No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian) novel Chapter 272

As Ian sat in the conference room, his phone buzzed with a message from Roger, setting off a flicker of triumph in his chest. Someone was finally spending the money he worked so hard for.

Having a wife like Clara, who had a knack for shopping, meant he had to buckle down even more. The thought brought an uncharacteristic smile to his normally stern face.

But, to his disappointment, by the time the meeting wrapped up, there had been no notification of any card transactions.

He had given Clara a no-limit black card linked to his phone. Could it be she hadn’t spent any of his money?

With this nagging thought, Ian immediately pulled out his phone and dialed Clara. After several rings with no answer, he called Roger.

As soon as Roger picked up, Ian could hear a cacophony of excited shrieks in the background. “Are you still with Clara? Why isn’t she picking up her phone?”

Roger chuckled, “Why isn’t she answering? Because she’s here with my wife, swooning over a heartthrob’s live performance.”

He purposely panned his camera to show Clara in the throng, waving a glow stick with glee.

Ian gritted his teeth at the sight. “Pass her the phone.”

Roger’s voice was teasing. “Not sure that’s a good idea, mate. She’s having a blast. Look at me – playing the doting husband, babysitting solo, while also playing bodyguard. You could learn a thing or two about being magnanimous.”

“Magnanimous my foot! She’s out there having a wild time the second I turn my back. Just you wait until I get my hands on her!”

His voice was seductive, and his tone was laced with an enchanting drawl that sent a warm flush to Clara’s cheeks. “Alright, let’s talk more when I get home. I want to get back to the show now.”

Their sweet exchange was, unfortunately, witnessed by Heidi, who stood not too far off. She saw the adoring way Ian called Clara “babe” and the love in his eyes.

Jealousy bit into her. It was so fierce that she tasted the metallic tang of blood in her mouth.

As the evening drew on, Roger left with his kids, while Christy and Clara continued their fun. They danced in the club after the concert and were now resting on a couch when a well-heeled lady approached. “Mrs. Hicks, we’re short one for cards. Care to join us?”

Christy recognized the woman as a frequent associate of the Hicks family. She was inclined to decline when Clara interjected, “Go ahead. I’ll sit here and chat with Ian for a bit.”