Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 393

Clara was a bit taken aback. How did Z, who usually spent his days either serving tables at Nightshade or holed up in his rundown little house on the outskirts, know so much?n“How do you know all this? Who tipped you off?”n“When I want to know something, I just find out. I keep tabs on everything around you.”nHis voice was low, and there was a hint of possessiveness in it.nClara decided to drop it, “I had a minor run-in with someone, but it’s got nothing to do with my boss. Well, my ex-boss. I left Ferguson Corporation. I was pretty much invisible to him anyway, so I couldn’t expect any favors.”nThe bathroom light clicked off, and he emerged, steam swirling around him.n“How do you know you were invisible to him?”nClara chuckled, sighing. “There’s food on the table. Help yourself. I’ve got guests in the living room; I’ll go join them for a bit.”nJust as she turned to leave, he grabbed her wrist.nHis tone was hesitant, almost cautious.n“Clara, do you have something against Dylan?”nClara frowned. It was hard not to blame Dylan today. His leniency let Eden turn into what he was now.nThat whole mess, and everything before, were all because Dylan kept covering for Eden.n“Whether I like him or not doesn’t matter to him. Let’s drop it. Aren’t you hungry? Why bring up someone irrelevant?”nHis grip tightened slightly. “Irrelevant?”n“Yeah, Z, you’re acting weird today.”nSuddenly, he let go, his head drooping. “I can’t eat much. Will you come back soon?”nClara’s heart softened, and she smiled. “Sure.”nAs she left, she made sure to close the door behind her.nShe’d only been in there for about five minutes, but the two outside had already finished eating. They didn’t seem all that hungry.nSimon kept glancing at the bedroom, hoping the guy inside would come out.nBut by the time they wrapped up their late-night snack, he still hadn’t shown.nClara politely walked them to the door. Megan asked, “Clara, have you thought about marrying him?”nClara paused, seriously considering. “Probably not this year. Work’s going to be crazy. We’ll see later. For now, things are going pretty well.”nMegan glanced at Simon, a hint of a smile in her eyes. “Well, if you do get married, I’ll definitely be there with a present.”nShe and Simon stepped into the elevator, and Clara saw them off just to the doors.nAs soon as the doors closed, she turned away.nInside the elevator, Simon slammed his hand against the wall. The sound alone made it clear how much it hurt, but he didn’t flinch, his face expressionless as he clenched his fist.nMegan lowered her lashes, her voice calm. “Mr. Simon, I thought you weren’t into Clara. Given the things you did back then, she’s moved on, but you don’t seem too happy about it?”nSimon’s eyes were dark, not bothering to hide his feelings from her.n“Whether I’m happy or not isn’t your business.”nMegan adjusted her hair casually. “I just think it’s a shame. Clara used to be all about you.”n“All about me?”nSimon found it amusing, but there was no point in discussing it with Megan.nWhen the elevator stopped, he strode out, Megan trailing quietly behind him.nJust as Simon was about to get in his car, she spoke again. “If you want a woman to depend on you, it’s easy: ruin her career, mess up her social circle, isolate her until she has no choice but to rely on a man. Independence isn’t always great for women.”nSimon paused, turning to look at her.nMegan’s face was still calm, even giving him a smile. “Of course, I was just joking. I’m sure Mr. Simon wouldn’t stoop to that. Besides, Clara’s brother is still being monitored. You might not know why he’s in trouble, but he’s very important to Clara.”nSimon pursed his lips, opening his car door. “Seems like we have plenty to discuss.”nMegan’s smile widened. “Mr. Simon, you’re mistaken. Clara and I are friends. I wouldn’t harm her. I’m just saying it’s a pity you two aren’t together.”nSimon frowned, genuinely puzzled by her intentions.nAs Megan walked past him, she added, “Until Ryan is strong enough to stand on his own, he’ll be Clara’s Achilles’ heel.”nWith that, she didn’t bother to say more.nShe noticed tonight that Simon had changed; the once proud heir seemed to have learned some restraint.nAfter Megan left, Simon tracked down where Ryan was staying.nHe tossed his phone aside, his gaze turning icy, cold enough to freeze.