Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run
Chapter 88

He glanced up and noticed it was Simon approaching.

Simon wore a puzzled look. "Uncle Nate, what's going on?"

Nate gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "You don't even like Clara, remember? You told Colton and me before-she's fair game."

Those were just drunken ramblings, and Simon never thought Nate would take them to heart.

Simon's hands balled into fists. Even if Clara wasn't his favorite person, this felt wrong!

Then Nate leaned in, whispering, "Simon, I'm not gonna do anything to her. If you fancy playing the hero, swing by the room in an hour. Haven't you noticed how distant Clara's been with you lately?"

Simon's anger began to dissipate at those words. True enough, Clara's antics today had thrown him for a loop, especially when she had the nerve to splash water on Ada-it left him rattled.

He lowered his gaze, murmuring, "Are you really not going to hurt her?"

Nate felt ridiculous. With such a stunner right there, how could he possibly do nothing? He wanted Clara to see who was really in charge. An hour was plenty of time.

"You still don't trust me? I promise you!"

Simon stepped aside without hesitation. "Uncle Nate, lie to me, and you'll regret

it."

Normally, they were on chum terms, addressing each other by first names. Simon rarely called him "uncle." To Simon, Nate was just a tag-along, someone who wouldn't dare cross him.

Nate approached Clara and instructed the two bodyguards, "Take her upstairs!" When Clara's eyes found Simon's, he felt a twinge of guilt.

Clara was technically his fiancée, but here she was, being whisked away right under his nose.

He pressed his lips together, summoning the courage to meet her eyes. If she truly wanted nothing to do with Nate, now was the time to ask for his help. If she'd only say the word, he'd definitely...

But when he glanced over again, Clara had already turned her gaze away, cold and indifferent.

Her aloofness nearly shattered his composure. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.

Quinn slipped her arm through his, her face resting against him with a sugary smile. "Simon, don't worry. Uncle Nate will treat Clara just fine."

Her voice was syrupy sweet, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

However, Simon felt hollow. Dread was creeping in, threatening to snatch away something dear.

He could hardly make out Quinn's words. His gaze was glued to Clara as she was led upstairs.

As he took a step forward, Ada chimed in. "Simon, trust your uncle. And you saw Clara's actions today. She has no respect. If she behaves like that in front of the Fergusons, you'll be the family joke. Do you really want to be outdone by Dylan at every turn?"