Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 244

As Scarlette stepped out of the elevator, she bumped into Clara, who was heading downstairs to toss out the trash. Scarlette quickly adjusted her collar and smoothed her hair, trying to keep it together. She hadn't realized Clara had already caught a glimpse of them in the club's private room last time.

Clara felt awkward too, thinking she must have picked the worst timing ever to take out the trash. Trying to break the tension, Clara said, "I parked your car in the garage. I'll hand you the keys in a bit."

Usually calm and collected, Scarlette found it hard to keep her cool this time. She was well aware of Nicholas's possessive streak. If he left marks on purpose, they'd linger for a week. And tonight, she wasn't even wearing a turtleneck, so Clara must have seen everything.

Scarlette wanted to explain, but the nature of her relationship with Nicholas was tough to put into words. Sensing the discomfort, Clara quickly stepped into the elevator. "I'll just go dump the trash. You should head back inside."

Scarlette exhaled a sigh of relief and gave a grateful smile. "Thanks."

Back in her apartment, Scarlette rushed to the bathroom mirror, her fears confirmed by the marks on her neck. She checked her phone and saw a message from Morgan, which drained her instantly. If Nicholas kept this up, it would surely ruin things with Morgan.

From their school days to now, Nicholas had been the cause of so many of her broken relationships. At first, she thought it was just him being overly controlled by the Greenard family, plus his clinginess and insecurity, worried she'd abandon him if she started dating.

Scarlette had always been mature for her age, knowing exactly what she wanted. Growing up in the Greenard household, she was acutely aware of her precarious position, so she worked hard at school, excelling in both academics and skills.

The truth was, she didn't much like the Greenard family's vibe. Everyone seemed to look at her as if she was an outsider. From a young age, she had to be exceptionally nice to Nicholas to prove her worth to the family.

Initially, she didn't like Nicholas, but spending so much time together softened her resolve, making her care for him more than she intended. But Nicholas seemed to grow more attached, which the Greenard family noticed, resulting in their coldness towards her. Wisely, she distanced herself from their company and started her own venture.

She hadn't expected Nicholas to suddenly act out. Rumors now swirled about their estrangement, easing the Greenard family's worries. Previously, there had been whispers about Nicholas's feelings for Scarlette, which would've been scandalous given their pseudo-sibling relationship and Scarlette being raised by the Greenards. Being labeled a "child bride" would've been even more awkward.

Sitting on the couch, rubbing her neck, Scarlette received a message from Nicholas. She usually ignored his texts, as they were often just him talking to himself. She had blocked him before, but his recent antics made her wary of provoking him further, so she unblocked him.

Nicholas had sent a photo of himself this time. As inappropriate as it was, she couldn't deny he'd grown up quite well. Her forehead throbbed, and she couldn't resist replying.

[Nicholas, are you nuts?]

No immediate response came. Scarlette tossed her phone aside, fighting the urge to block him again. His call came soon after.

"Hey sis, you home?"