Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 156

After finishing a piece of cake, Dylan slid the revised document over to Clara. He had already marked that point, so it was all set. As Clara reached out to grab it, her fingers accidentally brushed against his, causing the document to slip and fall onto the desk with a loud "thud."

She was a bit startled, but Dylan was already focused on his work, scribbling away with his pen.

Assuming he was busy, Clara picked up the document. "Mr. Dylan, I'll head out now," she said.

"Mm," he replied without looking up.

Just as she was about to leave the office, Dylan spoke up, "There's a dinner at seven."

Clara caught on quickly, "Alright, I'll join you."

She closed the office door and returned to her desk, hoping for a calm end to her day. But just as she was about to clock out, Simon showed up. He looked worn out, standing silently by her desk before saying, "Ryan’s waiting for you downstairs; he’s been there all day."

Clara frowned and made her way to the elevator, with Simon following behind. When they got downstairs, she saw Ryan. He was holding a cigarette but quickly put it out when he saw her.

Clara playfully swatted his head. "Aren't you too young to be smoking?"

"I'm just stressed," Ryan admitted. "Can you come with me to the café next door? It'll only take ten minutes."

Clara wasn't one to hold grudges against her brother, so she followed him. Simon tagged along, uninvited but undeterred.

Clara took a deep breath and set her cup down. "So, Quinn’s fake pregnancy act to frame me is just going to be swept under the rug? With all of you backing her, she’s really got it made, hasn’t she? She builds her perfect image at my expense, then hides while you all fight her battles. Ryan, I’m disappointed."

Panic flickered in Ryan's eyes before he suddenly stood up. "Clara, do you think I want this? I just want everyone to be okay. If Quinn has a mental illness, why not give her some slack? And don’t you feel guilty? If it weren’t for you, she wouldn’t have been taken!"

The more Ryan spoke, the more agitated he became, his words tumbling over each other. "Do you remember when you were sick before Quinn was taken? Only the doctor could see you. I couldn't even see you, but Quinn would sneak in to see you and bring you things."

His eyes were red with tears as he continued, "We all got along so well back then. I just don’t get why things turned out this way."

Clara sat across from him, watching his tears drip onto the table. A dull ache shot through her heart, but she stayed silent, staring at her coffee cup. Finally, it was Simon who spoke up.