Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 7

Clara was drop-dead gorgeous, with an aloof vibe when she wasn't smiling. In the city, she was definitely one of the top beauties. But after years of chasing Simon, she'd become a bit of a laughingstock.

"A hundred grand for a meal, anyone interested?" she tossed out, and the room went dead quiet.

Johnny slapped his newspaper down on the coffee table, looking like he didn't even recognize his own daughter. "What nonsense! Where did you pick up this money-grubbing attitude?"

Clara casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes drifting over the four people in the room. "Why should I cook for free? I bust my butt in the kitchen, and yet when Quinn asks what you want to eat, you think she's the considerate one. If that's the case, let her handle it."

As she turned to head upstairs, Quinn suddenly burst into tears. "Clara, what do you mean by this? You wanted to cook to make amends. Ever since I came back five years ago, you've hated me, and always thought I took something from you. Fine, I'll move out then."

Quinn lowered her head, dabbing at her eyes, playing the victim card. Naomi's heart ached, and Ryan quickly jumped in. "Clara, look at the mess you've made! Why are you always like this?"

Clara couldn't care less. She pushed down the knot of frustration in her chest, and forced a smile. "Sure, go ahead and move out. Want me to pack for you?"

Quinn seemed shocked by her response, looking even more vulnerable. "I knew it. No matter what I do, you never like me..."

"What are you crying for? Did I hit you or yell at you? You and Simon are a perfect pair of jerks. Stay together and leave me alone."

Quinn's tears stopped and she stared at Clara in disbelief. The old Clara would never have fought back like this, or dared to say a harsh word to Simon. Maybe this was for the best. She'd long wanted to wipe that look off Clara's face. A flicker of jealousy appeared in her eyes.

"How can you talk about Simon like that..."

Clara couldn't be bothered with their drama anymore and headed upstairs. Naomi was fuming and followed her. "You've crossed the line! Do you even hear yourself?!"

She reached for Clara's sleeve, but Clara shook her off.

Naomi stood there, stunned, taking a moment to process. Clara had always been the obedient one, taking whatever came her way. Just a tiny bit of praise from the family, and her eyes would sparkle.

Naomi felt uneasy. "Are you possessed or something?"

Clara made her way upstairs, asked a servant where her room was, and found it. It was a total mess. A piano and other instruments were strewn about. She took a closer look and saw names on everything—some were Quinn's, others Ryan's.

Was there seriously nowhere else in this huge house to store musical instruments? Did they have to clutter up her room? Did they think her bedroom was a storage closet?