Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 86

Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint, like a match igniting in a fireworks factory. Simon, fuming, shot to his feet and stormed over to her. "Who are you chatting with? Look at you laughing so heartily. Have you forgotten who you are?" He reached for Clara's phone, trying to snatch it away.

Clara deftly dodged, her expression turning calm once more. "Ada, you see how your son behaves, right? He's too unstable, and I can't have a husband like that. This engagement must end. I'm skipping this dinner. Best wishes to him and Quinn." With that, she stood, clutching her phone.

Simon clamped a hand on her shoulder, forcefully. "Clara, look me in the eyes and say that again!"

Clara winced at the pain, suddenly aware of the power imbalance between them. Frowning, she shoved him away. "Simon, maybe you should take a look at Quinn's face."

Simon turned as if struck, quickly glancing at Quinn. Quinn stood a few steps away, struggling to maintain a smile despite the cups she held. Her face turned ashen. "Simon, don't worry about me. Whatever you choose, I'll support you."

Simon's face darkened further, retreating a few steps.

Ada took a deep breath. "Simon, what are you thinking? Do you want Quinn or Clara?" Her tone was sharp, irritated both by Simon's indecision and Clara's defiance.

Ada's cherished son must not suffer in matters of the heart. Just days ago, Simon would have chosen Quinn without hesitation. But now, facing Clara's eager expression, he felt unsettled. "I..." He was at a loss for words.

As the tension mounted, Nate's voice echoed from the doorway. "Hey, Simon, Clara, what's going on here?"

Nate was sharply dressed. When his eyes fell on Clara, he found it hard to look away. Clara was stunning, captivating every man's attention. He'd missed his chance last time, but not today!

Ada brightened at her brother's arrival and rushed to greet him. "Nate, what brings you here?!" Her face lit up with joy as she ushered him inside. "Come in, have a seat." Then she glanced back at Clara and Simon. "Clara, Simon, let's discuss this later. For now, let's have dinner."

But Clara smiled, unfazed. "Ada, I don't want to drag this out. Let's clear the air today."

Ada's face darkened further, as Clara had repeatedly embarrassed her. Nate leaned close to his sister, whispering so only they could hear. "Clara's been acting up lately like she's possessed. You can't control her, but look at Simon's eyes- I'm worried he'll fall for her and regret it later. Why not set her up with me instead? If she can't be your daughter-in-law, she could be your sister-in-law. I can handle her."

Ada was displeased with Clara and fond of her brother. Hearing Nate's proposal, she leaned his way. "Nate, you really like her?"

"I do. Since Simon doesn't want her, why not let me have her?"

"Alright, I'll talk to Clara."

Clara was oblivious to their conversation, unaware she was being treated like a commodity and getting passed around.

Ada approached her, taking her hand, assuming the role of the kindly elder. "Clara, let's get dinner first and talk as we do."

Clara was determined to get an answer today, so she agreed. She sat down, and Nate quickly took the seat beside her. His presence made her feel queasy.

Simon felt a pang of discomfort seeing Nate next to Clara. He intended to sit beside her, but Quinn pulled him towards her. "Simon, sit here." Thus, Simon ended up across from Clara.

The housekeeper served the meal, and just as Clara was about to broach the engagement topic, she noticed extra food placed in her plate. She turned to Nate, who grinned a smug smile. "Clara, eat up. My sister's chef used to work at a five- star restaurant."

Clara set her fork down, addressing the housekeeper. "Could I get an extra plate, please?"

Nate was used to royal treatment at Ada's. He slammed the table in anger. "What's that supposed to mean? You ungrateful-!"

Before he could finish, Ada interjected, "Nate, sit down. Clara, don't be upset. I have a solution for the engagement issue. You want to break it off with Simon, right? That's possible. Coincidentally, Nate just told me he has a thing for you. So, you'll still be part of the family. Once you marry Nate, you'll be my sister-in-law. A satisfactory outcome, wouldn't you say? Nate's quite the catch, and though he's a bit of a playboy, I'm sure you can reign him in."