No Strings Attached

Chapter 6

He descended the stairs and spotted Dawson standing in the living room, phone in hand, deep in conversation with someone on the other end.

lan strode over and cast a glance at the phone. “Busy, are we?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Dawson immediately ceased his texting, concern etching his features. “Mr. Hayes, is Ms. Clara very ill? Does she need to go to the hospital?”

lan was puzzled. “She told you that?”

“Yeah, she just asked me for a week off. I was wondering why she did not just tell you directly. Why go through the formal process with me?”

lan’s dark eyes grew heavier. “You approved it?”

“Just did. You said Ms. Clara should rest up at home, and I’ll handle the work.”

Dawson figured his go–getter attitude would earn him some praise from the big boss. But instead, he was met with a frosty voice that said, “That’s your quarterly bonus gone.”

Clara had taken a week off work due to excessive blood loss from surgery. On her first day back, her colleagues were quick to fill her in on the dreadful week they’d had. They were working late every single day.

For granting her the time off, assistant Dawson had his quarterly bonus slashed by a hefty sum courtesy of lan. Clara knew that money was Dawson’s rainy day fund, and now, because of her, it was gone.

After briefing her colleagues on a few work–related matters, she knocked on the CEO’s office door. Upon entering, she found lan, clad in a crisp black suit, sitting at his desk.

His demeanor was cold and weary, his features sharp and distinct, and his deep–set eyes carried an air of casual indifference. An aura of icy aloofness and sophistication surrounded him. His expression barely changed as his gaze settled on Clara for a few seconds before returning to his work.

Facing him again was painful for Clara–seven years ago, it was this detached and handsome man who had drawn her to him, leading her to throw caution to the wind. But she never expected her years of devotion to be treated as nothing more than a casual fling by lan.

Clara masked the turmoil in her eyes as she approached lan, her tone all business. “Mr. Hayes, the company’s leave policy states that direct supervisor approval suffices for absences of ten days or less. Dawson is my supervisor, and he approved my leave. Why did you cut his bonus?”

lan glanced at her, his attractive eyes fixating on her as if seeing right through her thoughts. “Why do you think?” His tone was lightly mocking, almost teasing.

Clara’s heart tightened. “Is it because our breakup annoyed you? If you have an issue with me, confront me directly. Don’t take it out on others.”

lan chuckled lightly, not taking offense. “I could easily avoid involving others. Just move back in with me, and all will be forgiven.”

A bitter smile flickered across Clara’s face as she handed lan her prepared resignation letter. “Mr. Hayes, not only will I not be moving back in, but I’m also resigning, effective immediately. Here’s my resignation. I hope you find someone to take over my duties soon.”

lan stared at the resignation letter Clara extended towards him, his fingers pale and cold as they clutched the pen. His dark eyes remained unflinching as they bore into Clara. “What if I refuse to approve it?”

A sly smile curved Clara’s lips. “Mr. Hayes, you were the one who said we’d part ways when you were done. By not letting me go, you’re making me think you can’t handle the game.”

At her words, lan rose from his chair and closed the distance between them. He grasped her chin, his fingertips grazing her smooth skin. His voice bore a forceful sense of oppression. “Clara, it’s not that I can’t handle the game. I’m just not done playing it yet!”