Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run novel Chapter 553

Simon was practically buzzing with nerves, staring at Aaron like he was some kind of miracle worker.

Who would’ve thought Aaron had the inside scoop on everything?

“So, cousin, what now? Tell me what I’m supposed to do,” Simon asked, voice tight.

Aaron leaned back in his seat, eyes drifting shut. “You need to find Clara. Tell her her boyfriend’s in trouble—got himself beat up, he’s barely hanging on, says he wants to see her one last time.”

Simon frowned, not buying it. “That’s a terrible lie. She’ll never believe me.”

“Simon, do you even know why Clara’s gone off the grid lately? You think Dylan’s going to let her talk to anyone? There’s no way she can get in touch with the outside world. As for her and her boyfriend—look, there are things I still need to check out myself. Just say what I told you. I’ll handle the rest.”

Aaron’s confidence was contagious. Simon nodded, determined. “Alright. Leave it to me—I won’t mess this up.”

He jumped out of the car without another word, his whole posture screaming drive and determination.

Aaron watched him go through the window, eyes cold and unreadable.

He’d only pulled Simon into this mess to take some of Dylan’s heat off himself. Grandfather might let Dylan get away with a lot, but no way would he stand by while Dylan finished off every last Ferguson kid. Lincoln’s fate was just bad luck.

Aaron’s hand curled into a fist, jaw clenched. But after a moment, he took a breath and let the tension drain out. He called out to the driver, voice calm again. “Let’s go.”

Today’s plans were all set. Now, it was time to see if his theory held up.

The car rolled forward, quiet and steady.

*

Clara woke up feeling genuinely rested for the first time in ages.

For a second, she just stared at the ceiling, trying to shake off the fog. She could’ve sworn she’d fallen asleep on the couch—so why was she in bed now?

She quickly got herself together and stepped out of her room, heading straight for Dylan’s master bedroom.

Empty.

She checked the study. Still no sign of him.

Clara headed downstairs, where the housekeeper was busy prepping dinner in the kitchen.