Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 196

While Johnny was resting at home, he couldn't shake off the worries about work. The project he'd been nurturing for two years was about to kick off, and he was itching to double-check every single contract.

From his bed, he coughed a bit and asked Naomi, "Can you bring me my laptop?"

Naomi let out a sigh. "You're not in the best shape. Stop pushing it. Quinn's got things under control at the office. Remember how good she is? She's been hustling all week, and just watching her is exhausting."

Johnny's face softened with a hint of pride as he rubbed his forehead. "Quinn's amazing, but this project is crucial. It's about whether we can take our business overseas. I've poured my heart into this for two years. We can't drop the ball now, especially with all those bigwigs watching."

Naomi sat beside him, grabbing his hand. "Quinn took your desktop because she knew you'd sneak a peek at work stuff. She even turned off your phone. Just chill at home for a week. Let your mind rest. Quinn's even handling Clara's funeral."

Johnny went quiet immediately. Clara’s name sent a dull ache through his chest, and the strength he'd been clinging to just crumbled.

Naomi finally noticed he was crying. Johnny, the rock of the household, hadn’t shed a tear since the old man passed.

Her felt awful too, and she couldn't help but feel some resentment toward Clara. If Clara had passed sooner, maybe the family wouldn't be in such a mess.

*

When Clara reached the hospital, she saw Calix and June tidying up together. The hospital was dotted with flowers, not many, but just enough to brighten every corner.

Calix spotted her right away and grinned. "Clara, you're here!"

June was sweeping with her back turned. When she heard him, she quickly dropped the broom and tried to make a break for it.

But Clara's words stopped her in her tracks. "June, you sniffed out this hospital in just a day, proving you're not as lost as you pretend. You're faking it, aren't you? I told you, things can turn around, but only if you cooperate."

June paused, then slowly turned to face Clara.

Clara noticed she looked two decades older than she was, with eyes full of weariness and despair.

Before she could say anything, June suddenly dropped to her knees. "Miss Clara, thank you for arranging care for Hugh. I have no idea how to repay you."