Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 132

Dr. Gribble had a rough night, tossing and turning till dawn. When he finally dragged himself out of bed the next morning, dark shadows hung under his eyes, and he felt like he was in a fog even on his commute to the hospital.

Settling into his chair, he barely had a moment before Quinn stormed in. Her expression was as defiant as ever, glaring at him like he was dirt under her shoe.

“Didn't I already tell you to quit?” she snapped.

Dr. Gribble backed up a few steps, his lips quivering. “Miss Quinn, I was dragged into this mess against my will. Don’t burn bridges. We live in a world of rules and laws.”

A flicker of disgust passed through Quinn’s eyes. She thought he talked way too much. “Dr. Gribble, you’ve got your money. It's too late to start with this now. You really don’t want to cross me. Better do as I say, or else…”

The threat hung in the air, heavy and clear.

After she left, Dr. Gribble slumped in his chair, sweat dripping down his face. The fear of someone trying to run him over again that night gnawed at him. Would he get lucky twice? He couldn’t die—not now. He had to survive!

Then he heard that familiar voice from the previous night—Clara.

Clara was standing right at Quinn's hospital room door. When Quinn saw her, fury twisted her face. “Clara!”

Wasn’t the Bradford family’s security on the hunt for Clara? How could she just show up like this? Quinn’s eyes turned red, her rage melting into a look of pitiful vulnerability. “Clara, I begged Mom not to send you to an asylum. Why are you here to taunt me? I’ve already lost my child. Isn’t that enough for you?”

Clara glanced back and, sure enough, she spotted Naomi and Simon. Naomi rushed forward, ready to slap Clara, but Clara caught her wrist effortlessly.

“Naomi, you always seem ready to slap me whenever we meet,” Clara remarked calmly.

Naomi’s anger was palpable. Her shoulders were shaking. “Clara, how dare you show your face here?!”

Clara released her grip, her voice steady. “I didn’t do it, and my conscience is clear. Why shouldn’t I be here?”

Simon had been ready to scold her, but those teary eyes softened his resolve. Clara had always been tough as nails. She had never shown a hint of weakness, and always put him down. But now, she seemed so fragile, like she needed someone to save her.

“Clara, what... what are you getting at?”

“Don’t you get it? Quinn was never pregnant. It was all her own little drama. But no one in the Bradford family, or anywhere else for that matter, believed me. I came here today to set the record straight. The truth stands on its own. If you want to lock me up in an asylum, then go ahead. I won’t fight it.”

Clara had switched gears, knowing that confronting Simon head-on would only make him dig in his heels and become more sinister. But if she showed vulnerability, his protective instincts might kick in.

She timed her words perfectly, making sure Dr. Gribble could hear everything from his room. If Dr. Gribble wanted to turn things around, Simon was his ticket.

Simon reached out, ready to comfort Clara, when Quinn emerged from the room, her face pale and her body trembling.

“Clara, why are you slandering me like this? You’ve really lost your mind.”