Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 28

Clara seemed totally unfazed by the two bickering nearby as she chatted with her real estate agent. "I'm good with just a duplex. There's no need for detached

houses or townhouses. Got any other listings?"

"Actually, yes. There's a duplex right around the corner. Are you interested in checking it out now, Ms. Clara?"

Clara nodded, trailing behind the agent.

Naomi was fuming, feeling completely ignored. "Clara, what are you even doing here today? Can you not just stir things up for a change?!"

She rushed over and grabbed Clara's wrist. "Wasn't you gonna call off the engagement yesterday? You ghosted everyone and didn't answer your phone. Now you're here acting like it's no big deal? Have you no shame?"

Clara shook her hand off, her gaze icy. "Have you said enough, Naomi?"

Naomi was taken aback by Clara's use of her first name. "What did you just call me?"

Clara offered a cool smile. "Naomi. I told you I'm cutting ties with all of you. I'm not your daughter anymore, so stop acting like my parent. You've got Quinn, and that's the only daughter you need. Sorry, but we aren't close."

Naomi stood there, shocked by Clara's coldness. In the past, a bit of praise would light up Clara's face, and she'd promise to do better next time. Now, she was addressing her mother by her first name with zero warmth.

Naomi was momentarily at a loss until Quinn chimed in. "Mom, maybe Clara's just trying to get your attention. Maybe we should skip buying my house and get one for her. I can stay somewhere else."

Naomi's uncertainty vanished. Clara was just putting on a show for attention. She thought it was best to let Clara play her solo act. Clara would come crawling back once she got tired.

Taking a deep breath, she linked arms with Quinn. "We are getting this house!"

"Thanks, Mom." Quinn shot a smug look at Clara, expecting to see jealousy or anger, but Clara was already several meters away with the agent. Inside, Quinn felt a twinge of discomfort.

Clara and the agent took a quick ride to the new place.

The building was six stories high, with two apartments per floor. The one she was eyeing was 1,500 square feet. Given the primo location, the price was steep at $15,000 per square foot, totaling $1.5 million, but Clara had the cash. Plus, it was near Ferguson Corporation, making the commute a breeze.

"Ms. Clara, do you like it? The owner is eager to sell. You are a locak, so I don't need to tell you how great this area is. Everything's close by, and the security is top-notch with nightly patrols. It's perfectly safe for a single occupant."

Clara liked it right away. The apartment was tastefully decorated, likely by a previous female owner.

"$1.5 million? Can't we haggle a bit?"

"Prices have been climbing steadily. Even bare apartments are going for this much. This one comes fully furnished with quality pieces. If the owner weren't in a hurry, it would be even pricier."

Clara smiled. "Alright, let's contact the owner and sign the contract."

She could tell the furniture was top-notch, and the place was only two years old. The agent wasn't lying. The owner was in a hurry to sell, so haggling didn't seem necessary.

Besides, she wasn't worried about the money. She had plenty to spare.

The original owner was efficient, wrapped everything up in one afternoon, and even handed over the keys.

It was so quick that Clara found it almost unbelievable. It seemed she'd be able to move in with just a few bedding purchases by tomorrow. Her mood lifted instantly. Meanwhile, across town, Nate was nursing his not-so-serious injuries. His face twisted with rage as he thought about Clara. He downed his drink, his head wrapped in bandages.

Opposite him, Colton sat with his head bowed, muscles tense, ready to explode at any moment.

Nate couldn't stand the indignity any longer. "That damned bitch! I'll make her pay, one way or another. Got any ideas?"

Richard had slapped Colton in front of everyone and warned him not to cause any trouble, but he remained silent.

Nate grew impatient. "Colton, don't tell me you're chickening out. Are you really that scared of your cousin?"

Colton bristled at the jab. Richard called the shots in the Warren family; if he wanted someone gone, they had to go. Of course he's scared of his cousin.

He stood abruptly, veins pulsing on his forehead. "Taking her down should be easy for you. You're Simon's uncle. Clara used to bend over backwards to please your family."

"Right? It's strange. That bitch has been acting off lately. Can't believe she actually crossed me."

Colton's eyes darkened like a snake poised to strike. "You make the first move. If you can't handle it, I'll step in."

"Fine, I'll make sure she wishes she hadn't messed with us!"