No Strings Attached

Chapter 88

The manager hesitated, torn between her professional judgment and the fact that Leonora was Mr. Hayes‘ mother, who was a force she dared not defy.

Biting the bullet, she strode toward Clara. Just as she reached out to begin undressing Clara, a deep, languid voice floated from behind.

“You like this dress?”

lan strolled over with his long strides, exuding an effortless grace. His warm hand rested on the exposed curve of her waist, and his fingers gently caressed the skin as a cryptic smile played on his lips.

Clara, who had been so domineering towards Heidi moments before, was suddenly without confidence. She knew in lan’s eyes, Heidi would always come first. Whatever Clara said, whatever she wanted, he would choose to believe Heidi and fulfill her wishes unconditionally.

Clara’s fingertips curled slightly as her lashes fluttere, the stubbornness and a hint of hurt barely concealed within her bright, clear eyes. She held lan’s gaze unwaveringly and challenged, “And what if I am? Would you have me undress for Heidi, Mr. Hayes?”

Heidi, seizing the moment, chimed in with a laugh, “lan, for the anniversary celebration, I’ll be playing the piano, that piece you love Moonlight Sonata, remember? This dress would complement the music perfectly. I was hoping Ms. Clara might yield it to me. After all, she’s not the guest of honor. There’s no need for her to dress so lavishly, don’t you agree?”

Leonora joined in, “Heidi’s right. Clara is just an employee, yet she’s dressed more elaborately than I am. Wouldn’t the media get the wrong idea? Let Heidi have the dress, and I’ll choose another for

Clara. My treat.”

lan regarded Clara impassively. His voice betrayed no emotion. “I think they have a point. Don’t you?”

Clara clenched her fists, feeling the sting of disappointment. The joy she had felt while donning the dress was now replaced by a sharp pain. Clearly, she couldn’t afford to have high hopes where lan was concerned.

Her smile was tinged with sarcasm. “If that’s what Mr. Hayes believes, does my opinion even matter?” Then, she turned and walked into the dressing room.

Standing before the mirror, she watched as her eyes reddened by the second. Any kindness lan had shown her was just a whim, nothing more. Clara quickly composed herself and began to peel off the gown.

Heidi couldn’t hide her satisfaction at the turn of events. Not only had she bested Clara, but she had also secured the dress she coveted. She beamed, taking lan’s arm. “lan, don’t

worry. As your date, I’ll make sure I look stunning. I won’t embarrass you”

–

mere

Leonora, equally pleased, added, “With your beauty, homemaking skills, and talent, you’re the perfect match for lan. Those other girls are nothing compared to you passersby in lan’s life, soon to be discarded.” Her eyes, filled with disdain, landed on Clara as she emerged from the dressing room.

Clara thrust

here to try dress into lan’s arms, her eves misty. “Mr. Hayes, you asked me to come NôvelDrama.Org is the owner.

here to try on a dress, and I did. May I go now?”

lan watched her defiant face and kissed her forehead gently. His voice was husky. “The dress is beautiful, and it suits you.”

Then, wrapping an arm around her waist, he instructed the manager, “Pack the dress and have it sent to Ms. Clara’s office.”