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."

heart ached, and Ryan quickly jumped in. "Clara, look at the mess you've made! Why

and forced a smile. "Sure, go ahead and move out. Want

her response, looking even more vulnerable. "I knew

yell at you? You

disbelief. The old Clara would never have fought back like this, or dared to say a harsh word to Simon. Maybe this was for the best. She'd long wanted

you talk about Simon like

upstairs. Naomi was fuming

Clara's sleeve, but Clara shook