his mates.

“Go get her, tiger!”

Meanwhile, Clara was lost in conversation with Alicia, her face adorned with a serene smile as she listened to some industry tidbits.

Just then, a waiter knocked and entered, announcing with a smile, “Mr. Trevor, Mr. Hayes has brought over a special bottle for you.”

lan appeared in the doorway, broad–shouldered and tall, holding the fine bottle. He nodded politely at Trevor and Alicia. “Heard Mr. Trevor and Mrs. Alicia were dining here. Hope I’m not intruding. This is one of my cherished bottles, so I thought I’d bring it over for you to

try.”

Trevor waved him over with a welcoming smile. “Mr. Hayes, that’s very kind of you. Please, have a seat.”

lan passed by Clara, his suit brushing against her slender arm. He nodded courteously at her and Anders. “I didn’t expect to find Ms. Clara here. What a pleasant surprise.”

Alicia asked with a hint of surprise, “You two know each other?! This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.

lan glanced at Clara and replied calmly, “Ms. Clara was my secretary before she decided to join Mr. Anders‘ law firm,”

Clara, anxious he might reveal more than was appropriate, nodded politely. “Mr. Hayes, long time no see.”

It was a mere formality, but lan took it to heart. He looked at Clara with a gentle gaze. “Ms. Clara, seems like you’ve forgotten already. Didn’t we just meet this morning?”

11.04

The ambiguity of his statement didn’t escape Anders, who quickly changed the subject. “Since Mr. Hayes has been generous enough to bring the wine, let’s not refuse such a gift. Shall I have a taste?”

After uncorking the bottle and pouring some wine for everyone, he raised his glass. “Our small firm is counting on Mr. Hayes‘ support. Here’s to a fruitful partnership.”

lan joined in the toast, then chuckled, “Didn’t Attorney Clara tell you? We had a great talk yesterday. I’ve agreed to sign a contract with you. Just send her over with the paperwork, and I’ll put pen to paper.”

Trevor, unaware of any underlying tensions, clapped lan on the back. “Mr. Hayes, we appreciate the support. Let’s drink to that.”

After a few rounds, lan found himself downing several glasses. He hadn’t eaten all day, and drinking on an empty stomach was taking its toll, especially with his sour mood. Soon, he felt a burning pain in his stomach.

རལ་ཇལ འཆཡོ – བ༦ ༢ 。

Looking pitifully across at Clara, he said, “Clara, my stomach hurts.”

Clara, who had been discussing a case with Alicia, turned to lan upon hearing his complaint. lan looked pale, his brows furrowed in evident discomfort.

Alicia was the first to respond with concern. “What’s the matter? Did you drink too fast?”

Clutching his stomach, lan groaned, “I skipped meals today and drank a bit too quickly. It might be my stomach acting up. I’ve got some meds in my car. I’ll be fine after I take one.”

*