No Strings Attached novel Chapter 6

He descended the stairs and spotted Dawson standing in the living room, phone in hand, deep in conversation with someone on the other end.

Ian strode over and cast a glance at the phone. "Busy, are we?"

Dawson immediately ceased his texting, concern etching his features. "Mr. Hayes, is Ms. Clara very ill? Does she need to go to the hospital?"

Ian was puzzled. "She told you that?"

"Yeah, she just asked me for a week off. I was wondering why she did not just tell you directly. Why go through the formal process with me?"

Ian's dark eyes grew heavier. "You approved it?"

"Just did. You said Ms. Clara should rest up at home, and I'll handle the work."

Dawson figured his go-getter attitude would earn him some praise from the big boss. But instead, he was met with a frosty voice that said, "That's your quarterly bonus gone."

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Clara had taken a week off work due to excessive blood loss from surgery. On her first day back, her colleagues were quick to fill her in on the dreadful week they'd had. They were working late every single day.

For granting her the time off, assistant Dawson had his quarterly bonus slashed by a hefty sum courtesy of Ian. Clara knew that money was Dawson's rainy day fund, and now, because of her, it was gone.