Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 15

Clara knew Dylan was talking about Simon. In all of the Capital, everyone seemed to think everything she did was for Simon. She couldn't defend herself against

such rumors.

"Mr. Dylan, I'm really strapped for cash right now and just need a job. The salary at Ferguson Corporation is decent, and I'm willing to work hard," she explained, hoping to clear the air.

Clara knew that if you were willing to work hard, you'd replace no shortage of challenges. This truth wasn't lost on her, but she was determined to join Ferguson Corporation. She wanted answers about Dylan's accident and their shared history.

Dylan, seated in the car, suddenly let out a sardonic smirk. Clara felt a chill-a sign she had unknowingly hit a nerve again. He closed his eyes, his expression a mask of cold indifference. "If you want to come, then start working tomorrow," he said.

Clara's eyes brightened, and she quickly nodded. "Thank you, I'll come in tomorrow to finalize the employment paperwork!" she replied eagerly.

Dylan said nothing as the car window slowly rolled up. Once the car passed through the large iron gates, he addressed Aiden in the front seat. "Don't do this again."

"I just feel her intentions aren't pure. Eventually, she'll stir up trouble with Simon, and it'll fall on you to sort it out," Aiden voiced his concerns.

Dylan gazed out the window, resting his hand lightly on the documents beside him, choosing silence over words. Aiden knew better than to push the subject; his dislike for Clara ran deep enough that he wished she'd vanish.

Meanwhile, Simon had just wrapped up a date with Quinn and accompanied her on a spree to buy several designer handbags. He was surprised-usually, when he and Quinn went out alone, Clara would replace some way to disrupt their evening.

His annoyance with Clara was growing, but tonight had been strangely peaceful. He had armed himself with a slew of sarcastic comments, all rendered useless.

"Simon, what's on your mind?" Quinn asked, bringing him back to the moment. Simon gently lifted her chin, noticing the mark on her cheek. His anger flared. "Why hasn't that mark faded yet?"

Quinn lowered her lashes, playing the part of the damsel in distress. "Maybe it'll be gone by tomorrow. Clara's been in a foul mood lately, and she even slapped Ryan. Ryan's still upset."

"She's completely out of control! Don't your parents do anything?!" Simon exclaimed.

"Every time they try, she threatens to leave. This time, she actually did leave for two days, and my mom's worried sick," Quinn explained.

Simon frowned in disdain. A family with a daughter like Clara was truly cursed. "Quinn, it's a good thing your family has you. I heard your investment project pulled in more millions. You're impressive."

Quinn's lips curved into a small smile. "I own ten percent of the company shares, and with how much of my family's money I spend, I need to contribute more."

"Heh, she's been living off the Bradford family's wealth for years without lifting a finger. You've only been back for five years and you're already managing the projects so well. It's amazing how different two sisters can be."

...

The next morning, Clara dressed simply and headed straight to Ferguson Corporation with her papers to start her new job. As she was finishing up the HR paperwork, she bumped into Simon stepping out of the elevator.

Simon's face clouded over immediately. It made sense now-she hadn't caused trouble last night because she was following him to work. He grabbed her wrist, his voice tinged with urgency. "Clara, I don't care what you do outside, but I've told you time and again, Ferguson Corporation is not your playground!"

Clara looked at his flustered demeanor, feeling a heavy knot in her chest. She yanked her hand free. Simon's eyes darkened. "All you're doing is making me despise you more. You slapped Quinn yesterday. You should be thankful I don't hit girls."

The HR employee handed Clara her new work badge, and she hung it around her neck, meeting Simon's gaze. "Starting today, I'm an employee of Ferguson Corporation. Simon, I didn't come here for you-you're not that irresistible."

Simon's expression shifted as if he had been slapped, but he quickly regained his composure. "If it's not to chase after me, why would you want to work?"