No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 202

Ryker had never been so serious in his life. He was the epitome of a free spirit, never once entertaining the idea of taking over the family business, but for Clara, he'd walk through fire.

No sooner had he spoken than a chilling, deep voice emanated from behind. "If you think you've got the chops to compete with me, beat me first."

lan, clad in black, stood ominously behind them, pinching a half-smoked cigarette between his fingers. His normally dashing features were tinged with an air of gloom that couldn't be shaken off, and beneath the dark pupils lay an undeniable longing.

He strode up to Clara, his gaze fixed intensely on her as he spoke in a husky voice, "Clara, are you alright?"

Before Clara could respond, Ryker charged in front of her, his face betraying his usual defiance. "She's just fine without your concern. Why don't you take a hike?"

lan didn't seem ruffled but instead lifted his gaze to Ryker, his tone even, "You've always been into racing, right? I've invested in a racing club with all the latest models. They're in need of a savvy manager. If you're interested, show up there tomorrow."

Without a second thought, Ryker retorted, "I'm not your guy. You think I'm oblivious to your little schemes? You drove Anders away and now you're trying to sideline me, hoping to have Clara all to yourself. Dream on!"

lan chuckled lightly, pulled out his phone, and shot Ryker a slew of racing car images, a smirk playing on his lips, "Like I said, if you want to challenge me, beat me first. On the professional track, do you dare t race?"

Ryker's competitive nature was instantly ignited by the slight in lan's eyes. He flashed a roguish grin, "Scared? You wish! Let's race."

He then turned to Clara, " Clara, isn't this jerk always giving you a hard time? Watch me take him down at the race."

Clara had no desire to be caught up in their rivalry. Yet she knew of Ryker's passion for racing; owning a racing club had always been his dream. If lan could spark that passion and set him on the right path, she would at least be fulfilling her duty to Marco.

They drove to the racetrack together. Upon seeing the sleek new cars and the professional track, Ryker's blood raced with excitement. He pointed his finger at lan, and declared, "Today, you're going to learn what crushing defeat feels like. Let's get in the cars." They both donned racing suits and chose their vehicles.

lan approached Clara, bending down to whisper, "This kid's all talk. Without a push, he'll never know his own strength. I'm merely teaching him a lesson on behalf of his old man. Clara, if I get him on the right track, will you take me off your blacklist as a token of gratitude?"

His eyes, filled with emotion, lingered on her, a deep yearning within. For a moment, he wanted to throw caution to the wind and capture her lips that haunted his dreams. But he quickly suppressed the urge, knowing he must not rush things.

Facing lan's suggestive gaze, Clara's expression remained undisturbed. She looked at him calmly, "Why should I thank you? We're both entrusted with taking care of him. It's our responsibility."

lan realized Clara's sharp tongue was a force to be reckoned with, shattering his dreams with the smallest of cracks. He let out a low chuckle, "Just wait, I'll replace a way to make you unblock me willingly."