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Chapter 40

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Chapter 40 It seemed Heldi had underestimated Clara.

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An hour later, the meeting was over, and the contract was signed on schedule.

As everyone was dispersing, Leonora deliberately said in front of everyone, “lan, Heidi has reserved our old haunt at the Willow Bistro, the private booth where you two used to have your little rendezvous. She'll be waiting for you there.” The implication couldn’t have been clearer. And how could Clara fail to grasp it? Clara's expression unchanging, she lowered her head to tidy up the documents, a practiced smile playing at the corners of her mouth. As Clara stood up, she nodded. politely at lan. “Mr. Hayes, enjoy your meal.” With that, she gathered her notebook and papers, ready to leave, but lan’s grip on her wrist halted her departure. After a forceful pull, Clara found herself in his arms.

Her expression changed instantly, her eyes icy. “Mr. Hayes, this is a boardroom. I'd appreciate a bit of decorum.” lan’s long fingers grazed Clara's delicate cheek as a meaningful smile spread across his lips.

“Jealous?” Clara scoffed. “Mr. Hayes, we are merely in a contractual relationship. There's no need for chivalry on your part.

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Whether you dine with an ex or share a bed with her, it’s none of my concern.” “Is it really none of your concern, or do you simply not want it to be?” lan held her chin, searching Clara’s face for that old, unmistakable flash of jealousy. But it didn’t come. Instead, Clara's throat emitted a soft chuckle. “Mr. Hayes, talk like that might leadto believe you're fond of me, and you wantto care.” Sarcasm glinted in Clara’s eyes, piercing lan’s composure. He pushed her away, his voice. cold as ice. “You wish!” Clara stood up, reclaimed her documents, and nodded politely. “Rest assured, Mr. Hayes, | won't.” She turned and left the conference room.

Watching her retreating figure, devoid of any sign of affection, lan felt a growing tightness. in his chest. He yanked at his tie, a vein throbbing on his forehead.

After lunch, Clara was touching up her makeup in the restroom. Heidi clacked in on her high heels, her voice dripping with sarcasm as she washed her hands. “Ms. Clara, all dolled up are you trying to snag lan? Please, with a mother like yours, so scandalous.

11:12D and slutty, do you really think the Hayes family would ever welcyou?” Clara's movements paused, her gaze turning frosty as she faced Heidi. “Did you bring her here on purpose?” And if | did? She’s drowning in gambling debts, hounded by loan sharks. If I hadn't. brought her back, how else could | have ensured she’d disrupt your life?” “What are you planning, Heidi?” A bad feeling settled in Clara's gut. Her mother was a gambler, desperate for money, capable of anything.

Heidi's smile was slight but sinister. “Nothing much. Just thought, considering your stature, I'd help her out. Got her a job cleaning at the company. She's started already, taking care of the first floor-lots of traffic there, easy for you to bump into each other.” The thought of facing that woman every day made Clara shiver. Memories of seven years ago flooded her mind, the taunts in the classroom, and the accusations of being just like her mother, a whore luring men. Each word was a knife to her heart.

A coldness seeped into Clara's eyes. “Heidi, you brought this to yourself.” With that, Clara grabbed Heidi's hair and dragged her further into the restroom. Clara’s arm rose, and she struck Heidi across the face.

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