No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 210

After thanking the doctor, she briskly entered the hospital room.

Spotting Brodie, swathed in bandages, Clara felt a twinge of guilt and her eyes welled up with regret. "Mr. Brodie, you got hurt trying to save me. Whatever compensation you ask for, just name it. I'll make sure you get it."

Brodie glanced at Clara, then at lan standing behind her, whose face was etched with jealousy. A barely perceptible smirk danced in his eyes.

"I helped you because I wanted to. How could I possibly ask you for anything in return? But if you really feel indebted, then just agree to do me one favor."

He hadn't finished his sentence when lan pulled Clara into his embrace. His voice was rigid and icy. "I'll cover all your medical expenses. If you're willing, I'll bring over the best plastic surgeon from H-country to tend to your wounds, and I'll write you a check for whatever amount you deem fair. But don't you dare harbor any designs on her."

His gaze, his actions, his words, all proclaimed the same oath. She belonged with me!

Brodie raised an eyebrow and asked, "And who are you to her, that you get to make decisions on her behalf?"

That question completely set lan off. "Who I am to her is none of your business. I'll have someone take care of you, but as for her, don't even think about it."

lan tried to leave with Clara in tow. How could he not see this man's intentions? The rescue was a ruse, an excuse to get close to Clara.

Clara was his. Their betrothal had been settled while she was still a bun in her mother's oven. He would never let any other man near her.

lan felt every nerve in his body sounding an alarm. Anders and Ryker had been sent packing, but now there was Brodie. The world was full of women. Why were they all fixated on his girl?

Clara didn't appreciate the gesture and wriggled free from lan's arms. Her face was set in a cold expression. "Ian, this isn't your concern. Please, leave."

lan's temples throbbed with frustration. Clenching his teeth, he managed to hold back his jealousy and patiently explained, "He's a man, and it's not appropriate for you to care for him. I'll send someone to look after him until he's recovered. As for the compensation, I'll follow your lead. Isn't that enough?"

His stance was humble. His voice was much softer.

Chase couldn't help but stifle a chuckle. Leaning over to Sasha, he whispered with a smirk, "If they both pursued Clara, who do you think would win?"

Without a moment's hesitation, Sasha blurted out, "Obviously Brodie. No one wants to be with their trashy ex, and Clara isn't without options. Why would she ever pick that jerk lan?"

Sasha's sharp tongue didn't miss a beat. Each word was like a knife, cutting without mercy.

Chase was so exasperated that he wanted to silence her. He laughed nonchalantly, "Let's make a bet. I'll back lan to win."

"You're on. I'm not afraid of losing to you. You won't win anyway."

"Alright, whoever wins has to be the other's servant for a month. How does that sound?"

Sasha fearlessly extended her hand. There was a triumphant grin on her lips. "Deal!"

lan shot them an annoyed look, and just then, Brodie's cultured voice filled the air. "I don't want any compensation. I just need Ms. Clara to play the role of my girlfriend for a bit, to fend off my family's marriage pressure. Is that alright?"