Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 67

Quinn's chest was heaving with anger as she shot daggers at Clara, who was surrounded by a sea of admirers. Right beside Clara was Dylan, exuding such a frosty aura that no one dared stand in front of him, choosing instead to gather behind. Clara stood by his side, making them look like the perfect pair.

Quinn's hand clenched into a fist at her side, the metallic taste of blood lingering in her mouth. She had sworn to snatch away every bit of happiness from Clara. But now, with everyone singing Clara's praises, Quinn felt like nothing more than a court jester.

Johnny stood next to her, holding onto his aloof demeanor, waiting for Clara to come over and chat. However, as the photo ops were winding down and the reporters began to disperse, Clara showed no intention of acknowledging him. Johnny was barely keeping it together until someone nudged him. "Johnny, aren't you going to have a word with your daughter? How did she end up representing the Ferguson Corporation? If she was with the Bradford family, you guys would've nailed this deal. You're missing out on appreciating such a talented daughter by letting her work for Ferguson."

Johnny was boiling inside, clueless about how his so-called 'useless' daughter had transformed so dramatically. Meanwhile, the daughter he had pinned all his hopes on had managed to make a complete mess of things.

He was about to step forward and talk to Clara, hoping to make a good impression on the leaders present. After all, business and politics often go hand in hand, and connections can really help a company soar.

Even though Ashford was a small town, it had produced a few big shots who had climbed their way to the top and were now powerhouses not to be underestimated.

Just as he was about to step forward, Quinn's choked voice stopped him in his tracks. "Dad, am I just a stepping stone for my sister's success?"

Johnny halted, spinning around quickly. "What do you mean by that?"

"Isn't it obvious? Supporting local farmers was my idea. Clara just tagged along. I was the one who pulled all-nighters streaming live, and I figured out how to keep the apples fresh. But she's getting all the glory. I... never mind, I can't outdo her anyway."

She turned away, looking utterly defeated.

Johnny hurried to catch up. "Are you saying Clara took credit for your work?"

"And what if she did? She bribed these farmers with money. I gave her millions not long ago, and she probably blew through it already. But don't tell this to others. Everyone's acknowledging her achievements now. If the bribery comes out, the Bradford family will be under the microscope, too."

Johnny was livid. No wonder the farmers were all over Clara. It was all about the money!

Clara was unbelievable. She had used the Bradford family's money to grease palms and then worked for the Ferguson Corporation! What a backstabber! What an ungrateful daughter!

The person who had called Johnny over noticed he was about to leave and quickly asked, "Aren't you going to say something to your daughter?"

Johnny's eyes flashed with irritation. "I don't claim a daughter like that. It's a disgrace."

The person was taken aback. How was it a disgrace? Clara's actions seemed flawless.

He had nothing more to say and could only watch Johnny and Quinn get into their car. For a father to ignore his daughter's success and show such disdain, Clara must be devastated, right?

But Clara seemed completely unfazed. After confirming that the contract would indeed go to the Ferguson Corporation, she turned to Dylan with a smile. "Mr. Dylan, congrats."

Dylan's eyes twinkled with a faint grin, like a butterfly skimming the pond- fleeting, but the ripples spread wide.

"I'll give you a raise when we get back."