Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

He pressed his lips together, sat up, and leaned back against the headboard.

[Get some sleep soon.]

Clara was using a new phone number now. Her old number couldn't get any messages through, and calls wouldn't connect either-she already knew she'd been blocked.noveldrama

It had Walter written all over it. Did he really think he could keep her away with something that simple?

All she had to do was buy a new SIM card. If she wanted to talk to Dylan, she'd

find a way.

When she saw his reply just three simple words-she couldn't help but smile.

[Did you eat dinner tonight?]

[Yeah.]

[Should I still bring your lunch to Ferguson Corporation tomorrow? Are you going in on a Saturday?]

It was Saturday tomorrow; he should be taking the day off.

He paused for a second and then sent back a single word.

[Yes.]

Clara felt a wave of relief. She'd only remembered it was the weekend after getting home, so she'd asked without thinking-she hadn't expected Dylan to actually go in.

The next morning, Clara was up at six, just like always, getting breakfast ready in the kitchen.

Charles stumbled in rubbing his eyes, looking half-asleep and a little jealous. "Sis, Dylan is crazy lucky to have you. Seriously, did he save the world in a past life or something? Aren't you exhausted? Want me to help?"

Clara laughed, chopping vegetables. "You remember the last time you tried to help? Did you even manage to eat what you made?"

Last time Charles got involved, he'd nearly blown up the whole kitchen.

After that, whenever he offered to help, Clara would just tell him to go play instead.

Now he sat on the sofa, quiet as a mouse, waiting for breakfast like a well- behaved little brother.

He'd been living like a king lately-Clara's food was so good, he was honestly starting to worry that once he went back to North America, he'd never eat this well again.

"Sis, I heard Dylan's going to North America soon. He's getting engaged to that annoying girl over there. You probably don't know her-she acts like the world owes her something just because my brother Mitch spoils her. She never thinks before she acts, and she's always so rude. I really can't stand her. If she ever gives you trouble, I promise I'll be there for you."

Clara paused mid-slice. She'd heard some rumors about this. There was basically nothing about Ms. Louella online, which meant the Chester family kept her under tight wraps. At least there was some public info about Griffin and Norman.

Clara raised an eyebrow, teasing, "So you really don't like her, huh?"

"Nope. She calls me the Chester family's pet and treats me like dirt. She's always picking fights, but what can I do? Mitch is crazy about her."

Clara's smile faded. For someone to say things like that, the Chester family must have used Charles for a lot.

He still had this childlike innocence, but he talked about things like killing as if it was no big deal. She could only imagine what kind of things the Chester family had him do

He was special to them—a weapon, really, in the hands of those two brothers.

Clara felt a pang of sadness for him.

Charles was good-looking-just

taking a walk around the

neighborhood, he'd get stopped by all kinds of women. Some of the wealthy ladies around here had even come right out and asked how much it would cost to keep him.

Clara's building was surrounded by rich women, and Charles' face was definitely

his currency.

But he was so simple and kind. He didn't deserve a life like that.

"Charles, how are things between you and Mitch?" she asked quietly.

Were those two just using him?

Charles wasn't even her real brother, but he treated her better than family. If those two only saw him as a tool, his life would be heartbreakingly lonely.

“My brothers are always busy. They don't really make things hard for me—they just give me tasks. As long as I get those done, everything's fine."

He yawned, fighting sleep. He hadn't rested much last night, but he was worried that if he went back to bed now, he'd miss out on his sister's breakfast.

Clara caught on and smiled. “Go get some sleep. I'll save you a plate.”

Charles' eyes lit up and he practically jumped off the couch. "Awesome! I'm going back to bed. And hey, if you ever need help, call me, okay?"

Clara nodded, then spent the next two hours cooking. But when she got to the lobby of Ferguson Corporation, she was stopped.

A few unfamiliar bodyguards blocked her way, their faces icy and cold.

"Ms. Clara, Ferguson Corporation doesn't welcome you."

Clara wasn't surprised-she knew immediately this was the old man's doing.