Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 145

"Try standing up on your own."

Clara slowly leaned against the wall and managed to stand up. Her leg was wrapped in bandages that were now tinged with blood. He watched the bloodstain for a moment before extending his hand toward her.

Clara carefully took his hand, whispering a soft thank you as she did. He paused in his steps, standing silent for a good half-minute before letting out a gentle sigh.

By the time Clara was back in the bedroom, her face was noticeably pale. Dylan brought in a first aid kit and gently unwrapped the bandages from her leg. The injury was on her thigh, so she had to awkwardly roll up her dress, revealing her long, fair legs. Though initially embarrassed, she noticed Dylan kept his focus on re-bandaging the wound, quickly looking away once he was done.

Clara was about to ask him something, but he turned away, setting the first aid kit aside and switching off the light. With the room plunged into darkness, she felt a mix of emotions—first his anger, then a sense of him avoiding something. Not being the most perceptive with such matters, she settled into the couch.

"Good night, Mr. Dylan."

"Hmm."

That short exchange was the last of their conversation. The room fell into silence, but outside, a storm brewed over a mysterious recording. Everyone in their social circle was obsessing over whether it was real.

It wasn't long before someone from the Bradford family claimed Clara had faked the recording and promised she’d clear things up soon. People had always heard tales of Clara's spite and knew she wasn’t fond of her sister, who'd recently returned to their family.

[I never thought it was faked. It didn’t sound like the Quinn I know. She's always so gentle.]

[The Bradford family must have the patience of saints. Clara’s caused so much trouble, and they still haven’t kicked her out.]

[But I know someone in the business who says the recording wasn’t doctored. So what's the real story?]

[Guess we'll find out when Clara speaks up.]

Everyone was just waiting to see what would happen next. Meanwhile, Quinn was panicking. She wanted to call Clara and urge her to admit the recording was fake, but Clara had blocked her. She even tried to vent to Simon, but he didn't answer.

She felt a bit sheepish saying it, but she couldn’t think of any other way to thank him. Dylan didn’t lack for anything—except maybe a good night's sleep. And she just happened to be able to help with that, so she boldly offered.

He looked up at her, and the corners of his lips, which had been slightly downturned, lifted a bit.

"Hmm."

Oddly enough, Clara's spirits lifted too, and she even finished an extra helping of food!

After leaving Palm Bay, she headed straight home but barely stepped out of the car before noticing a luxury car waiting for her. Her heart skipped a beat as several well-trained bodyguards emerged. They were clearly not your average guys. They didn’t rough her up but instead gave a slight nod.

"Miss Clara, Mr. Ferguson wishes to see you."