Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 70

Clara's eyes were still glued to her phone. Suddenly, Simon snatched it away, his chest heaving with anger. "Who are you chatting with so intensely? I'm talking to you here! Are you blind? Someone's trying to pull a fast one on me."

Clara's face darkened as she held out her hand. "Give me back my phone."

Simon felt a pang of frustration. Her icy demeanor made it seem like he was the one clinging on. Hadn't it always been Clara chasing after him? Why did it feel like it this time? Panic flickered in his mind, but then he recalled how Clara had once been ready to jump into a river for him. Love doesn't just vanish overnight. She must've been faking indifference.

He smirked, raising the phone high. "Clara, this little act of yours is really something. Did you get someone to coach you? You've nailed it."

Clara almost rolled her eyes. Why was he so sure of himself? She snatched her phone back.

Nearby, a group of girls watched the exchange, convinced that Clara must have used connections to get in. The girl who had just tried to flirt with Simon pouted. "I don't even know where I went wrong."

Jade sneered, "Where else could you have lost? Clara's leaning on her family's wealth. She's known Mr. Simon since they were kids, so she gets all the perks. Otherwise, she wouldn't stand a chance. Now that Mr. Simon has been with more girls, it's only natural he's tired of her."

Then, Jade left the room. Outside, she bumped into a manager from another company. This manager had just seen Clara enter and was struck by her beauty. He'd been lingering around ever since. "Jade, who was that lady in the jeans and white top? She's stunning. Is she new in your department?"

Jade knew this man had a thing for pretty girls, only to drop them after a night. A cold glint flashed in her eyes as she replied, "Oh, her. She's new in our department, comes from a poor family, and is open to anything for some cash. I'll bring her out for you in a bit."

The man's eyes lit up with excitement, as he pictured Clara's long legs. "Perfect. I'll wait by the restroom in the far corner. Send her over."

Jade returned to the room and tapped on Clara's table. "There are a couple of project leaders outside for the agricultural initiative. They want to have a word with you. It's the third room on the right."

This was work-related, so Clara couldn't refuse and headed out. The third room required passing by a restroom. As she walked, a pair of hands grabbed her, and a man reeking of alcohol pulled her close. "You actually came! I was getting impatient. Come on, give me a kiss. I'll pay you whatever you want."

Clara swung her bag at him. The man staggered back, injured and furious. He grabbed Clara's hair, slamming her head against the wall. "Drop your act. Isn't it all about the money?"

"Let go of me!"

Her words seemed to provoke him. He thought she was willing to hook up with others but not him. He grabbed a nearby vase and swung it at her head. If sober, he wouldn't have done this. But with alcohol in his system, he feared nothing.

When the vase hit her, Clara felt darkness descend, warm blood trickling down her forehead. The man cursed, "If you don't behave, you won't see tomorrow's light. Jade didn't warn me you'd be so tough."

The man felt a pang of regret at the sight of the blood. Why did he get involved with such a difficult bitch when there were other easier girls? This would be hard to clean up.

Clara slowly collapsed, her consciousness slipping away. The man felt reluctant, especially after coming this far. If nothing happened, it would be a loss, and he'd have to pay up anyway.

His hands began unbuttoning her blouse, his voice dripping with sleaze. "Don't worry, ten minutes tops. Let me get a taste."