No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 149

Chapter 149 

lan stared at Clara, a mix of frustration and wounded pride etched across his face. “Clara, my wound has split open again. Help me change the bandage, and I’ll get out of your hair,” he pleaded. 

Clara had never pegged lan as the clingy type. To her, he was always detached. and aloof, unless between the sheets. 

Once upon a time, she was the one doing the chasing. How the tables had turned. Now he was the one acting like a desperate ex. 

Biting her lip with irritation, Clara snapped, “There’s a community clinic two blocks down, on the right. Get yourself patched up there.” She shoved his suitcases outside the door, followed briskly by lan himself, and with an emphatic slam, the door closed behind him. 

lan stared at his belongings, scattered on the doorstep. The sting of rejection was burning within him. 

Just then, the door across the hallway creaked open, and out stepped Ryker, leaning nonchalantly against the frame, dressed head–to–toe in effortlessly cool leisurewear. A smirk played on his lips. “Well, well, if it isn’t my invincible cousin. What’s the matter? Ms. Clara kicked you to the curb?” 

Already fuming, lan bristled at Ryker’s taunt. With a steely gaze, he retorted, “Your dad called me, Ryker. He wants me to school you in the art of running a business. I wasn’t keen on babysitting, but now, I’ve decided you’re starting at my office tomorrow.” 

Ryker chuckled dismissively. “Why would I want to do that? I’m not sick in the head. Being Clara’s bodyguard is the sweet gig – there’s good company, good food, and she even pays me, not to mention the threads she picks up for me. Running some stuffy company? No thanks. Whoever wants that headache is welcome to it. I couldn’t care less about the family empire.” 

The Millers were old money in Riddleton, a family with a storied legacy. And Ryker was their sole heir, a rebel who marched to the beat of his own drum, never heeding anyone’s advice. His parents had hoped a stint in the military would straighten him out, but all it did was add an edge to his defiance. 

lan’s face soured at Ryker’s careless words. “She’s your cousin–in–law, it’s her 

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Chapter 149 

job to look after you. Don’t mention it. And if you’re ever short on cash, I’ll foot the bill.” 

Ryker’s cavalier expression turned to one of shock. “lan, have some shame, will you? Clara dumped you ages ago. Cousin–in–law? Get over yourself!” 

lan’s lips curled into a smug grin at Ryker’s outrage. He summoned Dawson to collect his luggage. 

Meanwhile, Clara, having gathered herself, joined Ryker to head downstairs. In her hurry, she almost collided with the movers. She quickly apologized and glanced up to see them carrying a leather sofa set – the very one she’d admired last month, intending to place it in lan’s villa. How quickly times changed, she thought. Her eyes darkened as she slipped into her car.