No Strings Attached

Chapter 39

The document was a mess, stained and reeking of something foul.

Ian had a notorious obsession for cleanliness. He would have a fit if this file landed on his desk. It didn’t take a genius to predict the ensuing drama.

Clara’s fingers whitened as she pinched the papers.

Heidl, the pampered heiress of the Campbell clan, had stooped to play assistant at Hayes Corporation. Clara wasn’t born yesterday; she knew exactly what the play was here. She’d even bet her last dollar that this kind of sabotage was going to become a regular

Occurrence.

A dark smirk played on Clara’s lips.

Fifteen minutes ticked by before Clara stepped back into the boardroom, empty–handed. Heidi’s face lit up with smug satisfaction, which vanished as quickly as it appeared. Pretending to be the good Samaritan, she implored, “lan, this contract hiccup might cost us a pretty penny, but I’m sure Ms. Clara’s slip wasn’t intentional. Could you possibly not punish her for my sake? I’ll cover the losses.”

lan’s expression was unreadable. “With what exactly?”

Heidi, undeterred, smiled brightly. “The Campbell family’s launching a resort development on the outskirts. It’s a multi–billion dollar project with a bright future. It’s highly sought after. I could talk to my father and reserve this opportunity for you.”

lan’s icy gaze cut to Clara, his voice devoid of warmth. “What do you think?”

Clara offered a thin smile. “Mr. Hayes, our team has researched that project. The last developer clashed with the local government and absconded with the funds. They’re re–tendering to find a sucker to fill the hole. I’d rather we not be that sucker. Besides, the project involves displacing local farmers–it’s a headache we don’t need.”

As she spoke, Clara cast the investigative report onto the big screen. The shareholders nodded in agreement with her analysis.

A clenched fist was Heidi’s only response. Was Clara insinuating that the Campbell family would be the fools?

Heidi, trying to maintain composure, pressed, “Since my offer doesn’t appeal to you, Ms. Clara, how do you propose we mitigate the loss of this contract?”

lan’s gaze lingered on Clara, filled with curious anticipation. If Clara played her cards right, showed a little vulnerability, he might let her off the hook. Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Unruffled, Clara pulled out a USB drive from her pocket, her demeanor steady. “The contract ended up in a bathroom trash can, not exactly presentable for the boardroom. I’ve scanned the documents onto this drive for our discussion. Also, I’ve arranged for a

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fresh copy to be delivered. It should be here within half an hour, so there’s no delay in signing.”

As the scanned contract appeared on the computer, a fleeting smile crossed lan’s face. Yet his tone remained cool as he addressed Clara, “I don’t want a repeat of this mistake.

Clara nodded firmly. “Mr. Hayes, I’ll be more vigilant against the snakes in our midst.”

With that, she cast a glance at Heidi, offering a smile that was more a polished blade than a gesture of goodwill..

It was a clear signal, and the seasoned shareholders caught on without a word. Respect for Heidi’s status as the Campbell heiress was the only thing keeping their mouths shut.

Anger flashed through Heidi, her fists so tight her nails dug into her palms, yet she felt no pain.