Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 84

Simon flashed a confident grin, casually wrapping his arm around Quinn's waist like it was no big deal.

"Hop in, Quinn," he said with a nod towards the car.

Quinn slid into the front passenger seat, and Simon, ever the gentleman, leaned over to buckle her seatbelt.

After shutting the door, he turned to Clara and gestured towards the back. "Come on, Clara. We gotta get going. Mom's waiting."

Clara wasn't having it. Ignoring him, she dialed roadside assistance for her flat tire and started walking towards the street to catch a cab.

Simon jogged a few steps forward, urgency in his stride.

Just then, Quinn rolled down the window. "Simon..."

That single word seemed to ground him. It hit him-maybe Clara was ticked off because Quinn snagged the front seat. Clara had once laid claim to that seat, no questions asked. But ever since Quinn came along, that changed.

Simon's frustration simmered inside, and when he got back in the car and hit the gas, his eyes flickered to the side mirror where Clara stood, hailing a cab.

Next to him, Quinn's face twisted with irritation. Her lips pressed into a tight line. "Simon, maybe we should pick up Clara. You know how Mom is—it'll be a whole thing if we don't."

Simon was already itching for a reason to speak to Clara, but his pride held him back. Now, with Quinn's suggestion, he was tempted to roll down the window.

Quinn sighed again, adding softly, "But she texted me today. It's almost like she wanted me to catch you two together..."

Simon floored it, and the car sped up. Of course, Clara couldn't just not care. The same woman who once threatened to jump off a building to keep their engagement wouldn't just stop caring. He wasn't going to buy it.

Watching Clara's reflection in the mirror, Quinn clenched her fist and discreetly texted Colton.

[Colton, I think Simon's really into my sister. What should I do...?]

The message tapped into Colton's protective side as if he were some knight ready to swoop in and save the day.

He'd already been in touch with Nate and decided to call him again. "Nate, Clara's heading to your sister's place for dinner. What are you waiting for?"

Already simmering with frustration, Nate set off for Ada's house immediately. His sisters always had his back, no matter what trouble he stirred up. Clara had embarrassed him once, and now he was determined to make her pay.

As Clara approached the familiar-looking house, she rang the doorbell and was greeted by the housekeeper.

Inside, Quinn's voice drifted out, all sweet and flattering to Ada. "Ada, you're looking younger every time I see you. Here's some tea Simon said you'd love."

"Quinn, you always know how to make someone feel special."

Their chatter flowed like a seamless duet between in-laws.

Clara stood at the entrance, handing over her gift to the housekeeper, who rolled her eyes and inspected the gift box. "Clara, did you skip the scented candles for me this time? You usually bring them."

Clara blinked, momentarily thrown off, thinking she must have misheard.

After rummaging through the box and replaceing nothing, the housekeeper's face turned sour. "You always used to bring them before. It's been months since you visited, and I'm out. Did you forget? They need to be ordered in advance. How careless of you."

Her voice was full of complaint, making Clara chuckle lightly. "Are you talking to me?"

The housekeeper furrowed her brow, setting the box aside. "Who else? Never mind. I can't believe you'd forget about it. Just come in."

Clara walked in slowly, addressing Ada with a smile.

"Ada, did I really always bring gifts for the housekeeper? I must've forgotten after

the accident. Didn't expect to get called out so soon."

Ada finally took notice of Clara and quickly responded. "You were always so thoughtful. Clara, what happened with the accident? Was it serious? Come here, let me take a look."

Clara's eyes hardened. She had hoped Ada would at least scold the housekeeper; after all, demanding gifts from guests was pretty rude. However, Ada brushed it off lightly, showing no intention of standing up for her.

Clara sat down, choosing a spot neither too close nor too distant.

Ada seemed surprised. Clara used to sit very close, eager to earn her favor, but now she seemed more distant.

Clara sat with her back straight, and lost interest in making small talk.

Ada quickly instructed the housekeeper, "What are you waiting for? Go get us some tea."

Unexpectedly, the housekeeper tugged at Clara's arm. "Miss Clara, why don't you join me? You know how Mr. Simon likes his tea, and Mrs. Ferguson loves the way you brew it."