Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 10

Aiden couldn't be bothered with the theatrics and simply turned around, and headed back to the car. Clara stood there, gripping the handlebar of the e-scooter, watching as the car drove away.

Inside the car, Dylan was buried in his documents. His attention was split as Aiden vented. "I dug up everything. She's jealous again because of Simon and Quinn. Looks like Simon's about to call off the engagement. Serves her right."

Dylan paused, fingers tightening on the papers. The last time Simon threatened to call it off with Clara, she was against it. Simon jokingly said he'd carry on with the engagement if she jumped off a bridge. Seconds later, Clara actually did jump into the river, landing her in the hospital for a month, but she managed to keep the engagement going. Now Simon wanted to end it again... Who knows what she'll do this time?

Clara wobbled her way back to the e-scooter station. This little outing had cost her a hundred grand in debt, leaving her uneasy. Nothing was going her way lately.

Just then, Megan called. "Clara, need some cash? How about hitting up Moonlight tonight?"

Moonlight was the hottest bar in the city, a notorious money pit for the rich kids. One night there could earn you thousands in tips.

"Can you really make that kind of money there?"

"Sure thing, I raked in thirty grand in tips last night. The guys in that private room are pretty generous. I'm on duty for these next few days, but I've got plans tonight. Want to take over for me?"

Thirty grand? Clara was immediately interested. She got the address and grabbed a cab over.

Her face was a familiar sight at Moonlight, though she didn't realize it. The place had a facial recognition system, and the bouncers were paid well to remember all the regulars and staff, making sure no one sneaked in to stir up trouble with the wealthy patrons.

As soon as Clara showed up, the bouncers shot her disdainful looks. She had caused quite a bit of drama here before. Once, Simon got too close to a hostess, and Clara hit him a few times. When Simon got mad, she quickly switched gears and apologized, like she had no pride.

One bouncer gave her a heads-up. "Ms. Clara, maybe try to keep things cool tonight."

Clara raised an eyebrow, a bit puzzled.

She walked in and found Megan in the staff changing room. Megan handed over her work clothes, making sure to give some pointers. "Push the drinks cart in and offer the pricy stuff. The more expensive, the better your cut. I'll transfer your share once the paycheck comes through. I've got to run now, so I'm counting on you."

Clara quickly changed into the snug uniform, which was designed to appeal to certain tastes. Her figure was already striking, but now it was enough to turn heads.

Megan quickly lowered her eyes, masking her feelings. "Alright, head on in. It's the room at the end of the hall."

Clara nodded, flashing a quick smile. "Thanks, Megan."

She pushed the drinks cart towards the private room.

Inside, Simon was deep in conversation with his friends. Nate sneered, holding up

a finger, "Bet she'll be back in a day. Last time Simon mentioned breaking off the engagement, she was ready to die for him, and jumped without a second thought."

"Don't know what Simon's got that makes Clara so crazy about him."

"If she wasn't so into Simon, honestly, with that face, I'd be tempted too."

Simon basked in the compliments from his friends, feeling quite smug. A man's pride is everything, and Clara's looks, paired with her devotion, made many envious. Once upon a time, Simon genuinely loved Clara, but they say a girl who's too eager loses her worth. Humiliating her once or twice only made her more infatuated. Over time, he figured she'd never leave, so there was no need to woo her back-she'd come around on her own.

Leaning back with his youthful face full of confidence, he said, "I bet she'll come looking for me tonight. I know Clara too well; she can't live without me."

Just then, the door swung open, and there was Clara, pushing the drinks cart.