Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 108

Clara could hardly believe the absurdity of it all. Would her family ever let up?

Before she could dwell on it, Johnny's voice cut through the air, heavy with accusation. "If Quinn loses this baby, it's all on you."

Clara's eyes narrowed. There was no way anything was going to happen to Quinn's baby on her watch.

She headed back to the Bradford house, and even before stepping inside, she overheard Naomi fussing over Quinn.

"Quinn, you need to eat something. Simon's on his way."

Quinn was perched on the couch, shaking her head, but when Clara walked in, there was a quick flash of something sly in her eyes. "Clara, what brings you back?"

Clara's gaze landed on Quinn's stomach. She was not yet showing, betraying nothing.

Quinn caught Clara's look and shrank back toward Naomi.

Naomi immediately jumped in, shielding Quinn as if Clara were a threat. "Clara, what's with that look? If you even think about harming her baby, you'll have me to deal with!"

The distrust and malice in Naomi's eyes sent a chill through Clara.

Was this really her family? How could parents treat their daughter like this?

She moved forward, spotting Ryan nearby.

Ryan let out a derisive snort and turned away, though he awkwardly tried to play peacemaker.

"Clara, you can see for yourself, Quinn's pregnant. You and Simon are never happening. Best to just settle with Nate. Mom's already given the green light for your wedding. Once Quinn's is done, it's your turn."

Clara settled into a chair, calm and collected, before turning to Ryan. "Do you actually want Nate as your brother-in-law?"

Ryan was momentarily speechless. Anyone could see Nate was a no-good troublemaker with a lousy reputation. His eyes flicked to Quinn's, and he quickly looked away. "Clara, I think you've been a bit out of line lately. Maybe you need a guy to straighten you out."

Clara didn't hesitate; she slapped him right across the face.

Ryan grabbed his cheek, fuming as he leapt up from the couch. "You hit me for no reason every time! I swear, something's wrong with you! Have you lost your mind because Simon dumped you?"

Quinn's eyes gleamed at his words, and she snuggled closer to Naomi. "Mom, it's possible. Clara's been acting really weird. Should we take her to a doctor? I'm pregnant now and I'm scared she might do something crazy."

Quinn spoke with mock fear. Her hands were protectively over her belly and her eyes were glistening with fake tears.

Naomi hesitated, wondering if Clara's odd behavior was really a sign of a breakdown. She motioned for the security to come in, scrutinizing Clara with suspicion. "Clara, are you seriously having a mental breakdown?"

Clara was at a loss for words. She caught Quinn's eye, and in a hidden corner of the room, Quinn's lips curled with smug satisfaction, her eyes dancing with triumph.

The whole Bradford clan was rallying around Quinn, leaving Clara on her own.

Clara's heart felt like being crushed, shattered beyond recognition. But she quickly pulled it together. Were it not for her self-control, she'd have lost it by now.

"Weren't you all asking me to cook?"

Her voice was calm, but as soon as she said this, Quinn feigned terror. "Clara, I'm too scared to eat anything you make. I'm worried you might poison me-you wouldn't want me having Simon's baby."