No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169 

His voice carried the weight of endless grievances and a deep beat. His large hand gently stroked Clara’s hair, with a tender yet possessive touch. 

lan’s vulnerability left Clara feeling helpless. She preferred the domineering and assertive man he used to be at least then, she could push him away without a second thought. Now, lan seemed like a delicate porcelain doll, so fragile that even a little pressure might 

shatter him 

Clara forced a scale, though her voice remained cool and detached. “Mr. Hayes, you needn’t thank me with such grandeur. With the hefty retainer veuve paid, winning this lawsuit was simply my duty” She avoided mentioning his plea entirely. 

Casually, she patted his back and flashed a professional smile. 

This version of Clara made lan uncomfortable. Their relationship seemed stripped down to mere business, devoid of any personal 

connection. 

Pain flickered through lan’s deep–set eyes. He gazed at Clara’s complexion, searching for a glimmer of love in her eyes. To his dismay, Clara’s gaze was calm and her smile, unperturbed. 

A pang of discomfort struck lan’s throat as he rasped, “Clara, do you really not want me anymore?” 

Clara’s eyelashes fluttered, her lips curving slightly, “Mr. Hayes, the severance has been settled. Any further entanglements wouldn’t be 

proper. 

She nodded towards Dawson, “Dawson has brought you a change of clothes. Freshen up. You have a press conference to attend.” 

lan had never felt so powerless. The person he loved was right before his eyes, yet he was utterly helpless. Clenching his fists, he said firmly, “Wait for me. You’re attending the press conference.” 

Half an hour later, lan faced the reporters. He deflected all credit onto Clara. Due to this case, Clara once again stunned the legal world. 

As the interview drew to a close, a reporter asked, “Mr. Hayes, you previously admitted to pursuing a girl. Is that girl Attorney Clara?” 

lan’s gaze openly shifted to Clara. His usually inscrutable eyes now betrayed his deep affection. “I’d rather not answer. If I say too much and upset her, it’ll only make my quest to win her back all the more difficult.” 

His words carefully skirted around Clara, yet his eyes were laden with emotion. Even a fool could identify the woman he referenced.