No Strings Attached novel (Clara and Ian)
Chapter 235

"Who are you calling your disciple? I'm the queen bee around here!"

Sasha realized her blunder the moment the words left her mouth.

Pointing at Chase, she exclaimed, "Are you the Director Chase that Gregory mentioned?" Chase simply nodded, a playful glint in his eye. "Bingo, your prize is a bottle of fine wine."

With that, he handed Sasha a bottle of red wine he'd been cradling.

Sasha was beside herself. Her mentor had hooked her up with a film crew, touting a charity film about heroic doctors saving lives. She was cast as a nurse, sharing the untold stories of medical professionals' hardships from her perspective.

The director, aiming for authenticity, had her intern at a hospital for a month. And they'd paired her with a mentor, the leading cardiac specialist, Director Chase.

She'd pictured Director Chase as someone in their fifties at least. But instead, it was a doctor under thirty, the Chase she knew.

Sasha clenched her teeth in frustration and was about to invite Chase inside when the elevator doors slid open again.

lan emerged with a snowy Samoyed in tow, his other hand clutching a folder. The typically aloof CEO wore an uncharacteristic smile as he looked at them.

"Snow's been missing his mommy, so I brought him over for a visit. I also found a job for you, Sasha, to save her from pestering her all day." Without waiting for Sasha's response, he tossed the folder into her arms and strode into the living room with Snow.

Sasha, intent on stopping him, glanced down and saw the name on the documents.

Storm Media. Wasn't that the company behind the charity film she was supposed to do? How did lan end up with their contract?

Could it be...

She looked at Chase in bewilderment.

The man chuckled nonchalantly, "This charity film has massive exposure potential. Nail it, and you could hit the big time. Do you think such a plum role just falls out of the sky? If it weren't for his wooing campaign, you wouldn't stand a chance."

Sasha knew all too well the importance of this opportunity, but the thought of it being part of lan's scheme to win over Clara made her promptly return the contract. "I'd rather starve than betray a friend. Don't think you can sway Clara with these little favors. No way!"

Chase tapped her head lightly. "You're such a doof! Loafing around at home is the worst torture for Clara. The longer you stay, the guiltier she feels. Can't you see that? Or is your head waterlogged?" Sasha's head throbbed from his tap, and she snapped, "Stop it, I'll go dumb. You gonna be responsible?"

"Don't get any ideas. I'm engaged, so don't covet my good looks."

"Covet you? Ha! You're not even on my radar." With that, she whisked the documents away and marched into the bedroom.

Snow dashed into the kitchen, circling Clara excitedly, showering her with licks and nuzzles.

lan leaned casually against the doorframe, watching their tender scene, and spoke in a husky voice. "The vet says Snow's got some abandonment issues and a bit of introversion. We need to work together to help him, or he might get depressed."

Clara didn't hesitate, "I'll swing by your place after work to play with him before heading home."

lan stepped closer, caressing Snow's head, his gaze softening as he looked at Clara. "I don't want you to wear yourself out. It breaks my heart. So, I've bought the apartment downstairs. We're neighbors now, and Snow can see his parents every day."