Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 62

Johnny had always stayed out of Clara's business, chalking it up to typical kid squabbles and minor dramas. But now, with the company's interests on the line, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing.

He picked up the phone and called Clara. She'd blocked Naomi and Ryan before but had somehow missed blocking her so-called father. When she saw his name light up on her screen, she was caught off guard. Clara answered, and Johnny's voice came through, sounding none too pleased.

"Clara, what are you up to?" It was clear he was looking for an explanation.

"Is there something you need?" she replied, cool as a cucumber.

"There is! What were you thinking causing trouble at South Ashford? Now, farmers have surrounded Quinn's car. They couldn't replace you, so they're venting on Quinn. I used to ignore your antics, but this time, Quinn's there for the company. We need the agricultural mission to be a success so we can get a piece of the tourism pie. Are you really going to let your little whims cost the whole Bradford family?"

Clara found his tone more amusing than anything else and hung up without a word. Still, she couldn't shake the pang in her chest. If she hadn't lost her memory, she might've been in tears about it. Without hesitation, she blocked Johnny.

Johnny tried calling again, but he found himself blocked as well. Frustrated, he tossed his phone onto the coffee table.

"She's really lost it. She blocked me, too. Does she seriously want to cut ties with the whole family?" he fumed.

Ryan was nearby and deep into his game. He overheard and chimed in, "Dad, did Clara block you too?"

Johnny wasn't pleased and instructed someone nearby, "Cancel her credit card." "Sir, Miss Clara's card was canceled ages ago," came the reply.

Johnny froze. Clara used to be a big spender, so if her card had been canceled, why hadn't she come crawling back? Was Quinn secretly supporting her again?

With a sigh, he rubbed his temples, a flash of disdain in his eyes. "Forget it. We'll just pretend she's not our daughter. We're out of the South Ashford project. Tell Quinn to come back; her safety is what matters."

Just as he finished speaking, another call came in, brimming with praise. "Johnny, you've got quite the daughter! All those apples are sold out. Looks like the tourism project is coming your way. Better be ready for this windfall!"

Johnny was taken aback. Hadn't Quinn's last call suggested the deal was a bust?

"Wasn't the agricultural mission a flop?"

"Who said that? The farmers are all rallying and want to present your daughter with a banner. I heard the banner's already being made and has signatures from every farmer in the village. That's got some serious clout."

A banner with signatures from the whole village-it carried weight, no doubt.

Pride flickered in Johnny's eyes. "My daughter's always been exceptional. She was a standout even as an intern. I thought she'd messed up, but she's turned it all around."

"Ha! Johnny, I'm giving you the inside scoop. The higher-ups are thrilled with her skills, and she's really put the local apples on the map. You should give her a call and tell her how proud you are."