Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 28

Clara seemed totally unfazed by the two bickering nearby as she chatted with her real estate agent. "I'm good with just a duplex. There’s no need for detached houses or townhouses. Got any other listings?"

"Actually, yes. There's a duplex right around the corner. Are you interested in checking it out now, Ms. Clara?"

Clara nodded, trailing behind the agent.

Naomi was fuming, feeling completely ignored. "Clara, what are you even doing here today? Can you not just stir things up for a change?!"

She rushed over and grabbed Clara's wrist. "Wasn’t you gonna call off the engagement yesterday? You ghosted everyone and didn't answer your phone. Now you're here acting like it’s no big deal? Have you no shame?"

Clara shook her hand off, her gaze icy. "Have you said enough, Naomi?"

Naomi was taken aback by Clara's use of her first name. "What did you just call me?"

Clara offered a cool smile. "Naomi. I told you I'm cutting ties with all of you. I'm not your daughter anymore, so stop acting like my parent. You've got Quinn, and that's the only daughter you need. Sorry, but we aren't close."

Naomi stood there, shocked by Clara's coldness. In the past, a bit of praise would light up Clara's face, and she'd promise to do better next time. Now, she was addressing her mother by her first name with zero warmth.

Naomi was momentarily at a loss until Quinn chimed in. "Mom, maybe Clara's just trying to get your attention. Maybe we should skip buying my house and get one for her. I can stay somewhere else."

Naomi’s uncertainty vanished. Clara was just putting on a show for attention. She thought it was best to let Clara play her solo act. Clara would come crawling back once she got tired.

Taking a deep breath, she linked arms with Quinn. "We are getting this house!"

"Thanks, Mom." Quinn shot a smug look at Clara, expecting to see jealousy or anger, but Clara was already several meters away with the agent. Inside, Quinn felt a twinge of discomfort.

Clara and the agent took a quick ride to the new place.

The building was six stories high, with two apartments per floor. The one she was eyeing was 1,500 square feet. Given the primo location, the price was steep at $15,000 per square foot, totaling $1.5 million, but Clara had the cash. Plus, it was near Ferguson Corporation, making the commute a breeze.

"Ms. Clara, do you like it? The owner is eager to sell. You are a locak, so I don't need to tell you how great this area is. Everything's close by, and the security is top-notch with nightly patrols. It’s perfectly safe for a single occupant."

Clara liked it right away. The apartment was tastefully decorated, likely by a previous female owner.