Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 87

The moment those words left Ada's lips, Quinn burst out laughing, quickly

grabbing her wine glass. "Wow, congrats, Clara! Does this mean you're getting even closer to Ada? When you have a baby, you can count on me for a huge gift!" Her eyes twinkled with amusement. Honestly, who would've thought Nate, that good-for-nothing, would set his sights on Clara?

Everyone knew Nate dropped out of school way back in middle school and had a nasty habit of gambling. If it weren't for Ada bailing him out all the time, he'd be in deep trouble by now. The only reason he could hang around someone like Simon was because of Ada's connections. Without her, a guy like him wouldn't even get a foot in the door.

Quinn was over the moon. Clara just deserved someone like Nate! Everyone around the table seemed pleased, except for Clara.

Without a word, she picked up a glass and splashed its contents all over Ada. Nobody saw that coming. Ada herself was stunned, and it took her a few seconds to register the cold liquid trickling down her face.

Clara scoffed, "Ada, have you finally woken up? Is that what you think of me? Your brother isn't even worthy to shine my shoes. You want me to marry him? You've got to be kidding. And as for Simon, I'm done with him. I don't need your approval. You really think you're something, don't you?"

She turned to leave, but Ada slammed her hand on the table. "Clara!"

Ada had faced humiliation before, back when she was just the other woman and always trying to please. But she'd been in a position of power for years now, and getting splashed like that brought all those old feelings of disgrace rushing back. Her calm demeanor snapped.

"Stop her!" she barked.

In a flash, several bodyguards jumped into action. "Clara, you marrying my brother would be doing you a favor. The Bradfords don't even like you. Do you really think you're some rich lady? Without shares, you're nothing! Today, you'll have a nice chat with Nate. He's more than you deserve."

Two bodyguards stepped in front of Clara, blocking her way. She frowned, turning to Ada. "Are you seriously going to force me?"

The spilled water had washed away any pretense of kindness Ada might have had left for Clara. She ignored her and spoke straight to her brother. "Nate, I'll have them take Clara to that room you use a lot. Have a good talk with her. Sometimes you need to be firm."

Nate was overjoyed by his sister's backing, a grin spreading across his face. "Don't worry, Ada. I'll definitely have a good talk with her!"

He confidently started walking toward Clara. Clara hadn't expected Ada to stoop to such tactics. Her fingers fumbled inside her purse, and noticing that the call had gone through, she felt a wave of relief.

It was ironic. At a time like this, her parents were useless; the only person she could rely on was Dylan.

As Nate continued his approach, someone suddenly stepped in front of him.