Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Simon was practically on fire with frustration, itching to reveal Dylan's true colors. But his resolve fizzled out

when his family called, reminding him about Quinn's wedding dress fitting. The gown had been rushed in from

overseas. It was flown in overnight, and everything else was set. The whole city knew he was marrying Quinn.

As Clara's car disappeared into the distance, a brief scowl crossed Simon's face. From a young age, Dylan had

always been the one he feared and despised most. The idea of Clara ending up with his worst enemy was

unbearable.

Clara had changed; she was dazzling now. Simon regretted spending years belittling her and missing her

brilliance. Now, the fear of losing her was suffocating.

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Clara and Dylan couldn't be together. If Dylan wanted to pursue her, he'd better stay in the shadows because

Clara hadn't caught on to his intentions yet.

On her way home, Clara got a message from Dylan.

Dylan: [Any progress?]

She remembered bragging about her confidence before meeting the director, Calix, but ended up too intimidated

to speak. Her main task now was to figure out who Hugh was and what he had to do with her-it was key for her

project.

Before she could start digging, Johnny called. "Are you not coming htonight either?"

Clara was about to remind him she'd cut ties with the Bradfords, but he added, "Today's my fifty-ninth birthday."

Those simple words unexpectedly tugged at her heartstrings. She suddenly had a hard tchoosing her reply.

"Clara, at least chfor my birthday. We've got a meal prepared."

She couldn't bring herself to refuse, a pang of guilt sweeping over her as she replied with a quiet "okay."

Clara arrived at the Bradford's. She hadn't even reached the door when she heard Quinn's voice. "Isn't she here

yet? Did something happen on the way?"

Her voice was all concern, as if she truly worried about Clara.

Clara felt a wave of nausea; if Quinn ever took up acting, she'd win an Oscar for sure. At the entrance, Clara

changed her shoes, her voice flat. "I'm back." She placed the gift she'd bought on a cabinet, not expecting

anyone to notice.

Ryan spotted her and rushed over eagerly. "Clara, you're finally here. You're staying over tonight, right? | found a

great two-player gwe can try."

As he spoke, he leaned in with a conspiratorial grin. "Remember I said I'd make it up to you? | know you've been

through a lot, so | sold my beloved sports car and got you a purse."

He was clearly proud, keeping an eye on Clara's reaction. A warmth spread through her, and she ruffled his hair

affectionately. "How much was the purse?"

Her question made Ryan snort. Still, he was pleased that Clara accepted the gift. "Over two million. They said it's

a limited edition or something. I'll sneak it to you later, so Quinn doesn't get upset."