Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 277

Clara's grip on the gun tightened slowly. She was sure Dylan was out of it.

"Mr. Dylan, I'm doing this for your own good," she said, her voice steady.

But before she could finish, Dylan rushed at her.

"Then pull the trigger," he dared her.

Clara stayed calm, aimed for his arm, and pulled the trigger without a second thought.

But instead of a bang, there was just a click. The gun was empty.

She froze for a moment, then noticed the bullets scattered in the trash. Dylan had removed them all.

Before she could react, he snatched the gun away from her.

He pushed her onto the couch, and the gun skidded across the floor.

"Dylan!" she shouted, calling him by his first name for the first time.

A flicker of red danced in Dylan's eyes as he looked at her, then he suddenly laughed.

"You're something else, leaving no room for sentiment."

Clara didn't feel she'd done anything wrong.

"I'm doing this for you, Mr. Dylan. You're not yourself because of the drugs."

Seeing the sweat on his forehead, she quickly added, "If you want a woman, I can find one for you right now, someone who'll make you happy. Or maybe a trip to the Moonlight Club could help."

The more she talked, the more she felt the tension in Dylan's demeanor.

After a long pause, he let her go.

Clara sprang to her feet, trying to steady him, but he pushed her away.

He wheeled himself back and seemed lost in thought.

Clara felt awkward. This was Quinn's mess, and if Dylan decided to retaliate against the Bradford family...

"Mr. Dylan..." she started.

But she was interrupted by a knock, and Aiden walked in.

Clara fell silent, sitting back on the couch.

Aiden whispered something in Dylan's ear, and Dylan nodded, not even glancing at Clara.

Clara stepped forward, but Aiden blocked her.

"Ms. Clara, I need to take Mr. Dylan for a check-up. Whatever you have to say will have to wait."

She could only watch them leave.

Once they were gone, she picked up the gun from the floor and put it in her bag.

But Johnny sensed her presence. "Still alive?"

She sighed and pushed the door open.

"Still alive."

Tears welled in Johnny's eyes, dull with exhaustion. "That's all that matters now. Just stay alive."

"Dad..." Clara wanted to comfort him, but he shook his head and drifted back to sleep.

Ten minutes later, he woke up suddenly, gripping Clara's hand.

"Clara, if I don't make it, look after Anna. She's a good kid, just hasn't grown up yet."

Clara felt a lump in her throat, like she was being choked. She barely managed to reply, "I know. I won't abandon Anna."

Johnny's lips twitched into a weak smile. "I know you're not a fan of the Bradford family's business. Sell the shares if you want. Just keep you, Anna, and Quinn safe. Your mom won't change; she thinks the family owes Quinn. Don't expect much from her."

"Dad, stop talking. Just rest."

"If I don't say it now, I might not get another chance. I've felt uneasy all night. Clara, I need to tell you I'm sorry. When I see your grandpa, he'll scold me again. It's my fault, I'm not a good husband or father, I'm selfish too..."

He mumbled as he fell asleep again.

Clara sat there, feeling suffocated, unable to do anything.

Until Ryan burst in, panic in his voice. "Clara, something's happened!"