Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 22

The Bradford family was gathered, basking in the warmth and joy as they tossed around ideas for the wedding venue. Naomi held Quinn's hand, her eyes glistening with emotion.

"You have been through the wringer, but you've finally found her happiness. You two better hold onto it tight and not let any jealous busybodies mess it up."

Quinn gave a gentle smile. "Mom, Simon and I will be happy."

Ryan chipped in, "If Clara had let go sooner, you two could have been together ages ago."

Simon kept glancing at the clock on the wall-it was already seven, and still, the door stayed quiet. He turned to the butler nearby. "Has Clara shown up?"

"No, Mr. Simon, she hasn't been seen."

Simon let out an annoyed huff, crossing his arms with a look of displeasure. "She's pulling the same stunt again, isn't she? I knew it."

Everyone's initial joy turned cold, shifting to disdain.

Naomi's chest heaved with anger as she pulled out her phone to call Clara. When she got no answer, she sighed in frustration, "Sometimes, I wish I hadn't given birth to her!"

Quinn quickly handed her a glass of water. "Mom, don't be upset. She might just be caught in traffic. Let's give it another hour."

Ryan rolled his eyes. "Quinn, stop making excuses for her. It's always the same story. She claims to end the engagement but never shows up. I thought she meant it this time, but clearly not."

The room's mood soured, though Quinn couldn't hide her satisfaction. She had faith in Colton's knack for stirring up chaos; once he got going, consequences be damned. Clara would be left humiliated, and she had it coming.

By eight o'clock, Clara still hadn't appeared. Simon slapped the table in frustration, his face darkening. "My time's too precious for this. I'm out of here. Mr. and Mrs. Bradford, I'll see you later."

Everyone's faces fell as Quinn hurried to see him out. "Simon, please don't be mad."

Simon wasn't exactly angry; he felt a mix of emotions and just wanted to leave. After seeing him off, Quinn returned, looking somewhat hurt. Naomi handed her a card loaded with a million dollars. "Quinn, here's a little something to make up for tonight. Use it for something nice, and let's check out that house you liked soon." "Thanks, Mom." Quinn hugged her arm. "I knew you always had my back."

"You need to learn to stand your ground more, or you'll always be taken advantage of."

*

Clara woke up from unconsciousness to replace it was already ten at night. She sighed, pulling herself out of bed. The room was empty. This must have been a suite Dylan set up for her. Feeling clammy, she headed to the bathroom for a shower.

When she emerged, there was a knock at the door. She opened it to replace a staff member with a service cart.

"Ms. Clara, you're awake. Would you like something to eat?"

She was starving, so she ate a little and felt her strength return. As she checked

her phone, she saw a slew of missed calls-from Naomi, Simon, and even Ryan. Simon had texted her.

Simon: [I knew you wouldn't come.]

Clara's expression stayed calm as she noticed messages from an unknown number.

[You won't be so lucky next time. You're done for.]

She guessed it was Colton. Her face darkened; she promised herself Colton wouldn't get away with this.

Just then, another message from the unknown number came through.

[Nate's in the hospital. Get ready for payback. You can't handle his ways. Who knows whose bed you'll wake up in next?]

These two were truly disgusting.

Her current place wasn't safe, and she couldn't go back there for now. She called Megan and found out Colton was drinking at Moonlight. Clara decided to head there.

She found Megan still in her server's outfit. "Megan, can I borrow your outfit?" "Clara, don't do anything stupid. If something happens, I'll get in trouble." "Nothing will happen."

Megan reluctantly handed over her clothes, and Clara changed into them, adding a hat before heading to Colton's private room. Colton was the younger heir of the Warren family, a name that carried weight, though not as much as the designated

successor.

Clara kept her head down, serving drinks to the room's occupants. Tonight's guests were a mix. Some were close to Colton, and others just happened to be there, drinking together.

Colton, already on edge, grew more belligerent with alcohol. "Clara's just a tramp. Nate had her all night. Her screams echoed down the hall."

"Really? Isn't she after Simon? Why would she go with Nate?"

Colton sneered, "You don't know her. She'd do anything to please Simon, even cozy up to every man around him. She's just a high-class escort. If you're close to Simon, you can have her. She visits the clinic hundreds of times a year, and I'm afraid she's caught something."