Tempted Trapped and Too Late to Run

Chapter 7

Clara was drop-dead gorgeous, with an aloof vibe when she wasn't smiling. In the city, she was definitely one of the top beauties. But after years of chasing Simon, she'd become a bit of a laughingstock.

"A hundred grand for a meal, anyone interested?" she tossed out, and the room went dead quiet.

Johnny slapped his newspaper down on the coffee table, looking like he didn't even recognize his own daughter. "What nonsense! Where did you pick up this money-grubbing attitude?"

Clara casually tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes drifting over the four people in the room. "Why should I cook for free? I bust my butt in the kitchen, and yet when Quinn asks what you want to eat, you think she's the considerate one. If that's the case, let her handle it."

As she turned to head upstairs, Quinn suddenly burst into tears. "Clara, what do you mean by this? You wanted to cook to make amends. Ever since I came back five years ago, you've hated me, and always thought I took something from you. Fine, I'll move out then."

head, dabbing at her eyes, playing the victim card. Naomi's heart ached, and Ryan

frustration in her chest, and forced a smile. "Sure, go ahead and

response, looking even more vulnerable. "I knew it. No matter what

are you crying for? Did I hit you or yell at you? You and Simon are

say a harsh word to Simon. Maybe this was

talk about Simon

upstairs. Naomi was fuming and

sleeve, but Clara