Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 183

She was so caught up in it all that she nodded off without even realizing it.

Meanwhile, downstairs, Simon had decided to stick around for dinner. The chef was still hustling in the kitchen, and Naomi eagerly pulled Quinn aside, asking if she was happy with the wedding dress they picked out today.

Quinn didn't look too thrilled and forced a response. "It was alright, Mom. I'm not feeling too great. I think I'll head upstairs to rest. Call me when dinner's ready, would you?"

"Sure thing, honey. You look a bit under the weather."

Quinn got up and made her way upstairs. Once back in her room, she started pacing. Simon's earlier attitude toward Clara in the car really got under her skin. Her face twisted in frustration. She couldn't put it off any longer; she needed to act now.

Grabbing her phone, she made another call. "Tomorrow, I'll have Ryan take Clara out. I've arranged for someone to kidnap her. I'll make the first move, and if Clara's luck holds, it'll be your turn next. One of us has got to succeed eventually."

The voice on the other end just gave a simple, "Hmm."

When dinner rolled around, someone went to fetch Clara, but she stayed knocked out in her room.

In the meantime, her phone buzzed with a call. As soon as she answered, Calix's voice came through. "Clara, Hugh's mom just showed up here, acting all crazy."

Clara snapped awake, her eyes sharp and alert.

If June was really acting erratic, how did she manage to find the hospital so fast?

"Mr. Calix, could you please keep her there for now? I'll swing by in a couple of days."

Since it wasn't clear if June was genuinely unstable, Clara figured she'd let her stew for a bit—impatience tends to unravel the truth.

Elsewhere, Dylan was tapping away on his computer. He glanced out at the darkening sky, waiting for something he couldn't quite name.

Aiden knocked and walked in, placing a few sleeping pills next to him. "Boss, maybe give these a shot?"

Dylan lowered his gaze, his typing slowing.

Aiden took a breath. "I tried calling Clara, but she didn't pick up. Heard she's back at the Bradford place with Simon."

Dylan ignored the pills. He hadn't slept in two days and had deep shadows under his eyes.

He continued studying the data on his screen, then asked, "What do you think she'll choose this time?"

Aiden didn't quite grasp the question; Dylan often spoke in riddles. "Not sure. Clara's always been pretty headstrong."

Dylan suddenly smirked, but it didn't reach his eyes. "She’s not headstrong; it's her icy indifference to those she doesn't care about."