No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 242

"Are you seriously not worried about Clara? She's the girl you're into."

"Do you need glasses or something? How did you see me falling for her?"

"If you don't like her, why all the wining and dining? Who'd buy that?"

"Isn't that how you're supposed to take care of a sugar baby?"

That recording instantly snuffed out all the light from Clara's face, exposing her most secretive side for all to see.

The crowd wasn't just any ordinary group. It included the brass and students from Ivywood University, as well as reporters from major media outlets.

lan's personal life was always the media's favorite bone to chew on. As soon as they heard the audio, microphones were thrust towards Clara.

"Attorney Clara, what's the deal with this recording? Have you really been Mr. Hayes' sugar baby for three years?"

"Ms. Clara, back in the day, you were the talk of Ivywood University. Why'd you pass up the chance to study abroad to play secretary to Mr. Hayes? Were you really kept by him?"

"When the Bell family hit hard times, did you choose to be Mr. Hayes' canary to bail out your folks?"

The reporters' questions were like knives stabbing straight at Clara's heart. She tried to remain composed and offer an explanation, but she was at a loss for words - especially since it was lan's own admission.

Just as she felt utterly alone and helpless, Anders sprinted onto the stage, shielding Clara with his body, and nodded to the press below. "Sorry, folks, Clara's talk is over. Please enjoy the rest of the program." He tried to whisk Clara off the stage, but the reporters weren't having any of it. They swarmed around, blocking their exit and shoving microphones in Clara's face.

Watching this sensational scene unfold, Heidi, seated in the back, couldn't hide her cruel smile. "Clara, this is what they call poetic justice. Enjoy your feast," she murmured, reclined in her chair, relishing the sight of Clara besieged by the press.

Just as she reveled in her triumph, she caught sight of a figure all too familiar.

A tall, commanding presence was heading straight for Clara. Unapologetically, he plowed through the crowd of journalists, reached Clara, and pulled the trembling woman into his embrace.

lan kissed Clara's forehead tenderly and whispered reassurance, "Don't be scared. I'm right here." The eyes that were soft moments ago turned icy as they met the press corps, sending a chill through the air. Faced with this side of lan, no one dared to speak. Everyone watched quietly, waiting to see how he'd unravel the mystery.

lan's deep eyes darkened, his voice low and husky, "Clara and I have always been in a normal, loving relationship. We just had a bit of a tiff, and she dumped me. That recording was just me being bitter about it - but that's not the whole story. Listen to this."

He pulled out his phone and played an extension of the earlier audio. The familiar dialogue was there, but it ended with lan's voice, filled with genuine sorrow.

"If I could just treat her like a sugar baby, maybe I wouldn't be so heartbroken."

lan had always projected an image of cool aristocracy. No one had ever heard him sound so downcast.

After listening, the crowd got the picture. The questions resumed, this time with a different tone. "Mr. Hayes, what's the current status of your relationship with Attorney Clara?"

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